Maintaining fresh-cow dry matter intake is one of the secrets to keeping cows healthy and productive throughout lactation, writes independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

The first half of 2026 looks like being a difficult period for milk price and as a result, optimising milk quantity and quality is a must.

Irish livestock producers face significant economic uncertainty in 2026 from trade deals and rising costs, alongside managing crucial farm preparations for spring.

How you feed cows during their dry period will stimulate good appetite post calving and will really pay off in the next lactation as it will minimise stress and weight-loss post calving

Moulds can thrive in silage that’s not well managed, worsening the problem, advises independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

2025 silages are a mixed bag, like any other year, writes independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Unnecessarily long dry periods will cost you a lot of money this winter, advises ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

As we head into October, attention will turn to preparing for housing and the winter-feeding plan

Grass will obviously need a bit of a longer wilt at this time of year, particularly if it is being baled, as grass dry matters are currently between 13% and 15%, advises independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy

Calves have been selling at record prices in 2025, but is it possible for them to make any money? Independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy gives his take