What we feed animals matters because it has profound consequences for them, us and the planet. And it’s not just what they eat, but how.

There’s an old saying, “Never leave the sheep in the same field long enough to hear the church bell ring twice”. In other words, move them every week.

Soil science 101: understanding how one key element of nutrient cycling in the soil works via ‘the poop loop’.

What gives food its taste, and what makes up all those flavour compounds that excite our taste buds and provide a truly satisfying mouthful to savour?

You have three votes (meals) a day. Your food choices directly support the farming methods and the industry that put the food on your plate: they influence not only your own health and wellbeing but that of the farm animals and the planet too.

What is cow-calf dairying and why don’t all dairy cows keep their calves?

How milk is made and what gives a good let down.

Understanding the rumen development of a calf and how to best support it in a suckled dairy system.

Udder development in dairy heifers needs to be considered when deciding when to wean.

SMILING TREE FARM SYSTEM, STEPS 1&2

Creating a bond with your cow, calving and first milking.

SMILING TREE FARM SYSTEM, STEPS 3&4

Share-milking with the calf.

SMILING TREE FARM SYSTEM, STEPS 5&6

Milking without the calf suckling and parting the calves in the field.

SMILING TREE FARM SYSTEM, STEPS 7&8

Preparing the cows and calves for a stress-free weaning.