The Dairy Edge

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. 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

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: 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, 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: 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

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

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Stephen Connolly from ABP and John Tobin from Munster Bovine to discuss the best beef bulls to select for the breeding season. 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/

Johnstown Castle farm manager, Aidan Lawless, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the performance of the Winter Milk Herd. Aidan quantifies the production performance of the winter milk herd at 630 kg MS from 7,000 litres, which is driven by a right calving season of 10 weeks, high EBI genetics and high quality base winter forage in the form of grass silage. Aidan explains that MS have increased by approximately 10 kg year on year owing predominantly to improved genetics as grassland management and fertility performance is relatively consistent. In relation to winter feed, the winter milk cow is generally fed 1/3 grass silage, 1/3 maize and 1/3 concentrates. Grass silage quality is fundamental to maintaining high performance at moderate concentrate input and preventing stomach upset in cows such as acidosis. To achieve 74-75 DMD silage, Aidan explains they need to cut silage in mid-May. 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, outlines the steps to make quality silage. 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 advisor, John McNamara, and Shinagh dairy manager, Kevin Ahern, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the system of pushing milk solids per hectare from grazed grass and low levels of supplementary feeds. John explains that since cows started milking on farm in 2012, the focus has been on converting grazed grass to milk solids with a low reliance on purchased feed. Over the last number of years, milk solids has been 420-440 kg milk solids per cow from less than 500 kg concentrate and milk solids per ha of 1,100 kg. Kevin suggests small tweaks such as the addition of more clover to grazing swards as well as being more selective with culling poorer yielding cows can lift milk solids per cow. John explains that chemical Nitrogen has reduced from the traditional 250 kg to 178 kg in 2021, and a target of 150 kg in 2022. Kevin quantifies what this looks like practically: all paddocks get 60 kg N by April and subsequently, paddocks with >15% clover will get 8-9 kg Nitrogen and paddocks with >20% clover no further Nitrogen is spread. Both John and Kevin explain their cautious approach to reducing chemical Nitrogen as grass needs Nitrogen to grow and, unless clover content is sufficient, Nitrogen application is essential. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-regions/cork-west/shinagh-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, does some checks and balances in relation to breeding. Stuart discusses the need to run a weekly fertility report to track progress and identify the cows not yet bred. It is also important to make sure that you AI for long enough before releasing bulls and use high DBI bulls to generate high quality beef. 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/

Lameness experts, Ger Cusack and Ned Dunphy, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the level of lameness that exists in grazing dairy cows and the proactive steps that farmers can take to reduce its incidence. Based on a recent on-farm study, up to 20% of cows within Irish dairy herds have some level of lameness and Ger explains that cows suffering from lameness are coping with pain which is a significant welfare concern. Ger recommends that cows with lameness are treated with an anti-inflammatory to combat pain, reduce swelling and promote healing. Ned explains that simple practices on farms such as allowing cows to walk at their own pace when droving from the paddock to the parlour for milkings, as well as a regular footbathing programme, looking after the surfaces of roadways and learning the skills to identify a lame cow and lift and treat cows, will go a long way towards minimising the level of lameness. Ned estimates that each incidence of lameness costs €350 owing to loss in production, reduced fertility performance, the cost of treatment and culling. Furthermore when considering farm sustainability, Ger explains that cows are culled because of lameness, they fail to reach maturity and this compromises cow lifetime productivity. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Reducing-Lameness-in-Irish-Dairy-Herds.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

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses the factors that affect milk fat %. 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/

Micheál O’Leary from PastureBase Ireland joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast with advice on how to keep control of the grass on your farm, maintain quality and avoid feed waste as growth rates explode across the country. Currently, average farm cover is 790 kg DM/ha / 203 kg/cow, growth 70 kg/day, demand 56 kg/day and almost half of dairy farms have a pre-grazing cover of >1,600 kg DM/ha. Micheál recommends that dairy farmers take action to reduce the pre-grazing cover to 1,300-1,400 kg to hit paddocks at the 3-leaf stage to ensure good digestibility and quality to support high milk solids production. Where surplus grass is taken out in the form of bales, Micheál reminds us to replenish key nutrients (Phosphorus and Potassium) using 2,500 gallons of slurry where available on farm or alternatively, a compound such as 18-6-12. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-newsletter/ 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 reduced Crude Protein diets requirement under Derogation. Stuart gives an overview of the rationale for the decision by DAFM; whether or not it will have implications for farmers; and for farmers not in derogation, the benefits to doing this as well. 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, advisor Adrian O’Callaghan and dairy farmer Diarmuid Hegarty join Emma-Louise Coffey to consider the potential feed saving that can be achieved by identifying problem cows and culling them from the herd early. Diarmuid explains he is milking 200 cows and running an overall milking platform stocking rate of 2.5 cows/ha that rises to 4-4.5 cows/ha across the mid-season. He had intended on keeping 10-20 extra cows in 2022 but gained discipline to calve and cull the additional cows because of forecasted high costs of production. Adrian details that costs of production were estimated at €1,840 in January but indications now expect they could rise to €2,400. Of 730 dairy farms that completed the Profit Monitor last year, Adrian said 25-30% are buying in the equivalent of 2 bales/cow or ½ tonne DM. He speculates that for some farms that means a portion of cows are fed totally from bought in supplement. If you identify 5 problem cows in the herd and cull them now, there is a potential saving of 125 tonne fresh weight of feed (two-fold difference: removing cows grass/silage demand and additional area for silage). Diarmuid is sticking to his normal silage conservation plan to ensure he has adequate winter feed reserves. He has however gotten his slurry tested and is spreading slurry and chemical fertiliser to complement the soil fertility status. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/OutlookrevisedApril2022.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

