Opportunities in organic dairying
According to the monthly published EU Milk Market Observatory, Ireland has the second highest organic milk price in the EU at 72.5c/L. With organic milk prices commanding a premium of almost 30c/L over conventional milk, Teagasc Organic Specialist, Joe Kelleher previews a series of organic farm walks for dairy farmers considering conversion.
A lack of an organic premium is often cited as one of the most common reasons for dairy farmers to avoid contemplating an organic conversion for their farm. With this obstacle currently removed, should more conventional dairy farmers be evaluating their options to assess the merits of organic dairying?
With organic milk prices reaching up to 90c/L last winter and market demand expected to continue, many dairy farmers are exploring whether organic production could improve farm profitability while reducing dependence on purchased inputs.
The Teagasc organic team has organised three organic dairy farm walks at three locations across the country. These walks are primarily aimed at any farmer who wishes to find out more about organic dairy farming and the potential it may offer them for their farm.
Join us on three commercial organic dairy farms and hear directly from farmers who have successfully made the transition to organic milk production.
Organic dairying can enable farmers to reduce stock numbers and input costs while maintaining, and in some cases increasing, farm profitability.
Dates
- Waterford – Tuesday June 30th at 12pm
- Clare – Tuesday July 7th at 12pm
- Wicklow – Tuesday July 14th at 12pm
Who should attend?
- Dairy farmers considering organic conversion
- Existing dairy farmers interested in reducing input costs
- Farmers seeking to improve environmental sustainability
- Advisors and agricultural professionals
Topics to be covered:
- Is organic dairying financially viable?
- Appropriate stocking rates
- Grass growth and grazing management
- Feeding the organic dairy cow
- Veterinary and animal health requirements
- Calf rearing systems
- Housing requirements
- Soil fertility and soil health
- Organic certification and conversion process
- Market outlook and milk price prospects
- Farm financial projections
- Farmer experiences and lessons learned
Why attend?
These events give attendees the opportunity to see working organic dairy farms in action, learn from experienced organic dairy farmers and understand what the conversion process entails. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to assess the financial implications for your farm and to ask questions in an informal setting.
Organic dairying offers opportunities to improve farm resilience, reduce purchased inputs, enhance biodiversity and water quality, and respond to growing consumer demand for sustainably produced food.
Places are limited.
To register to attend one of the upcoming organic dairy farm walks, visit here.