Crowds flock to Shinagh Farm
This farm of over 300 acres, which is owned by the four West Cork Co-ops, was in beef production up to last year, but with the support of Teagasc, and Ulster Bank, it is now being operated as a demonstration Dairy Farm on a Greenfield Programme.
Gerard McMahon CEO Cork/West, said this project was set-up to help farmers maximise production and minimise costs, notably via greater utilisation of grass.
Teagasc’s Tom O’Dwyer said that dairy farmers should be gearing-up for the situation where quotas will be gone in four years from now.
The chairman of the board of Shinagh Estates, Neil O’Leary (Bandon), told those present: “We hope that from your presence here you will increase the productivity and profitability of your own farms and in so doing enhance your own living standards, and that of the whole rural community.”
Derry Connolly (Drinagh), chairman of Carbery Group, who are also deeply involved with the promotion, said they have worked with Teagasc in previous joint programmes and appreciate the value of demonstration Monitor Farms in helping farmers improve their profitability.
Mr Connolly said Herd Health programmes will help Irish farmers as they strive to promote profitable and environmentally sustainable dairy farming to take advantage of all opportunities after 2015.
