Teagasc dairy experts advise farmers on price volatility planning
The first talk takes place next Tuesday in the GAA Complex, Mallow, Co Cork. The last talk is in the Country Arms Hotel, Birr, Co Offaly, on February 5.
Focused on managing through projected low prices in 2015, farmers will view optimum post-quota dairy farm systems, spring 2015 grazing management, rearing healthy calves and cow management from calving to mating start date. The talks will will also deal with cash flow budgeting.
Dr Tom O’Dwyer, head of dairy knowledge transfer in Teagasc, said: “Reductions in milk price are not new. Dairy farmers had to manage with low milk prices in 2009 and to a lesser extent in 2012. Now is the time to review the tactical options available to manage through the next 12 months. Farmers need to be proactive, to plan their cashflow, to identify areas where cash inflows can be increased and cash outflows can be reduced.
“Across-the-board costcutting is not necessarily the answer. Farmers should make tactical and cost-effective choices. Now is the time for farmers to examine their expenditure options and to complete a cashflow budget for 2015. There is plenty of help available from Teagasc to assist farmers in creating a cashflow budget and Teagasc has also redesigned its budgeting template to help farmers get started.”
Dairy farmers provide support to the Teagasc dairy research programme through the Dairy Research Trust. The seminars are hosted by Teagasc Moorepark Research and Teagasc Advisory Service.
