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Based near Salisbury, the farming partnership
consists of Ewart Grant and his sons James
and Thomas, and his brother John, and his two
sons Andrew and David.
Ewart explains: ‘All our sons wanted to come
back to the farm and help us take the business
forward, even though some had been working
in other industries. They have brought new
ideas and fresh drive.
’The livestock side of the business includes a
suckler herd and two British Friesian dairy
herds, one at Shrewton Farm and one at
Rookery Farm, totalling 480 milking cows.
The dairy herds calve all year round and
are grazed from the end of February to end
of October. Milk yields average 6,500
litres/cow with a butterfat of 4.1% and
protein 3.25%.
Jo makes fortnightly fertility visits to both farms
and PDs cows when they are 34 to 49 days
in-calf. These visits also provide the opportunity
to discuss other herd health matters.
Strategy for TB
Both farms have been shut down with TB for
most of the past 14 years. ’We’ve not had
more than a 6-month clear period,’ explains
Ewart. TB tests have to be carried out every
two months.
So the Grants have adopted the strategy of
farming as if the farms are going to be
permanently locked down. ’We no longer
aspire to sell store cattle,’ says Ewart. ’Every
animal is now finished on the farm.’
The decision was made to enter the bull beef
market, and a contract was secured. Ewart
adds: ’Bulls are fed barley grain and a 34%
mineralised protein concentrate. By 12-15
months of age, we are expecting Friesian
bulls to reach 300kg liveweight, and the beef
crosses, 370kg.’
A new cattle shed with handling facilities was
required, and was completed in January this
year. Ewart explains: ’My son James was the
main driver for the new buildings, and my
nephew Andrew has been very involved with
its design.
Ease of feeding and operator safety have been
paramount in the new development.
Veterinary surgeon
Jo Child
XLVets practice
Endell Veterinary Group
New ideas and forward-thinking
gear up farming business for the
future
Farmer Ewart Grant and his family have developed a strategy to withstand
their constant TB restrictions and have adopted several new farming
practices as they gear up their business for the future. Along the way, they
receive advice and support from vet Jo Child of Endell Veterinary Group.
JO CHILD, ENDELL VETERINARY GROUP
Ewart Grant
Friesian bulls
Outdoor handling facilities
WORKING
TOGETHER
FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE...
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LIVESTOCK MATTERS
CASE STUDY