From switching to direct drilling to removing soy from their cows’ diets, the Davies family has continually embraced new ideas, driven by the enthusiasm of the next generation, to improve the sustainability of their dairy farm.
Robert Davies, along with his wife Rachel, his parents Bryan and Jean, and his son Harry, manage a diverse farming operation in Herefordshire. Their farm includes 130 dairy cows milked using robotic systems, alongside broiler chickens, cider fruit, arable farming, commercial and residential properties, renewable energy, and beef cattle. Robert stresses the importance of listening to younger generations, saying, “You have to allow the next generation to have their say, or you risk limiting innovation.” He reflects on how his father gave him the freedom to experiment and now he’s doing the same for his son, Harry.
One key decision driven by Harry’s return from Harper Adams University was to shift the farm to direct drilling. In 2023, they purchased a Mzuri Pro-Til direct drill, selling their traditional plough and combination drill shortly after. The direct drilling method is now used across their 202 hectares (500 acres) to plant various crops, including grass seed, cover crops, winter bird food, wheat, barley, beans, and maize. Robert humorously notes that last Christmas, he gifted Harry a penetrometer to test soil compaction before planting, helping them further optimize their new system.
In line with Robert’s father, Bryan, the family continues annual soil testing for pH, phosphorus, and potassium levels across a third of the farm. They’ve also reduced phosphorus levels by growing phosphate-hungry lucerne without added inputs. Additionally, they incorporate biological analysis to monitor organic carbon and microbial activity in their soils.
The farm is also committed to improving feeding practices. Supplying to Arla, the Davies’ farm was selected as a host for one of Arla’s Sustainafarm events, thanks to its strong results in Arla’s FarmAhead Incentive model. In recent years, the family has reduced overall protein in their cows’ diets while improving forage quality through a six-cut silage system. About three years ago, they began transitioning away from soy-based feed to rape meal, which was both cost-effective and sustainable. They now feed a mix of homegrown wheat and rape meal through their robots, saving on feed costs while maintaining herd performance.
In 2023, the family installed a Biolectric anaerobic digestion (AD) system, processing all farm slurry and converting it into electricity. The system generates around 175,000 kWh annually, with 90% of the power used on-farm and the remainder exported to the grid. This investment not only provides a ceiling on electricity costs for the next decade but also furthers their environmental goals.
Currently, the Davies family is exploring nutrient stripping technology to optimize nutrient management from manure and slurry. Robert believes this innovation could allow more precise application of nitrogen and phosphates, contributing to more efficient and sustainable farming. “The great thing about farming is that there’s always something new to explore, and that’s what keeps us motivated,” he says.
