Navigator in Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) will boost farm profitability
The Carbon Navigator is a software tool developed by Teagasc and Bord Bia to help farmers engage with practical measures that can improve on farm profitability while at the same time enhancing environmental performance.
Producing more from fewer inputs is central to global sustainability initiatives and the Origin Green Programme.
The Navigator is a discussion facilitator to help farmers examine current practices and identify any areas for improvement.
One of the main reasons the Department of Agriculture has required that the navigator is completed with an approved Teagasc or private farm advisor is that in discussion with the advisor, realistic targets can be set, and a clear outline of what needs to be done to achieve these targets can be agreed.
An advisor helps to ensure that the targets set are appropriate for the farm.
The advisor will be available throughout the programme to help the farmer with any challenges they encounter in achieving their targets.
Farmers who complete the Navigator can see profitability gains from each element that the tool records.
For example, a 10-day increase in grazing season reduces costs by €25 per cow; and reducing the age at first calving from 29 months to 28 months improves returns by €50 per cow.
Improving the calving rate from 80% to 85% lifts returns by around €45 per cow, and increasing lifetime average daily gain from 900g to 1,000g lifts returns by around €63 per head. Reducing nitrogen fertiliser by 10kg per ha cuts costs by €10.
There will be no cost to the farmer to complete the Carbon Navigator with an approved advisor.
The Department will pay for this element of the BDGP.
The Department will shortly invite tenders for delivery of Carbon Navigator training to qualified advisors, to ensure enough advisors are available.
Other aspects of the programme have also been clarified ahead of tomorrow’s extended application deadline.
The number of eligible hectares declared each year (on which payment is based) cannot reduce by more than 20% during the six years of the programme.
There is no restriction on individual farmers increasing their output and cow numbers during the course of the scheme.
Farmers will be informed of the details of animals on their farms with eurostar ratings shortly after applying for the scheme. Scheme applicants can then use this information, and other details provided to them, to make a final assessment of their commitment to the scheme.
They have a set period to withdraw from the scheme, without penalty or obligation, if they feel the scheme is not suitable for their farm.
The Department of Agriculture is also exploring means of making information on eurostar ratings widely available, including through livestock marts, to help BDGP participants meet scheme requirements.
Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has noted that ICBF can provide an indication of the likely euro star rating to be given to bulls when imported into Ireland, and said it is likely that AI companies and breeders will be much more vigilant regarding the type of “outcross” bulls that they purchase or import, in the future.
