Based in Coddington, near Ledbury, Fred Simcock and his Herd Manager, James Price, manage a 600-cow herd with a further 400 youngstock following on. The farm runs a progressive operation, utilising 10 Lely milking robots alongside automated feeding, scraping, and feed pushing systems.
Streamlining Labour Demands on Farm
With Genus ABS’ Reproductive Management System (RMS®) in place, the farm benefits from a specialist team managing reproduction, including heat detection and data-analysis. James commented that using this system takes the pressure off their team and it provides extra reassurance knowing there’s another pair of eyes on the cows. Previously, the herd was operating at a pregnancy rate of 18% and a conception rate of 28%. The farm began using RMS in April 2024. The pregnancy rate of the herd now sits at 26%, with a conception rate of 42.5%. Reproduction Management Specialists, Andy Potts and Dylan Philips have made excellent progress for the farm and continue to push fertility forward.
Targeted Breeding and Genetic Progress
The farm introduced genomic testing four years ago in order to make more informed breeding decisions and gain deeper insights into herd potential. Since then, the genetic merit of their heifers has continued to improve, with rising £PLI figures year on year.
This progress is supported by the herd improvement programme, GENEadvance®. It brings together genomic testing technology, proven genetics, and the comprehensive GMS® breeding programme. The farm collaborates closely with their Genus ABS genetic specialist, Chloe Watkins. Together they develop a tailored strategy aligned with their long-term goals. Genetic reviews ensure that progress remains on track.
As part of this approach, the team follows a targeted breeding strategy. GENEadvance helps them determine which animals to breed to sexed semen for replacements, and which are better suited for beef. With less heifers being served to beef, they’re now breeding their higher £PLI animals to Sexcel® to drive genetic gain.
The farm previously bought in over 200 animals a year to maintain numbers. By breeding more herd replacements from genetically superior animals using Sexcel, the farm is now building the herd from within – and haven’t needed to buy in for over seven years.
Making Strategic Breeding Decisions
Having worked with Genus ABS for over 20 years, the farm values the long-standing relationship and trusted support they receive. With access to detailed genomic data and the ongoing guidance of their Breeding Advisor, Chris Warwick, the farm is now making more precise and strategic breeding decisions. They trust Chris to select bulls that suit their system and breeding goals.
Milking through robots, their focus is on breeding high-yielding cows with strong milk solids, while also being efficient, and equipped with good udders to suit the system. James highlighted one of their recently dried-off cows – from producing 10,000 litres of milk as a heifer, this cow has increased her production to around 18,000 litres in her fifth lactation. This demonstrates her consistent progress and strong genetic potential.
A data-led and supported approach has helped the farm build a more productive, profitable, and future-ready herd. James commented that he recommends GENEadvance to other farmers looking to see faster genetic progress in their herd.
Interested in using a herd improvement programme? Get in touch with your Breeding Advisor today, or fill out the form below: