The Dairy Edge

Hazel Costigan from Teagasc Moorepark joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss heifer rearing and the targets associated with it.

Hazel references a study done 10 years ago by Laurence Shalloo which put the cost of rearing a heifer at €1,545. A further study by Donagh Berry has shown that it takes 1.63 lactations to cover this cost and this may have increased since then.

Hazel says that the only way to manage heifer performance is to weigh them relatively regularly and at a minimum at key times throughout their lifetime to identify stock that are not on target and react to bring them back in line the rest of the group.

Hazel highlights the importance of doing this due to the impact in 1st, 2nd and 3rd lactation performance of lighter heifers in a study she did of Moorepark records from 2003 – 2017.

Finally, Hazel suggests that farmers weigh both their calves and heifers and act now to address weight deficits sooner rather than later especially as we move towards housing when average daily gain will inevitably drop due to the lower quality of the diet offered relative to the grass diet currently being consumed.  

The calf weights excel mentioned is available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/dairy/CalfWeightReadyReckoner.xls

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses autumn grass growth as cooler weather dampens grass growth and October 1st approaches; plus he has a grazing update from Evan Hunt, Co. Sligo.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

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.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall and soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses autumn grass growth as the weather improves significantly in time for the Ploughing Championships, plus he has a grazing update from Philip Donoghue, Co. Carlow.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-17thSeptember

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

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 implement reduced milking frequencies. The milk solid percentages increase which helps to compensate for the reduced volume.

Emer then spoke about SCC and how it changes when the reduced frequencies are being done. 

Kieran explains how they manage these groups on the farm and while it is slightly different to a normal commercial farm going onto reduced frequency milking, they still have the same issues to handle when transitioning as commercial farms.

Emer and Kieran also highlight what people could do to ease the transition with Emer suggesting that the mindset of the person may be a bigger issue than the mindset of the cow.

Finally, Kieran says that this is something all farmers could consider but that they will need to manage their SCC well from the start of lactation.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses autumn grazing targets as predicted growth rates start to drop and he has a grazing update from Jack Kearney, Rathcormac, Co. Cork.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-10thSeptember

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Building a sustainable outlet for the ever-increasing dairy and dairy-beef calves coming from the dairy industry is a priority. 

There is a requirement to develop profitable dairy calf-to-beef systems using excellent dairy-beef genetics and grassland management and on this week’s Dairy Edge, James Dunne is joined by Chloe Millar, Research Technologist with Teagasc, to give an update on the Tipperary calf to beef demonstration farm.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Niamh Doyle discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Niamh also has tips to achieving adequate grass supply as growth rates are below normal for this time of year and she has an update from featured farmer, Killian Brennan, Co. Cavan.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-3rdSeptember

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Dr. Neil Chesterton, a New Zealand vet who has been investigating risk factors for lameness since the 1980s, and Ger Cusack, practicing veterinary surgeon with Comeragh Veterinary in Waterford, and who is well known for his work on prevention and control of lameness, join Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast.

Ger first explains the different levels of lameness while Neil explains the main issues on New Zealand farms and how they are quite similar to those we face here in Ireland.

They go on to discuss the importance of patience when moving stock and allowing the natural flow of cows into and out of the collecting yard and milking parlour and how this influences the level of lameness in herds.

They also discuss the importance of managing farm roadways to maintain the surfaces in optimum condition to encourage cows to want to walk on it. Neil is a strong advocate of a soft transition from the main road surface to the concrete of the collecting yard and that this should be used for 100-400 metres from the parlour yard entrance depending on the herd size to again encourage cows to walk on the surface but also to reduce the number of sole injuries associated with stones coming from the main surface to the concrete of the collecting yard.

Neil and Ger finish up by highlighting key things farmers can do to minimise lameness on their farms. 

More info is available on Neil Chesterton’s website at 

https://www.lamecow.co.nz/index.html 

And from the Animal Health Ireland article by Ger Cusack at: 

https://animalhealthireland.ie/assets/uploads/2024/08/AHI_Monthly_Newsletter_August_2024_FINAL.pdf?dl=1 

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses autumn grazing targets as poor weather and growth rates are leaving autumn build up and grazing conditions difficult on farms and he has a grazing update from Denis & Liam Kenny, Camolin, Co. Wexford.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-27thAugust

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

The financial landscape for dairy producers has been substantially altered during the last 3-4 years with unprecedented fluctuations in both dairy product prices and costs of inputs. 

Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, joins James Dunne on this week‘s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the recent trends in production costs and drivers of profit on Irish dairy farms.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses autumn grazing targets as poor weather and growth rates are leaving autumn build up difficult on farms, plus he has a grazing update from contract rearer Billy Gilmore, Tuam Co. Galway.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-20thAugust

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

William Burchill, Lecturer in Soil Science in UCC, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss lower than normal growth rates in 2024 and advice on what to do over the next number of weeks to maximise growth.

William first outlines the factors that drive mineralisation with oxygen, wet and dry cycles and soil temperature all contributing to this process.

He discusses the importance of soil fertility in mineralisation and how pH is the gatekeeper for soil biology, which may have a role in alleviating some of the compaction that may have occurred early in the year but it is also the gatekeeper for mineralisation too, so the importance of lime can’t be stated enough with respect to grass swards but even more so with grass clover.

William finishes by explaining the rates of nitrogen for the autumn and the timing of them as well as discussing the role of organic nutrients such as slurry which has to be used by the end of September and soiled water in keeping adequate nitrogen available to deliver growth in the latter part of the autumn.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses the importance of reviewing where your Average Farm Cover is as we approach mid-August and he has a grazing update from Oisin Gallen, Co. Donegal.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-13thAugust

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Increasing the level of grazed grass in the cow’s diet is a key driver of profitability on Irish dairy farms, and in order to achieve this, good grazing infrastructure is important to access all parts of the farm area and ensure cow performance isn’t compromised through lameness etc.  

This week on the Dairy Edge, James Dunne is joined by Paul Maher, Walsh Scholar, to discuss farm roadway infrastructure on commercial dairy farms and how it can be improved.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Denis Brassil, Teagasc Kerry Joint Programme Monitor Farm Advisor, joins Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge to discuss building grass cover for autumn grazing.

Denis first explains that the farms he deals with are across a range of land types and experience different levels of rainfall.  He describes the current situation for a few of the farmers on the programme and how it differs depending on their location and how growth has been for them in recent weeks.

Denis says farmers need to manage both the demand and supply side of grass for the autumn to deliver the cover of grass that is needed to extend grazing into the autumn for as long as is appropriate for the  farm and explains that this will vary depending on soil type.

He encourages people to look at their farm infrastructure and to identify any deficits and to begin addressing them to make sure that it is not an obstacle to grazing late in the autumn or grazing in the spring.

Finally, Denis recommends that farmers walk their farms and take the appropriate action for their farm and their stocking rate in the next few weeks to set the farm up to manage autumn grazing in late September, October and November where feasible.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses the importance of getting autumn build-up correct on your farm and has a grazing update from Eugene and Eoin Lawler, Co. Kildare.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-6thAugust

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Plus he highlights the increasing grass growth rates and preparing for autumn grass build-up.

Joseph is also joined by Áine Murray, Researcher on nitrogen & clover systems from Teagasc Moorepark to discuss soil mineralisation in 2024. 

The link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter is: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-30thjuly

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Given the extended winter at the start of the year and the below average growth rates for 2024 to date, farmers must give priority to ensure they will have enough fodder stocks heading into the housed period.   

For this week's Dairy Edge podcast, James Dunne is joined by Dr Joe Patton, Head of Teagasc Dairy KT, to discuss the recent fodder survey and what options farmers should consider.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses grass growth rates and grass quality issues that are widespread on farms currently and the featured farmer this week is TJ Ryan from Rossmore, Co. Tipperary.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-23rdJuly

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Cathal Somers, Teagasc Water Quality Specialist, and Deirdre Glynn, Teagasc ASSAP advisor in Kilkenny, and hosts of the Environment Edge podcast, join Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss the recently launched Teagasc campaign for water quality, Better Farming for Water.

Deirdre first explains where water quality is currently and outlines the years of work that have gone into water quality from the start of the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) back in 2008 to the launch of the ASSAP programme in 2019.

The Better Farming for Water campaign is based around 6 pillars: Stakeholder Engagement, Building of Awareness, Upskilling of all involved from students through to industry level, Knowledge transfer through the Teagasc and private advisory service and everyone in between, and Communication to get the messages from the Research Pillar out to where they are needed.

Cathal highlights the 8 actions for change in the strategy which are under the three headings of Nutrient Management, Farmyard Management and Land Management with these important for all farmers not just livestock farmers.

Cathal and Deirdre also expand as to why these points are believed to be the keys to the kingdom. Many of the solutions are practical and can be easily implemented without cost or with minimal cost.

Finally, Deirdre encourages farmers to engage with their advisors to develop a plan to contribute to improving water quality in their region.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses the 300th Grass10 newsletter, stagnant growth rates and has a grazing update from Joe Murphy, Co. Kilkenny.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-16thJuly

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Maintaining farm productivity and profitability is always top of a farmer’s agenda but doing that in a reducing chemical N environment is challenging and requires the successful incorporation of clover within our grazed pastures. 

For this week’s Dairy Edge podcast, James Dunne is joined by Teagasc grassland researcher, Donal Patton, who outlines the current trial being carried out in Teagasc Ballyhaise which looks at transitioning to low chemical nitrogen perennial ryegrass white clover swards.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses managing grass quality during July and he has a grazing update from Jack Spillane, farm manager in Ballyvadin Research Farm, Co. Tipperary.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-9thJuly

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialist, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the new herbicide for use in white clover swards and reseeds - ProClova XL.

Ciaran explains that this is new chemistry that has been in development with a number of years. It is the only product that is licenced for use in white clovers leys and reseeds replacing the emergency licence use of 2,4-DB products for white clover with the 2,4-DB still available for red clover swards in their first year as Proclova XL not suitable for red clover swards until they have over wintered.

Ciaran went on to explain that it is a broad spectrum herbicide covering most weeds of concern with the exception of thistles. It requires the use of an adjuvant which will be something new for most grassland farmers as this will have to be added along with the chemical. This is to increase the contact time of the spray to maximise its efficacy.

There are a few terms and conditions people need to be aware of before using ProClova XL:

1.       Must use at least 75% drift reducing nozzles when applying

2.       Don’t apply where there is an interesting watercourse

3.       Maintain a 3 metre buffer to all other watercourses

Ciaran also highlights a label change with 360 glyphosate products which are now reduced to 4l/ha max from the previous 6l/ha rates. This will apply to newly purchased products with old label products having a use up date out into 2025. There is also a 3m buffer required to be adhered to when using these products.

Finally Ciaran says that it is in the best interests if people stick to the recommendations when applying all herbicides as the long term availability of them will be dependent on these recommendations being followed and ensuring that pesticides and herbicides stay out of water sources.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses tips to increase your Average Farm Cover and improve grass quality on your farm, plus he has a grazing update from Michael Carroll from Co. Limerick.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-2ndJuly

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

There has always been opportunities and challenges within the dairy sector and one of those immediate challenges is to continue to improve the environmental credentials of our dairy farms. 

Teagasc researcher, Dr. David Wall, joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the practices available to farmers to help them do just that.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

As growth rates are static and behind target for late June, Joseph also discusses grazing management and he has a grazing update from 2023 winner of the SGFOY Patrick O’Neill from Co. Longford.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-25thJune

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

DairyBeef 500 Programme Co-ordinator, Alan Dillon, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss late breeding season bull choice.

Alan explains that late born calves are as much a hassle for the beef farmer as they are for the dairy farmer as they don’t fit into any system, so a defined breeding season is important to eliminate May/June calves as they are of no value to dairy beef farms nor to dairy farmers.

Alan then outlines the criteria for bull selection at this stage of the season with high carcass weight >10kg for traditional breeds such as Angus and Hereford and a minimum of 20kg for the continental breeds. The focus must be to deliver a quality calf that has potential to deliver a return. 

Gestation length and calving ease are the other two important criteria for dairy farmers particularly at this stage of the season where the objective must be to get the cow calved as early as possible at this late stage.

Alan says there are buyers for most calves throughout the season with a variation similar to that of calving start date to when calves are bought across the country. Dairy farmers should try to use the best beef genetics either through AI or the stock bull they buy to generate calves of quality to move into dairy beef systems. 

In the future CBV will have a significant role to play in deciding the value of the calf but all calves can leave a return as long as the purchase price is right. 

Alan advocates developing a relationship with a local buyer to ensure calves move off the dairy farm for a reasonable price and in an orderly fashion rather than being at the mercy of the market each week. This is very useful for the calf buyer as they have animals that have a health history behind them so dairy farmers should try to develop these relationships ahead of the calving season when time will be hard to come by.  Using a good beef animal is as easy as using a bad one and is to the benefit of the industry as a whole.

Finally, Alan invites all farmers to attend the BEEf2024 Open Day in Grange, Co. Meath on June 26th, to see all things dairy beef with something for everyone.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Niamh Doyle discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

As growth rates are lower than average, Niamh also discusses tips to increasing your AFC and she has an update from featured farmer, John Phelan, Co. Waterford.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-18thJune

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Given the significant increase in input costs on dairy farms since 2021, along with the increased feed budget costs this spring due to poor weather, good cash flow management has never been more important to ensure the efficient running of the farm business. 

Dairy farmer Sean O’Donnell joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge to outline how he manages the financial aspect of his dairy business to ensure the correct financial decisions are made in an informed manner.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

As growth rates suffer on Irish dairy farms, Joseph also discusses grazing management and he has a grazing update from Enda Armstrong from Co. Galway.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-11thJune

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Terry McElvaney, Veterinary Inspector at the Veterinary Medicines, Antimicrobial Resistance, Byproducts and TSE Division, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss residues in milk.

Terry first explains the role of the division in which he works and how it is important in facilitating trade.

 
Terry says that the division tests 15,000 samples annually and carries out 70,000 tests on these samples for many different types of residues in order to report to the EU on our compliance with the regulations around the use of veterinary products in animals that go into the food chain.

He says that while a miniscule percentage of samples test positive each year, this year there has been an increase in the positives associated with Ivermectin and Levamisole, active ingredients in wormers and flukicides.

Terry advises farmers to test before treating and to ensure the right product is used at the right rate at the right time. 

Observing withdrawals is important and people need to carefully record dates of administration to ensure those withdrawals are observed. Terry also warns people that stock will often calve ahead of time and when that does happen, the withdrawal period still needs to be observed.

He finishes by recommending people avoid unnecessary use of any veterinary medicinal products when possible and where they have to be used, to get good advice on the product to use.    

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For the latest Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

As the cooler weather dampens pasture growth throughout the country, Joseph also discusses grazing management and he has an update from featured farmer, Arthur Sweetman, Co. Wexford.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:  

https://bit.ly/Grass10-4thJune

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year, Patrick O’Neill, and Teagasc Grass10 Manager, John Maher, join James Dunne on this week’s Dairy edge podcast to discuss Patrick’s award-winning farming system.  

Patrick outlines the farm performance, how he deals with adversity that was the spring of 2024 and details the transition to grass clover swards. 

John also outlines what it takes to win the competition and highlights the areas where Patrick impressed the judging panel the most.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

As we enter June, Joseph also discusses measuring every 5 days using PastureBase Ireland and he has a grazing update from Christopher Cahill who farms in Co. Westmeath.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-28thMay

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Germinal Technical Director, Mary McEvoy, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the future of the grass seed industry.

Mary explains how the Pasture Profit Index (PPI) has changed the way farmers look at seed varieties and how the PPI, from a seed industry perspective, validated the breeding programmes that were in place.

Mary then spoke about the timeframe involved in bringing a seed to market and the hurdles that have to be cleared to get to that point. She explains how breeding is looking at other species to see what they might offer in a changing climate but that it is early days for many and the most reliable mix currently is going to be perennial ryegrass (PRG) and white clover and red clover with good PRG varieties for part of the silage block.

Mary says that there is no red clover recommended list in Ireland but that work has begun on it with the first of the red clover varieties being sown in 2024 for evaluation for the first time in 2025. 

She also outlines the challenge the industry faces in sourcing seed given the 1200% increase in red clover seed demand in recent years!   

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph discusses keeping grass under control as we approach peak growth on Irish farms & he has an update from Brian Meade, Co. Meath.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-21stMay

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

There has been welcome improvement in both growth rates and grazing conditions over the last couple of weeks and much of the attention on farms now turns to correcting the impact the spring has had on grass quality and making sure herds meet their nutritional needs throughout the breeding season. 

For this week’s Dairy Edge podcast, Teagasc senior research officer, Dr Mike Dineen, joins James Dunne to highlight the true nutritional value of grazed grass and explain how farmers need to balance grass quality and quantity to maintain milk production through the summer months.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, as growth rates increase, Joseph Dunphy is joined by dairy farmer Michael Doran from Co. Wexford to discuss the management decisions he is making this week on his farm.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-14thMay

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Attracta Dooley from FRS Training and Chloe Walsh, a secondary school teacher who helps her husband Pat on their farm outside Durrow in Co. Laois, join Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to talk about the upcoming FRS Training Best Practice in Milking Courses which commence on May 22nd in Pallaskenry Agricultural college.

For Chloe, she wanted to learn more about the whole milking process which was her incentive to complete the course in October of last year, and she says that while she already knew how to milk, the course gave her much greater confidence in what she was doing, taught her skills that she didn’t have beforehand and has also helped her when it comes to training people who are new to their farm when they arrive.

Attracta and Chloe both agree that there is no shortage of work on dairy farms milking cows for people that are interested and that contrary to people’s perceptions, it is quite flexible work. There is also great earning potential for people who are willing to do it.

Finally, Attracta details the dates of the upcoming courses and gives details of how to book by going to: 

https://www.frstraining.com/sectors/agriculture-horticulture/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

As grass growth is finally predicted to increase Joseph also discusses grazing management and he has a grazing update from Sustainable GFOY nutrient management category joint winner, Killian Brennan, from county Cavan.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-7thMay

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

With the difficult grazing conditions throughout the spring it’s no harm to reflect on the last number of months as to what worked well and what can be improved for the future. 

It’s maybe more important though to identify the priorities in order to get back on track with the least impact, and on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast, James Dunne is joined by Teagasc Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Dr Joe Patton.

Joe offers advice to farmers around pasture management to ensure a high level of milk performance throughout the summer months and how to best ensure sufficient feed reserves are secured for next winter.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

With grass growth stubborn to increase as we enter May, Joseph discusses grazing management and he has an update from Sustainable GFOY Nutrient management category winner, Michael Carroll from Co. Limerick.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-30thApril

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, Stuart Childs is joined by Aurivo Joint Programme Monitor Farmer and DairyBeef 500 Ambassador, David Gannon, and John McCabe, Monitor Farm advisor with the Aurivo Joint Programme, to discuss the beef breeding plan for David’s farm for 2024.

David starts by outlining the background to his herd and then spoke about how he plans to use the beef bull team he has selected along with John and Tommy Cox of the DairyBeef 500 team on his herd this season.

David describes how for him it’s about making incremental gains in the quality of the beef stock he produces each year.  Using data from ICBF, John can confirm that there is an improvement in the quality in the beef calves being generated but suggests that people can do more.

David has a number of customers for his calves and this is a huge benefit to know that a particular number of calves will leave the farm on particular dates which frees up housing and labour for him at the busiest time of the year which is a very important piece of the jigsaw.

Finally David says it is his objective to deliver a better animal each year through improving genetics and also to assist the customers he has to get the maximum return from the stock they buy from him, not only through using better genetics but also discussing the health plan that he has for his own replacement calves with his customers so that they can benefit from any improvements he has made in his own calf rearing protocols.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

With surplus grass on many farms, Joseph also discusses grazing advice and he has a grazing update from County Sligo, with Young Category Winner of the Sustainable GFOY Evan Hunt.

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-23rdApril

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

David Quinn, Superintending Veterinary Inspector at the Department Of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is on this week’s joint episode of the Dairy Edge and the Beef Edge with hosts James Dunne and Catherine Egan to dispel some of the myths around TB (Bovine Tuberculosis). 

David gives a detailed breakdown on Ireland’s TB statistics. He describes the testing methods and why they are used and outlines the issues around false positive and false negative animals. 

David also outlines the current strategies to manage TB risk within the wildlife population.  

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

With an improving weather forecast, Joseph discusses getting back on track with grazing and fertiliser and has a grazing update from Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year Overall Winner Patrick O Neill, Co. Longford.

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-16thApril

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

With the difficult conditions at farm level, much of the conversation over the last number of weeks has centred around ensuring the milking herd are properly fed.

These conditions have also meant that maiden heifers have remained housed on a lot of farms for longer than normal this spring and on this week’s Dairy Edge, James Dunne is joined by Teagasc dairy specialist, Stuart Childs, who offers some advice to farmers around the management of heifers over the coming weeks and some tips for the breeding season ahead.

 
For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph explains the options for farmers starting their second rotation and those with low % grazed & we also hear from featured farmer Stephen Buttimer from county Cork.

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-9thApril

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, Donal Patton, Teagasc Ballyhaise and Mike Egan, Teagasc , discussed at a recent Teagasc webinar the current weather conditions and scenarios facing farmers across the country and how best to deal with them.

Donal first talked through the current situation in Ballyhaise and then discussed trial work that was done over a 4 year period there which mimicked the situation that many farmers are now facing in terms of high proportions not grazed and how to deal with it in the short-term but also in the medium term to maintain grass quality and maximise performance through the main season when weather will hopefully much improve.

Donal highlighted that conditions are very challenging currently and consequently grazing is hard work but it is important that farmers try to make a start so get out and walk to see if there is some dry spot to get cows out for a few hours at least to reduce the silage demand and increase the level of performance through inclusion of grazed grass. He was quick to acknowledge that there are scenarios where it may not be possible to get out but that people need to be looking regularly.

Mike Egan spoke on fertiliser advice in these very trying weather conditions. Mike outline the various scenarios on farm from some fertiliser spread to none and how to respond to these, again similar to Donal’s advice, when the conditions allow.

Mike finished by discussing fertiliser advice for silage this year and emphasised the need for good cuts in order to replenish very much diminished stocks on farms. This will not be achieved by going for big bulk first cuts. 

Instead, early/mid/late May cuts depending on the starting point of the crop will be necessary to get ‘May growth’ into 2nd cuts in order to get the bulk many farmers require but with a much higher level than a big bulky first cut in June will deliver.

Mike emphasised that bulky first cuts actually undermine total silage production and cautioned farmers against being tempted to take this approach to silage production not just this year but any year.

You can also watch the webinar in full at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8kQMPH73y0&t=4s&ab_channel=Teagasc 

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week.

As the wet weather continues, Joseph discusses grazing management advice and he has an update from Shane Seymour in county Tipperary.

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-2ndApril

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Recognition of the high forage quality and the nitrogen (N) fixation benefits of grass-white clover pastures has led to a resurgence of interest in its use as a means of reducing the economic and environmental costs in livestock agriculture. 

On this week’s Dairy Edge podcast, Teagasc grassland researcher Caitlin Looney and Teagasc Grass 10 advisor Joseph Dunphy, outline the benefits of grass white clover swards, the findings from the Clover 150 commercial farm trials and how to set out incorporating clover on your farm. 

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week.

Joseph also discusses feeding the cow as poor weather forces farmers to house and he has an update from dairy farmer Kevin Murphy in county Wexford.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-26thMarch

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Sean Coughlan, CEO of ICBF, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the origins of ICBF, what it has done since its creation back in 1998 and what the future looks like for dairy breeding.

Sean first gives a brief description of how ICBF came into being under the stewardship of Dr. Brian Wickham as the first CEO in 1998 when it was formed.

He then explains the creases that had to be ironed out when ICBF started highlighting the variation in calving dates that existed initially due to the multiple layers at the time and how over time with the cooperation of all stakeholders, this has become a thing of the past with much more streamlined data flows ensuring accurate recording with no duplication.  

This has allowed ICBF to create the database that is the engine of dairy and beef breeding in Ireland. 

The links with the genetics and modelling departments of Teagasc have allowed ICBF to develop EBI initially, DBI and CBV more recently as well as suckler beef indexes all of which are created to drive genetic gain and ultimately profitability for Irish farmers.

