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Ruth's farming ideas are a welfare threat?

• Message 1. 

  Posted by johnwallen (U12570444) on Friday, 4th July 2008

  This message is for the editorial team.
  This evening I heard Ruth advocating that they should go and look at a low input outwintering system?
  I work in the dairy sector and these systems are being investigated as being a welfare threat (see research at SAC, Dumfries). If cows are outwintered they also produce less (if any milk?) for the fresh milk market which is over 70% of UK consumpation so how do we get fresh milk from these systems? In addition the out wintering system could be considered an environmental threat in some areas?
  Finally, these systems are likely to have a high carbon footprint which is further damaging to the environment.
  I suggest further research is undertaken before any more ideas that are potentially threatening to animal welfare and the environment are suggested. I do appreciate the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú through the Archers seeks to increase understanding of countryside issues and therefore it should take proper scientific advice. Perhaps following farming systems that are sustainable based on high welfare, care for the environment and where social responsibilities are taken into account along with precision farming practices to get the best out of limited inputs could be discussed?
  John Allen

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Kind Mrs Van Rentl (U2315000) on Saturday, 5th July 2008

  Thanks for that insight, John. I actually find the farming storylines the most interesting, and hope they are accurate and well researched. It is always good to get expert input in the boards.
  
  KML

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Mustafa Grumble (U8596785) on Monday, 7th July 2008

  Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:23 GMT, in reply to johnwallen in message 1
  I do appreciate the Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú through the Archers seeks to increase understanding of countryside issues and therefore it should take proper scientific advice. 
  Not as official policy; it claims to do so.
  
  Good post, JW - welcome to MustardLand. You should team up with Ayrshire Cowman, and offer your services to La VW as additional (or replacement) agricultural story editors.

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by Keri Davies (U2219620) on Tuesday, 8th July 2008

  Thank you. I've passed your comments on to the agricultural story editor.

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• Message 5

  , in reply to message 4.

  Posted by ayrshire-cowman (U2259898) ** on Sunday, 13th July 2008

  I see Ruth and David claim they are going to save grain by outwintering their dairy cows.This is preposterous.
  
  They might save some silage making by such a policy - but only by operating at a very low stocking rate.
  
  Winter grass would be quite incapable of making any contribution to milk production in an autumn calved cow.
  
  As for growing grass for the digester - " without fertiliser" - where can I get some of this magic grass please?
  
  Continous cutting of grass without fertiliser or slurry will deplete soil potassium and phosphate levels - and even lime.
  

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• Message 6

  , in reply to message 5.

  Posted by marcinurheart (U12531675) ** on Tuesday, 15th July 2008

  Very interesting to have 'insiders' opinions.
  I like to hear more about real farming issues too.

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• Message 7

  , in reply to message 6.

  Posted by DanskRose (U2257282) ** on Monday, 21st July 2008

  So if this is a bad idea of Ruth's, are we actually being encouraged to see them as bad farmers who don't care for the environment? See also the poo digester nonsense. I usually assume we are meant to think they're very efficient and clued up but why I assume that I don't know.

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