DA Ecocorn

Wheelbirks Farm, Northumberland

Farm Facts

Acres farmed: 245
Stock: 125 pedigree Jersey cows, producing 6000 litres at 6% fat and 4% protein supplying Arla.
Crops: 100 acres of Winter Barley, 30 acres of which is ensiled as wholecrop.
Grass silage: 80 acres first cut, 30 acres second cut ensiled, round bale any surplus grass.
Additive used: DA Ecocorn on clamp ensiled wholecrop and second cut grass.

Diversifications:    

• Range of Wheelbirks Ice Cream sold through various retailers
• On site ice cream parlour, restaurant and farm shop
• Produce own beef to order
• Produce own-brand raw, unpasteurised milk

Testimonial

The Richardson family have farmed Wheelbirks dairy farm, in Northumberland, since 1925.

Hugh and Tom Richardson run 125 pedigree Jersey cows, with an average yield of 6000 litres at 6% fat and 4% protein. They have numerous farm diversifications, including their own range of premium ice cream. It is sold through various retailers, an on-site ice cream parlour, restaurant and farm shop.

They produce their own beef to order and a niche marketed unpasteurized, raw milk from their high health status, closed herd.

Hugh uses Double Action Ecocorn on all his ensiled wholecrop barley.

He says: ‘We aim for very dry forages, so we wanted an inhibitor to reduce spoilage from moulds and yeasts and to reduce mycotoxins. Double Action Ecocorn allows us to feed a stable ration throughout the winter once the pit is open. It maintains silage quality on the face, whatever the weather.

‘If you can get the best quality home grown forage possible, it has a direct effect on profitability. Harvest, ensile and store as well as you can to get the most out of it and reduce the need to buy expensive inputs.’

Hugh adds: ‘Double Action Ecocorn maintains the open pit, as well as preserving the closed pit. One year we ran out of Double Action Ecocorn and you could actually see on the face where the silage went from excellent quality, to just good quality at the point that the additive ran out.’

It maintains silage quality on the face, whatever the weather.