Robin & Torin Nicolson
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Prompted by science – from a dissertation to a Multi 1200 purchase.
Robin & Torin Nicolson are a father and son duo who run a dairy farm in the heart of Pembrokeshire. With 200 dairy cows and 300 other cattle, their farm spans 480 acres, primarily focusing on dairy production. This farm has been a family endeavor since 1969, with Robin being the second-generation farmer, aiming to pass it on to the third generation.
Torin recently completed his degree in agriculture, where he explored foliar feeding in his dissertation. This research inspired the purchase of a Tow and Fert machine, a decision rooted in a trial conducted on their farm three to four years ago. The trial demonstrated that high-quality grass could be grown with less fertilizer through foliar feeding, prompting them to invest in the Tow and Fert 1200.
“We had very, very, good results, replicated the trials, showing savings of about 60-70% on fertilizer while maintaining the same amount of grass yield which gave us the confidence to purchase the Tow and Fert”.
Torin enjoys using the Tow and Fert App to work out his fertiliser mix numbers. The app assists in mixing nutrient for the specific application, selecting to optimum nozzle and finding a drive speed for the desired per/ha rate.
Thinking about Tow and Fert?
Talk with a specialist
Tell us about your operation and we’ll match the right model and setup for you.
The mix typically includes humates, foliar zinc, C90 sea salt, and urea at a rate of about 20 to 30 kilos per hectare. The mixing process is quick, and once in the field, the machine operates hydraulically, making the application process simple and efficient.
“Operation the machine is really quite simple. It’s quite a robustly built machine, theres nothing really that can go wrong on it and if anything does goes wrong it’s quite easy to fix. The dealer back up we get, as well, is really good. They’re always at the other end of the phone”
“Our forage analysis revealed higher sugar levels and improved dry matter in the grass, thanks to the reduced nitrogen content”. They found this improved grass quality benefits the cows, as they consume less excess protein, leading to healthier animals. Additionally, using less nitrogen fertilizer has allowed clover to recover in ryegrass-clover swards.
The farm has seen significant economic benefits, reducing costs while maintaining high-quality grass production. Robin and Torin encourage other farmers to consider foliar feeding, emphasizing the substantial savings and additional benefits for soil biology.
The Nicolson’s experience with foliar feeding showcases its potential to revolutionise farming practices. With proven results and significant cost savings, he encourages adopting this method to enhance farm productivity and sustainability.