Sean says that the power of genetics is enormous and that while the improvement is often perceived to be slow, it works and that the potential of new technology such as the genotyping scheme to further improve genetic gain is very real and a huge opportunity for the Irish dairy and beef breeding industry.  

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week . 

Joseph discusses current grazing management with the poor weather, the launch of the Spring clover events throughout the country and has a grazing update from farmer David Dolan in Co. Mayo

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-19thMarch

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

The need for enough quality silage in our dairy systems is often underestimated. 

With silage stocks reducing and average quality on a lot of farms there is a need for farmers to put a silage plan in place for 2024. 

Dairy advisor William Byrne, and dairy farmer, Michael Lally, join James Dunne on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to discuss some of the key aspects of making quality silage whilst also ensuring good yields.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On the latest Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week. 

Joseph also discusses the ‘3 checks’ of managing pasture on your farm during March and has a grazing update from William Dennehy from Co. Kerry.

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-12thMarch

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

New entrant dairy farmer, Liam Brophy, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the conversion process of his family farm as well as successes and challenges along the way.

Towards the end of Liam’s school years, milk quota abolition offered the opportunity to milk dairy cows on his home farm. Following extensive discussion with his father Mark, Liam set about completing the Dairy Herd Management course at Gurteen College and the Dairy Farm Management course at Kildalton College and Moorepark to gain the relevant knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare himself for the process of converting the home farm from drystock to dairy.

Prior to milking, investments included purchasing heifers, building a parlour, installing a water system and paddocks. The most recent building included a cubicle shed which replaced straw bed housing.  

Reflecting on the last 5 years, Liam explained that while they had planning approval to build the parlour almost a year prior to start milking in February 2020, the unanticipated impact of Covid-19 delayed the build of the milking parlour which forced them to milk in a temporary parlour for almost the full year. This delay presented the greatest challenge in the early days.

The Brophy family, now in their 4th season milking, have 142 high EBI black and white cows calving in 2024. In 2023, the cows produced 500 kg MS at 4.5% fat and 3.7% protein.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses the latest PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures for the week.

Jospeh explains how an adjustment of your first grazing rotation will need to be made depending on your % grazed during February. 

He also has a grazing update from featured farmer, Joe Murphy from Co Kilkenny, and he discusses the importance of sulphur this spring.

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-5thMarch

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

As a joint episode between The Dairy Edge and The Beef Edge podcasts, dairy farmer, Paul Delaney, and Teagasc beef specialist, Catherine Egan, join Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss the importance of genetics in dairy-beef systems to maximise performance and profitability.

In 2024, Paul plans to use sexed semen on the top 35-40% of his herd followed by continental beef straws. When considering the impact of calving continental breeds, Paul says he focuses on calving difficulty and gestation length and has not encountered issues at calving. 

He compares his experience of calving suckler and dairy cows and explains that he finds the dairy cows ‘open up better’ to calf and they are fit rather than fat, given the difference in their body condition at calving.

Paul has two repeat customers since he began milking six years ago, one for his Friesian bulls and one for his continentals. He sets the price for the calves based on the market value in the given year. His priority is to sell a healthy, good quality calf that will provide a margin for the beef farmer.  

For farmers who are placing a greater focus on the dairy beef index this year, Paul encourages farmers to give it a go and try with a handful of their cows. Where it works well, it will give farmers the confidence to continue adding value to the dairy beef calves into the future.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures.

Joseph has a grazing update from the featured farmer from Co. Westmeath, Michael Martin, who is getting grazing despite the difficult weather. 

He discusses the importance of getting back into the weekly routine of completing a grass walk on PastureBase Ireland and an updated plan for chemical N and Slurry.

Link to this week’s newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-27thFeb

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Coming off the back of the highs of 2022, the production year of 2023 has seen a sharp market correction in milk price. 

Plenty of farmers are budgeting forward and one question which is always asked is what’s the market outlook for the current year? 

On this week’s Dairy Edge, James Dunne is joined by Bord Bia Dairy Ingredients Sector Manager, Margaret Butler, to give some insights into the current market outlook.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures. 

Joseph also has a grazing update from featured farmer, Fergal Coughlan from Co. Cork, who has managed to graze 25% of his farm so far this spring. 

He discusses tips to get cows to grass and how to structure your daily workload so cows get out for a 2nd allocation of grass in the afternoon. 

He also discusses the PastureBase grazing calculator & early chemical Nitrogen.

Link to this week’s Grass10 newsletter: 

https://bit.ly/Grass10-20thFeb

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

‘Vet on the Moove’ Hazell Mullins joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the priorities to achieve high herd health status and gives her tips to limit disease outbreaks this spring.

Hazell identifies use of farm data, diagnostic testing and hygienic facilities as target areas to promote herd health and prevent disease outbreak.

In relation to an effective vaccination programme, Hazell recommends that individual farmers assess their farm situation, whether there is movement of stock to out farms, contract reared where potentially in contact with other stock or disease markers are rising in diagnostics testing.

As the busy calving season progresses, Hazell explains that despite farmers best efforts, illness outbreak typically occurs when the infection pressure exceeds the immunity of animals, especially the young calves.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures.

Joseph has a grazing update from featured farmer, Enda Armstrong from Co. Galway, who is currently grazing by day and explains the techniques he is using to get grass in the diet when weather is difficult. 

Joseph also discusses the importance of early spring Nitrogen.

You can also read this week's Grass10 newsletter at:
https://bit.ly/Grass10-13thFeb

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Don Crowley, Teagasc Milk Quality Specialist, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge to talk about how to take control of SCC in the early stages of lactation.

Don first outlines the importance of a fresh cow group to manage the transition to the main milking group which is a key step to set cows up for the year ahead.

This fresh cow group will allow added attention to be given to both cubicles and the cows themselves in terms of preparation and observation of milking.

Don also advocates using the Californian Milk Test (CMT) on all cows immediately prior to allowing their milk into the bulk tank. This step will allow for early identification of sub clinical mastitis and facilitates appropriate early intervention to control the infection. 

This process will cost time at what is a busy time of year already but it is time well worth investing and will set your cows up for their full lactation.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

The Teagasc Grass10 team are bringing Dairy Edge listeners a new, weekly Grass10 update and for this week's grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses PastureBase data, Dry Matter % and Predicted grass growth, rainfall & soil temperatures.

He also discusses the importance of getting your opening Average Farm Cover, grass budget & spring rotation planner completed.

Plus, Joseph has an update from the Clonakilty Research Farm in Co. Cork where grazing has started, as well as the dos and don’ts in relation to early spring slurry and N application.

You can also read this week's Grass10 newsletter at:
https://bit.ly/Grass10-6thFebruary

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, dairy advisor Kay O’Connell joins Emma-Louise Coffey to address priority tasks from supporting cow and calf health to setting up the farm for the grazing season of 2024.

Kay recommends that farmers complete a spring rotation planner as a means of increasing the proportion of grazed grass in the dairy cow diet. Kay explains that grazed grass is highly digestible and high in protein and will support milk production and body condition in early lactation.

Kay discusses the considerations for Once-A-Day milking in early lactation. She explains that the biggest benefit comes from the labour savings. Addressing concerns about reduction in milk yield, Kay quantifies that during the 4 weeks OAD milking in early lactation, yield reduces by 22-24% but cows bounce back and there is no difference in overall production.

In terms of calf care, Kay emphasises the importance of the 1-2-3 of colostrum and hygiene in feeding implements and calf beds.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Mike Egan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the balance between achieving optimum dairy cow intakes and good graze outs in early lactation.

Mike first considers the dynamics that dictate dairy cow intake in early lactation including parity, quality of the dry cow diet, cow liveweight, health and EBI. 

He explains that recent research estimates that the average cow in the herd will eat approximately 13 kg DM following calving, which is higher than the previous research which was carried out in the late 2000s. 

However, Mike points out that despite the initial greater intake potential at week 1 of lactation, the weekly rise in the appetite of the cow is less than previous estimates (0.8 kg per week rather than 1.0 kg). Peak intake of 17-18 kg is reached at week 10 of lactation. 

Mike says that in mid-January, farm cover was sitting at 830 kg DM/ha across farms that have measured and recorded grass on PastureBase and therefore there is great scope for grazed grass to make up the majority of the dairy cow diet in February. 

Mike recommends that each farmer gets out to measure grass cover to assess exactly how much grass is available to them and to prepare a Spring Rotation Planner and Feed Budget for the months ahead. This will ensure cows are fed with the best quality feeds possible to support milk production and body condition and supplement is fed at appropriate rates and spec where necessary.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com 

Pat Tuohy and William Burchill join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how farmers can maximise the value of slurry through tactical use and having optimum storage facilities on farm.

At the outset, William says, if you are not prepared to go with bagged fertiliser, you should not be willing to slurry. In order for this to play out on farm, William explains that farmers need sufficient storage to allow flexibility in their system, particularly in late January and February.

William quantifies the value of slurry at €40/1,000 gallons with a nutrient profile of 9 units of Nitrogen, 5 units of Phosphorus and 32 units of Potassium. 

William explains that 80% of the value of slurry comes from the P & K components and how farmers need to be tactical about where they spread (paddocks with low P & K or silage ground), how (LESS technology) and how much (using the appropriate rate). 

William acknowledges the variation in nutrient value of slurry, be it covered or uncovered tanks or the type of stock feeding into the tank, and recommends farmers consider slurry sampling to know the exact profile of the slurry product.

Patrick has put an estimate of capital investment in slurry storage for typical options farmers choose from slatted tank, €790 per cow (€450/foot), to over ground tank, €835 per cow, and slurry bag, €325 per cow.

In an ongoing study across 100 dairy farms in Ireland, Pat recognises the contribution of rainwater whether to uncovered storage facilities and runoff not being channelled away from tanks. This can put existing facilities under significant pressure throughout the closed period.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/events/2023/Slurry-Storage-and-handling---how-best-to-invest.pdf

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Marion Beecher joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge to discuss a recent case study of farmers who achieve an average 8 hour working day on their dairy farm throughout the year.

Marion explains that in the study, farmers cited a compact, seasonal calving system as the key driver of their labour efficiency and recognised that the average 8 hour day ranged with longer working days during calving and breeding to much shorter days when cows are dried off

Marion identified some top practices that lend themselves to lower labour demands including a good milking parlour with less than 8 rows going through the parlour (farm facilities), group calving pens (work practices), automatic calf feeders, collars (technologies) and setting an evening finish time (work organisation).

Ahead of the spring calving season on dairy farms, Marion encourages farmers to get a good break and well deserved rest, prepare as much as possible by having facilities set up and the relevant supplies to hand on farm and to ensure there is sufficient help available for the calving.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/events/2023/Marion-Beecher-Presentation---Getting-to-grips-with-labour-challenges-on-dairy-farms.pdf

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Following the Teagasc National Dairy Conference where attendees heard how pasture utilised was fundamental to our dairy systems, Teagasc Researcher Donal Patton joins James Dunne on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to explain how to make informed decisions regarding farm stocking rate.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

William Burchill, FBD Lecturer in Soil Science in UCC, is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast discussing Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) from a wholefarm point of view but also from the point of nitrogen applied.

William explains how wholefarm Nitrogen Use Efficiency works and then how NUE can be used in terms of the fertilisers (organic or chemical) applied to land.  William discusses the 4 Rs of fertiliser application: Right type, Right place, Right timing and Right rate.

William also outlines a fertiliser shopping list for farms which will include protected urea as the main source of nitrogen and the requirements for P and K being addressed through 16% Super P and Muriate of Potash (0:0:50) or compounds such as 18:6:12 or 0:7:30.

The response to sulphur (S) also needs to be considered for fertiliser applications with recent work showing up to 25% increase in grass growth where S is included.

Finally, William recommends people test their soil, test their slurry, build a nutrient management plan and follow it ensuring to use the allowances that are available to the farm due to the importance of keeping all nutrients at the appropriate index in order to drive grassland performance.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

International dairy consultant, David Beca, joins Emma-Louise Coffey for part two of his discussion on the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the global milk supply trends over the last two decades and he speculates what milk producing nations have the capacity to meet growing consumer demands.
 
