Breeding Blocks

Taking control of your breeding decisions is vitally important if you want to take full advantage of your farming system and milk contract.

The first and vital step is to understand the current status of your herd. Here you'll find the tools, resources and case studies from other farmers to start your breeding journey.

We'll help you select the right sires to meet your breeding goals and shape your future.

Follow the conversation on Twitter using #BreedingBlocks

Andy Rutter from Clayden Farm Partnership explores how to get the most from your breeding decisions.

Previously the breeding manager at Genus, Andy re-joined the family dairy farm milking 450 pedigree Holsteins in Cheshire 18 months ago and shares his experience to help you select the right sires to meet your breeding goals.

Matt Ford

An autumn block calverfrom East Sussex Matt explains how he uses a Herd Genetic Report to help him achieve his breeding goals.

Keith Gue

Based at Huddlestone Farmers, an all-year-round calving farm based in West Sussex, Keith gives a short overview of his approach to breeding.

He covers identifying his herd’s strengths and weaknesses, setting goals, priorities, the traits he’s looking to develop and when to breed for dairy or beef.

We spoke with Andy Rutter to understand how he makes his breeding decisions, the tools he uses and the impact it has had on his herd.

Keith Gue from tell us how they approach breeding at Huddlestone Farmers, who's involved in making decisions, the areas of focuses and future goals.

Breeding Trait Selector

Breeding Season Semen Calculator

Top Tips for semen purchase decisions

Our report enables you to see the genetic potential of your herd by providing the following information for the cows registered on your farm:

• Milk (kg)
• Fat and Protein (kg and %)
• £PLI, £SCI or £ACI
• Inbreeding level
• Management traits - lifespan, SCC, fertility, mastitis and maintenance. Calf survival and lameness advantage are available in the Individual Reports.