Teagasc/Aurivo Focus Farms
Focus Farmers for the 2024 – 2026 programme
The focus farms selected will work towards improving overall farm sustainability, profitability and best practice on their farms in the area of: grassland management, breeding cost control/farm efficiency, milk quality and environmental sustainability.
In order to monitor and demonstrate improvements in these key performance areas, the farms will be required to:
- Measure farm grass cover on a weekly basis and enter data recorded on PastureBaseIreland database
- Complete and follow a Nutrient Management Plan/Fertiilser Plan for the farm
- Complete a Teagasc Profit Monitor
- Be registered for ICBF HerdPlus
- Carry out pregnancy diagnosis on both cows and heifers
- Weight replacement stock on three occasions during the year – spring, summer and autumn.
- Condition score cows on three occasions during the year – drying off, calving and breeding.
- Be a participant in a milk recording scheme
- Apply current research findings and act on the advice given by the Programme Development Adviser
- Be a member of the local discussion group
Events
Each Demonstration Farm will be visited by the local discussion group. It will also host visits by other discussion groups within the county/region by prior arrangement. All information to be made available at such events should be agreed between the demonstration farmer, Programme Development Adviser and Teagasc Adviser.
Communication/Reporting
A farm report will be available every month. This will contain the main physical performance indicators for the farms.
This data will be available for all Aurivo suppliers through:
- Monthly Newsletter
- Aurivo website
An end of year financial report will be produced for each farm. The development farmers should meet as a group two/three times per year.