By investing in a zero grazer, farmers can harvest more grass, reduce fertiliser expenses, and cut down on concentrate feed.
Reports from farmers and industry experts highlight significant savings, making zero grazing an excellent alternative for modern dairy and beef operations.
Find out how much you can save with zero grazing below…
Impact of Switching to Zero Grazing
1. Harvest up to 40% more grass
By investing in a zero grazer machine, you can access grass or forage that the may not have in the infrastructure to graze cattle. Therefore, increasing fresh grass utlisation.
Grass Technology reports that by cutting and carrying forage crops at an optimal time means farmers can harvest up to 40% more grass.
This system allows you to make the most out of your available land, increasing feed availability without overloading pastures.
2. Reduce fertiliser by up to 50%
One of the significant expenses in traditional grazing systems is fertiliser. According to Grass Technology, one of the key benefits of zero grazing is the more efficient use of the slurry.
As the cows are kept inside, farmers are able to use the slurry more effectively, as they can place it wherever they want it.
Grazing lands often require high levels of fertiliser to maintain grass growth, and the continuous grazing of livestock can lead to nutrient depletion.
However, with zero grazing, farmers can reduce fertiliser use by up to 50%.
3. Save up to 19% on concentrates
When using a cut-and-carry system, farmers have more control over the quality and quantity of forage, allowing them to optimise their livestock’s diet.
As a result, Grass Technology say that it’s possible to reduce the reliance on concentrate feed by up to 19%.
According to Farmers Weekly, one farmer found that switching their cows to zero grazing cut feed costs from 11p per litre to 8p per litre. This was due to higher protein levels in fresh grass, which allowed the protein in the blend and parlour concentrate to be reduced.
AHDB reports that one farmer saves up to 3kg on concentrates per cow each day when zero grazing.
4. Decreased wear on TMR mixers
Farmers who rely on traditional grazing systems often use equipment such as TMR mixers to process and distribute feed. Over time, this equipment can experience wear and tear, resulting in costly maintenance and repairs.
By switching to zero grazing, you reduce the frequency of using these mixers. This translates into fewer repair costs, a longer lifespan for your equipment, and ultimately, more savings for your farm.
5. Savings on labour
Traditional grazing systems require ongoing supervision and management of pasture, fencing, and herd movement, all of which take considerable time and effort.
The zero grazer can speed up the process of moving large quantities of feed, eliminating the need for manual labour, and thereby saving both time and labour costs.
AHDB Findings
According to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the zero grazing system offers significant cost-saving benefits, including reductions in fertiliser use and feed costs.
In an interview with a farmer from Gloucestershire who has invested in a zero grazer, the AHDB highlights notable savings on feed costs, a decreased need for silage, and a reduced reliance on purchased fertilisers through improved slurry utilisation.
Hire our Zero Grazer
As distributors of Grass Technology’s zero grazer machines, we offer farmers the option to hire, allowing access to all the benefits without the high initial costs.
One key advantage of hiring is flexibility – you can rent the equipment as needed, whether for seasonal use or to trial zero grazing without the upfront investment.
Another benefit is reduced maintenance – there’s no need to worry about upkeep costs or long-term servicing.
Use our ROI calculator to see how much you could save with a cut-and-carry system on your farm. Alternatively, register your interest in hiring a machine, and we’ll be in touch.
Ready to discover the benefits of zero grazing? Get in touch with us today on 01978 854666 to see how we can support you.
