News - Hunsingo Dairy

Crossbreeding the herd

19-02-2021

15 years ago we switched from pure Holsteins to crossbred cows. In the beginning we used Fleckvieh as a second breed; today our goal is 50-60% Holstein, at least 25% Fleckvieh and a third breed such as Scandinavian Red, Jersey or Brown Swiss. On our farm we feed primarily roughage, and since we started crossbreeding we see that fertility, energy balance, hooves and overall health have all improved. This creates a durable herd with a high life expectancy and less antibiotics. Although crossbreeds generally produce less milk than pure Holsteins, we will soon reach our first 100,000 kg Holstein/Fleckvieh cow!

Maize and fodder beet harvest 2020

15-11-2020

In October we harvested the maize and fodder beets again under fine conditions. Thanks to the dry weather we did not have to wash the beets before ensiling them together with the maize. Of the two varieties we used, the one from Limagrain performed better — nicer shape and fewer grooves with clay. Next year we will only use this variety.

We are sure the cows will enjoy this meal again next year!

Separated manure in the stalls

09-07-2020

We recently refreshed the cows’ bedding in the barn. For several years we have been separating manure and using the thick fraction as soft bedding for the cows to lie on. It is important to reach the right moisture level so udder health stays good and the cows are as comfortable as possible. Udder health remains excellent, with a somatic cell count (SCC) always below <100. We refresh the bedding regularly to keep cow comfort optimal for the times when the cows are not outside.

National Precision Agriculture Testbed

30-6-2020

Hunsingo Dairy is always looking for ways to use the land as efficiently as possible. Together with NPPL (National Precision Agriculture Testbed) we investigate the use and behavior of (artificial) fertilizer on our parcels. For every 16 m² we measure the fertilizer input, yield, and soil condition. Using this information we study the effect of the amount of (artificial) fertilizer on the yield per 16 m². With this we can reduce nitrogen use while keeping yields intact — for example by variable spreading of fertilizer (less/more on headlands or depending on yield per 16 m²).

Innovation Ambition Accelerator

Under the Innovation Ambition 2016 scheme, a grant was awarded to Melkveebedrijf Van Velde and Global Dairy Farmers to carry out their project.

The project’s goal is to develop innovative milk and dairy products with a lower saturated-fat content and a higher unsaturated-fat content for healthier consumer nutrition. Expertise from Feed Innovation Services B.V. in Wageningen will be brought in to execute the project.

The project aligns well with the objectives of the VIA scheme and contributes to the societal interests of health, demographics and wellbeing as well as food security, sustainable agriculture and the bio-economy.