“We’re running with an average of 4.5% fat and 3.5% protein across 10,200 litres,” explains Zara Dorrington, who runs the family’s livestock with head herdsman Matt Keyworth, pictured. “TMR is the best way for us to manage intake, and it’s not just for the cows – when housed, all our stock are fed this way, including the youngsters.”
The farm relies heavily on producing milk from home-grown forage which requires around 1,700 tonnes of grass and 3,500 tonnes of maize each year, supplemented by whole crop. Being located in Dunsby, Lincolnshire, where dairy farms are few and far between, the 800ha mixed farm runs its own forager for grass, to stay in control of dry matter and energy. The only exception is maize and whole crop, which does rely on contractor services.
“The nearest grass silage contractor is over 90 minutes away, so we run our own equipment to make the most of timings with grass,” adds Zara. “With a multi-cut system, we can focus on producing the highest quality grass silage by taking more frequent, lighter cuts when our leys are at their best.”
When it comes to feeding, the Dorringtons have successfully used a Siloking Classic, Premium 14 model for a number of years. Supplied by Irelands Farm Machinery, the single auger mixer had performed well, but with expansion plans on the horizon, the farm found itself managing a progressive shift of numbers within its cow groups.
“We were having to make an extra two mixes per day to accommodate the growing herd size and its groups, which simply became a time-consuming task,” says Zara. “Group numbers increased from 90 to 130 head, which meant that our single auger feeder wasn’t really big enough to remain efficient.”
Two years ago, JH Dorrington swapped its Classic Premium 14 for a twin auger Classic Duo 22, and haven’t looked back.
“We had been pleased with the mixing performance and reliability of the Siloking, so it was an easy decision to choose another, but with more capacity,” says Zara. “With raised feed passages, we opted for a front cross conveyor and tub magnets. We’ve no requirement for rear doors.”
With no in-parlour feeding at White House Farm, rations have to be delivered with a high degree of accuracy and consistency. And Siloking Wireless data transfer provides the level of management required between farm office and control box.
“The control boxes are mounted in the feeder tractor and the telehandler,” explains Matt Keyworth. “And it’s a very accurate system. The only difference with the Duo 22 is that our previous Siloking gave an audible warning when you were within 10% of the required ingredient weight, and again at zero. It meant you didn’t have to keep a constant eye on the screen to precisely hit your target.”
“That said, feeding is still much quicker, and easier,” says Matt. “Having that bit more capacity means we can easily prepare 35 tonnes/day in just four mixes. And even when the herd is grazing through the summer months, there are still daily rations to produce. Feeding is now far more efficient, and much quicker.”
