E10,000 bonus for higher EBIs
The EBI 100 competition should be attractive to everyone who is serious about improving their dairy herds, says Matt Ryan, Teagasc Dairy Programme Manager.
Raising the EBI of the dairy cows, replacement heifers and weanlings will be an important target for farmers hoping to do well in the competition. Financial and environmental issues will also be evaluated, in the search for seven regional finalists three from Munster, two from Leinster and two from Connacht-Ulster.
The overall winner will get 5,000 and three regional winners will each get E1,500. Runners up will each get E250.
Farmers have until Friday, June 24 to get application forms from Teagasc offices, ACCBank, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and Irish Farmers Journal, and submit them.
According to Brian Wickham, Chief Executive, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, "The EBI combines milk production, fertility and, more recently, calving and beefing merit, in the one index. The EBI of the national herd is 21, and is increasing by 1 to 2 per year. Our geneticists have shown that an annual increase in herd EBI of greater than 5 is possible. The top herds are comfortably achieving this."
"Indeed, a sizeable number of herds has an EBI of more than double the national average. Breeding your dairy herd to high EBI bulls will lead to a better balanced, more profitable herd of dairy cows".
Matt Ryan said, "Teagasc is committed to raising the EBI of the national dairy herd by 5 per year. Over five years, this increase in herd EBI could be worth E28,000 to a 50 cow herd, through better milk production and higher fertility."
