Self-propelled feeding: Making every kilo count

Situated to the North West of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, Washfold Farm is close to 850ha in size. Forage for the dairy unit is produced from approximately 65ha of maize, 185ha of mainly wholecrop wheat and 325ha of grass. The latter is cut on a 28 to 30-day cycle, typically yielding five cuts a season with an average dry matter of between 35 and 40%.

The dairy unit, which employs 35 full-time members of staff, is part of a wider enterprise that includes a full agricultural contracting business that employs 14 year-round, swelling to 24 ‘in season’. To complete the picture, a haulage and commercial vehicle servicing operation is also run from the site, together with an outlet for New Holland dealers; Russells. All fall under the umbrella management of Metcalfe Farms.

The evolution of the Metcalfe dairy operation has enabled it to exploit the wide variety of specialist skills needed to optimise efficiency. A dedicated calving and young stock team look after breeding and the welfare