Dairy farmers are invited to come along to a series of evening meetings being hosted by Innovation for Agriculture (IFA) and Keenan.

These evening meetings will focus on maximising yields over winter with a forage based diet and will provide farmers with an opportunity to hear excellent advice on the subject.

Charlotte Johnston, Livestock Specialist with IfA, says: “Variable weather conditions in May have led to a wide range of silages quality. Producers who want to maintain milk yields and milk quality over winter are encouraged to attend this free event to hear from experts on measures that can be taken to ensure optimum performance from their herd. These are meetings which farmers cannot afford to miss.”

Speakers include:

• · Martin Kavanagh

Martin is a specialist in Cattle Consultancy with a wide experience in dealing with disease and management issues. He has spent many years working with the industry to advance understanding and provide technical solutions at farm level. Martin also feels that it is crucial to work on farms individually, to improve health and management practices. He is also a qualified Cow Signals trainer who has a holistic approach to solutions on-farm.

• · Thorkild Moos

Thorkild joined Keenan (Australia) as a nutritionist in 2001. He returned to his native Denmark with Keenan where he has held a number of roles including nutrition, management and sales. He holds a Master’s degree in Dairy Animal Science from Reading University. With Keenan he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience worldwide. In 2013 he was promoted to Technology Director.

The event is free for those that have pre-registered (up until 12pm on the day of the event). If not registered there will be a £10 charge on the door to cover catering.

For more information or to book a place please visit www.rase.org.uk/events or contact Charlotte Johnston on 07779572598.

These events are supported by the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) for which Defra is the Managing Authority, part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas.

Draft programme:

Arrival from 7pm with hot supper served;

7.45pm— Welcome;

8pm— Feeding a healthy and consistent forage. Thorkild Moos, Feeding Technology Director

8.20pm—Better rumen function for better yields. Martin Kavanagh, Veterinary Director

8.40pm— Farmer case study;

9pm—Close.

Dates and venues:

Monday 7th October - Shepherds Inn, Carlisle, Cumbria.

Tuesday 8th October - Allerton Court Hotel, Northallerton, Yorkshire.

Wednesday 9th October - Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire.

Thursday 10th October - Bath and West Showground, Bristol, Gloucester.