Dairy Newsletter – November/December 2025

By Dairy Specialist team

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In this edition:

• Top five tips for November
  1. Dairy markets have weakened considerably over the last couple of months, resulting in significant negative impacts on expected cash returns. Take some time to complete or revise your cash budgets for spring 2026.
  2. Most herds have good body condition scores (BCS) this autumn, but there will always be individual cows that need intervention.
  3. Discuss a housing parasite control plan with your vet. Make sure you’re using the correct licensed product for each class of stock.
  4. Cleaning and liming cubicles twice daily during the dry period is one of the most important measures in successful control of somatic cell count (SCC).
  5. Were you stretched for help during peak workload last spring? What will be different next spring? Are there labour-saving practices that can be implemented? If additional help is needed for calving, start looking now.
• Conference season again
  This year’s Teagasc National Dairy Conference will take place on:
  November 26 in Clonmel (Talbot Hotel); and, November 27 in Cavan (Hotel Kilmore).
  The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Pathways to Progress’. It’s a great opportunity to hear the latest on milk markets and policy issues, but also to discuss practical aspects of dairy management with leading farmers, researchers, and advisors. Find out more here
• Focus on early spring grass supply
  Favourable ground conditions in November may lead to some farmers keeping stock out grazing longer than they should. This will reduce early spring grass supply, and less grass will be grown over winter.
• Silage sampling
  Silage pits are now open and in full use. However, the level of silage testing being carried out is still too low for good management decisions. Silage analysis is relatively cheap and will provide you with valuable information on the nutritional value of the feed in your yard.
• Vaccination to boost calf health next spring
  Calf scour is the greatest cause of death in the first month of life, while pneumonia is the greatest cause of death in cattle over one month old. Good vaccine protocols aid the reduction of these problems in calves.
• Health & Safety – Stay safe when working at height
  Over the last 10 years, there have been 37 fatalities as a result of falling from height. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) lists common hazards as falls from ladders, unprotected roof edges, falling from or with stacked bales, and falling through fragile roof materials. Take time to assess the task properly, and use competent contractors, safe equipment and safe systems of work.