Waterford, Clare and Wicklow Organic Dairy Farm Walks for 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?
Teagasc are providing an opportunity for farmers to find out more about organic dairying, at a series of three farm walks. The first takes place today, Tuesday, 30 June in County Waterford.
With organic milk currently commanding a premium of almost 30 cents per litre over conventional milk prices, now may be an opportune time for Irish dairy farmers to consider whether organic dairying could be a viable option for their farms. Supporting this, the latest edition of the EU Milk Market Observatory shows that Ireland has the second highest organic milk price in Europe, with Irish organic farmers receiving an average of 72.5 cents per litre.
Organic milk prices were reaching up to 90 cents per litre last winter, and with strong market demand expected to continue, many dairy farmers are exploring whether organic production could improve farm profitability while reducing dependence on purchased inputs.
Organic dairying can enable farmers to reduce stock numbers and input costs.
Upcoming Organic Dairy Farm Walks
The Teagasc organic team have organised 3 organic dairy farms at 3 commercial organic dairy farms 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 and hear directly from farmers who have successfully made the transition to organic milk production.
Three farm walks will be held across the country, kicking off in County Waterford on Tuesday, 30th June, County Clare on Tuesday, 7th July and County Wicklow on Tuesday, 14th July. Each event begins at 12pm.
The events are designed for dairy farmers considering organic conversion, existing dairy farmers looking to reduce input costs, farmers interested in improving environmental sustainability, and advisors and other agricultural professionals.
Speaking ahead of the farm walks Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialist said; “Irish organic farmers are currently receiving the second highest organic milk price in Europe and the demand for organic produce continues to rapidly grow. We have the perfect climate here in Ireland to grow high quantities of organic forages, and I believe that organic farming is a system that could suit many Irish dairy farms very well.”
At the farm walks, participants will gain practical insights into all aspects of organic dairy farming, including the financial viability of conversion, appropriate stocking rates, grassland and grazing management, feeding the organic dairy cow, veterinary and animal health requirements, calf rearing systems, housing requirements, soil fertility and soil health, the organic certification and conversion process, market outlook and milk price prospects, farm financial projections, and the experiences and lessons learned by farmers who have already made the transition to organic production.
Places are limited, and early booking is encouraged. To register for one of the farm walks or to find out more about the events, please visit here