David explains that demand for dairy is growing by 1-3% per annum with the range being determined by economic conditions.
 
Examining individual countries, David sees compounding growth in milk supply in countries such as Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa while others have remained static or contracted e.g. the UK and Australia.
 
David anticipates that the Irish dairy industry has the capacity for continued growth in supply in the future but clarifies that this is dependent on external regulation and individual farmers’ ability to have clarity in their production system and utilisation of grass in the diet.
 
For more information go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/events/2023/David-Beca---Key-drivers-of-milk-production-costs-in-dairy-systems.pdf

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

International dairy consultant, David Beca, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the fundamentals of cost control in grazing systems.

David discusses pasture harvest, as defined as grass utilised on the milk platform, and consequently, the proportion of pasture in the dairy cow diet, as the key driver of low cost, high profit grazing systems.

Furthermore, David compares the relative costs of feedstuffs in Ireland and international competitors. He explains that the relative cost of grazed grass and supplement is much greater than in countries such as USA owing to the ability of Irish farms to grow grass so cheaply. He costs grass at $60 v concentrates at $400, reinforcing the impact of imported feed on the cost structures

For more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/events/2023/David-Beca---Key-drivers-of-milk-production-costs-in-dairy-systems.pdf

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Cathal Buckley, Researcher at the Rural Economy Unit in Teagasc Athenry, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the results from the sustainability report of 2022 that was published in October of this year.

Cathal first outlines the number of dairy farms involved in the survey and some of the figures associated with them such as the average dairy cow number of 92.

Cathal discusses the reasons for the reduction in the per hectare emissions on dairy farms in 2022. The main reason being the reduction in chemical fertiliser applied but also due to the change in the fertiliser type with the switch from CAN to straight urea and protected urea. 

However, he explains, due to the switch to straight urea over protected urea, there was an increase in ammonia emissions. The change to urea based fertiliser has been a positive but it needs to change to protected urea to have maximum impact on ammonia.

Cathal says that efficiency gains have been good but have been eroded by the increase in the national herd so we need to continue to adopt the technologies to drive down the overall emissions and then the greenshoots of research in relation to methane emissions from rumination can potentially have a significant impact when they do eventually come to the market.

Cathal finishes by recommending that farmers look to rapidly embrace clover and multispecies which are looking promising in their early research to reduce the reliance on chemical fertiliser which is subject to fluctuation due to the ongoing geo-political climate.  

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

With the level of data available to dairy farmers increasing all the time, David Hannon, a dairy farmer from county Meath, joins James Dunne on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to explain how he uses data to drive better decisions on his farm.

 
The National Dairy Conference 2023 takes place on November 29th at the Lyrath Hotel, county Kilkenny with the theme of this year’s conference, 'Adapting to a changing dairy farming environment'.
 
For tickets and more information visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/dairy-conference/


For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

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 explains that the advice now is similar to pre-quota: efficiency before scale, getting the simple things right like soil fertility, producing more grass, completing a financial plan to dictate decisions at farm level.

When considering the rise in milk production, Joe explains that for the most part it has been beneficial from an economic and social perspective.
 
Joe urges farmers to look specifically at their farm’s feed situation. What proportion of the dairy cow diet is coming from grazed grass and how much external feed is being imported onto the platform, be it through concentrate or purchased forage?

There was consensus among Joe and Richie that farmers should budget 5.5 tonnes of grass utilised and 800kg concentrate per cow, meaning a farm stocked at 2.5 cows per ha needs to grow 15 tonnes of grass.

The National Dairy Conference 2023 takes place on November 29th at the Lyrath Hotel, county Kilkenny with the theme of this year’s conference, 'Adapting to a changing dairy farming environment'.

For tickets and more information visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/dairy-conference/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
 

Dairy advisor, Jim Moyles, 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 September and he explains that farm receipts have declined by €800 per cow compared with 2022 resulting from a 15 cent/litre drop in milk price while production remained steady to the end of August.

Farm costs remained relatively steady with variable costs increasing by €8 and fixed costs increasing by €60 year-on-year. Consequently, surplus cash has declined from €1,550 per cow in 2022 to €700 in 2023. Jim reminds us that this surplus cash must cover own labour/drawings, tax and repayments.
 
Jim advises that all farmers should complete a cost control planner in order to assess their individual farm situation because a group average masks a lot.

While the average surplus cash is €700 per cow, the range across the group was -€17 to +€1,300.

Characteristics of the farms achieving higher surplus cash include good milk and animal sales and a tight control on costs.
 
For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

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 to outline the advice he’s giving to his clients with regards to winter feed, while Kate McCarthy, Co-Ordinator of the Teagasc National Fodder Survey outlines the current fodder situation.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
 
The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Pablo Silva Bolona, mastitis researcher at Teagasc Moorepark, is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss his research and recommendations into successfully implementing selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) on farms for the drying off season in 2023.

Pablo first explains the concept of selective dry cow therapy saying the main risk periods for cows are the two weeks after dry off and the 2 weeks before calving as well as early lactation due to the stress of calving reducing immunity to disease. 

Individual cow records will be necessary for vets to prescribe correctly so people should milk record as close to drying off as possible as the research conducted on commercial farms by Pablo and his team have shown that the SCC in the final recording is strongly linked to identifying cows that require antibiotic treatment. 

For those that have not milk recorded yet this year, they should look to start recording before the end of lactation and continue to record in 2024. Alternatively, although a far more laborious way, is to take quarter samples from all cows and get these analysed.

Pablo finishes by highlighting that nutritional management of yield is important, with cows dried at <15kg of milk per day having better treatment outcomes under SDCT. 

The cleanliness and stocking density of cubicles are also an important factor with twice daily cleaning and liming of cubicles contributing to better outcomes. 

A surprisingly high level of infection in 1st lactation animals resulted in a higher threshold or cut point for 1st calvers from the predictive model developed from the research. This was 100,000 for the 1st lactation cows and 65,000 SCC for the 2nd lactation plus cows. 

This is not to say that farmers should only apply SDCT to cows at these thresholds as many farmers are successfully using higher thresholds with great success with some farmers successfully using sealer only treatment on 80-90% of their herds.

Seeking advice and making informed decisions on what cows to treat or not and excellent hygiene at post drying and in the run into calving can see SDCT implemented on Irish farms with little or no impact on the SCC of the herds or nationally.  

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
 
The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Dairy farmer, Aidan Ahearne, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the practical implementation of 10 in 7 milking frequency on his farm and the benefits to work-life balance and animal welfare with minimal impact on milk production.

Aidan explains that he tried 10 in 7 milking frequency from October last year with good success but based on research, he started from mid-July this year. 

When considering production, milk solids was the same in August of this year compared to last year but dropped by 8% in the month of September. Aidan speculates that this is partially due to reduced milking frequency but also says that lower meal feeding rates and adverse weather played a part.

Aidan emphasises the impact of reducing milking to 10 in 7 improves work life balance, as you are eliminating 16 milkings per month or 64 milkings from August to November. He explains this is at a time when you can get tired and stale from the tasks of daily milking routines.
 
 Fundamentally, Aidan considers 10 in 7 as a vehicle to support work-life balance and allows him more free time with his young family and for interests outside of farming. He thinks it is a no-brainer for many farms.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

As part of Sustainability Week, dairy farmers John and Brendan Walsh join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the evolution in their farming practices in an effort to improve the sustainability of the farm system.

Brendan explains that, while they have always had an environmental focus on the farm, their urgency in the uptake of new practices has escalated in an effort to help combat climate change.

The Walsh’s have begun to test their slurry and John explains that they have slurry tanks associated with different stock groups: dry cows, weanlings, finishers and an uncovered tank. This gives them more knowledge of the nutrient value of the slurry and the ability to target paddocks deficient in nutrients.

Brendan estimates that they have established clover on 62% of the farm. This has allowed them to reduce the quantity of chemical nitrogen spread on the platform. When considering the challenge of bloat, John explains that they lost a cow and had cows blown up last autumn, when there was high growth rate following the drought and an abundance of lush, low fibre grass available. To counteract the risk, the Walsh’s make straw available to cows and estimate they used half a bale per cow last autumn.

John urges farmers to strongly consider the adoption of best practice on farms saying, ‘Try everything but don’t be afraid to fail’.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com.

With the recent announcement to the changes in the upper derogation limit from 250 to 220 kg of organic nitrogen per hectare, this week’s Dairy Edge podcast is joined by Eddie Burgess, Catchment Specialist from the Agricultural Catchments Programme, who gives the background and sequence of events that led to the decision being made; while Joe Patton, Teagasc’s Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, discusses the options available to affected farmers.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com.

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, is joined by Michael Dineen, Senior Research Officer at Teagasc, to discuss the key messages from the National Winter Milk Open Day.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

With the deadline for slurry spreading fast approaching, Mark Plunkett joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast with his tips and advice to maximise the nutrient uptake and productivity from slurry on farm.

Mark urges farmers to make a plan to target the most appropriate fields for slurry application - slurry with low P and K indexes or have had silage cuts during the year. 

Mark reminds farmers that this is the last opportunity to empty tanks ahead of the winter housing period.

Furthermore, Mark says that the window for liming fields is now open. Lime remains a cheap fertiliser product, especially with access to funding from the National Liming Programme. 

Benefits of liming include building optimal soil fertility, nitrogen mineralisation and increased grass productivity.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com.

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, is joined by Ciaran Hearn, from PastureBase Ireland, to discuss the tools to keep grass in the diet longer this autumn

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

John Maher and John O’Loughlin from the Grass10 campaign join Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the key learnings from farm visits for Grass10 competition applicants.
 
John Maher explains that these farms are good at basic grassland management as well as demonstrating excellence in nutrient management and biodiversity.
 
John O’Loughlin highlights the sources of nitrogen from mineralisation, organic fertilisers, chemical fertilisers and alternative pastures such as white clover.

The trend in use of chemical fertilisers is declining due to improved nutrient management and regulation.

John also explains that farmers need to continue to make better use of slurry and incorporate legumes into pasture swards to maintain grass productivity.

For more information on the Grass10 competition visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grassland-farmer-of-the-year-/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, is joined by Martina Gormley to discuss labour requirements & efficiencies on-farm.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, is joined by Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, to give an overview of costs, costs of production and managing cashflow for the remainder of 2023 and into early 2024.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass 10, who offers advice on dealing with current conditions as the focus turns to autumn grazing.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, Sarah Higgins, Ruminant and Equine Veterinary Manager with MSD, discusses Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) but in particular Bovine Coronavirus.

Sarah first explains BRD and the risk factors that predispose animals to the disease.  Bovine Coronavirus is a coronavirus, though it is not associated with COVID-19 having been first identified in the 1970s. 

Research has shown a very high prevalence of the disease both across Europe and in Ireland and it is associated with ‘opening the gate’ for other BRD elements such as RSV, Pi3 and mannheimia haemolytica. 

Given its prevalence and its gateway action, MSD have recently released a vaccine for administration from birth to counteract this virus.

Sarah then discusses herd health planning with the farm’s vet to establish a strong vaccination programme to deal with issues that occur on the farm. With reducing antimicrobial availability, vaccination strategies to maximise the health of the herd will be important

Sarah finishes by saying that while antimicrobials will still be required to treat disease when it occurs, the use of the right product at the right rate for the right length of time, is an important contribution farmers can make to reducing the risk associated with antimicrobial resistance along with an appropriate vaccination strategy.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Derek O'Donoghue, Principal of Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, who provides an update on the college's dairy herd.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Tomas Tubritt from Teagasc Moorepark who goes through the Pasture Profit Index and how best to use it to select grass varieties.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast, Nicky Byrne, Research Officer in Teagasc Grange, discusses the benefits of red clover silage.

Nicky explains that red clover has a huge potential to fix nitrogen and dramatically lower the chemical nitrogen input for silage. With yields of 25-26 bales per year, it is producing a significant amount of forage with no chemical nitrogen input.

However, red clover silage may not be for every field, and management of it will be critical to maximising its lifespan. It is ideally suited to outblocks that might not be grazed at all or only grazed in the later part of the year. 

