Livestock farmers across the South-West, Wales and the Midlands can now access a new moist feed blend designed to boost milk quality and maximise forage utilisation.

The Mole Gold range includes TraffordGold, a moist feed produced at Trafford Park, Manchester, which was previously only accessible in the North of the country. But now Mole Valley Farmers (MVF) is working closely with Duynie to make it available to producers across southern England and Wales.

"Milk prices are under pressure, so rather than trying to produce more milk, farmers are trying to produce higher fat and proteins to maximise the price paid," says Shaun Hambley, head of trading at MVF. By mixing TraffordGold with wheat, sugar beet and brewer's yeast at its production site near Bristol, the farmer-owned co-operative can produce a low-cost, moist feed to maximise feed intakes and milk quality.

"One of the main benefits of this moist feed is its palatability," explains Philippa Merchant, blends co-ordinator at MVF. "It combines with the dry ingredients to produce a consistent ration that's very digestible, driving higher feed intakes." At times of forage shortages, it helps to fill the feed gap, but can also be fed year-round, including at grass, to bolster milk qualities.

"We have two options currently available; Mole Gold First and Mole Gold Supreme, both of which are 17% protein. Mole Gold Supreme is high in starch; using rolled wheat to boost milk protein, while Mole Gold First is high in fibre; using sugar beet to increase butterfat," says Ms Merchant. "Both also include cider yeast, supporting the protein content and rumen health."

The co-operative has also created a new mineral product range to complement these new moist feeds. "The key highlight of these minerals is the high level of calcium," she explains. "This comes from the inclusion of Calci-Buph, which not only supplements calcium but also acts as a rumen buffer to support the rumen pH."

As TraffordGold is a by-product from processing wheat; to create products including alcohol, glucose syrups and wheat gluten, it carries a low carbon footprint ex-factory. Transporting it to Bristol and mixing it with high-quality local straights and liquids therefore adds value at minimum carbon cost, notes Mr Hambley.

"We've worked with Duynie– one of the largest moist feed suppliers in Europe - for a number of years, and as a co-operative like us it has very similar values," he adds. "When it took over the TraffordGold contract last year it was the perfect opportunity for us to work together to help more farms across the country."

In order to handle the new production, MVF has invested in its Merry Heaven Blending Site, just north of Bristol, with more shed space, a new mixer wagon and handling equipment. "We already produce 35,000t of dry blends on-site and are aiming to produce 7,500t of moist feed this year," says Mr Hambley. "Quality control is extremely high, with regular sampling and analysis allowing us to formulate consistent, accurate feeds."

At a time when many farmers are facing falling milk prices alongside a forage shortfall and impending turnout to grass, rolling out this new feed could be the answer they're looking for, he adds. "This is the ideal, tried-and-tested solution to both a lack of forage and poor milk prices. It can be fed year-round, at a competitive price, while also helping farmers to reduce their carbon footprint. It's a win-win."

·       For more information visit www.moleonline.com.