Ever wish you could read a shed like a story? We walk through CowSignals® with vet consultant Owen Atkinson and coach-trainer Jo Speed, showing how behaviour becomes your best advisory tool. From the CowSignals® Diamond (feed, water, light, air, rest, and space) to the way cows actually see the world, we translate subtle cues into practical changes that raise performance and lower stress.

We dig into stress-free stockmanship and the Hemsworth cycle, where human tension fuels animal tension and back again. The fix is not force; it is design and timing. More even light across the shed, clean water with space to drink, feed pushed right to the end of the barrier, and fewer dead-ends all reduce “waiting cows.” That frees up time for eating and lying, which protects rumen health, feet, and milk.

We also unpack why cows prefer to see you with their left eye, how shadows and abrupt steps stall flow, and why quiet movement beats speed. Temple Grandin’s curved handling ideas show up here too, giving teams simple ways to keep cattle calm and safe.

Data now backs the craft. Time-lapse studies and emerging AI tools capture lying bouts, feed visits, and crowding so you can prove that a tweak actually worked. The pattern is consistent: fewer queues, more comfort, better time budgets, fewer lame days. That’s good for welfare, good for people, and good for the bottom line. Most importantly, stockmanship can be taught. The initial CowSignals® course gives everyone—from feeder to vet—a shared language to spot problems early and fix them fast, with advanced modules on handling, transition, fertility, youngstock, and hoof health ready when you are.

Subscribe for more practical dairy insights, share this with a colleague who moves cows every day, and drop us a rating if this helped you see your shed through a cow’s eyes.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

A down cow should never mean panic. We sit down with Dorset tenant farmer James Yeatman and Synergy Farm Health’s research lead, vet Rachel Hayton, to unpack a farmer-built “cow ambulance” that turns a stressful emergency into a calm, repeatable procedure. Born from love for cows and sharpened by hard lessons—and yes, a tough Panorama broadcast—this system pairs a purpose-built, rounded-edge, rubber-lined bucket with a simple reel and straps, then anchors it all with a nine-step training method any well-briefed team can follow.

We trace the journey from improvised bucket-rolls and hip lifter misuse to a standard that reduces bruising, cuts secondary injuries, and lowers antibiotic use. James explains the practical design choices: a visible green cross, dedicated storage so nothing goes missing, and a steering-wheel reel for safer operation. Rachel brings the clinical lens and the data: with Innovate UK support, 15 farms logged outcomes from more than a hundred recoveries, revealing fewer people needed, less disruption, and better cow comfort when recovery was realistic. The big picture is compelling—improved welfare, stronger staff safety, and a more professional public image when phones and auditors are watching.

We also talk about culture change. Filming real loadings and critiquing them wasn’t easy, but it accelerated learning across farms. The online training (lifetime access with the kit) helps new staff build confidence fast, and the team is developing guidance on acceptable hip lifter use, nursing, and prevention—because getting off concrete early and onto sure footing can be the difference between standing and giving up. At around £4,995 delivered in mainland UK, the system can pay for itself by saving just a few cows and avoiding injuries, while giving your team a safer, calmer way to work.

Ready to professionalise down cow care on your unit, reduce risk, and protect trust in British dairy? Follow, share, and leave a review so more farm teams can find this conversation—and tell us: what’s the one change that most improved cow recovery on your farm?

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

A hard truth: UK farming employs a tiny slice of the workforce yet carries a heavy share of workplace deaths. We don’t say that to point fingers—we say it to spark action. This conversation gets practical about first aid on farms: what the law expects, what good looks like for a working farm, and how to build skills that actually stick when seconds matter.

Emma Hann joins us with a rare blend of A&E, 111 and minor injuries experience, now delivering first aid training shaped for agriculture. We unpack the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 in plain English, then turn that into a simple plan: a needs assessment that considers lone working, visitors, children and ageing teams; well‑placed kits and a clean, private space; clear accident recording; and the right mix of training—from the three‑day First Aid at Work to one‑day essentials and paediatric options. We compare construction’s safety culture with common farm habits and show how tiny changes—quad PPE, short inductions for contractors, a map to the nearest defib—pay back quickly.

You’ll hear the small decisions that change outcomes: cooling a burn for 20 minutes instead of “powering through,” cutting clothing to place defib pads without hesitation, and knowing that adult rescue breaths help while paediatric breaths are vital. We break down CPR basics, defibrillator access quirks, and the social barriers that mean women receive less CPR in public, along with ways to overcome them on farm. The goal is confidence, not perfection: call 999 fast, start compressions, fetch the defib, write it up, rest, and return stronger.

If this episode helped you, share it with your team, map your nearest defibrillator tonight, and subscribe for more practical, no‑nonsense conversations for the UK dairy community. Your next small change might save a life.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

Discover how the GB Calf Strategy is transforming British farming by creating purposeful connections between dairy and beef sectors. Join AHDB experts Sarah Tomlinson, Laura Awdry, and Harriet Bunning as they reveal the remarkable progress already made and outline an ambitious five-year vision built on three foundational pillars: Right Calf, Right Start, and Right Route.

