Latest news

Dec
02
2024
Caroline Platt Prepares for Desert Challenge to Support WeMindTheGap

Managing Director Caroline Platt is preparing for another challenge in support of the Wrexham-based charity, WeMindTheGap.

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Nov
28
2024
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and the Armed Forces Covenant

The Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) celebrates the positive role of employers in supporting defence personnel. The scheme is the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour for Armed Forces-friendly organisations.

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Oct
11
2024
8 Benefits of the e-Dairy Duster: Cubicle Cleaning for Dairy Farms

Introducing Platts Agriculture’s latest innovation, the eDairy Duster. This modern machine is designed to keeping cubicles clean, improving both animal health and operational efficiency.

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Sep
30
2024
Best Winter Practices for Cows Returning Indoors

Looking to bring your cows indoors soon, in preparation for winter? Get ahead of the rush by securing your cubicle conditioner today and adopting the tips below…

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Sep
05
2024
5 Benefits of Zero Grazing for Dairy Farmers

Zero grazing has gained popularity among farmers in recent years. By housing cows and delivering fresh grass directly to them through a zero grazing system, farmers can increase milk yields and reduce costs.

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Aug
14
2024
SAF 24: Farm Diversification with Andrew Jones

Are you curious about how to go about diversifying your farm? As part of our Shout About Farming 2024 campaign, we spoke to dairy farmer, Andrew Jones on his journey into farm diversification.

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Aug
06
2024
Healthy Hooves: Preventing Lameness with Sawdust Bedding

When a dairy cow is lame, they may experience disturbed resting, reduced fertility, lowered milk yields, and more. Read how our sawdust bedding solutions can prevent lameness and ensure healthy hooves and happy cows!

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Jun
20
2024
Introducing Platts Agriculture as Distributors of Dairy Spares

Looking to enhance your farming operations whilst saving time and money? At Platts, we understand the importance of reliability to keep your dairy farm running smoothly. That’s why we are now distributors of Dairy Spares.

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May
30
2024
8 Best Practices to Keeping Cows Clean

Keeping cows clean can often be an overlooked task on many farms. However, good cow cleanliness ensures your herd’s overall comfort and health, resulting in higher milk yields for you!

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May
10
2024
A Guide to Keeping Dairy Cows Cool in Summer

The sunshine peeking through the clouds may come as a relief following the wet winter, however hot weather can cause very serious welfare problems for farm animals.

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May
09
2024
Mental Health Awareness: FCN’s Top Tips

To recognise Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we are proud of our partnership with The Farming Community Network (FCN). As part of this partnership, the FCN have provided insights and guidance on how farmers can protect their mental health.

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May
03
2024
Farming News: Straw Shortages Across the UK

Due to the wet weather of the last few months, there is now a shortage of straw across the UK. The scarcity of straw will have consequential effect on farming practices, particularly in livestock bedding.

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May
02
2024
Platts Agriculture Partners with The Farming Community Network

We’re excited to announce an exciting partnership between Platts Agriculture and the Farming Community Network, two organisations committed to supporting the farming community.

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Apr
25
2024
A Guide to the Best Bedding for Efficient Farming

We all know that productive cows are happy cows, and to ensure happy cows, you need to secure a quality bedding solution. But in addition to ensuring comfortable cattle, there are other things to consider when choosing the best cattle bedding for your farm.

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Apr
19
2024
Farming News: Cattle Housing for Health and Welfare Grant

Later this year, a grant will be available to farmers in England to build new or upgrade existing buildings, to deliver better animal health and welfare.

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Apr
10
2024
Animal Bedding: Sawdust Bedding Vs. Alternative Options

If you’re shopping around for animal bedding, but unsure what material to choose, look no further! From traditional choices like straw and paper to the ever-popular sawdust, the selection of animal bedding can be extensive.

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Apr
09
2024
Farming News: Government’s Response to Flooding

Following months of heavy rainfall here in the UK, farmers have faced significant challenges due to extreme flooding. In reaction to the severe weather events of recent, the Government has opened funds to support farmers affected.

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Mar
20
2024
We Mind The Gap: Conrad’s Work Experience

At Platts Agriculture, we are committed to supporting various initiatives in our community and supporting young talent. That’s why we are thrilled to share our recent experience hosting Conrad through the We Mind The GAP work placement programme.

