Teagasc publishes guidelines for farmers thinking about contract rearing

Contract rearing involves the movement of heifers from a dairy farm to be reared on a drystock farm, then return in-calf and ready for milk production

A group of contract rearing farmers visited the Co Sligo farms of Marty Lenehan in Ballinfull and of Kieran Henry in Tubbercurry. Due to dairy herd expansion, reduced stocking limits for derogation farmers, and reductions in leased land availability, demand for contract rearing has grown.

Teagasc has launched a new booklet titled ' Guidelines to Contract Rearing' during an event in Sligo organised for farmer clients involved in contract rearing. 

The guide aims to inform farmers on both sides of contract rearing agreements about the key requirements to operate successful livestock rearing arrangements.