Operations such as grazing or cutting need to take place in good conditions to maximise the lifespan of the clover so for this reason, Nicky would recommend that only a portion of the block is in red clover at any one time in situations where outblocks are providing grazing in the later part of the year. This will allow for grazing of the red clover sward in good conditions with normal grass swards being more resilient for grazing in poorer weather conditions.

Cutting date is very important with early May being the target for the 1st cut and subsequent cuts being taken at 6-8 week intervals. Ideally the third cut should be completed in late August/early September while there is a better chance of fine weather to allow for wilting hence the early 1st cut date is important to achieve this objective.

Nicky finishes by saying that he would see a proportion of silage ground in red clover as being of benefit to dairy farmers to produce high quality forage to feed back to cows during the shoulders or during weather challenges as intakes on it are good and it may contribute to increased performance as a result of this based on his work in the dairy beef systems trial. 

An ideal scenario in Nicky’s opinion is that farmers would start a 10 year reseeding programme incorporating red clover into it where appropriate, with the expectation of a 4-6 year lifespan of the red clover, with the sward reverting to a normal two cut silage scenario subsequently until reseeded again after the 10 year cycle.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Dr Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc to give an insight into the key messages from the Moorepark '23 Dairy Open Day which took place on Tuesday, 4th July.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Dr George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Signpost Advisory Programme, to provide an overview of what's involved in the climate advisory programme for dairy farmers.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Pat Tuohy, Senior Research officer at Teagasc Moorepark, is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the drainage status of grassland peat soils in Ireland.

Pat and his colleagues, Lillian O’Sullivan, Conor Bracken and Owen Fenton have recently released a review paper that when accepted into the national inventory by the EPA, will be of great significance in the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector of carbon emissions.

Pat explains how it can be difficult to have the correct figures in this sector relative to others and gave examples of how you know how many animals are in the country, you know what quantity of diesel was burned and consequently, the figures for emissions are relatively robust. 

However, with Ireland being one of only three countries (Denmark and the Netherlands being the others) that are seen as net emitters of carbon from soil, work is ongoing to get better figures to feed into national inventories.

It is currently estimated that 345,000ha of land in Ireland is drained peat soils and this is releasing nearly 9.2 million tonnes of CO2 each year. Where there is no knowledge of drainage status, it must be assumed that all the land is drained. This is how the 345,000ha figure was arrived at and Pat and his colleagues conducted a review to see if this really was the case.

Pat went on to say that drains would need to be <5m apart to effectively drain peatland and the sheer cost would be uneconomical at great scale so that partial or localised drainage was more likely. 

Trawling through old survey documents gathered from Teagasc offices and labs down through the years, a substantial survey presented by Liam Galvin at a conference in the Netherlands in 1986 suggested that only 70,000 ha of these grassland peats were actually drained and that 20,000ha of this was now redundant. 

This combined with other surveys has allowed Pat and the others to arrive at a figure of 90-120,000 ha as being a more robust estimate of the actual area of drained grassland peats in the country.

While only 8-10% of the farms on the heavy soils programme would classify as grassland peat soils, the implications are still significant because as well as reducing the emissions associated with these soils from >9 million to nearly half that, it may also have implications under the Land restoration laws that are being proposed.

Pat finishes by explaining that work will continue on many fronts to improve and further refine figures for both land areas but also emission factors mentioning the role of the National Agricultural Soil Carbon Observatory (NASCO) which will be working in particular on establishing better emission estimates for many land types under different management conditions across the country.  

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by James O'Donoghue, Teagasc dairy advisor based in Monaghan, to give an update as to what has been happening in the Monaghan area over the last couple of weeks and the things to look out for.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Raymond Goggin, Bandon dairy farmer and Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme participant, to get an update on what's been happening on the farm.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Laurence Shalloo, Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme at Teagasc Moorepark, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the dairy industry in the forthcoming years.

Laurence looks back at challenges that were there in the late 2000s when expansion was beginning to kick off and there were many questions to be answered at many levels at that time. The industry working together came up with the solutions, he says, and this should give us lots of hope for the future also.

Laurence went on to say that not everyone was in agreement in dealing with the previous challenges but by getting together and thrashing out the items of concern it led to the solutions being found.

Laurence discusses water quality trends and while a recent EPA report isn’t looking favourable, Laurence quotes numbers that would suggest there is movement in the right direction, albeit not at the speed that we would like to see.

He also spoke about the carbon footprint of Irish dairy which is really low already but we have the scope to drop that further. Research being done currently is reducing the output from the industry as well as the changes in farm practices.

Speaking about the labour shortage in the economy as a whole, Laurence talks about reducing the labour demand on farms by becoming more efficient in terms of the labour requirement, but also by being more aware of what dairy farms have to offer in terms of opportunities for people, be they short term or long term opportunities.

Finally, Laurence welcomes everyone to attend the Open Day next Tuesday July 4th starting at 8:30am and encourages people to engage as Teagasc want to get feedback from people at the coalface.

For more details on the Open Day go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/moorepark-open-day/ 

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Emer Kennedy, Teagasc Researcher, to discuss milking 10 times a week in the second half of lactation. 

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, Mark Waters, Co-ordinator of the DNA Registration Project at ICBF joins Stuart Child to discuss the National Genotyping scheme that was launched recently by the Minister for Agriculture.

Mark starts by telling us exactly what genotyping is and what it has to offer both farmers and the industry as a whole. 

He says that it is hard to overstate the value of genotyping and that the big thing will be the rate of gain that will be achievable. This has the potential to allow for more palatable actions with regard to climate change targets compared to some of the actions that are currently being suggested, such as a large scale reduction in animal numbers .

Mark then explains how farmers can sign up for the scheme, what they have to do in 2023 and what is expected from 2024 onwards when the DNA registration process will start in earnest.

Finally, Mark highlights that the purpose of the scheme is to genotype the existing herd to allow for the DNA registration process to become a reality and that people are committing to this when signing up. 

It is imperative that people take samples and return them in a timely manner to facilitate preparation for the DNA registration next spring.    

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Donal Patton, Teagasc, to give an update on a new research trial which is looking at incorporating Clover into grass swards in Teagasc Ballyhaise. 

In 2021 the new 5-year systems trial began looking at transitioning from high levels of Nitrogen (N) usage to low levels of imported N in Ballyhaise College.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Brendan Horan, Farm Systems researcher at Teagasc Moorepark, is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss multi-species swards (MSS) and the reason he and his team are researching them in the multi-milk systems trials at Curtin’s Farm.

Brendan starts by telling us the policy context for looking at MSS stemming from the Farm to Fork strategy that is looking for reductions in the amount of inputs going into farming systems, to minimise environmental impacts of farming, increase resource use efficiency and increase biodiversity.

Following on from the policy piece and the requirement to reduce the nitrogen footprint of the farming system, the third piece of the jigsaw is climate change and how are we going to deal with potentially drier summers and wetter winters. 

In that context, multi-species have the potential to reduce the nitrogen requirement as well as offering increased sward diversity that might have the potential to allow us to adapt to changing weather patterns.

Brendan went on to say that on the multi-milk trial, multi-species swards are growing similar quantities of forage, showing increases in milk solids output during the mid-season, but very importantly, have the potential to reduce nitrate leaching by 5-10% compared to standard perennial ryegrass swards that are commonplace currently.

Finally, Brendan encourages farmers to try some on their farms as farmers will need to learn how to farm these swards and the best way to do this is to try it. 

Furthermore, assuming that good perennial ryegrass and clover varieties are used, these swards, while potentially not persisting as multi-species swards, will continue to persist as high quality grass clover swards in the medium to longer term on farms.   

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Lorcan Dooley, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, based in Portlaoise, Co. Laois to discuss where the focus should be on dairy farms for June.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by is joined by Liam McCabe, Dairy Sector Manager, Bord Bia to give an insight into the dairy market outlook for the second half of 2023.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Chloe Millar, Teagasc, to give an insight into the Tipperary Calf to Beef Demo Farm. 

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Don Crowley, Milk Quality Specialist at Teagasc is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how to stay in control of somatic cell count (SCC) during the mid-lactation period.

Don first explains how the high milk price in 2022 was a disincentive to people to be ruthless with regard to SCC as there was no real financial ramifications for supplying high SCC milk as the penalty was small relative to the high milk value.

Consequently, Don has seen more issues with SCC this year as people pay for their sins of the past with high SCC cows having infected other cows in herds and now they are struggling to deal with the issue.

Don advises people to ‘know your enemy’, so following milk recording, identify high SCC cows, use the CMT test to identify the offending quarter or quarters and sample these to identify the strain of bacteria that you are up against. Knowing this will help you decide on the best course of action to take with the culprits.

In some cases, where appropriate and using the correct product, young cows may be treated with some positive consequences, however, older cows will have a lower success rate at less than 50%. 

Drying off quarters may also work in some situations and Don describes how to do this but in some cases, the only solution is to actually cull the cow as they have a chronic infection and cannot be cured. 

Don recommends that people don’t put cows identified as chronic in calf to avoid the temptation to keep them if in calf at the end of the season.

Finally, Don says that in lower milk price years, SCC management is important to avoid having to dry cows due to SCC issues in late lactation when milk value is at its highest and that staying on top of it now is the best defence. 

Culling a few cows might be a tough decision for many but the headaches that high SCC cause are not worth it so people need to stop the spread now by whatever means works best on their farm and ensure that chronically infected cows, if not culled right now, definitely leave the farm at the end of the year.  

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Padraig O'Connor, Teagasc to discuss best practice in milking routine.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Pat Tuohy, Teagasc, to give an insight into the Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme - Achieving Grazing Success.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, Eddie Burgess, Specialist in the Agricultural Catchments Programme, talks about minimising nitrate loss in farming to help improve water quality.

Eddie first explains the Agricultural Catchments programme and what it does, contributing to the body of evidence required to support changes to nitrate regulations within Ireland

Eddie says that there will always be nitrate loss occurring regardless of the land use but that it is important to minimise the amount of it in order to attain the standards required.

He also explains the rationale for the closed period and says that half of the nitrate loss in catchments occurs during the closed period which is generally only approximately a quarter of the year. Given this, it is important that levels of surplus nitrogen, that is nitrogen in excess of crop requirement, are kept to an absolute minimum at this time of year to keep the losses as low as possible. 

To this year, slurry storage is important and the ability to store organic manures for periods greater than the closed periods is an important factor in reducing nitrate loss to water. 

Eddie encourages farmers to assess their situations and make adjustments - be that extra storage or planning to use their organic nitrogen better throughout the growing season to minimise the quantities being spread late in the year when water tables will inevitably rise thus carrying surplus nitrogen to below the rooting zone.

However, Eddie points out that there has been a consistent reduction in the losses in the Timoleague catchment over the last four years which certainly has in some part come about due to practice changes and Eddie says that if farmers continue to be prudent with their use of all nutrient sources on their farms, then water quality can continue to move in the right direction without having to reduce stocking rate.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Donal Ronayne, dairy farmer from Co. Mayo with an Aurivo Programme update - a farmer's perspective. 

Donal is a participant of the Teagasc/ Aurivo Joint Programme and gives an update on how the Spring went on his farm as well as an insight into his farm and farming system.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Seamus Nolan, Teagasc Advisor based in the Roscommon/Longford Advisory Region, to give an update from the grass roots.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by dairy farmer, Eugene Lawler, to discuss matching stocking rate to grass grown.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Ruth Fennell, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, to discuss breeding beef from the dairy herd. 

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Steven Fitzgerald, Waterford dairy farmer and Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farm Programme participant to get an update on what's been happening on the farm. 

Steven gives an insight into how the calving season is going, his experience of using sexed semen on the farm, milk production update and the grass situation on the farm.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc, to discuss the nutrition of the spring calving cow ahead of breeding.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Eamon Fagan, a Westmeath dairy farmer, to discuss sexed semen - a farmer's perspective.

Eamon gives an update on how things have gone for the Spring so far on the farm and what his plan is to the end of the first round.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Laurence Feeney, CEO of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA), is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how pedigree herds are preparing for future challenges through their breeding.

Laurence started by telling us a little bit about his background from his time involved in some breeding projects on the home farm in Co. Meath to his time spent with Progressive Genetics for over 20 years, before taking up his current position as CEO of the IHFA.

