Dairy
Longer lead times needed before further reduction in fertiliser allowances
Grass-based dairy farms in Ireland have reached a critical point regarding the use of chemical nitrogen (N) fertilisers. There has been a significant lowering of chemical N use over recent years, with further cuts potentially leading to a risk of generating fodder shortages and increased reliance on feed import requirements.
9 September 2025
Dairy Edge: Reducing herd SCC this autumn
Padraig O’Connor, technologist with Teagasc, joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge to outline how farmers should manage their herd somatic cell count this autumn.
8 September 2025
Fewer cows, lower income and less national milk production
The recently published Teagasc report ‘Environmental and Economic Modelling of the Impact of Adjustments in the Maximum Stocking Rates Permitted under Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation’ revealed the harsh impact lowering the permitted maximum organic nitrogen (N) stocking rate to 170kg would have on the farm profitability of Irish dairy farmers.
8 September 2025
Keep control of lameness this autumn
Although the good weather over the summer has contributed to better environmental conditions for lameness control, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Dr. Joe Patton explains that lameness risks increase significantly as we move into autumn.
8 September 2025
Teagasc publish reports to inform Nitrates Action Programme and Derogation
Teagasc has completed five reports at the request of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD. This is in line with commitments made in Water and Agriculture – a Collaborative Approach as part of the ongoing work in preparing Ireland’s next Nitrates Action Programme and importantly securing a continuance of Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation.
5 September 2025
Lessons on labour from the Aurivo Focus Farms
Dairy farmers are in a period of strong financial performance, however there is no hiding from the fact that it requires hard work. With long-term sustainability and generational renewal in mind, making work easier and more flexible is becoming increasingly important.
4 September 2025
Fertiliser spreading – key dates approaching
September marks a key month and farmers need to be aware that the closed period for the application of chemical fertiliser, either nitrogen or phosphorus, is fast approaching.
2 September 2025
Producing over 2 million litres of top-quality milk annually
An event on August 28, jointly held by Dairygold Co-operative, the National Dairy Council, Ornua and Teagasc, celebrated the success of Aidan and Derval Kennedy and family, who farm near Cahir, Co. Tipperary, and were the 2024 National Winners of the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
2 September 2025
Why Signpost farmer Kieran McDermott is making lime a priority
Lime is a lot cheaper per tonne than fertiliser to buy and we need to be spreading it; some key words of wisdom from Lakeland Dairies Signpost farmer, Kieran McDermott who tells us why he’s prioritising lime applications on his farm.
2 September 2025
Dairy Edge: Collaborative Farming Options
Ruth Fennell, Collaborative Farming Specialist, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss the various collaborative farming options that exist.
1 September 2025