Court Farm in Wiltshire represents a successful first-generation farming operation that has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1974. The Richards family operation now manages approximately 450-460 Holstein cows with a similar number of young stock on a grass and maize-based system. Paul Richards runs the farm with his eldest son Chris, who handles day-to-day operations. Rob, the farm's experienced herds manager, plays a crucial role in breeding and management decisions alongside Paul and Chris.
Strategic Breeding Approach
Working with Cogent since late 2020, Court Farm has implemented a well-structured breeding strategy that maximises both dairy genetics and beef value:30% of the herd receives sexed dairy semen
- 70% goes to beef semen (Triple Angus, Triple EMI, and Triple Hereford)
- The top 40% of heifers are selected for sexed semen based on genomic data and Cogent’s Custom Index (£CCI)
Katie Evans, Cogent’s Area Sales Manager for the South, works with the farm alongside Genetics Consultant Mike Potter and lead Precision AI technician Matt Clarke. This strategic approach allows the farm to be "more selective with the heifers" rather than breeding from every animal, as their genetics consultant explains. The integration of genomic testing has refined this process further, enabling them to "target the cows that we want to breed from."
The Genomic Testing Journey
Implemented in 2020-21, since the beginning of their relationship with Cogent, genomic testing has become integral to Court Farm's breeding decisions. While recognising that genetic improvements take time to materialise, the farm is already documenting measurable benefits.
Haplotype Management
One of the most valuable insights has been haplotype identification. “Genomic testing allowed us to identify the small percentage of animals carrying any haplotypes and highlighted the impact this can have if not identified through Genomic testing. If we've got any animals coming through with haplotypes, we can breed them accordingly," explains Rob. This proactive approach helps prevent genetic issues while maintaining progress.
Enhanced Selection Accuracy
"We're using the data for all matings," Rob notes, highlighting how genomic information now guides breeding decisions and helps align breeding with their specific milk contract requirements.
The farm utilises genomic data from all cows and heifers for Chromosomal Mating to the best fit bulls available through Cogent 4M Ultraplus sexed semen. This chromosomal mating approach uses genomic SNP data from both the female and bull populations to breed the most profitable next generation females.
As part of Cogent’s Legend programme, Court Farm also benefits from access to elite sires throughout Cogent’s bull line-up, further enhancing their genetic selection opportunities.
Commercial Applications
The farm has successfully used genomic data combined with production records to market surplus animals that didn't fit their breeding programme, adding value through data-backed selection criteria.
Measuring Success
Court Farm's commitment to data collection provides clear evidence of their genetic programme's effectiveness:
Production Quality Improvements
The farm has documented substantial improvements in milk composition that support their milk contract:
- Fat percentage increased from 4.2% (2021) to 4.4% (2025)
- Protein percentage rose from 3.1% (2021) to 3.4% (2025)
"Fat percentages are better than ever," Chris confirms.
First Lactation Performance
Independent validation comes from the farm's nutritionist, Ewan Mackintosh, who has observed that "the heifers are performing really well" with "a huge improvement in yield over the last two years," precisely coinciding with the genomic testing implementation.
Genomic Validation
Perhaps most importantly, Court Farm can now compare genomic predictions with actual performance. Their data shows that genomic tested females in their first lactation with milk PTAs above 300kg are delivering, on average, 1,500kg more milk in their first lactation (305-day yield) compared to those with milk PTAs below 300kg.
"We can challenge what the genomics are suggesting and what we're actually seeing in the tank," explains Katie. This validation confirms that "the high PTA milk heifers will be the high PTA in the tank."
Outstanding Genomic Achievements
- Heifers with EcoFeed scores of 112
- Milk Kgs as high as 1046kg
- Fat percentages of 0.35%
- Protein percentages of 0.22%
- Fertility index of 18.2
- SCC -30
- Lifespan 140
- 39% of all animals tested are A2A2
Technology Integration & Management
Court Farm's success stems from comprehensive breeding management, supported by other improvements. While genetic progress remains the primary driver of enhanced performance, the implementation of new technologies has also made a significant impact. For example, combining genetic advancements with the installation of an Automatic Dipping & Flushing (ADF) system has, as Chris notes, "changed dramatically" their mastitis incidence.
Future Development
Rather than expansion, Court Farm focuses on continuous improvement. "With all the data available to us, working with industry experts and our very competent team on farm the herd outlook is very promising as well as productive ," Chris observes. Their forward plans include:
- Refining genomic selection as more tested heifers enter the milking herd
- Exploring sexed male technology for beef breeding
- Continuing to validate genomic data against actual production performance
Return on Investment
“It’s allowed us to push forward with herd improvement. We are de-selecting the bottom percentage of genetics and continuously striving for maximum genetic gain year on year.” Katie explains. “Those females within the herd deemed not suitable for sexed dairy are then bred to a high Cogent Growth Index beef sire with a view to use sexed Male beef semen in 2025 to further maximise profit per pregnancy.”
Paul and the team believe that the return on investment seen through genomic testing is notable through improved yield, overall heath and fertility paired with a profitable beef calf crop.
Industry Implications
Court Farm's experience demonstrates how genomic testing, when combined with expert guidance from companies like Cogent, can deliver tangible benefits in commercial dairy farming. By following Cogent’s MAP strategy systematically and using genomic data with 60-70% reliability rather than parent averages that provide "a stab in the dark," the farm has achieved measurable improvements in production quality and efficiency.
The operation proves that data-driven breeding decisions, when properly implemented and supported by experienced genetics providers, can significantly enhance commercial dairy performance. Court Farm provides a practical model for other progressive dairy farms considering genomic testing adoption.
