Targeted dock control improves grassland efficiency

Like many dairy farmers, docks had become an ongoing challenge, but Scott was increasingly concerned about the impact that blanket herbicide applications were having on sward balance, clover content and long-term soil function.

As pressure increases across the dairy supply chain to reduce fertiliser and chemical inputs, Scott has been focused on building a more resilient grazing platform that supports both productivity and environmental performance. With clover playing a key role in natural nitrogen fixation, protecting it within the sward has become a priority.

Scott is part of a global food supply chain that starts on his dairy farm and ends in one of the world’s most recognisable chocolate bars. His milk is supplied to First Milk, who in turn supply Nestlé with milk chocolate crumb. With Nestlé operating a major factory in Girvan, most of Scott’s milk ultimately ends up in products such as KitKat biscuits.

As a global food manufacturer, Nestlé is committed to Net Zero, and that commitment is increasingly filtering down through First Milk to farm level. For Scott, this translates into a growing emphasis on measurable improvements in nutrient efficiency, input reduction and practices that support long-term soil health. That’s where SKAi comes in.

SKAi spot spraying system in action from A&R Dunlop (Image: Freelancer)

Discovering SKAi

Scott and his father Robert first encountered the SKAi spot spraying system at AgriScot 2024, where they viewed a 15m sprayer on display and spoke with SoilEssentials. After leaving their details, a follow-up conversation led to contact with the SKAi contractor in their area, Adam Dunlop of A&R Dunlop, and the decision was made to trial the service.

Using SKAi from May 2025, Scott treated around 200 acres over the course of the season. The flexibility of the service proved particularly valuable, allowing applications to be timed around grazing and silage rather than forcing fields out of production. This helped maintain sward continuity, protecting both grass growth and clover content throughout the season.

Precision control and benefits

For Scott, one of the key advantages has been the ability to control docks without compromising clover, which is central to the farm’s natural nitrogen fixation strategy. By avoiding blanket applications, he has been able to maintain a more balanced sward and reduce reliance on purchased fertiliser inputs.

The system delivered a clean, effective kill of docks while leaving surrounding grass and clover untouched. While a small number of very young docks were occasionally missed early in the season, these became more visible later and can be addressed going forward. Crucially, Scott reported no reduction in grass yield, which remains the priority in a high-output dairy system.

Compared with blanket spraying, the reduction in herbicide use was described as significant, with lower overall chemical inputs and reduced cost. More importantly for Scott, however, was the impact on the grassland system itself, with improved preservation of clover and less disruption to the soil-plant balance.

A more resilient system

Since switching to SKAi, he has noticed a more consistent sward and improved grass utilisation, alongside stronger clover presence compared with previous blanket spray programmes. This has supported a more efficient nutrient cycle within the soil, reducing dependence on synthetic fertiliser and strengthening the farm’s overall resilience.

The precision of the system was another major benefit, giving confidence that chemical was only being applied where necessary. Scott highlighted the reassurance this brings in terms of both environmental performance and avoiding unnecessary stress on the sward.

There was no hesitation when asked about future use. SKAi has now become part of his regular weed control strategy, and he would readily recommend it to other farmers looking to improve grassland efficiency while protecting soil health and reducing inputs.

Overall, SKAi has given Scott a practical, reliable way to control docks while supporting a more balanced, clover-rich sward.

For a dairy farm under pressure to improve efficiency, it has become a valuable tool in building a more resilient and soil-focused system.