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Mar
14
2024
Horse Bedding Guide: Choosing the Right Bedding for Your Horse

Every horse owner wants to ensure the comfort and well-being of their equine companion. One of the key factors in achieving this is selecting the right bedding.

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Mar
07
2024
Future of Farming: 7 Sustainable Farming Practices

UK farmers are consistently facing a dual challenge: navigating environmental sustainability demands, whilst also ensuring the long-term viability of farms.

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Feb
27
2024
Nerys and Caroline’s Arctic Circle Journey

At the end of January, Caroline Platt and Nerys Price-Jones embarked on an extraordinary journey – an Arctic Trek spanning 65km through some of the iciest landscapes of Earth.

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Feb
23
2024
Platts Receives Health & Safety Accreditation

We are thrilled to share that we have successfully received recertification for our ISO45001 Health and Safety Standard. This achievement reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety within our operations.

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Feb
15
2024
Top 8 Country and Agricultural Shows for 2024

Experience the best of British agriculture at the UK’s top country and agricultural shows, where you’ll gain access to the latest innovations in farming technology and celebrate the resourcefulness of industry experts.

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Feb
01
2024
A Day with St. Christopher’s School at Platts Agriculture

Earlier this week we hosted a group of enthusiastic students from St. Christopher’s School in Wrexham, eager to dive into the world of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and road safety.

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Jan
31
2024
Dairy Farming 101: 15 Facts about UK Dairy Farming

Have you ever wondered about the journey of your favourite dairy products? Or are you curious about how to address sustainability and other challenges on your own dairy farm?

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Jan
29
2024
Tips for using Fresh Sawdust Bedding

Fresh sawdust has it’s benefits- often cheaper, readily available and less dusty than kiln-dried sawdust, or alternative bedding products. But how can you make the most of using fresh sawdust for your cow cubicles, minimising any concerns around it’s moisture content and mastitis?

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Jan
15
2024
11 Steps to Good Dairy Farming Practice: Animal Welfare

Animal welfare refers to the feelings and physical well-being of an individual animal; however, there are many different definitions and models of what animal welfare is. Discover some of the most essential tips for fostering excellence in dairy farming practices.

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Jan
02
2024
Oxford Farming Conference 2024

Explore the innovative discussions at the Oxford Farming Conference 2024, where ‘Farming a Greener Future’ launches to reshape perceptions of sustainable agriculture. Read more below…

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Dec
08
2023
Embracing Sustainability: Platts Feature in “Farming a Greener Future” Film

We are excited to share our recent feature in the news-style programme, “Farming a Greener Future.” This film sheds light on the importance of sustainable agriculture practices and showcases the integral role Platts plays in the livestock circle. Read more below…

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Nov
28
2023
Platts Supports His Majesty’s Coronation Year Tree Planting Initiative

In honour of His Majesty’s Coronation Year and 75th Birthday, our QHSE officer, Alison Fuller, recently visited Trowbridge Primary School, Cardiff, for a fantastic Tree Planting Day!

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Nov
14
2023
Platts Agriculture Cultivates Success: Winners of Green Wrexham Award at WCBA!

At Platts Agriculture, we are thrilled to announce that we have won the prestigious Green Wrexham Award, a testament to our commitment to sustainability. The inaugural Wrexham Business & Community Awards, hosted by Net World Sports, marked an evening dedicated to celebrating the thriving economy of Wrexham. Read more below…

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Nov
09
2023
Winter Housing – Best Practice

Winter housing season is officially here to stay, and with dairy cattle housed throughout the Winter period, it’s crucial that their environment promotes optimum health, welfare and productivity. Here are some important considerations which in turn will have a positive impact on cattle health:  

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Nov
03
2023
Caroline Platt takes on 100k charity challenge!

Our team are a pretty charitable bunch- as you might gather, and this week, MD Caroline has taken on a five-day, 100 kilometre trek in the baking heat of Wadi Rum desert in Jordan, in aid of South Wales based charity, Faith in Families. Read more below…

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Oct
25
2023
Tom Roberts – Platts Powderbed

The Roberts family farm is based on Anglesey, North Wales, milking 600 cows, and rearing all their own heifers too. Earlier this year, we headed out to speak with Tom Roberts, who’s been using Platts Powderbed for some years now.