Laurence explains the breeding objectives of IHFA members and says that as fertility has improved so significantly in the last number of years, their members are now looking at traits such as mastitis and lameness to ensure the longevity of their cows can be matched by their ability to stay walking well and continuing to produce high milk quality. As a consequence of these areas of focus, they are seeing a little more emphasis being cast on conformation traits.

When discussing banding, Laurence cautions against making massive system changes in response to the impact banding may have on farms as massive system changes can make systems more complicated and not necessarily more financially rewarding. 

He suggests that people need to focus on increasing efficiency and the milk solids sold from their farms with limited or no increases in milk litres and reminds people that good fertility  leading to herd maturity alone can increase milk output on farms. 

He also says that while IHFA members don’t generally have issues selling their dairy bull calves or their dairy beef calves, they are advising people make every effort to maximise the beef potential of the beef calves that they produce on their farms and to be prepared for any changes that may be coming into the future. 

An objective for all farmers in his opinion should be to have a good fertile herd that results in a reduced requirement to carry non-productive stock and maximise the productive animals they can carry within their stocking rate and nitrate limits. This efficiency will be important both financially and environmentally.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom was joined by Don Crowley, Teagasc to discuss less than 100 Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in the first 100 days.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom was joined by Denis Brassil, Teagasc to give an update on the Kerry Monitor Farms where 1/3 are through their first rotation.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to talk about the options available to dairy farmers impacted by the introduction of the new Nitrates banding.

Patrick explains that people need to optimise their N allowance on their farms by making sure that they are efficient in terms of the stock numbers and type that they have on their farms.

He then discussed a number of different options from the exporting of slurry, to contract rearing the young stock, leasing additional land and reducing cow numbers - or a combination of all as solutions to the impact of banding.

Finally Patrick says that in reality, this year is no different to any other with the exception of the introduction of the banding, in that people should sit down every year anyway and assess their farm’s physical and financial performance and make decisions such as additional land leasing on the basis of solid justification from a farm performance - and more importantly from a financial point of view - rather than simply stay doing what you are doing as this might not be the right decision for your farm.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom was joined by Aidan Lawless, Dairy Unit Manager, Teagasc Johnstown Castle to discuss spring grazing at Johnstown Castle.

Johnstown Castle has a herd of 140 cows of whom 90 are winter calving cows. While calving is well on the way in the spring cohort of the cows, Aidan focuses on the 90 strong autumn calving unit because this unit is well in milk production and is managed as a separate unit at Johnstown Castle.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom was joined by Niall Walsh, Technologist at UCD Lyons Estate to get an update on spring grazing at Lyons Estate.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom was joined by Mike Egan, Teagasc, to give a review of dry matter intake in cows in early lactation. 

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Sarah Higgins, Ruminant & Equine Manager with MSD joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to talk about Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) and its impact. 

Sarah outlines what BRD is, how it impacts on animals and what people can do to reduce the impact it has on their herds.

Sarah explains that while vaccination from the day of birth against RSV and Pi3 is now possible, this alone is not going to solve respiratory issues on farms and farmers need to take a broader view of trying to limit the effect of the disease.

Finally, Sarah spoke about coughing cows and explained that this is in effect another symptom of BRD on farms with increased resistance to lung worm doses a significant causal effect on some farms. 

She cautioned that people need to consult with their own veterinary practitioner to develop an appropriate strategy to deal with BRD on their own farms.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom was joined by Mike Dineen, Teagasc to discuss supplementation guidelines for cows in early lactation. 

Elsewhere on the webinar, John Maher, Grass10 Programme Manager gave an update on the grass situation for this week.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Clarissa O’Nuallain, HR Services Manager with IFAC, joins Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the legislation that affects employers and that is very important for farmers who are employing people to be aware of. 

Clarissa emphasised the importance of contracts being issued to staff and went on to outline the risks of not issuing these. 

She then discussed the probation period as well as the new minimum wage requirements and maximum hours in a week.

Clarissa also went on to talk about the new public holiday in February and how that impacts on employers and employees.

Finally, Clarissa reminded farmers that they need to review their employment legislation position and make sure that if they are not currently compliant that they make moves immediately to become compliant with the legislation and seek professional advice where necessary.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses best practice around weaning. 

The webinar was run in conjunction with the series of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc CalfCare events which took place in January on farms across the country.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist to discuss housing guidelines for young calves. 

The webinar was run in conjunction with the series of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc CalfCare events which are taking place this January on farms across the country.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

For the second part of the interview with Tommy the Vet, Stuart talks to Tommy about Precision Microbes, a complementary feed for calves that he thinks is going to be game changing for calf gut health. 

Tommy first discusses how he came to have an interest in the space that this product is in and how he came to be involved with trying to promote it.

Tommy then goes on to explain the logic behind the product, how it works and how it influences gut health in calves but emphasises that this is still only another tool in a farmer’s armoury in combatting the challenges of calf rearing as no one solution exists to solve the many issues that can arise.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Catherine McAloon, Vet in UCD's Herd Health Group to discuss managing scouring calves. 

Catherine's presentation was followed by a questions and answers session. The webinar was run in conjunction with the series of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc CalfCare events which are taking place this January on farms across the country.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

With calving season under way, on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast, Tommy Heffernan aka Tommy the Vet talks about doing the basics right on calf health.

Tommy says that doing the basics right, though sounding boring, is the key to good calf management.

While Colostrum 123 is well ingrained in people’s minds now, the hygiene of the collection of the colostrum is something that people need to focus on.  Due to the nature of colostrum and how it can be difficult to clean equipment afterwards, particular focus needs to be on the utensils used to collect and feed.

Tommy also talks about the space and ventilation requirement of calves and how straw is such an important piece of the calf health jigsaw.

Next week, for part two of the interview, Tommy will be discussing the precision microbes product that he is involved with, how it works and why he is so excited about it.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Emer Kennedy of Teagasc to discuss milk feeding guidelines for young calves. 

Emer's presentation was followed by a questions and answers session. The webinar was run in conjunction with the series of Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc CalfCare events which are taking place this January on farms across the country.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Vincent Griffith, Farm Profitability Specialist with Aurivo Co-Op and chair of the IGA Dairy Conference Committee, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to preview the IGA Dairy Conference taking place in Charleville on Wednesday 18th January.

Vincent outlines the three sessions on the day which are:

-       Session 1 which will examine the impacts of banding on farms with a financial impact assessment piece delivered by Noreen Lacey, while David Fennelly, dairy farmer from Co. Laois, will outline how their farm will be responding to the changes that have come in on January 1st this year

-       Session 2 is going to look at energy efficiency to reduce the impact of electricity costs and also the role of technology on reducing the workload associated with dairy farmer in light of reduced availability of help on farms

-       Session 3 will attempt to give people the information they need to embrace clover on their farms as well as hearing from an early adopter, Robert O’Dea from Co. Limerick, who has reduced his chemical N usage by approximately 40% in two years by introducing clover to fill the gap left by reducing the chemical N

Finally, Vincent also speaks about a pre-conference event on Tuesday 17th that will address the topic of succession which will be of benefit to all no matter where they are currently in their farming careers.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

On the latest episode of the Dairy Edge podcast, Míchéal O’Leary, from Pasturebase Ireland, reviews the 2022 grass year.

Míchéal began by explaining that average farm cover at the end of 2022 was 730kg DM/ha with a range from 600 to 800/900 kg DM/ha. He then went on to explain the situation for the year as a whole with the key figure being that on dairy farms that have over 30 covers done for 2022, there was just shy of a tonne less grass grown on these farms in 2022 compared to 2021.

Míchéal continued to explain how the fertiliser planner on Pasturebase Ireland can help farmers to plan their nutrient use to reduce their chemical fertiliser input which is important for both economic and environmental reasons.

Finally, Míchéal outlined a number of updates and improvements that have been made to Pasturebase during 2022 and ones that are planned for 2023.

He also highlighted Pasturebase week which is running from Monday the 16th of January to Friday 20th covering all the elements of Pasturebase from start to finish catering for the beginner right through to the experienced user who just want to refine their skills on the use of the platform.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Lorna Twomey, Milk Quality PhD Researcher in Teagasc Moorepark, joins Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to talk about milk quality and the things farmers can do at the end of lactation and the start of the next lactation to ensure good TBC and thermoduric counts.

Lorna talks about a good routine, regardless of product choice, and doing the routine well every day of the year. This, if done correctly, will deliver high quality milk.

Lorna also stresses the importance of preparing cows for milking especially important for thermoduric counts and again, while this is especially important during the housing period, it is also important throughout the lactation.

Finally, Lorna talks about washing the machine and tank well at the end of the milk supply period for the year in order to ‘store it’ clean and then washing well again in advance of milk being supplied in the New Year as well as having good communication with you milk processor in relation to that first milk collection to avoid longer than necessary storage periods before collection in the spring.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Joe Patton, Teagasc Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, to provide an overview of the key messages from the National Dairy Conference which took place on 6th & 8th December.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Niamh Lynch, Teagasc Dairy advisor in Navan, joins Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to talk about the Teagasc eProfit Monitor and the benefits of completing it.

Niamh highlights the usefulness of building up a bank of information over years of completion to give you a good perspective of the costs of running the business through good and bad times.

Niamh also says that while the year will be a good one for the majority of dairy farmers, the creep in costs is something that people will need to quantify so that people can watch out for these areas in 2023. 

Niamh also explains that preparing to complete a profit monitor will help people kill two birds with one stone in that they will do a significant amount of the preparation of their accounts at the same time and this will be a very important and useful job to have done early in 2023 given the potential tax bills that will be facing farmers in 2023 on foot of record milk prices in 2022.

Finally, Niamh says that while completing the profit monitor will take some time, especially when completing one for the first time, people shouldn’t be put off by this and that by putting a structure in place to handle incoming paperwork throughout the year - be it in some form of an electronic system or the simple pen and paper - will make the process a lot easier in future years.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Gráinne Hurley, Teagasc Dairygold Joint Programme Monitor Farm advisor, and Paul Maher, Head of International Relations and Corporate Strategy in Teagasc, join Stuart Childs on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss a recent visit of the New Zealand Special Agriculture Trade Envoy to Teagasc Dairygold Signpost Farmer, Sean Moher which they both facilitated.

Gráinne first explained the reason for the visit before describing the key elements of sustainability that Sean is putting into practice such as protected urea, clover incorporation and EBI. Gráinne also explains how Sean has adopted these practices and outlined some of the feedback coming from the New Zealand group on the day.

Following on from this, Paul explained what his role as the Head of International Relations and Corporate Strategy in Teagasc entails and went on the explain the importance of visits such as that at Sean’s farm in terms of sharing information and knowledge with other countries with a view to achieving common goals with climate being the most current common dominator for all countries regardless of their production systems.

Paul continued by outlining some of the relatively unknown work that Teagasc do internationally and finished by saying that while we have plenty to offer, we also have plenty to learn too, so visits such as these are hugely beneficial for all involved.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by James Dunne to review the key messages from the Winter Milk events that took place across the country recently with a focus on costs, feed and yield, and breeding fertility. 

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the recent people management courses held in a number of locations across the country in the last few weeks.

Martina began by explaining the agenda and course content over the two days and explained that one of the key items that people attend for is the legislation around employment which is covered very well by Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) personnel.

Martina went on to explain that it is a common misconception that the course is only for people who are employing people on their farms full-time. However, the course has something to offer to all farmers.

From time management for yourself as well as any people that might be working on the farm at any stage throughout the year, to attracting and retaining the people that are involved in your dairy business in whatever way they might be, there are numerous learnings that any farmer can take from the courses.

Martina finished by saying that if people haven’t attend before and are interested in attending in the future, they can express their interest by contacting her by email to [email protected] as this will facilitate Martina in planning courses for 2023. 

In the meantime, people can view some of the very good resources on labour on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/labour.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

To better inform farmers of the principal causes of lameness and more importantly of the steps that they can take in minimising the incidence of the condition, Teagasc, one of the participating members of the Resilience for Dairy programme is hosting three short farmer-friendly webinars. 

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Paul Maher, a postgraduate student at Teagasc Moorepark, to discuss Paul’s area of study which focuses on the design and evaluation of cow roadways in Ireland. 

Paul discussed practical steps that farmers can take to improve the quality of their farm roadway network for their dairy herds.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

To better inform farmers of the principal causes of lameness and more importantly of the steps that they can take in minimising the incidence of the condition, Teagasc, one of the participating members of the Resilience for Dairy programme is hosting three short farmer-friendly webinars. 

