Dairy

Autumn closing: Disciplined approach to housing date needed
0 Autumn closing: Disciplined approach to housing date needed Hitting grazing targets has been a challenge throughout 2024, and it appears that the end of the grazing year is going to be no different. Dairy Specialist at Teagasc, Stuart Childs provides a timely reminder on autumn grassland management to facilitate a supply of […]
1 October 2024

How to take a sterile milk sample for culture and sensitivity
0 How to take a sterile milk sample for culture and sensitivity One of the tools available to dairy farmers in relation to managing and controlling mastitis is culture and sensitivity testing, Padraig O’Connor, Teagasc, tells us more. This is where a milk sample from an infected quarter (clinical case of mastitis or […]
1 October 2024

RVLs identify Schmallenberg antibody positives in some dairy herds
RVLs identify Schmallenberg antibody positives in some dairy herds Testing undertaken by the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs), and prompted after the receipt of a number of reports of milk drop syndrome in dairy herds this summer, has confirmed the circulation of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in some herds. A statement released by the […]
26 September 2024

Peak risk period for lameness on dairy farms
Peak risk period for lameness on dairy farms As autumn marks the peak risk period for lameness on dairy farms, Tom Murphy, B&T Dairy Advisor at Teagasc Galway/Clare, looks at the costs and possible avenues to alleviate this pressure. One of the hidden costs when it comes to milking cows is lameness, […]
23 September 2024

Dairy Edge: Advisor update from the grassroots
Dairy Edge: Advisor update from the grassroots Ronan Mulligan, Teagasc Dairy Advisor based in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge with an update on the current situation on dairy farms within his catchment. Topics covered include: fodder and fodder security in the north west region; strategies to […]
23 September 2024

An update on reducing milking frequency from Moorepark
An update on reducing milking frequency from Moorepark Dr Emer Kennedy and Kieran McCarthy from Teagasc Moorepark join Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge to discuss the reduced milking frequency work that is ongoing there. Emer first outlines the reduction in yield that farmers would be likely to see if they […]
16 September 2024

Consider investing to improve herd genetics
Consider investing to improve herd genetics Should farmers with lower genetic merit herds take the opportunity this autumn to purchase high EBI stock in order to improve overall farm performance? James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses the benefits and considerations in this article. Given the cull cow value relative to the purchase […]
16 September 2024

Check allowances and conditions before committing to final day fertiliser applications
Check allowances and conditions before committing to final day fertiliser applications With September 14 being the final day for the application of chemical nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) fertilisers before the closed period comes into effect, Sandra Hayes reminds farmers to check their fertiliser allowances and ground conditions before deciding to spread. […]
13 September 2024

Control thermoduric bacteria
Control thermoduric bacteria A recent Teagasc Dairy Newsletter article focused on thermoduric bacteria, which survive pasteurisation and can affect milk quality, and can be controlled through proper cow hygiene, milking practices, and effective cleaning of milking equipment. Thermoduric bacteria naturally occur in the cow’s environment in soil, faeces, animal feed and bedding. […]
12 September 2024

Watch: How to draw up a simple fodder budget using PastureBase Ireland
Watch: How to draw up a simple fodder budget using PastureBase Ireland This month’s farm visits on the Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farm Programme have focused on building autumn grass and completing fodder budgets for the winter ahead. In the below video, Co-ordinator of the Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farm Programme, Sandra Hayes outlines how to […]
12 September 2024