Dairy

National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: 6-week calving rate
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: 6-week calving rate On the day at the Virtual Dairy Conference Teagasc Specialists were not in a position to answer all of the questions asked due to the sheer volume of questions. Instead over the coming days they will attempt to answer some of those questions on […]
29 November 2021

Cost control for 2022
Cost control for 2022 Input costs for dairy farms are projected to increase through early 2022. Although milk price has to some extent masked the impact on margins in the short term, the potential impact is likely to be significant as Patrick Gowing and James Dunne Teagasc, Dairy KT Specialists outline here […]
29 November 2021

Optimizing vaccination strategy
Optimizing vaccination strategy Niamh Field Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, dicusses Optimizing vaccination strategy. She covers the role of vaccines, deciding on a vaccination programme for Infectious diseases and the practical considerations as part of the Teagasc Virtual Dairy Conference Summary Vaccines should be used as part of […]
28 November 2021

Milking interval relationship with PM finish time
Milking interval relationship with PM finish time A long milking interval is a driver of late PM finish time and long working days. Martina Gormley Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Athenry and Noirin McHugh Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Moorepark examine milking interval implications for farmers […]
27 November 2021

Sward utilisation Pasture Profit Index update
Sward utilisation Pasture Profit Index update The Pasture Profit Index (PPI) is used by the grassland industry to identify and select the best varieties when reseeding. Tomás Tubritt, Laurence Shalloo, Noirín McHugh & Michael O’Donovan, Teagasc Moorepark discuss variety grazing efficiency, plot studies & practical implications of using the PPI Summary The […]
26 November 2021

Reducing energy costs on dairy farms
Reducing energy costs on dairy farms John Upton Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Moorepark, advises calculating the energy costs of your farm in cents per litre of milk produced, as a useful exercise to benchmark efficiencies against national averages and other farmers. He discuses the role of solar panels […]
26 November 2021

The effect of sward type & nitrogen fertiliser application rate on milk & herbage production
The effect of sward type & nitrogen fertiliser application rate on milk & herbage production There is renewed interest in the use of white clover in grazing systems due to its ability to biologically fix nitrogen (N). Brian McCarthy, Áine Murray and Fergal Coughlan, Teagasc, look into the effect of sward type […]
25 November 2021

Making better grazing management decisions in 2022 – the PastureBase Ireland story
Making better grazing management decisions in 2022 – the PastureBase Ireland story Enhanced grazing management has the potential to yield further improvements in milk production efficiency and nutrient use efficiency. The level of grassland measurement within PastureBase Ireland has grown substantially in recent years. Michael O’Donovan and Micheal O’Leary, Teagasc, examine this. […]
25 November 2021

Economic and environmental performance of Irish dairy herds – what are the measures of success?
Economic and environmental performance of Irish dairy herds – what are the measures of success? As with all industries and sectors of society, agriculture is being increasingly challenged to play its part in improving climate and environmental sustainability. Joe Patton, looks at the economic & environmental performance on Irish dairy herds as […]
24 November 2021

Beefing up your efforts
Beefing up your efforts A combined effort to improve calf quality & health will support higher performance allowing earlier age at slaughter, furthering the sustainability of grass-based dairy & beef systems. Nicky Byrne & Donall Fahy, Teagasc, discuss the key actions to maximise the potential of the entire calf crop. Summary High […]
24 November 2021