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Dr. Natasha Browne, Teagasc Moorepark. Natasha has recently completed her PhD in the area of dairy cattle lameness in Ireland. 

She presented the results of her studies and identified some practical measures that farmers can adopt to reduce the incidence of lameness in dairy cows at pasture.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Joe Patton, Teagasc’s Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer previews the upcoming Teagasc National Dairy Conferences that are taking place in Cork on December 6th and Mullingar on December 8th.

Joe gives a brief outline of each of the four sessions that will be delivered on the day from a market outline and future demands piece from Co-op representatives and an information piece on the value of high quality dairy products in human nutrition from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

The second session will look at chemical N strategies that accompany clover as well as the nutritive values that clover-based diets give livestock as well as discussing the journey towards clover incorporation on their farms with Michael Gowen and Sean O’Donnell.

The third session of the conference will deal with calf housing and welfare as well as beefing up the calf crop coming from the dairy herd with new insights from Alan Twomey as well as farmer experiences from Liam Long and Peter Robinson.

The final session will cover a broad range of topics from finances to SCC to methane mitigation to labour efficiency when milking and the factors that influence this.

Finally Joe reminds people to book in for December 6th or 8th to hear about the subjects in more detail and this can be done by going to the Teagasc website at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/dairy-conference/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

To better inform farmers of the principal causes of lameness and more importantly of the steps that they can take in minimising the incidence of the condition, Teagasc, one of the participating members of the Resilience for Dairy programme is hosting three short farmer-friendly webinars. 

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Ned Dunphy from Waterford Farm Relief Service. 

Ned outlined the principal types of lameness in grazing dairy cows and the steps that should be taken to minimise the risks.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

George Ramsbottom, Dairy Specialist in Teagasc Oakpark, joined Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to speak about his recent trip to Kenya.

George went out to visit a masters student Michael O’Loughlin who is evaluating the efficiency of the extension programme being run by a charity called Development Pamoja.

George explains how cows in Kenya aren’t large producers mainly driven by lack of availability of water and mediocre quality feed.

George went on to tell of the discussion groups in Kenya also operating as savings groups and how they can borrow money from the group. 

The involvement of Development Pamoja charity in terms of providing money has increased their capacity to access funding to develop their farms.

George says that the power and value of extension or advisory services can’t be underestimated with it being clear that those who engaged with their advisory services were making progress in achieving their objectives which in most cases was to simply provide enough for the their own families and to provide food security for their neighbours who in many cases were buying what surplus milk was available to feed their own families.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist is joined by Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist to discuss roadway surfaces. 

They also give an overview of a large scale survey of dairy farm roadways from all around the country by Paul Maher, a Masters student working in Teagasc.  Poor quality roadways are a major risk factor for lameness.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Padraig McCormack, Dairy Advisor in Teagasc Moorepark, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s episode of The Dairy edge podcast to speak about the nitrates compliance issues for farmers both derogation and non-derogation before the end of 2022 and in advance of 2023.

Padraig reminds farmers of their requirements to complete twenty grass covers for the year where necessary and also to get any outstanding lime requirement dealt with as soon as the weather allows before year end.

He also highlights that there are changes coming for those farming under 170kg N/ha that will require them to have soil samples available next year and beyond and how LESS application is becoming a mandatory requirement for farmers under 170 kg N/ha on a phased basis over the next few years.

Finally Padraig encourages farmers to sit down over the next few weeks and months and try and gather what info they can for derogation records for 2022. 

This might also afford people the opportunity to organised their paperwork for other aspects of farm management such as profit monitor completion and compiling of info for completing tax accounts for 2022 early in 2023.  

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses maiden heifer weight targets to coincide with a new herd weight profile which has been launched recently by ICBF.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Pat Tuohy, Programme Coordinator of the Heavy Soils Programme, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast, to speak about the findings from the last ten years that have helped to develop a blueprint for resilient dairy farms on heavy soils across the country.

Pat started by revisiting the wet years of 2009 and 2012 which were the catalyst for the commencement of the programme and explained that while, the initial focus on the programme was on drainage, after the first few years, the levels of soil fertility came to the fore and became a key focus area for all the farms. 

As a result of significant improvements made in this area, along with better farm infrastructure, large increases in grass utilisation have been achieved.

Pat says that being good at all aspects of dairy farming from herd genetics and breeding management, as well as the grassland management, is important and that in the reality, the only difference between the heavy soils’ farms and other farms is the soil type and that the way the farmers on the programme manage all aspects of their operation is key to them running profitable operations in spite of their soil type.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses on-off grazing.

On-off grazing is often associated with the springtime but it's also part of the grazing repertoire at this time of the year. If ground conditions are gone tricky, on-off grazing may be the solution.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Michelle McGrath, a vet working with Animal Health Ireland, tells Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast about a number of Department of Agriculture funded animal health consultations that farmers can avail of through their vets.

Michelle says that, for farmers struggling with their bulk SCC, there is an in-lactation consult available to help farmers take the first steps towards getting control of their cell count. 

This process involves farm advisors and milking machine technicians as well as the farm vet however, the first step on this journey begins with the initial consult with the vet. 

While this is targeted at herds that have SCC problems, if people would like to learn more about being more in control of their SCC, they can also apply. It is important to note though that the deadline for application for this consult is Oct 31st.

On a similar line, Michelle also spoke about the TASAH funded dry cow consult available to help farmers embark on sealer only dry cow strategy to allow them to comply with the new regulations introduced earlier this year. 

There are also consults available on Parasite control and Johnes control as well as BVD and TB in the case of breakdowns of either disease on farms.

Finally, Michelle points out that there is a great resource of information on animal health on the Animal Health Ireland website and encourages people to visit it to view articles, videos and lots of other information in relation to the main diseases that affect farmers.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses milk sensitivity analysis and its increasing importance for drying-off cows.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Seamus Kearney, Teagasc Training and Development Specialist on the Signpost Programme, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge to discuss some of the ways that farmers can reduce greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from their farms.

Seamus explains that 65% of farm emissions are coming from methane and approximately 30% are coming from nitrous oxide which is derived mainly from how slurry is spread and the chemical fertiliser that is used on farms. 

Seamus says that by switching from CAN to protected urea and using the most environmentally friendly compounds, where allowances allow, products such as 18:6:12 and 10:10:20, is not only an environmentally savvy solution but also a very financially wise move with savings of €40-50 per cow at current prices.  

Seamus expects that approximately 20% of nitrogen used in 2022 will have been protected urea and he says that at roughly €50 more for protected urea, the reduced losses associated with it means that there is nearly €120 more fertiliser because of the protection preventing losses in comparison to straight urea. 

Seamus is very clear that farmers need to spread lime before the end of the year where needed and is looking forward to a white Christmas this year because of the lime being spread by farmers!

Finally, Seamus says that farmers can replace 5t of CAN fertiliser with 3t of 46% protected urea and by doing this they can save approximately €1000 at current fertiliser prices and that for every 5t of CAN they replace with the protected urea, they are also reducing the emissions from their farms by the equivalent of nearly 1 dairy cow.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
 
The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses the last rotation and closing up the farm to leave it in a good situation for 2023.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

John McCabe, Teagasc Aurivo Joint Programme Group Facilitator and Monitor Farm Advisor, joins Stuart Childs on the latest episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how Autumn grass build-up has gone this year as well as the Autumn closing strategy.

John explains that if farms want to build cover, it is imperative that they use some supplement in August to actively build cover and that good growth through September has baled many out of a scenario where they would have a lot less grass on the farm under more normal conditions. 

John also says that farms in the west have started to close up paddocks now but that the actual closing date will be driven by the average farm cover later in the rotation. Farms in the region are targeting 60-70% grazed in October and possibly even 80% on some of the trickier soil types where November grazing is often a bonus.

Finally, John encourages people to target to graze paddocks that they will be able to access in February next year from the 20th of October to have the cover correct on those paddocks to facilitate good graze out and also facilitate getting through area next spring which will be critical to having sufficient grass available at the start of the 2nd round next April.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
 
The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses managing somatic cell count (SCC) in late lactation. 

Stuart emphasises the importance of the use of milk recording information, acting on it and the follow through that is required around that.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Willie Buckley, Veterinary Surgeon at Riverview Veterinary Group in Bandon and Animal Health Ireland, Cellcheck Technical Working Group member, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the January change in legislation that now means that blanket dry cow antibiotic use is a thing of the past.

Willie explains why the legislation has changed and what it means for farmers. In short, dry cow treatment has moved from a whole herd approach to an individual cow approach. 

If farmers want to administer an antibiotic at drying off, they will need a justifiable reason, be that milk recording info, or individual cow sample info to access that antibiotic. 

Willie has clients that are in year 5 and 6 of using sealer only on cows and has clients that have 4th and 5th lactation cows that have never gotten an antibiotic at drying off. 

Records and hygiene at drying off are critical to success as well as not trying to dry off too many cows at one time.  Willie says that there is a high level of focus required to seal cows hygienically and while it takes effort, it is worth it.

Finally, Willie encourages dairy farmers to monitor and look out for any rise in SCC next Spring to allow them to act early to find the root cause of the rise and to allow them to stay on top of SCC from early lactation. 

This however, is the same advice that Willie would have given to his clients last year, so in reality while things are changing, the principles remain the same: good records, good technique and hygiene when completing the job.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
 
The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses the changes to the closed periods, specifically for slurry.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Teagasc Drystock advisor in Moorepark, Michael Bourke, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how he views contract rearing from a drystock and dairy farmer’s point of view. Michael has nearly 15 years’ experience in setting up contract rearing arrangements.

Michael first explains that while getting the price right in terms of what is paid per head per day is important, the success of contract rearing arrangements is very much about the relationship between both parties which needs to be based on trust from the start. 

Both parties have a role to play in the relationship, with dairy farmers needing to deliver a healthy, on-target weight animal on day one and the contract rearer taking on the baton at this stage until they return the animal at whatever stage is agreed in the condition and weight expected. 

Michael says that dairy farmers know the rise in costs in 2022 and that they need to be aware that their contract rearers’ costs have increased also and that they may need to factor that into the price being paid currently.  

But equally, drystock farmers need also to be flexible so that if costs drop, the charge reflects that too with the return being maintained being the ultimate objective. 

Good relationships between the dairy farmer and the rearer are important to having these conversations.

Finally, Michael encourages dairy farmers to work out their own costs of rearing their heifers and suggests that following this exercise, they will truly see the value in contract rearing.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Since The Dairy Edge launched in January 2018 as Ireland’s first dairy-focused podcast, there have been 245 episodes released weekly as well as additional bonus content from the Let’s Talk Dairy webinars presented by Stuart Childs.

The Dairy Edge has now reached the remarkable milestone of half a million listens and to celebrate that incredible achievement, we have compiled clips from some of our most popular episodes.

Hear from Grass 10 manager John Maher outlining the principles of grassland management as identified in the Grass 10 initiative; dairy advisor Grainne Hurley explains the importance of achieving graze outs and its impact on sward and cow performance; Teagasc’s Laurence Shalloo rationalises the seasonal production profile of Irish milk production and why we don’t operate a flat milk curve; looking to profitability and areas to invest money and see the greatest return on investment on dairy farms, Signpost advisor Seamus Kearney quantifies the substantial returns from improving soil fertility.

Plus, dairy farmer Mike Bermingham explained the move to reduce cow numbers having identified a proportion of cows in the herd that were being fully fed from purchased feed; Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Joe Patton outlined how to create a fodder reserve to reduce the risk to dairy farm businesses; Siobhan Kavanagh & Tom O’Dwyer from the Signpost Programme provided context for the environmental policy that will inform how we farm and they pose the question have we adopted proven technologies in order to take on the challenge of reducing the impact of farming on the environment.

Finally, to renowned Agri-consultant, Matt Ryan, who has worked in the dairy industry for over five decades and Matt highlighted the strides that have been made in labour studies that can promote work-life balance before reflecting on dairy farmers’ ability to cope with the various challenges that exist today.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Dairygold Joint Programme Group Facilitator, William Burchill, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss further work that can be done to improve soil fertility even though the date has passed for the spreading of chemical nitrogen and Phosphorus.

