Why Rhys would be an effective mentor
- Rhys Davies has wide ranging experience within the dairy sector. Over many years, Rhys has acquired expertise through his role as dairy college lecturer and as a dairy technical officer, which he’s now put to excellent use not only within his own 100-strong herd of Holstein Friesian cows, but numerous other dairy businesses in Wales.
- Since 2014, Rhys has been testing all his female calves through the use of genomics, targeting fertility and % of protein as a breeding objective. The herd is now in the top 1% in the country for both traits and in the top 5% for £SCI (spring calving index).
- Having focused on dairy genetics since a young age, Rhys says he has witnessed a significant change since the transition from the purely Holstein herd they favoured in the 1990s to the Holstein Friesian herd they now run and which block calve in March and April.
- Through his previous career as a full-time dairy lecturer and his five-year role as a part time Farming Connect dairy technical officer, he has considerable experience of supporting, teaching and working alongside farmers of every generation as well as students, particularly in the dairy genetics sector.
- Fluent in Welsh and English, Rhys is looking forward to his new mentoring role with Farming Connect. He will provide you with impartial, practical advice to help you identify your best genetics based on your system requirements and help interpret genetic information including the Herd Genetic Report available free of charge through AHDB. Leading on from this he will and help you draw up a mating plan to maximise your milk contract and sustainability targets.
- Based in Flintshire, Rhys will be happy to travel to where you are or to share his expertise with you over the phone or online.
Current farm business
- 200 acres which includes 30 acres owned, 170 acres rented
- Formerly a tenant on a 200 acre council-owned dairy farm in Flintshire
- Currently keeps100 Holstein Friesian cows that calve in a block of 10 weeks in the spring
- Cows are milking 7,500 litres per annum at 4.6% Fat, 3.67% Protein while using 1.5 t of concentrate
- Raising own dairy offspring
Qualifications/achievements/ experience
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Former lecturer in dairy and grassland at Llysfasi College
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Former Farming Connect dairy technical officer
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Bred young stock in the top 1% in the Holstein Friesian breed (AHDB £PLI)
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Helped set up the Herd Genetic report which is available free of charge through AHDB and helping dairy farmers use their herd genetic report with Agrinet in order to improve the genetic basis of their herds and grazing management.
Top tips for business success
“Using software will help you make more informed financial and technical decisions based on herd performance.”
“Skill before scale - maximise the potential of your milk contract and look for efficiencies before making expansion decisions.”