Gradual expansion in dairying once quotas gone

Gradual expansion is the plan for a Co Waterford dairy farm where Teagasc recently organised a land drainage and farm infrastructure demonstration.

PJ Hickey, Modeligo, will gradually increase cow numbers from 100 at present up to 140, plus 30 livestock units of replacement heifers. His Teagasc Adviser, Brian Hilliard, told those at the farm walk that PJ will not be increasing stocking rates.

By getting rid of all drystock once milk quotas are gone, he will maintain his current overall stocking rate of 2.2 livestock units per hectare.