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Sep
15
2023
Weekender of Charity Fundraising for Platts Team

This weekend is a double weekend of fundraising for our #PlattsPeople, who’re raising vital funds for local hospice, Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester. On both Saturday and Sunday, our teams will compete in races, firstly at Chester Races, and secondly in Farndon at the Soapbox Derby, all to raise some cash for the […]

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Sep
08
2023
Back to Bedding Basics

Since it’s back-to-school time of year, we’ve been reminded of the importance of going ‘back-to-basics, so in this blog, we’ll explore the importance of cattle bedding and the essentials that are worth remembering, regardless of what bedding you’re using…

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Aug
16
2023
Platts exhibit at the RABDF Gold Cup Open Day

Last week, dairy farmers and industry professionals gathered in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire for a day that celebrated the best in British dairy farming.

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Jul
27
2023
Time to replace your mats or mattresses?

How to know when it’s time to replace your mattresses: It’s quite an investment, and tempting to try and make them last forever. But like all pieces of animal husbandry equipment, mats and mattresses do eventually come to the end of their life…  

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Jul
25
2023
A Guide to Winter Bedding

We know it’s meant to be the middle of summer (even though the great British weather missed the memo) and winter is the last thing on your mind. But it pays to be organised -and housing season will be back before we know it.

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Jul
20
2023
Farm Safety Week – The importance of Health and Safety

 Every day, thousands of farmers around the world work tirelessly to feed the global population. However, farming is not without risks, and agricultural accidents can have devastating consequences. Sadly in the last year, 21 farmworkers have died in farm related accidents, according to the HSE. Here’s why farm safety must be top priority…  

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Jul
12
2023
The Upcoming Royal Welsh Show

The Royal Welsh Show, an annual celebration of Welsh agriculture, is just around the corner, and the anticipation is growing! Here’s what you can expect from Platts Agriculture’s exhibition at the Royal Welsh Show, highlighting our commitment to development, sustainable solutions, and support for the farming community.

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Jul
07
2023
Platts Team Raffle ‘Duvet Day’ for Hospice of the Good Shepherd

In our latest Platts charity fundraiser, Platts People raised money for local hospice, Hospice of the Good Shepherd, as part of their corporate challenge. Read on to find out more…

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Jun
15
2023
The importance of keeping cows indoors when its hot

As temperatures rise during the scorching summer months and especially during a heatwave, it becomes crucial for farmers and livestock owners to consider the well-being of their animals, especially cows. In this blog, we will explore the importance of keeping cows indoors when it’s hot and discuss the benefits it brings to our herds.

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May
24
2023
Pallet collection Available!

Here at Platts, we are aiming to do our bit to help the environment, by taking action across all departments, in the office, with our Transport division, in our factory and when sourcing our raw materials to minimise impacts where possible…       

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Mar
21
2023
Chris shortlisted for FSB Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2023!

A huge congratulations to Platts Agriculture Director and Platts Transport MD Chris Whittaker for being shortlisted for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) – FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards in Wales 2023!

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Feb
27
2023
Charlotte’s 10 Week Work Experience

As the last week of Charlotte’s work experience at Platts Agriculture draws to a close, we would like to thank Charlotte for all her hard work.  Here’s an overview of what she’s been up to since she first joined us 10 weeks ago!

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Feb
13
2023
Platts Agriculture visit Castell Alun High School

West Cheshire & North Wales Young Chamber sponsor, Platts Agriculture, recently delivered an engaging presentation along with a thought-provoking marketing activity to students at Castell Alun High School in Hope, North Wales.

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Dec
14
2022
Platts Agriculture supply bedding for reindeer at Bolesworth Castle

An animal bedding company is making sure Santa’s reindeers are well-rested ahead of the big night. Platts Agriculture Ltd, based on Llay Industrial Estate, near Wrexham, has provided super soft bales of bedding to ensure that Rudolph, Blitzen, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen are enjoying sweet dreams between now and Christmas…

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Nov
02
2022
NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY 2022!

It’s National Stress Awareness Day, and stress may manifest itself both physically and emotionally in a variety of ways. National Stress Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of some of the ways that stress may negatively impact anyone and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem.

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May
25
2022
Platts achieve Green Dragon Environmental Standard

Last week we passed our Environmental Audit with flying colours, and Platts Agriculture Limited now has a UKAS accredited Environmental Management Standard, known as Green Dragon.  Read on to find out more about the standard, and how we’re taking our environmental responsibilities seriously.  

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May
20
2022
Family Business of the Year

We’re slowly coming back down to earth after winning the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Family Business of the Year yesterday, at the UK Finals in Glasgow! It was a real delight to win the Welsh award, so to be recognised Nationally is such great news for all at Platts Agriculture.

