Dairy
The questions to consider after a decade of expansion
The questions to consider after a decade of expansion Teagasc’s Richie O’Brien and Joe Patton join Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to reflect on the progress made after a decade of expansion whilst also discussing concerns in areas such as the economic consequences of overstocking the milking platform. Richie […]
13 November 2023
Stop grazing in time for spring
Stop grazing in time for spring With reduced milk prices and tight feed stocks on some farms this autumn, it might be tempting to ‘shorten the winter’ by grazing on a bit longer if ground conditions allow. However, this is usually a false economy. The main priority for all farm types is […]
13 November 2023
‘I was leaving money behind compared to other herds’
‘I was leaving money behind compared to other herds’ James McMahon has seen his herd’s milk performance increase since joining the Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme. Farming near Swans Cross, Co. Monaghan, James joined the Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme in 2015. He currently milks 115 cows on a 28ha milking platform, while farming […]
13 November 2023
Bringing benefits in the bulk tank through grassland management
0 Bringing benefits in the bulk tank through grassland management Farming outside New Ross in Co. Wexford, Shay Ryan farms 97ha, with 56ha of this area being the milking platform. Milking 180 cows and carrying 45 replacement heifers, there is also a small beef enterprise on the farm. The EBI of the herd […]
7 November 2023
The financial performance of dairy farms in 2023
0 The financial performance of dairy farms in 2023 Jim Moyles, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss the financial performance of dairy farms in 2023 and potential areas where farmers can focus on to protect profits. Jim documents farm accounts for 27 farms from January to […]
6 November 2023
Solar energy opportunities for dairy farms
0 Solar energy opportunities for dairy farms As we all know, energy costs have increased dramatically since the war in Ukraine started and are unlikely to go back to pre-war levels. In this article, Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, offers some key advice for farmers considering installing solar on their farm. Rising energy […]
6 November 2023
Dairy advice: Act early when managing body condition score over an extended dry period
0 Dairy advice: Act early when managing body condition score over an extended dry period With milk yields falling rapidly, some cows may have to be dried off well in advance of their planned dry off date. Given that early dry off is normally one of the options suggested for cows that are […]
2 November 2023
Efficient practices and facilities key to reducing labour on Irish family dairy farms
Efficient practices and facilities key to reducing labour on Irish family dairy farms Teagasc releases a new study on achieving labour self-sufficiency on family dairy farms. A core strength of the Irish dairy industry is the role of the family in the operation of the dairy farm. However, the success of family […]
31 October 2023
The importance of late-lactation milk recording when using selective dry cow therapy
The importance of late-lactation milk recording when using selective dry cow therapy Blanket dry cow therapy (DCT) to treat existing intra-mammary infections (IMI) and to prevent new IMI over the dry period has been a key pillar in mastitis control for many decades. New EU regulations state that antimicrobials should not be […]
31 October 2023
The current fodder situation & advice for winter feed
The current fodder situation & advice for winter feed With the winter housing period upon us in large parts of the country, Laois-based Teagasc Dairy advisor, Lorcan Dooley joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast. Lorcan outlines the advice he’s giving to his clients with regards to winter feed, while […]
30 October 2023