DairyCo this week announced Glenapp is the first of two new Scottish Monitor Farms and will be hosting an official launch day on Tuesday 20th August 2013 (11am- 2pm) The three year project, which is being funded by DairyCo and the Scottish Government, is the third series of Scottish Monitor Farms. Glenapp Estates is a 5,024 hectare unit at Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, and started milk production in 2010 on a purpose built green field site. The 700 cow unit is milked through a 70-point De Laval rotary milking parlour and the unit employs a team of four fulltime staff.

The herd is block-calved in February and is grazed through-out the year, utilising approximately 400ha of grassland, in a central location on the Estate. The herd, which was previously out-wintered, is now moving toward an on-off grazing system from September. The cows will utilise the existing accommodation as well as having access to a buffer-based silage ration in order to supplement the grass-based diet. Cows are dried-off in December, resulting in a traditional 60 day rest period.

The Glenapp herd was established on the basis of incorporating high herd health status as a priority as well as, sourcing animals capable of maximising the full potential of a grass-based system. Over 200 foundation animals were sourced from the Isle of Jersey, owing to the island operating a closed herd breeding policy, with Jersey young stock being selected from 23 dairy farms.

Other British Friesian and New Zealand type animals were sourced from Ireland, Wales and the Longtown area, in order to provide a foundation crossbreeding programme and thereby capitalize on the genetic benefit of heterosis uplift. The herd is currently averaging 21litres per cow per day on a twice daily regime and is currently producing over 4,000 litres per cow on an annual-basis.

Cows are fed concentrates in the rotary parlour based upon group potential yields of 18, 25 and 30litres plus per day. Milk quality is a strong feature of the herd and is currently averaging 4.5% fat and 3.5% protein, with a somatic cell count of 110 and a bactoscan of 34. Milk is collected on a daily-basis by the Fresh Milk Company for cheese making and annual milk price over the past 12 months has averaged 32pence per litre.

The announcement of Glenapp as a Scottish Monitor Farm was welcomed by DairyCo Extension Officer Heather Wildman. She said: "Glenapp offers a unique opportunity for all farmers regardless of dairy systems and types to take on-board the advantageous and challenges grass growing systems and utilisation of forage-based diets in a localised area and climate.

"This herd has recently been established and being a Monitor Farm provides an opportunity to share true experiences, considerations, costs and benefits of expansion and development, which is highly relevant in today's fast changing Scottish dairy climate.

"Glenapp is a large-scale enterprise and presents a different dynamic compared to traditional milk production methods. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the official launch day and subsequently establishing a Community Group of satellite farmers."

Glenapp Estates Dairy Farm Manager Arnon Langridge was delighted with the announcement of the farm being chosen as one of two new DairyCo Scottish Monitor Farms. "We are pleased to have been selected to host one of the projects over the next three years and look forward to this exciting development of our dairy business," he says.

"Glenapp has the opportunity to benefit from the programme through involvement by the expert speakers and industry input, as well as, providing the host facility in order to help benefit other dairy producers.

"We look forward to helping establish a DairyCo Community Group of local dairy farmers in order to create debate and interaction through the exchange of ideas and farmer expertise. The Community Group is an open and inclusive forum and Glenapp will welcome any suggestions, comments, advice or opinions, over the course of the project," he concluded. The Glenapp Monitor Farm launch runs from 11am - 2pm, Tuesday 20th August, Glenapp Estate Dairy, Ballantrae, Girvan, South Ayrshire, KA26 0PD. Refreshments are available. Anyone wishing to attend should register by contacting DairyCo Extension Officer Heather Wildman on: heather.wildman@dairyco.ahdb.org.uk or call 07876 706 391