The podcast takes you on a journey from the strategy's origins in 2006 following the ban on live calf exports to today's world-leading adoption of sexed semen (88% in Holstein breeds) that's dramatically reduced unwanted dairy bull calves. You'll learn how the UK's unique calving patterns create both challenges and opportunities compared to other dairy-producing nations.

Delve into fascinating discussions about genetic selection that balances calving ease with beef quality, challenging the assumption that small-stature dairy cows can't produce good beef calves. The experts share evidence-based approaches to professionalizing calf rearing while addressing TB-related movement restrictions that have historically complicated the dairy-beef supply chain.

At its heart, this strategy represents a mindset shift—recognizing that dairy farmers are beef farmers too, with approximately 37% of UK prime beef originating from dairy herds. Rather than imposing burdens, the GB Calf Strategy creates frameworks that reward good decisions throughout the supply chain, benefiting animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and farm profitability.

Whether you're a dairy farmer, beef producer, or somewhere in the supply chain, this episode offers practical insights into creating value through better breeding decisions, optimal calf care, and improved data sharing. Take action today by putting sire information on passports and join the movement toward a more integrated, sustainable British farming future.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

What if your cows could tell you exactly what they need to thrive? That's the groundbreaking promise of epigenetics, where the frontier of dairy science meets practical farm management. 

In this fascinating deep dive, Ian Garner, Head of R&D at Antler Bio, reveals how gene expression technology is revolutionizing dairy farming by unlocking hidden potential beyond traditional genetics. While genetics provides the blueprint, epigenetics determines whether those genetic instructions are actually followed—and this can be influenced by everything from nutrition to environment.

Through real-world examples, we discover how farms across Europe are seeing remarkable results by giving their cows a voice through RNA sequencing. One Finnish farm doubled milk production after implementing targeted changes, while most see a 7:1 return on investment within months. The beauty lies in the simplicity: sometimes it's as straightforward as adjusting vitamin supplementation or improving water trough placement based on what the cows' gene expression patterns reveal they truly need.

We explore how this technology works practically on farm, from blood sampling to data analysis, and how the recommendations integrate with existing farm management systems. Beyond just boosting production, we discuss the potential for early disease detection, improved fertility, and enhanced animal welfare through preventative intervention based on expression patterns.

For forward-thinking farmers looking to maximize performance and profitability, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into dairy farming's future—where understanding the language of gene expression might be the key to unlocking your herd's full potential. Ready to hear what your cows are trying to tell you?

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

What happens to your dairy heifers between weaning and calving? This question reveals a critical blind spot on many UK dairy farms. While we meticulously monitor pre-weaning calves and track age at first calving, those crucial months in between often become a forgotten period where potential growth, health, and future productivity can be compromised.

Farm veterinarian Emily Linton takes us through this overlooked phase, revealing eye-opening facts about its impact on your bottom line. The financial stakes are significant - rearing costs range from £1,000-£3,000 per heifer, with each day beyond 24 months adding £2.87. More alarmingly, heifers calving at 30 months are five times more likely to be culled within 50 days, creating a devastating financial loss as they never reach their break-even point in the herd.

We explore practical strategies to optimize this period, from tailoring protein levels in feed (avoiding common overfeeding) to implementing disease monitoring tools like lung scanning that can detect subclinical respiratory issues before they impact growth. Emily shares targeted growth benchmarks, emphasizing that heifers should reach 55-60% of mature bodyweight at breeding and 85% at calving, with first lactation yields at approximately 80% of mature cow production.

The podcast concludes with valuable insights on transitioning heifers into the milking herd, including surprising tips like using vinegar to reduce bullying and scheduling introductions during afternoon milking when established cows are less territorial. Whether you're struggling with inconsistent growth rates, delayed calving, or poor first lactation performance, this episode provides the monitoring tools and management practices to transform your replacement heifer program.

Subscribe to ChewintheCud Podcast for more practical insights that challenge conventional thinking and improve profitability in UK dairy farming. How might your dairy business benefit from giving those "forgotten heifers" the attention they deserve?

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

Amino acids may be the most underrated nutritional tool for transforming heifer development and health on your dairy farm. In this eye-opening episode, Ken March takes us through his remarkable journey from East London to becoming a dairy nutrition specialist in West Wales, where his thirst for knowledge led him to the cutting edge of amino acid nutrition.

Ken shares results from a ground breaking trial comparing 100 calves on a standard diet against 100 calves receiving an amino acid-balanced diet from birth through first lactation. When salmonella struck both groups, only three calves died in the amino acid group compared to twelve in the control group—a dramatic demonstration of enhanced immunity. The treated calves grew faster (0.8kg/day versus 0.54kg/day), reached breeding weight earlier, and continued producing one litre more milk daily throughout their first lactation, even after both groups were managed identically without amino acid supplementation during lactation.

