{"id":9519,"date":"2025-02-21T11:00:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T16:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/uk\/?p=9519"},"modified":"2025-02-24T06:22:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T11:22:25","slug":"morley-family-dairy-fertility-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.absglobal.com\/uk\/morley-family-dairy-fertility-success\/","title":{"rendered":"The Morley Family’s Secret to Fertility Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u201cWe don\u2019t want to borrow money; we are hardworking tenancy farmers relying on teamwork. You\u2019ve got to pay the rent before anything else, and good fertility is critical.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

These words from dairy farmer Richard Morley highlight the foundation of their success. Farming a closed herd in the heart of Derbyshire, Richard works alongside his brother Charlie and nephew Joe, supported by an exceptional team. Together, they milk twice a day and proudly supply Arla under a Tesco-aligned contract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A team effort for fertility excellence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With an impressive herd averaging 10,000 litres, the Morleys credit their success to strong working relationships and a trusted network of experts. Their fertility strategy is shaped by a dedicated team, including Tom, their “dedicated cowman,” as well as a wider circle of advisers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur local vets and consultant team are fantastic; and we have the best AI men in the world, Mike and Phil,\u201d Richard shares, highlighting the value of expertise and collaboration. He emphasises the importance of communication, even in small ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cYou can\u2019t underestimate the power of a ten-minute coffee break to check in with the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

For Charlie, these moments of connection extend beyond business:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cSometimes, we just have a chat about football. As season ticket holders, things have to be going well at home for us to get to the games!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

A practical approach to nutrition and breeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During the summer and autumn months, the herd grazes before moving into winter housing around late September. Maintaining body condition is essential for successful pregnancies, and the Morleys prioritise a simple yet effective feeding strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe try not to be too fancy with supplements and vitamins,\u201d Charlie explains. \u201cGood grass and keeping things as natural as possible works well for us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The farm makes sustainable use of industry by-products, incorporating a distiller\u2019s syrup to boost yeast in the diet, complementing their home-grown high-energy maize blend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Maximising fertility with strategic breeding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Operating across two units, the Morleys manage 420 cows in milk and 70\u2013100 followers annually. Replacements are reared at their second unit, and the family takes pride in their 30.9% pregnancy rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAI is a very specialised job,\u201d Richard notes. \u201cWith our two Genus ABS technicians, we\u2019re getting fantastic numbers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To optimise fertility, the herd utilises BoviSync<\/strong> for insemination data management and follows a sexed and beef breeding strategy to maximise the value of every pregnancy. Genus ABS’ Genetic Management System (GMS)<\/strong> plays a pivotal role in maintaining herd uniformity, with breeding decisions led by long-standing partner Richard Scott from Genus ABS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe rely on the expertise of our RMS specialists to ensure creating pregnancies is an area where we have peace of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Their breeding strategy is clear-cut:<\/p>\n\n\n\n