Search for new ideas goes on tour

HOW to exploit the potential extra profit of €200 to €300 from today’s better bred dairy cows will be discussed on farms across the country over the next week.

All dairy farmers are invited to Focus Farm Meetings in Monaghan, Mayo, Cork, Kilkenny and Laois, organised by Richard Keenan and Company in co-operation with IFA and the Irish Holstein Friesian Association.

Last week, an independent scientific advisory board brought together by Gerard Keenan, chairman of the livestock nutrition machinery company, said that it is vital to develop new models of livestock production, and the Focus Farm Meetings are designed to enable dairy farmers explore methods whereby they can improve output, margins and profitability.

IFA representatives will discuss milk price, milk quota management proposals and the nitrates directive. Keenan nutritionists will advise on cow nutrition and management, and host farmers will describe their own secrets of success.

Starting at 2pm, the dates, venues and locations are:

Monday, July 19, on the farm of Ivan Dawson, Corvalley, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan

Tuesday, July 20, Michael Clarke, Gortogher, Cloghans, Ballina, Co Mayo

Wednesday, July 21, John Kirby, Mounteen, Ballinascarthy, Clonakilty, Co Cork

Thursday, July 22, Syl Ryan, Killeen, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny

Friday, July 23, Liam Rohan, Annegrove House, Kilbricken, Mountrath, Laois.