Dairy nutrition plays a critical role in milk production, cow health and lifetime herd performance. In this episode of the Mole Valley Farmers Podcast, renowned dairy nutrition expert Emeritus Professor Jim Drackley from the University of Illinois shares insights from a recent Nutrition Masterclass.

The discussion covers feeding strategies for transition cows, calf growth and the development of replacement heifers explaining how nutrition at every stage of life influences productivity and efficiency in the milking herd.

From managing energy balance in early lactation to supporting growth in youngstock, the episode offers practical insights for dairy farmers looking to improve herd performance. Presented by Seth Conway.

Topics covered

• Transition cow nutrition
• Dairy calf growth
• Heifer development
• Amino acid nutrition
• Improving milk production

In this episode of the Mole Valley Farmers podcast, we focus on farm safety which is an issue that continues to affect farming families and communities across the UK.

In the last reporting year, 23 people lost their lives in farm-related accidents. Tragically, in the current year — which runs until the end of March — that figure has already risen to 27 deaths, including three children.

Joined by Lorna Filby, Head of Safety, Wellbeing, Environment and Benefits, and Ed Paine from Mole Valley’s safety team, this episode explores the real risks on farm, from machinery and transport to lone working and mental wellbeing. It’s a conversation about awareness, responsibility and the importance of taking a moment to think before acting — with one simple aim: helping everyone get home safe. Presented by Seth Conway.

In this first episode of the Mole Valley Farmers podcast Season 4, we focus on fertiliser and the key decisions farmers face as spring approaches. Joined by Becky Baston and Sophie Pratt from the Mole Valley fertiliser team, we discuss supply, pricing, logistics and why planning early can make a real difference. The conversation offers practical insight to help farmers stay informed and prepared for the season ahead. Presented by Seth Conway

Discover how Mole Valley Farmers prepares its stores for Christmas. This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes view of seasonal planning - from selecting Christmas gifts and ranges to organising displays and essential winter products. A focused look at how teams work together to create a smooth festive shopping experience. Whilst at the same time continuing to provide all the farming essentials because as we all know, farming never stops! Presented by Seth Conway.

In this episode of The Mole Valley Farmers Podcast, host Seth Conway visits Cattedown Wharves in Plymouth to explore how Mole Valley Farmers’ new port operation is strengthening feed supply across the South West. Hear from the Mole Valley team and the port operators as they explain how this major development gives farmers greater security, flexibility, and sustainability — and why it marks a real game-changer for the cooperative.

For our dairy farmers TPi90 could hold the key to protein dips causing the breakdown of muscles and other protein sources in cows, vital for milk production and the immune system.

We’re joined by Dr Kerensa Hawkey and Peter Reis, both expert nutritionists, to talk about a new concept focusing on vital protein during a cow’s transition period.

In conversation with presenter Seth Conway.

Safety is paramount when it comes to cattle handling, for both animal and handler. Reducing risks and stress is essential and, in this episode, experts explain all the things to consider when choosing, installing and using cattle handling equipment.

Senior team members from IAE and Mole Valley Farmers Product Manager Michael Julian sit down with Seth Conway to share some of their top tips on stress-free, safe cattle handling to increase productivity and efficiency.

Surplus lambs are inevitable on any farm so learning how to make the most of them is essential. Seth Conway speaks to Dr Jessica Cooke from Volac Milk Replacers and Mole Valley Farmers Business Development Manager Bex Deacon who set up her own flock by rearing surplus lambs. They explain how assessing the lambing process as a whole, starting with ewe health pre-tupping, can make all the difference. They also cover the importance of colostrum production in late pregnancy, what methods you can use for feeding, feeding cold versus warm milk replacer and when to introduce creep feed. And they share the things on their lambing checklist you may not have thought of.