Trefgarn Owen

Trefgarn Owen Farm - Meurig Harries, Trefgarn Owen, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, SA62 6NH

Trefgarn Owen became a demonstration farm in October 2009.

 

Farm Facts

Labour 

Meurig is the main labour unit on the farm along with Grace and Mr Harries(senior) also working providing support. Meurig also carries out baling on a contract basis to local farms.

 

Land

170 acres (69 ha) owned and 40 acres (16 ha) rented in two blocks. The farm is mainly grass with cereals and forage crops planted to help the farm be more self-sufficient in animal feed.

 

Livestock

The suckler herd consists of approximately 45 head of dairy and beef crosses.

Batches of store cattle are purchased in the autumn and along with the home bred calves are stored over the winter and turned out to finish of grass at around 24 months.

These are sold to Vion at St Merryns. The herd is out wintered on a forage mix and silage. This is a cost effective method of winter the dry cows and has relatively low labour requirements. They are brought into calve to make supervision easier and then turned out.

Limousin and British Blue bulls are used to produce calves for the finishing unit. AI has also been used this year to help produce maternal type heifers as replacements for the herd.

 

Calving period spring

Length of calving season 4 cycles

40% of calves born in 1st cycle ( Target 65 %)

Rearing % 100 ( calves reared to weaning / cows put to the bull)

Mortality 0%

 

The herd's protracted calving pattern was due to unsuccessful A.I. last year. This year, following advice from Genus, the cow and heifer nutrition has been addressed along improved heat detection. This has allowed natural oestrus rather than synchronization with the hope of a better conception rate has been used.

Scanning results to follow.       

                                                                   

Objectives

  • To profit from production
  • To increase the suckler herd to 100 cows and maintain its good health status
  • Be less exposed to market price

 

Current Projects

Active Health Planning

Surveillance work will is being carried by Caroline Evans  the farm's veterinary practitioner. Caroline 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 Caroline and Meurig will be able determine specific health issues that need surveying and/or managing.

Caroline will be carrying out regular visit throughout the year to help monitor the target areas.

 

Other projects:

  • Time and motion study of existing cattle handling facilities
  • AI to enhance the maternal ability of the suckler herd
  • Feacal Egg Counting to help with the development of parasite management