Vogelsang Blog

The pressure on farms to better manage phosphorus can be addressed using separation. So says Andy Hayhurst, from Vogelsang, who explains that separation is not just about reducing the strain on storage, but can also be an important measure to reaching phosphorus management guidelines.

Installing two separators has improved slurry management for a dairy unit milking 680 cows, by increasing storage and helping the wider farm benefit from more accurate nutrient use efficiency.

With FETF grants making slurry separators more affordable, there is increased interest in how to make improvements to grassland using separated slurry. This, coupled with another sharp rise in fertiliser prices, presents an opportunity for many dairy farms to make significant savings.

The introduction of a slurry separator that is compatible with single phase electricity has enabled a dairy unit in Devon to reap the benefits of separation and a green bedding system which is cutting costs and helping improve nutrient use efficiency.

When faced with the need to increase slurry storage and reduce emissions, David Mitchell built a covered earth, banked lagoon. To prevent a crust forming and pump slurry more efficiently, he also installed a separator and is now operating a green bedding system which has brought significant cost savings to the farm.

Established in 1940, farmers and contractors, Metcalfe Farms has developed a system that makes full use of the slurry generated by its 1300 head of Holstein milkers. With 3500 acres, an on-site, slurry fed, anaerobic digester, two Vogelsang separators and a fleet of 19 New Holland tractors, the farm is at the cutting edge of slurry management.

Fit for field use – Maintaining liquid manure spreading technology: Is your liquid manure spreading technology fit for field use?

To ensure that liquid manure spreading runs smoothly and efficiently, we recommend regularly checking the functional capability of the spreading systems. In addition to the booms themselves, important components such as the precision distributor should also be put to the test. This ensures that the liquid manure is spread evenly over all the discharge hoses of the respective spreading system – precise liquid manure spreading made easy. High distribution accuracy ensures uniform fertilisation and thus uniform plant growth.

Using the Vogelsang precision distributor ExaCut ECQ as an example, we will show you the most important maintenance steps. In our example, the ExaCut ECQ is installed in the Vogelsang dribble bar system SwingMax with a working width of 21 meters.

Adamson Contractors takes a less-is-more approach with its slurry application to offer farms a precision-led service that promotes slurry and digestate as an important fertiliser rather than a waste product.

With three Vredo self-propelled slurry applicators operating a combined 3,600 hours per year, A & R Cramphorn Ltd operator Craig Barnes explains why the business has invested in the flagship machines and what the benefits are to making the most of natural fertiliser.

Robert Payne invested in a Vogelsang dribble bar, five years ago, to better manage slurry application on his Nutrient Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) classified farm. The move has brought greater flexibility and control of forage management, but, in one of the driest years on record, he has struggled to utilise slurry and cut enough grass to feed his dairy herd.