Perhaps most striking is the farm owner's observation that he couldn't distinguish between first-lactation heifers from the trial group and mature cows when viewed from behind in the parlour—their development was that impressive. This profound finding reinforces Ken's passionate belief that meeting animals' nutritional requirements from birth creates healthier, more productive cows.

The conversation challenges conventional wisdom about protein levels, with Ken sharing examples of herds achieving 39 litres on just 15.5% crude protein diets when properly balanced for amino acids. As Professor Gabriela Varga noted, "Cows do not have a crude protein requirement"—they require specific amino acids in the right proportions.

Whether you're struggling with health challenges in your replacement heifers or looking to optimise your feeding program, this episode offers practical insights into how precise amino acid balancing can transform your herd's performance, health, and ultimately your farm's profitability. Tune in to discover why meeting your animals' nutritional requirements isn't an expense—it's your most valuable investment.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

The transition period is the highest-risk window in a dairy cow's life, with far-reaching consequences for health, productivity, and farm profitability. In this comprehensive episode, we speak with Donald Lawson, head of the ruminant team at Premier Nutrition, who shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience managing transition cow nutrition.

Donald reveals how approximately 80% of health problems in dairy cows originate during the six-week window around calving, and how getting transition management right can save farms an average of 6 pence per litre. Drawing from Premier Nutrition's Transition Management System data covering 200,000 cows, he breaks down the critical factors that determine transition success – from optimal body condition scores to feed space requirements and straw processing techniques.

We explore a wide range of transition approaches, including partial and full DCAD diets, calcium binders, and the highly effective "Goldilocks" diet focusing on optimal forage NDF levels. Donald explains the science behind these strategies while providing practical, farm-level implementation advice that works across different systems.

Perhaps most fascinating is the emerging research showing how transition management affects not just the cow but also her calf, with proper calcium levels at day four post-calving linked to improved calf health outcomes. We also discuss the latest findings on amino acids, choline, and other nutritional interventions that provide returns throughout the entire lactation cycle.

Whether you're struggling with milk fever, ketosis, or simply want to optimize your transition program, this episode offers both technical depth and practical wisdom. Donald's parting advice? "Don't go looking for savings in your dry cow diet. It's the one place you should spend the money."

This was recorded in June 2025, and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

What does the UK's third-highest PLI Holstein herd discover when they test every calf born on their farm? Stuart and Helen Rogers of Longmoor Farm reveal how genomic testing transformed not just their breeding decisions, but their entire approach to dairy farming.

When the Rogers family moved their pedigree Holstein herd from Oxfordshire to Dorset in 2011, they wanted to push their genetics forward. What started with tentative use of genomic bulls evolved into a comprehensive strategy where every calf born gets genomically tested at birth. The results challenged their perceptions of which cow families were truly valuable. "The cows that you forget about in a herd are actually your really good earners," Helen explains, "the ones that aren't lame, don't get mastitis, and just do the job without you even worrying about them."

Their seven-year strategy of using sex semen on high-ranking heifers and first lactation animals while directing beef semen to the rest has yielded remarkable results. Their fertility performance outshines most farms with pregnancy rates consistently between 34-38%. Cell counts hover around 70,000, and their antibiotic usage has plummeted to just 5.6mg per PCU—about a quarter of the UK average. Perhaps most impressively, they've eliminated fat supplements from their diet while maintaining 11,500 litres at 4.5% butterfat through pure genetic selection.

For farmers considering genomic testing, the Rogers' advice is straightforward: commit fully rather than dabbling. At approximately £22 per test, the investment quickly pays dividends through improved decision-making. "It's so little money in a lifetime for a cow," Stuart notes, especially when you consider the compounding benefits across health, fertility, and production. Whether you're managing a pedigree or commercial herd, their experience demonstrates how embracing genomics can create a more balanced, resilient and profitable dairy business.

This was recorded in June 2025, and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]

This time Simon Reeves, Managing Director, Pangea Insurance joins the team.

Like usual we start with both their backgrounds, to get them to where they are today with their respective businesses.

Like usual we start with Simon's background to get to where he is today as Managing Director of his own insurance brokering business.

Then we move on to discuss today's topic of how's your insurance cover?

Simon discuss how insurance companies like to win, and the advantages of having a broker on your side.

Often he finds that many people, when he first meets them, are considerably underinsured. Do you realise the risk this exposes you to?

We discuss the advantages of having a good house keeping policy to keep track of all your equipment, what happens when things go wrong and a few stories along the way.

This was recorded in July 2024, and all information was correct at the time of recording.

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For more information about our podcast visit www.chewinthecud.com/podcast or follow us on Instagram @chewinthecudpodcast. ChewintheCud Ltd is also on Facebook & LinkedIn. You can email us directly at [email protected]