Farming Dairy Sector

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

farming

Good time for quality silage

The results for over 1,400 grass silage samples sent to Dairygold Co-op for analysis show very little difference in the average DMD (feeding value) of silage made in 2014 versus 2013 (69.4 versus 69.1).

farming

Seven CalfCare events designed to answer all concerns

farming

Milk recording shows which cows pay their way

farming

Dairy farmers paying €400 or more for handy bull calves, to offload surplus milk

farming

Farmers under pressure to cope with rising costs

farming

Super levy is a serious concerm for some farmers

Farming out of sync with fall in greenhouse gas

There is little conflict between good farming and care of the environment. Many farmers have saved money on fertilisers without any loss of production, while better protecting the environment.

Thu, 11 Dec, 2014

First 18 graduate with professional diploma in dairy herd management

The first graduates of the professional diploma in dairy-herd management course were presented with their diplomas by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney at Teagasc Moorepark, last week.

Thu, 04 Dec, 2014

900 potential new entrants, 200 to re-enter

About 50% of existing Irish dairy farmers plan to increase milk production by 10-20%, and another 20% plan to increase by 20-50%, said Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle, at the recent National Dairy Conference in Dublin.

Thu, 04 Dec, 2014

No futures solution yet in dairy slump

It will be 18 months or so before dairy futures markets become relevant and of value to Irish farmers, say co-ops representatives, responding to media reports that Irish milk processors ignored offers to lock in milk prices at 39c/l for two years.

Thu, 27 Nov, 2014

Correct conditioning required to maintain effective fertility

The following problems are associated with cows that are too fat during the dry period.

Thu, 27 Nov, 2014

Close attention to dry cow period is key to success

Researchers and successful dairy farmers now regard the nutrition and management of dry cows more important — and more difficult — than milking cows.

Thu, 27 Nov, 2014

Dry cow mastitis treatment still vital procedure

The drying off procedure for cows is vitally important in lowering SCC levels during the dry period.

Thu, 20 Nov, 2014

Volatility: high cost struggle

What is the best strategy to cope with milk price volatility?

Thu, 13 Nov, 2014

ICBF finds great variation in SCC counts

Recent information from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) showed that the average somatic cell count (SCC) of all cows recorded in the first 10 days of October this year was 215,000 (206,000 last year).

Thu, 06 Nov, 2014

Research finds that farmers are using 25% more N fertiliser than required

Research work by James Humphreys and colleagues in the late nineties indicate that 200 to 220 units of N per acre are sufficient to support 1 cow per acre without clover.

Thu, 30 Oct, 2014

Farmers need to reconsider their view on practice of soil testing

Soil testing is the most cost effective tool to optimise the use of fertiliser and slurry and farm production.

Thu, 30 Oct, 2014

Soil testing neglected practice by Irish farmers

Soil testing is the most cost effective tool to optimise the use of fertiliser and slurry and farm production. 

Thu, 30 Oct, 2014

Sell some stock if winter housing is deficient

The winter housing period is fast approaching and every farmer should carry out a farmyard assessment now.

Thu, 23 Oct, 2014

Price critical for profitability of cull fattening

A lot of cows have been culled this year, due to fairly good prices and with the pressure of quota, many farmers are likely to use the opportunity to get rid of problem cows this autumn.

Thu, 23 Oct, 2014

Preparation for spring grass must begin now

Autumn grass is very valuable, and should be kept in the cow’s diet for as long as possible.

Thu, 09 Oct, 2014

Markets must be grown if organic is to be viable

The first essential for successfully changing to organic dairy farming is that farmers are already efficient non-organic farmers, and that they can grow and manage clover swards successfully.

Thu, 02 Oct, 2014

Working together to make the most of contract rearing

We are facing into a new era after milk quota abolition.

Thu, 25 Sep, 2014

Is farming on the edge worthwhile?

In the past, we heard a lot about grazing systems which involves very heavy stocking rates, extremely tight grazing and using very little concentrates.

Thu, 25 Sep, 2014

Despite major effort fatalities are on increase

Up to 2010, when there was a huge upsurge, farm related fatalities were gradually decreasing. 

Thu, 11 Sep, 2014

Make sure that you are not a tragic farm accident statistic

According to Teagasc Health and Safety Officer, John McNamara many farm deaths can be prevented. 

Thu, 11 Sep, 2014

Dairy focus: How to manage drought effect

Despite one of the best years ever for grass production, some areas, most notably light coastal areas in Cork and Waterford, suffered from drought in August.