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Apr
13
2022
Double win for Platts at the FSB Wales Awards!

Last week, 5 of our team headed down to Cardiff, to attend the finals of the Federation of Small Business Wales Awards, where we were shortlisted as finalists for both the Family Business of the Year Award, and the Environmental/Sustainability Business of the Year Award… and won both!

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Mar
24
2022
Shelley Smith joins the Platts Team!

Shelley recently joined the Platts as our new Accounts Manager- following Ian Hall’s promotion to Financial Director last year. Read on to find out more about Shelley’s role, her background and how she’s settling into the Platts Team!

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Feb
11
2022
National Apprenticeship Week 2022!

This year at Platts, we’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with our 2 apprentices, and 4 ‘graduate’ apprentices (now fully-qualified) who make up our ‘almost-60’ strong workforce. As we rapidly grow, apprentices are an important and valued part of our HR strategy, and a training avenue Platts will continue to use well into the future. Why […]

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Feb
04
2022
Alison Fulller joins the Platts Team!

Alison Fuller recently joined the Platts Team in a new role as QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental) Officer. Here’s a quick introduction to Alison, her role and how she’ll be involved in all things QHSE at the Platts Group.  

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Jan
17
2022
Blue Monday – Signposts to Support

The third Monday of January- it’s said to be the most depressing day of the year. Not what any of us want to hear right now.   But keep reading… it gets better!  

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Jan
10
2022
A New Year – Time for a change?

Often New Year is a time when we decide to make change and resolutions!  Why not use this January as an opportunity to review your cattle housing and cow comfort, to consider any areas for improvement, cost-saving or to create efficiency?  

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Dec
10
2021
Platts become ‘We mind the gap’ Employer Partner

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Nov
04
2021
Why dust matters

Horse bedding is used to provide horses with warmth and comfort whilst in the stable. It encourages the horse to lie down, to rest and to urinate which will assist in the maintenance of kidney function and general health. But why is dust such an issue when choosing stable bedding? Read on to find out…

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Nov
03
2021
What actually is a cubicle conditioner?

You might have heard us talking about our Cubicle Conditioner products- and be wondering why these are different to other bedding products available. Here’s the story…

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Nov
01
2021
We’ve partnered with Southern Farmers!

We’re pleased to announce that last year, we began working with Southern Farmers to offer preferential rates on Platts Products to Southern Farmers members. Read on to find out more…

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Oct
25
2021
Management Team New Appointment

Thanks to continued business growth and to fuel further planned expansion in the current months ahead, The Platts Group have made 4 key new appointments of staff to their Management Team since July– at Platts Commercial Services and Platts Agriculture Limited.

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Oct
25
2021
Whittingham Hall Farm -Testimonial

The Dewhurst Family kindly agreed to share why they use Finebed for their mainly AYR housed pedigree herd. Watch below and hear from Mick, who’ll show you around their farm…

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Oct
25
2021
Jay joins Platts for work experience

Last week, Jay who’s currently in Year 10, joined us at Platts to gain an insight into the world of work. Mainly based with our Transport Team, he also spent some time in Production and with the Marketing Teams. Read on to find out what he thought about his week…

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Oct
16
2021
We’re WCNW Business Growth Finalist (again!)

After winning the Business Growth Award back in 2018, and coming as runners up for Business of the Year in 2019, we’re hoping it’s third time lucky at this year’s West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce Awards!

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Sep
22
2021
J Meddins & Co Video Testimonial

The Meddins family kindly invited us to visit their farm – to see just how clean Finebed keeps their 500 dairy cows. Watch our video and hear from James Meddins, who explains how Finebed has improved the health and comfort of their herd, and the impact this has on their business.

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Aug
18
2021
Customer Testimonial – R J & G L Dewhurst

Last week, we paid a visit to the Dewhurst family at Whittingham Hall Farm, near Preston, who use our baled Finebed for their 180 pedigree Holsteins. Thank you to John, Gillian, Mick and Kate who spent the afternoon showing us around! The herd are housed all year round -to maximise productivity, so bedding is vital. […]

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Jun
28
2021
Customer Testimonial – J Meddins & Co

We were delighted to be invited to Lynwood Farm, in  Montgomery recently by Elaine Meddins of J Meddins & Co.  Last week we headed out to visit Elaine Keith, James, and their 500-strong dairy herd. Read on to find out more about their farm, their extra clean cows and why they choose Platts Finebed … […]

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Jun
03
2021
Prepare your cubicles for ultimate dryness!

