Teagasc open day set to target tillage farmers converting to dairy

TILLAGE farmers converting to dairy will be among those attending today’s Teagasc open day on the Greenfield Dairy Farm, Dunbell, Clara, Co Kilkenny.

Analysts predict that strong milk prices and the end of the quota era in 2015 will inspire a significant swing towards dairy farming over the coming years. With this in mind, farm advisory service Teagasc is likely to host further events such as today’s open day in Kilkenny.

Head of Teagasc’s Animal Production and Grassland programme, Dr Pat Dillon said: “With the abolition of milk quotas in April 2015, many Irish farmers are looking to expand their existing dairy operations or develop a new milking business from a green field.

“The lessons being learnt from this joint project are invaluable and will be of interest to all those involved in farming. All available information, from starting to convert the tillage farm, right through to the latest milk production and grass growth figures will be presented and discussed on Wednesday.”

The main objective of today’s event is to demonstrate best practice in the design, construction and operation of a low cost, grass-based, large scale, milk production system to Irish dairy farmers within the constraints of commercial farm practice.

Now in its second year of milk production, the physical and financial performance of the farm in year one will be presented and available in a comprehensive booklet for visitors to discuss. Current grass production and utilisation will be demonstrated. Information on the infrastructure of the farm, the milking facilities, herd health, business planning, and financing options will also be available.

This new dairy demonstration farm is a project between Teagasc, Glanbia, FBD Trust, AIB, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Agricultural Trust (Irish Farmers’ Journal) and the Phelan family (farm owners). Admission is free and begins at 11am.