William outlines the offtakes of Potassium (K) associated with grazing and the impact that even one cut of bales can have on a paddock in terms of K required to maintain the correct index from one year to the next as well as the significant impact of multiple cut silage systems on soil K levels. 

William also talks about analysing slurry to know the nutrient content of it and how it can vary depending on the method of storage employed. Knowing the nutrient content will allow for more accurate fertilisation strategies to be implemented.

Finally, William talks about chemical fertiliser options available to people to address K and Sulphur requirements on their farms and given that some fertiliser is currently being purchased now for 2023, he advises that people ensure they purchase the right products for their farm especially K which is not subject to limits like N and P.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Teagasc’s John McCabe and John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor to get an update on the current grazing conditions as well as an insight into the latest advice for farmers.

 
To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Grass10 advisor, Joseph Dunphy, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to review the grassland situation on dairy farms and provides advice for the remainder of the grazing season.

Joseph explains that, depending on the level of rainfall during July and August, the average farm cover and consequently, grass availability, is completely variable; some farms are on a predominantly grass-based diet with low levels of concentrate supplement while others are feeding a silage and concentrate diet with a small proportion of grazed grass.

Joseph recommends that farmers monitor grass, set the farm up for a 30-day rotation and where farm cover remains below target, supplement to fill the deficit.

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For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com 

Dairy specialist, George Ramsbottom, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to consider whether to cull empty cows early or milk them until December.

George estimates that there are 80-100 days left in lactation for spring calving dairy herds; at on average 15 litres per day this will return an income of €700-900 per cow.

George explains where grass growth and winter fodder supplies are in short supply and whether farmers should consider culling cows early to reduce feed demand and prevent winter supplies. 

Conversely, where grass supply is on target and winter feed is sufficient, farmers should consider either drying off or milking once-a-day in order to add additional carcass value.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com 

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, gives an update on grass supply on farms using data available from PastureBase Ireland.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Dairy Farmer, Joe Leonard, and Seed Merchant, Tom McGuinness, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the integration of multi-species swards into dairy farm systems.

During a trip to South Africa in 2016, Joe observed multi-species swards in practice and his interest was piqued.  From 2017, Joe set about incorporating multi-species into his reseeding plans.

Tom McGuinness explains that in the mid 2010s, there was little interest in multi-species and it was limited to beef and sheep farmers. This has increased to in excess of 1,650 acres in 2021. Tom explains that this is owing to farmers’ awareness and willingness to work to reduce their environmental footprint.

Joe explains that grass productivity and cow performance with multi-species swards is comparable with his traditional perennial ryegrass swards although his grazing management differs with higher pre-grazing mass and higher residual in order to promote persistency.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com 

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, speaks to John McNamara to get advice about farmer respiratory health.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Grass 10 champion, Colin Doherty, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to explain how he and his father have developed their dairy farm and built a repeatable grass-based system.

Colin says that, while the farm was in winter milk until 2005, grazed grass was always the core feed that drove their milk production. 

This has continued since they transitioned to spring milk production where they feed predominantly grazed grass with supplement input of ~500 kg and some silage during the lactation. 

Colin says the preference is to feed silage or zero grazed grass from the out-block where grass growth (and supply) are low, to support as much of the cow’s diet from home grown feed.

Colin explains that they previously strived to grow up to 17 tonnes of grass but in more recent years they have reduced the amount of chemical Nitrogen applied and therefore, 15 tonnes is a realistic number. 

In the future, they aim to spread 150 kg N in the form of Protected Urea while also continuing to incorporate LESS and increasing the level of white clover.

Podcast survey: 

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc’s, David Wall, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast with strategies to tackle and lift soil fertility.

David explains that while fertiliser cost and uncertainty of supply has worried farmers during the year, some positive trends such as better use of slurry and increased use of lime were observed. 

However, David warns that if you have taken a break from spreading Phosphorus and Potassium in 2022, it is essential to incorporate these compounds for 2023 to avoid a decline in soil fertility.

David then quantifies the benefit of optimum soil fertility with lift in Nitrogen use efficiency from 35% in soils with low fertility to 80-85% where soils are at optimum.

David also reminds us of closed fertiliser periods: 15th September for chemical Nitrogen and 8th October for slurry.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Ger Cusack and Ned Dunphy join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss common lameness conditions, its cause and appropriate treatment strategies.

Ger explains that white line disease and sole bruising are the most common lameness conditions in grazing dairy cows which are generally caused by poor walking surfaces and cows being rushed on roadways.

Ned documents the introduction of mortellaro to Ireland in the late 1980s when animals were imported into the country. The disease has increased with increasing cow numbers and potential lack of increased facilities provision on farm. Mortellaro is generally spread during the housed period through slurry.

A foot trimmer or vet can is a good starting point to help with relevant treatment plans and identifying cows with sub-optimal locomotion.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, looked at winter fodder

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Dairy farmer and AI technician, Colm O’Connor, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the early indications of the success of the 2022 breeding season.

On his farm Colm achieved an 80% 21 day submission rate, reaching 90% at 25/26 days and conception rate to first service of 65%. He explained that breeding performance was exceptional in his heifers, achieving a 100% 21 day submission rate and 89% conception rate to first service.

Colm credits attention to ensure there are no issues such as held cleanings or infections after calving and cows are on a consistent plain of nutrition have helped him achieve such high performance during the breeding season.

Colm also discussed the trends he has observed among his farmer clients. As AI technician, he has noted a shift to beef AI from the outset of the breeding season for 10-25% of herds, owing to farmers’ increased awareness to add value to the surplus calf and the lower requirement for replacement heifers as farms have reached optimum cow numbers.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, covered tips for building autumn grass cover.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Joe Patton, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss optimum feeding rates to complement grass supply.

Joe reviews the feed supply situation on farm and while average farm cover and growth rate looks healthy at 219 kg per cow and 60 kg DM/day, respectively, the scenario on individual farms is variable due to localised soil moisture deficit and resulting restricted growth rates.

Where growth rate and grass supply are restricted, Joe explains that meal is being fed to replace grass that is unavailable and therefore there is no increase in feed intake and milk production.

Where grass supply is equal to or exceeds demand, Joe explains that meal is being fed in addition to grass which is plentiful. 

In this scenario, the first 2 kg meal fed achieve a good response of 0.8-0.9 kg milk per kg meal. However, feeding 3-5 kg the response falls to 0.5 kg milk per kg meal. 

Financially, milk price is at 60 c/kg and concentrate is 0.41-0.42 c/kg. Taking milk price and the cost of concentrate into account, a response of 0.5 kg of milk is not sufficient to justify higher meal feeding levels where grass is in plentiful supply on farm.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Fodder-Survey-Results-July-2022.pdf

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss his vision for the future of Dairy Farming in Ireland.

Minister McConalogue shares his positivity for the future of the Irish dairy industry with scope for new entrant dairy farms as well as growth for viability on existing dairy farms which he justifies by acknowledging that dairy has provided the value growth to the agriculture sector.

Notwithstanding this, Minister McConalogue emphasises the necessity for all farmers to implement emission reduction measures on dairy farms and as well as future technologies such as feed additives.

He also recognises a shift in the conversation around food security and its balance with environmental targets within the EU and internationally arising from the disruption to supply chains from Ukraine and Russia following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by James Dunne with an overview of the Ballyhaise Open Day.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Economist Emma Dillon joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss farm incomes from 2021.

Emma explained that farms experienced an increase input prices to the tune of 11% for dairy systems primarily from fertiliser, feed and fuel in 2021. This was coupled with a significant rise in milk price and output.  Consequently dairy farm income rose by 23% compared with 2020 to €97,350.

Dairy farms remain viable with 85% of Irish dairy farms defined as either viable or sustainable given their ability to be profitable annually, remunerate labour and provide return on investment.

Emma concludes by speculating on dairy farm income for 2022 with the healthy farm gate prices set to continue which provides a buffer between input costs and milk price received.  

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2022/Teagasc-National-Farm-Survey-2021-Preliminary-Results.php

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Laurence Feeney the new CEO of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association to discuss the role of the IHFA in Irish dairy breeding.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Donal Patton and Barry Reilly join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to identify the optimum stocking rate based on feed supply and the profile of annual grass growth.

 Barry explains that the long term average grass production at Ballyhaise is 14 tonne DM/ha. Donal outlines the profile of growth: magic day of ~40 kg DM/day achieved in late April while grass growth of ~80 kg DM/day. 

This growth represents a challenge in the balance of grass supply, a deficit of grass grown during the shoulders of the year and surplus during the mid-season.

An optimum overall stocking rate of 2.3 LU/ha and a milking platform stocking rate of 3.0 cows/ha was identified for the Ballyhaise dairy herd based on consistent 14 tonnes DM/ha. 

Barry explains that cows get out to grass for 270 days in the year but when taking into account the number of cows calved during the spring and cows housed during inclement weather, cow grazing days are 235 days. 

Donal quantifies the level of supplement required by cows above grazed grass: 700-800 kg concentrate and 1,400 kg silage, half of which is required during lactation.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Trevor Donnellan to discuss the preliminary results from the 2021 National Farm Survey.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Donal Patton and Barry Reilly joined Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss building robust milk production systems in the border, midlands and western region.

Barry outlined current annual performance from the Ballyhaise herd: 470 kg MS at 4.62% fat and 3.65% protein, 80-83% average 6 week calving rate and 361 day calving interval.

Donal explained that the current research involves establishing white clover into grazing swards in an effort to reduce the chemical Nitrogen required to support grass productivity. Donal says that this will examine the issue of persistence of clover in heavy clay drumlin soils.

Barry acknowledged that the strategy of front loading clover establishment at Ballyhaise is not realistic at farm level. It involved a full reseed on 25% and oversown clover on 15% of the milking platform.

Feeding levels of 600 kg or 1,200 kg are being fed per cow to compare lower reliance on feed input to the standard feeding rate in the region. The economic and environmental impact of higher feed levels will be examined across 4 lactations.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Patrick Gowing to discuss the marginal cow.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Olin Greenan joins Emma-Louise Coffey for the second part of his interview on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to give further insights into his production system.

Olin first explains what his lactation looks like: calving from early July to mid-September, mating starts in early October with dry off at the end of April.

However, he explains that the 2021/22 lactation proved challenging owing to a prolonged dry spell during the summer hitting in New Zealand at Christmas.

Previously the summer drought lasted for 6 weeks but Olin says that this has increased to 10 weeks in recent years which has prompted him to revisit his feeding strategy.

To counteract drought conditions, he reduces milking frequency to OAD or 3 in 2 as well as supplementing in order to preserve body condition and support milk production into late lactation.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Irishman Olin Greenan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how his dairy farming career has developed in New Zealand.

Olin recalls the decision to travel to New Zealand for one year after he finished his degree in agriculture and how that developed into a twenty-year farming career from farm assistant to farm manager, contract milker and now 50:50 share milker.

Olin explains that early on in New Zealand he was struck by the clear progression pathway for someone interested in dairy farming and the access to finance required to own your own cows.

He also outlines the challenges he has faced including periods of low milk pay out and managing people.  During low milk pay out, business growth was stagnant. 

When managing people, he says, there is a balance in creating a good working relationship but also providing a clear boundary and line of command on the farm.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Liam McCabe, dairy specialist with Bord Bia, to discuss sustainability around Irish dairy farming.

To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

This week’s Dairy Edge celebrates the evolution of the Kildalton dairy herd over the last 50 years with contributions from past and present staff at the college.

James Ryan and Zerlina Pratt as well as John Connolly and Norman Storey join Emma-Louise Coffey with their insights and memories.

In fifty years, the dairy herd has grown from 40 pedigree British Friesian cows producing ~3,500 litres of milk at 3.5% fat and 3.0% protein (260 kg MS) in 1971 to 120  high EBI Holstein-Friesian and crossbred cows in 2021 producing 530 kg MS.  

The dairy herd has also contended with animal health challenges such as depopulation due to two Brucellosis in the 1970s and Mycoplasma Bovis in 20% of the herd in the 2000s.

The dairy herd aims to achieve high productivity per cow and per ha through sustainable farming practices while also facilitating skills training for agriculture students who attend the college to help put theory into practice.

For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com