Nant y Derri

Adrian and Val Cooke, Nantyderri, Llantilion Crossenny, Abergavenny, NP7 9TN

Became a demonstration farm in December 2008.

Farm Facts

• 220 acres and 50 grass keep.
• 84acres arable
• 90 suckler cows, including 20 pedigree Belgian Blues
• 80 breeding ewes
• Finished milking in Jan 2005
• In Tir Cynnal

A discussion group is running for farmers in the surrounding area with a total of 67 members.

Livestock

Sheep:

• Flock size 60
• Lambs reared per ewe 1.28
• Kg lamb per ewe  56kg
• Av lamb liveweight  43.7
• Total kg produced  3363
• Cost of production 151p/kg

Cattle

Commercial suckler herd - 2010 Calf Crop from Cows-Bull in 4/6/2009(out 26/9/2009)Calved March 2010.

Cost of production - suckled calf    86.21 p/kg

Cost of production for finished animal  133p/kg

Gross margin per cow    £249

Benchmarking

Barren = 6.5%  (target <6%)

Cows calving in 1^st 3 weeks = 51% (target=>65%)

Calf Mortality to weaning = 2.3% (target=<3%) (calves not weaned yet)

Calves reared to weaning = 97.8% (target=>94%) (as above)

Assisted calvings =7 %         

Objectives:

• To improve the efficiency of the suckler herd and growing cattle
• To maximise performance from grassland

Aims:

• Improve the cattle handling system
• Performance record the commercial and pedigree herds
• Compact the calving period to 12 weeks
• Identify the best ration for growing cattle

Current Projects 

Active Health Planning

Surveillance work will is being carried by Rob Smith the farm's veterinary practitioner. Helen  is conducting an initial animal health audit on the farm, including a comprehensive study of the previous year's Vet and Med expenses to help complete animal health plan. 

This will give a good indication of the current health situation on the farm. From this Rob will be able determine specific health issues that need surveying and/or managing.

Rob will be carrying out regular visits throughout the year to help monitor the target areas.