Moorepark’15 all about sustainable milk expansion
Admission and parking are free, a comprehensive explanatory booklet will be provided.
The New Entrants to Dairying section will be of particular interest. Information and advice will be available on financial planning and the best farm infrastructure.
A special feature of Teagasc Moorepark’15 will be a forum on ‘Developing a Successful Career in Dairying’. It will include a Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management student, young share farmers, a new entrant to dairying and farm managers/owners with a range of experience.
A new publication called “Stepping Stones to a career in Dairy Farming” which outlines a career profile and progression pathway for young people entering dairying will be available at the open day (thanks to the support of Ulster Bank).
Live demonstrations will cover grazing management, various breeds and crossbreeds, calf rearing and heifer management.
Sexed semen, collaborative farming, reducing the carbon footprint, improving energy and water efficiency, and increasing productivity on heavy soils, are among the particular topics.
Information on how to avail of Teagasc discussion groups, farm walks, seminars, newsletters and short courses in financial management, breeding and grassland will be available.
Industry experts from ICBF, AHI, DAFM and UCD will also be present to discuss individual farmer queries.
Farmers will learn how they can reach targets such as 12 tonnes/ha of grass utilised, 5.5 lactations per cow, and 90% calving in six weeks.
A section on keeping yourself safe on dairy farms will offer advice on keeping children safe, identifying hazards, etc.
The overall theme for the Moorepark’15 open day is sustainable expansion, against the background of milk quota abolition last April.
Sponsored by FBD, this open day will showcase for all involved in the dairy industry the latest developments to help farmers increase their profitability, and cope with challenges such as volatile milk prices.
Efficient production and utilisation of pasture is the only viable model of milk production in a competitive world market, and the basis for Ireland’s competitive advantage in milk production.
The Open Day will highlight the importance of systems that are resilient to external forces, with sufficient tactical flexibility to overcome unanticipated events.
