{"id":10014,"date":"2025-08-26T10:30:53","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T15:30:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/uk\/?p=10014"},"modified":"2025-09-17T10:57:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T15:57:47","slug":"building-a-herd-that-suits-a-grass-based-block-calving-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/uk\/building-a-herd-that-suits-a-grass-based-block-calving-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Building a herd that suits a grass-based, block-calving system"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Based in North Yorkshire, Reedholme Farm manages a 200-cow crossbred herd, calving in an autumn block. The farm has been in the family for over 100 years and is run in partnership by Richard Flintoff and his father, Gerald.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focusing on Fertility, Efficiency and Longevity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since moving away from all-year-round calving in 2012, the focus has been on breeding cows that thrive on a grass-based system, with an emphasis on fertility, efficiency, and longevity. The farm operates a rotational paddock grazing system, with cows fed silage and cake in the parlour through the winter. Cows are milked twice daily through a 15\/30 herringbone parlour, with all milk sold to Arla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The herd currently averages 7,048 litres per cow, per lactation, at 4.38% Butter Fat and 3.46% Protein, equating to around 552 kgs of milk solids. Producing milk from forage is a key part of keeping the system profitable, so grassland management and silage quality are a key priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilising a Crossbreeding Strategy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Originally a Holstein herd, Reedholme Farm introduced British Friesian genetics to improve traits like Fertility, Strength, Chest Width, Legs and Feet. They also briefly used Norwegian Red and New Zealand genetics as part of their breeding strategy. More recently, Richard has introduced Irish Friesian genetics, targeting improvements in milk solids and overall yield, inspired by the results seen in similar grazing herds in Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Maximising Genetic Progress<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The farm operates a tight 12-week calving block. Heifers and high-performing cows are served to sexed semen during the first five weeks, aiming to have replacements born in the first month of calving. This creates a more uniform group of youngstock and helps maintain a tight calving block. Using sexed semen on the best animals also helps the farm to accelerate genetic progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rest of the herd is served to beef, which adds value to the calf crop. Beef sires are selected mainly for calving ease; Belgian Blue is used on older cows, while Angus is used on second and third lactation animals to balance ease of calving with calf value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Richard uses heat detection collars and a DIY AI system to support a targeted breeding strategy. During the service period, the pregnancy rate of the herd sat at 39.8%, with a conception rate of 51%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long-term Support from Genus ABS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having worked with Genus ABS for over 20 years, Richard values the consistent and trusted support he receives. His Breeding Advisor, Colin Lucas, works closely with him to ensure sire selection remains aligned with the farm\u2019s system and breeding goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Herd That Fits the System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFriesians have worked really well for our system, they\u2019ve helped us improve Fertility, Legs and Feet, and cow Longevity.\u201d says Richard. \u201cWe\u2019ve still got some of those first Friesian crosses in the herd today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Reedholme Farm, a crossbreeding strategy has helped build a more efficient, forage-focused herd that is well suited to their goals and the demands of a block-calving system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlock the benefits of a crossbreeding strategy tailored to your farm’s breeding goals. Speak with your local Genus ABS representative today<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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