Even the experts have their farming setbacks
A spate of caesarian sections and high calving loses in the replacements have hit the Derrypatrick suckler herd at the Grange, Co Meath, research centre, where a non-performing bull caused a major problem last year (see ‘Derrypatrick just like a normal farm’).
There has been a setback on the greenfield dairy farm at Clara, Co Kilkenny, also.
In the recent annual herd test, five cows tested as reactors, so the herd of 310 cows and followers is restricted.
There will be a retest in 60 days, two clear tests are needed for de-restriction. There are 20 young calves already, which will have to be reared on the farm until restrictions are lifted.
Meanwhile, development of a similar green-field dairy farm is at an advanced stage at Shinagh, Bandon, Co Cork.
The collaborative project between the co-ops, Teagasc and Carbery will be used as a demonstration farm to help farmers in the region adopt skills and technologies for profitable milk production.
All pasture and reseeding works have been completed by Shinagh Dairy, farm roadways have been installed, and a 20-unit milking parlour has been constructed.
The herd now comprises 199 spring-calving cows, with almost 200 acres for cow grazing.
A farm office has been established, and a farm manager and labourer are in place.
