BACKGROUND WP Callander and Co consists of two dairy herds totalling 1500 cows. At the business’ main Crofthead Farm near Crocketford, Dairy Manager Philippa MacTaggart is responsible for the day-to-day management of 1100 milking cows plus the herd’s followers and youngstock. CHALLENGES Over the past four years, Philippa’s primary objective has shifted from producing female calves for herd expansion to ensuring there’s a consistent supply of good quality replacement heifers. As part of that, the farm moved its heifers from offsite to the farm’s ‘dome shed’. “It made sense to bring the heifers to the main farm so that I could keep a closer eye on their fertility,” Philippa continues. "It not only saves me time, but also means I can be more accurate and consistent in terms of when

Join for free to read