Transition Farmers Rachel and Richard Risdon: Grass-based dairying in Devon

Transition Agriculture

Transition Farmers Rachel and Richard Risdon run a grass-based herd of 300 Friesian cross Jersey dairy cows at Bramford Speke, near Exeter, Devon.
The herd is rotationally grazed and yield about 4,900 litres and 452kg of milk solids from about 650kg of concentrate.
Grass is topped up with cake when necessary, focusing on having cows out grazing from calving in February until late November.
The couple have three main goals: reducing their carbon footprint, understanding new agri-environment schemes, and recruiting good staff.
For more about the Farmers Weekly Transition project, visit www.fwi.co.uk/transition.
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Transition Agriculture podcast is hosted by Hugh Broom.