Evolution Farming

[Nearly]

I think people in the know need to vent their frustration at things they have seen.
It was always a matter of 'when' not 'if' the system failed, probably very publicly.

 

[happycows]

Quite a few members contributing to this thread ……. Nothing like a scandal/disgrace to get people involved.

Do you think this is acceptable and the Arla “look” they are after?

 

[dinderleat]

Do you think this is acceptable and the Arla “look” they are after?

No not at all as I said it’s a disgrace and nothing like an arla farm is to adhere too.

 

[dinderleat]

Maybe farmers calling out other farmers on what’s right and wrong for a change?!

Sorry I missed the ‘new’ bit out from my reply. And I agree but surprised it has taken this long if things have been so bad.

 

[Spudley]

Do these bigger outfits get an easier ride from their milk buyer because "they want their milk" ?

 

[dinderleat]

Do these bigger outfits get an easier ride from their milk buyer because "they want their milk" ?

No wether you have 50 cows or 1500 you should comply with the same standards.

 

[Spudley]

Of course they should. But do they? Truthfully?

 

[O'Reilly]

Just so we're clear, the video was taken in Cheshire, but the post about Bleasby (Lincolnshire?) is a separate issue, albeit another Evo farm? Is that right?

 

[Big Bill]

Copied from Evolution Farming Facebook page. Must be a nightmare for them. (Not sure if any off them are on here)

After the worse night in my 20 years of dairy farming daylight has broken on 54 dead cows at our Leicester site. Originally thought to be bloat it is now believed to be external water source contamination the likely cause. A long and emotional night for all the farm team, their families ourselves and the vet Henry. Thanks to the quick thinking of our amazing team of people 30 cows that were down were saved. Also thanks to the fire brigade who were called when it became clear it was a water issue to get water to the cows to flush their systems. I guess now the clear up operation begins plus the investigations will start it will be a long day....

Tom & Charlie

You poor people. What a absolute nightmare!

 

[dinderleat]

Of course they should. But do they? Truthfully?

Yes doesn’t matter how many cows you have standards are the same.

 

[Milkybar]

Just so we're clear, the video was taken in Cheshire, but the post about Bleasby (Lincolnshire?) is a separate issue, albeit another Evo farm? Is that right?

Yes, they have several. Lincs, Norfolk, Leic, Cheshire etc

 

[Milkybar]

It’s just too big, sell off half the cattle, have fewer locations and look after what is left properly. I was happy for the calves that were sent to market as hopeful they had chance of a better home. They don’t get a long life as it is, but should make it as good as possible in the time they have. They are wonderful animals not just a money making machine.

 

[Nearly]

You poor people. What a absolute nightmare!

Have sympathy for the cattle not the people. Human error caused the urea poisoning.

 

[O'Reilly]

Yes, they have several. Lincs, Norfolk, Leic, Cheshire etc

I'm just checking that the one on the video is different to the one you were at?

 

[Milkybar]

Yes it’s a different one. I believe the video is in Yorkshire?

 

[O'Reilly]

Yes doesn’t matter how many cows you have standards are the same.

So are some of these farms not being collected? Because I know of one farm where cattle were filmed being treated roughly, although well fed, and they were dropped like a hot potato. They didn't have the 'good ole boy' image of some though.....

 

[Princess Pooper]

It’s just too big, sell off half the cattle, have fewer locations and look after what is left properly.

Ah, but that doesn't fit the ego of a company which likes the numbers game so much that it has its Turnover and litres of milk sold KPIs in its Directors report published on Companies House and is always looking for 'new growth'.

 

[Milkybar]

Yes it’s a different one. I believe the video is in Yorkshire?

Sorry I meant Cheshire

 

[Nearly]

Local fb group says the cows are out. They've got their mouths with them.

 

[Grass And Grain]

To be fair we found Charlie to be the best of the bunch. Luke was the person who told partner to feed the 3 year old rotten silage that was dumped next to an overflowing lagoon. And no hay would be ordered until it was used up.

It was absolutely disgusting stuff, full of mould and ursine that had seeped in as the wrap had disintegrated .Charlie then came down and said my partner was absolutely right to not feed it. I think it would help if they employed managers from a farming background instead of mates who work in construction.

I’ve never seen my partner in tears cat a job because it would be the 3rd day it so with calves bawling for food and an empty silo, and no hay either with the suppliers saying they couldn’t bring it unless prepaid

I know the buck stops with the owners, but are the owners living on site? Or a manager there overseeing things? Is the issue with the manager?

Obviously stock welfare comes first, and you need good stock if you want good production. We can all get a disease or problem from time to time, so difficult to judge based on a single snapshot,.but if there is an issue and things aren't quite as good as they should be, then Evolution might get a wake up call. If improvements are needed then I hope they're implemented. Maybe they've spread themselves a bit too thin, or need to be making sure the unit managers and staff are doing the job right.

Sounds like Charlie took charge and said don't feed those bad silage bales, so he knew what to do and what was an appropriate management decision?