We all know that keeping cow cubicles as clean and dry as possible is the ultimate goal.   But what is best practice for making that happen?   Read on to find out our top tips for preparing cow cubicles for ultimate dryness – including bedding, cubicle sizes and checking the weather!       […]

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May
18
2021
Charity Ride – Platts raise money riding for the DPJ Foundation!

On 15th May on a wet and windy Saturday, Ashley and Nadia from our Transport and Marketing Teams at Platts completed a charity bike ride for the DPJ Foundation – who work with farmers throughout Wales impacted by poor mental health. Thanks to your generous sponsorship, they raised almost £1500 in total. Thank you!   […]

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May
13
2021
Pallet Collection now available!

As part of the ongoing war on waste, we can collect your used and unbroken pallets on delivery- for reusing again! Read on to find out more…

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May
13
2021
MixBed- Packaging Update

If you’ve been using our MixBed for a number of years, you’ll be aware that last year we changed the packaging of our product from our cuboid bales stacked 30 per pallet, to a neatly compressed flat bale, 55 per pallet. Here’s why:

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Mar
31
2021
Royal Warrant Renewal- A cause to celebrate!

We’re delighted to have received the news today that we’ve been granted our Royal Warrant for a further three years!         

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Mar
10
2021
Are you missing the Signs? Cow Signals® and Comfort

CowSignals® is a technique that was developed by a Dutch vet named Joep Driessen and Jan Hulsen The technique aims to improve cattle health by advising farmers how to read their herds body language and to use this to determine areas in which the environment can be improved. As it is well known in the dairy farming community, happy cows produce more milk.

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Mar
02
2021
Provide your calves with the best possible start

It’s well known that clean, dry and warm bedding is necessary to give calves the best start in life, promoting health and weight gain. With straw prices soaring in some areas of the country – have you considered the alternatives for your calf and livestock bedding or ways to make straw go that bit further?

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Sep
20
2020
Customer Focus: Richard Lowe, Co Limerick

Richard Lowe, who farms in Co Limerick with father George has experienced the benefits of using Platts Finebed for their pedigree Holsteins and Jersey herds this Winter. Here he describes a few of the benefits they’ve experienced…

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Apr
21
2020
Support throughout the Covid Pandemic for Farmers

As the Coronavirus continues to sweep across the globe – there’s no doubt that it’s having an impact on every single one of us, whether we see ourselves the ‘front-line’ or not. Affecting businesses of all sizes, families, communities and Countries, it can all be a little overwhelming…

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Apr
17
2020
COVID-19 Business Update – 17th April

We hope as you read this that you are well and keeping safe amidst the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak which continues to present a significant global challenge.

Platts Animal Bedding value the health and wellbeing of our employees, and those we come into contact with.  We are committed to providing a safe working environment and ensuring business continuity to the best of our abilities…

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Nov
26
2019
Protecting your cows this winter

Since the first snow of the season has already fallen for most of us, we thought that it would be a good idea to share some of the top things to consider when housing your cows this winter..

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Nov
12
2019
Apprentice shortlisted for regional award.

Platts Animal Bedding fabrication and welding apprentice, Ethan McDermott has been shortlisted for the Young Person/Apprentice of the year award at the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce awards.

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Sep
27
2019
We are Rearing to Go!

On Friday 13th September Caroline, Ellen and Nadia, from the Platts team, attended the Rearing to go conference in Shrewsbury.

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Jul
11
2019
A day in the life of a Platts HGV driver

Here at Platts, a sizeable percentage of our 58-strong workforce are made up of our hard-working Transport Team.

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Jul
09
2019
Platts visit Yorkshire Mega Dairy

RABDF Gold Cup Open Day: Metcalfe Farms 

As Summer show season kicks off, over the last month our team have been out and about at events on farms, locally and further afield!

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Jul
02
2019
Driving a Sustainable Future!

You may have read recently about some of our endeavours to ‘go green’ and reduce our impact on the environment. The below story was written recently for Business in the Community – for some guidance documents featuring Royal Warrant Holders, following our Award of the Royal Warrant April 2018.

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Jun
06
2019
The Green Growth Pledge

Here at Platts, we understand that sustainability is key when developing a business and as an organisation, we hope to demonstrate a positive impact on the people and places around us.

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