Information & Trials

Effective tracks are crucial to maximise grass utilisation. If grazing is an integral part of your dairy system, cow track quality needs to be high.

Typical Track Costs	Cost per m2	3.0 m wide per running m
Concrete - Tractor and cow 150mm	£16.88	£50.63
Cows only 100mm	£12.38	£37.15
Asphalt	£12.13	£36.40
Cambered Stone	£4.80	£14.40
Track reconstruction	£2.00	£6.00

A network of cow tracks has been installed, particularly for the High Margin per Litre herd. These tracks and simple electric fencing allow many alternative access points to each grazing area. They minimise poaching of gateways, reduce lameness and facilitate access to grazing even in difficult weather conditions. Several different types of tracks are demonstrated on the unit including:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW TRACK DEVELOPMENTS AT GELLI AUR  

The new grazing area at Pentrecwn requires further tracks. A licence has been obtained to extract river gravel to build the tracks. This provides a cost effective material but the stone does not naturally bind together. Instead of having to buy in quarry dust as a topping, the river gravel is being mechanically crushed, moulded and compacted into a track. The old railway track is also being repaired for vehicle access.  

MECHANICAL TRACK CONSTRUCTION  

Purpose built construction machinery is available to repair old and build new tracks. Options include:

• New tracks – all types of stone, tarmac or concrete can be crushed and moulded into a track
• Old tracks can be ripped up & re-laid without needing to bring in new materials
• Stabilisation – Addition of cement mixed in with subsoil or stone to provide a robust cow or tractor track
• All surfaces can be cambered & compacted  

Typical operational costs:

• Track reconstruction - £2.00 per m2 (£6.00 per running metre on a 3 metre wide track)
• Laying new track with stabiliser – crushing & mixing rubble, grading camber & compacting £6.00 per m2 (£18.00 per running metre on a 3 metre wide track)