Thu, 04 Sep, 2014

Prepare now for tax bills later in the year

Any dairy farmer who had a tax bill last year is likely to have a higher one this year.

Thu, 28 Aug, 2014

Much work to do on reducing SCC levels

Recent data from the ICBF shows that the average SCC in-herd record from July 30 to August 8 this year was 206,000, which is an improvement in recent years.

Thu, 21 Aug, 2014

Much work to do on reducing SCC levels

Recent data from the ICBF shows that the average SCC in-herd record from July 30 to August 8 this year was 206,000, which is an improvement in recent years.

Thu, 21 Aug, 2014

Much work to do on reducing SCC levels

Recent data from the ICBF shows that the average SCC in-herd record from July 30 to August 8 this year was 206,000, which is an improvement in recent years.

Thu, 21 Aug, 2014

Farmers face one of their biggest ever super levy challenges

The country is more than 7% over milk quota, and farmers face one of their biggest ever super levy challenges.

Thu, 14 Aug, 2014

Forage feed values and prices may vary

Be careful when purchasing forage, as the quality can vary widely, and it should be assessed locally by Teagasc before you buy.

Thu, 07 Aug, 2014

Manage grass to optimise quality and quantity

Lengthening rotations from mid-August to 30-35 days in late September is a very important aspect of grassland management.

Thu, 07 Aug, 2014

61-year-old herd stars

A family tradition in Pure Friesian breeding over four generations came under the spotlight at the recent IHFA Pure Friesian Open Day, which featured a herd averaging 6,696kg at 4.38 % fat and 3.51% protein, without following the Holstein route.

Thu, 07 Aug, 2014

Big surge in reseeding is expected

On average, only about 2.5% of potentially good grassland is reseeded annually.

Thu, 31 Jul, 2014

Supports must be given to those most in need

When I was invited to attend the launch of the latest programme, I was delighted, because it took place on the kind of family farm I have always advocated, and it was being led from the Dairygold side by Jim Woulfe, who has always been a supporter of this kind of co-operation.

Thu, 24 Jul, 2014

€1m project to help expansion after quotas

Dairygold Co-op has again joined with Teagasc and is investing €1m in a programme to help its milk suppliers achieve profitable and sustainable expansion in the post-quota era.

Thu, 24 Jul, 2014

Cutbacks on fertiliser have gone too far

For several years, concerns have been expressed about the reduction in use of fertiliser and lime.

Thu, 17 Jul, 2014

Dairy AI usage not increasing as it should

One of the biggest mistakes being made on farms is cutting costs in essential areas, unfortunately often done due to financial pressure.

Thu, 10 Jul, 2014

Sizeable gap in profit margins, figures show

The milk price in 2013 averaged 40c in profit monitor results compiled by Teagasc.

Thu, 10 Jul, 2014

Priority must be to minimise drops in yields

Achieving high peak milk yields in April or May is a very important aspect of achieving high milk yields; this is well recognised by farmers.

Thu, 03 Jul, 2014

Course gets to grips with best milking practice

Funding for a new milking skills training course has been announced by the Department of Agriculture.

Thu, 26 Jun, 2014

Digestible grass good for protein

Grazing limits

Thu, 26 Jun, 2014

Teat disinfection kills infections and can raise profits

Mastitis reduces milk yield and leads to poor-quality milk. Together, these factors erode the milk income received by farmers and processors.

Thu, 26 Jun, 2014

Expansion business plans questioned

The dairy expansion train has already left the station, as evidenced by the increase in dairy cow and replacement heifer numbers over the last three years, said Teagasc dairy systems economics researcher Laurence Shalloo, at a recent Teagasc seminar on Financial Planning for Expansion.

Thu, 26 Jun, 2014

Farmers slow to embrace benefits of clover

The beneficial effects of including clover in pastures have been well proved in the last few decades. Despite this, farmers are slow to accept these benefits.

Thu, 19 Jun, 2014

Broken weather leads to silage harvesting difficulties

A lot of very good silage was made in May but towards the end of the month, and in early June, the weather made it very difficult for silage harvesting in most areas.

Thu, 19 Jun, 2014

Cutting mastitis cases can pay dividends

There is still a problem with some high-SCC herds.

Thu, 12 Jun, 2014

Financial planning key to profits

BEING a technically efficient dairy farmer will be absolutely necessary in the future. But it will not be enough, said Tom O’Dwyer, Teagasc Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, at the recent dairy expansion events for Agricultural Science Association members.

Thu, 05 Jun, 2014