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Mike Donovan
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Mike Donovan commented on Jeff Caldwell's group Dairy Farmers for the Future
"I am looking for useful ideas and innovations made by farmers for their own use. As a dairy farmer of 25 years I make and adapt things like many others, and some of these items are as useful as anything bought in the farm suppliers. I publish them…"
Dec 24, 2012
Mike Donovan replied to Travis Tollerud's discussion Milk Marketing in the group Dairy Farmers for the Future
"Hi Travis. This is the centre of the problem for dairy farmers. It's a huge expense to process and market your own product and yet selling it to processors gives a very low return for the time, risk and capital involved. I believe the answer is…"
Mar 13, 2011
Mike Donovan replied to Zach Janke's discussion Seasonal Caving in the group Dairy Farmers for the Future
"It's fine provided you don't mind seeing a really good milker go for slaughter because she hasn't got back in calf in time. I tried autumn calving to get a better milk price, but when I counted in the money I lost on replacement cows…"
Dec 21, 2010
Mike Donovan replied to Brett's discussion Starting from scratch in the group Dairy Farmers for the Future
"The older retiring farmer may well have the tools for survival but will they be adequate for a someone with a young family to support and few assets? Selling farm commodities for processing (milk, corn, meat) can be a thankless task as you customers…"
Dec 18, 2010
Mike Donovan posted a blog post

Practical info for practical farmers

The new issue of Farm IDEAS is worth a look. We've come up with some fantastic ideas this time. Go here to see more, there's 45 useful workshop projects. Small tips include a 'Puncture kit' that has a socket to fit any wheel on the farm, bottle jack, levers and patches. There's a farmer bought two 20:20 second hand parlours and made them into a 40:40 - fast milking for 300 cows. An…See More
Aug 10, 2010
Mike Donovan commented on Jeff Caldwell's group Dairy Farmers for the Future
"I recently visited a 130 cow herd which has had zero mastitis cases in two years, the result of back-flushing the clusters between cows. He built his own for £1,200 in a 20:20 parlour. Details in the latest issue of Farm Ideas."
Mar 13, 2010
Mike Donovan joined Jeff Caldwell's group
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Dairy Farmers for the Future

For young dairy farmers to get better ideas for their future, to meet and become friends and get together!Started by FFF member Eric Baeten.See More
Mar 13, 2010
Mike Donovan commented on Michele Payn-Knoper's blog post Faces of "Factory Farms"
"We need your voice Michele. Farmers are innovative, and I report on this every day. The study of agriculture involves so much knowledge, it's people like yourself who are the best disciples. The world wants great food from the local store, and…"
Mar 13, 2010
Mike Donovan posted a blog post

Farming means "can do" as well as hi-tech science

IN Grandpas day farming was nearly all 'can-do', whether it was livestock or crops. You had to get jobs done yourself to survive, and you mucked in with the neighbours as best you could. Machinery was made so things were done quicker and easier, so one person could farm more land, keep more cattle, and so benefit.Today farm education is taken over by science and technology. Whether it be the analysis and treatment of disease, the measurement of inputs like fertiliser, the use of computer…See More
Jan 10, 2010
Mike Donovan left a comment for Mike Donovan
"A sensible approach to farming Farming efficiently does not necessarily involve using the biggest machines and the greatest numbers of acres, but neither does it mean never spending. Organic or conventional, high input or low, each has the scope to…"
Dec 20, 2009
Mike Donovan is now a member of Farmers || Future
Nov 19, 2009

Mike Donovan's Blog

Practical info for practical farmers

Posted on August 10, 2010 at 8:50am 0 Comments

The new issue of Farm IDEAS is worth a look. We've come up with some fantastic ideas this time. Go here to see more, there's 45 useful workshop projects. Small tips include a 'Puncture kit' that has a socket to fit any wheel on the farm, bottle jack, levers and patches. There's a farmer bought two 20:20 second hand parlours and made them into a 40:40 - fast milking for 300 cows. An… Continue

Farming means "can do" as well as hi-tech science

Posted on January 10, 2010 at 8:50am 0 Comments

IN Grandpas day farming was nearly all 'can-do', whether it was livestock or crops. You had to get jobs done yourself to survive, and you mucked in with the neighbours as best you could. Machinery was made so things were done quicker and easier, so one person could farm more land, keep more cattle, and so benefit.

Today farm education is taken over by science and technology. Whether it be the analysis and treatment of disease, the measurement of inputs like fertiliser, the use of computer… Continue

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At 1:27pm on December 20, 2009, Mike Donovan said…
A sensible approach to farming
Farming efficiently does not necessarily involve using the biggest machines and the greatest numbers of acres, but neither does it mean never spending. Organic or conventional, high input or low, each has the scope to improve performance through modifying methods and work routines.
Finding out how other farmers, just like themselves, have devised to make their work easier and more profitable is a critical part of achieving progress. Visiting a great many farms to discover the innovations they have devised is a good way to learn, and if you can't visit many yourself the next best thing is to find out from people who do take notice of farm innovation.
Progressive farming for these guys means taking regular steps to make the business better, and that's often got little to do with getting the cheque book out and adding to farm debts. A fundamental part of the process is seeing what other farms or businesses are doing - and you'll be surprised and amazed at the innovation which is employed on farms throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe and beyond.
Getting details of new machinery, it's horsepower, work capacity, dimensions and so on is just one part of being on top of the farming game, and the one that's easy to achieve. There are plenty of reviews, and all are displayed in the popular agricultural shows and demonstration events. And machinery sales depends on farmers seeing the necessity for it, and sometimes this means making sure they don't get the cheaper alternative. Yet the cheaper alternative may well be the best option for many farmers.
This is what I do in each issue of Practical Farm Ideas. Take a look. www.farmideas Download a complete 48 page full colour sample. Discover ideas in e-books.
 
 
 

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