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Dr Emma-Louise Coffey, Teagasc and Brendan Ryan, Dairy Farmer to get an insight into the Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management. Emma-Louise gives an overview of the course and outlines the benefits of studying the course while Brendan Ryan, dairy farmer, gives an insight into his background, his experience of participating on the course and the changes that he has made to his farming practices since the course. Find out more here: https://www.teagasc.ie/education/courses/agriculture/professional-diploma-in-dairy-farm-management/ 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/

Agri-economist, Trevor Donnellan, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the dramatic rise in production costs and speculates whether strong milk price can maintain profit margins. Prior to the war in Ukraine, milk price was set to decline from early 2022. Following the outbreak of war, milk price has continued to rise and outlook remains high until at least Q3 of 2022. High milk price being received by Irish dairy farms is driven by strong dairy product pricing as well as lower than anticipated milk supply in the southern hemisphere and logistical and processing capacity issues from additional milk in the US. From a cost of production standpoint, fertiliser price remains high at up to €1,000 per tonne while projected concentrate feed is expected to run 20% ahead of 2021 prices. Energy costs in the form of green diesel and electricity are projected to run to 60% and 30%, respectively, ahead of 2021. Trevor explains that dairy farmers are well placed to maintain strong profit margins despite rising costs due to the high milk price being received in 2022. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/OutlookrevisedApril2022.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

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses nitrogen fertiliser for silage ground. 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, Tom O’Connell, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to give an insight into the key drivers for a successful breeding season on his farm. Tom operates a spring calving, grass based system, milking 320 crossbred cows who produce in excess of 500 kg MS from 800 kg meal. Tom explains that the high level of milk production is achieved due to a long lactation resulting from a 90% 6-week calving rate and a mature herd. Notable breeding metrics for Tom’s farm include: 90% 3-week submission rate, 60% conception rate to 1st service and 4% empty following 11 weeks breeding. Tom places importance ensuring cows are in adequate BSC ahead of mating start date and having defined calving and breeding seasons so all cows are calved prior to mating start date. Additionally, Tom explains that he puts energy into heat observation to ensure all cows that are in heat are picked up and served. 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 pre-breeding management to try and improve the six week calving rate. The target is to have 90% calved within six weeks. 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/

Frank Buckley joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the role of cross-breeding and the use of alternative dairy breeds in Irish milk production systems. Frank outlines the fundamentals of cross-breeding, including: removing the risk of in-breeding, introducing breed complementarity and exploiting heterosis. Frank explains that in-breeding is not a major concern in Ireland but there are gains in dairy cow performance in the form of complementarity and heterosis when mating two genetically diverse breeds. Frank says that various breeds have been evaluated in Irish seasonal production systems including Montbeliarde, Normande, Norwegian Red and Jersey. The use of Jersey genetics has dominated in comparison with other alternative breeds owing to the compatibility of the Jersey crosses to a grass based system, early maturing breed, good fertility and efficiency at converting grass to milk. Norwegian Red has been used to a lesser extent, but farmers favour this breed for the animal health benefits it confers. Conversely, Mountbeliarde and Normande crosses were less popular given that they are a late maturing breed which impacts on ability to achieve compact calving season, heifer’s ability to calve down at 2 years and cow’s ability to go back in calf. Frank recommends that farmers select the best genetics available for their farm system, regardless of breed. For a spring calving, grass based system, dairy farmers need a moderate sized cow with good fertility to ensure she calves timely each year and has the ability to produce high milk solids from predominantly grazed grass. 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 Zerlina Pratt from Kildalton College to discuss selective breeding for enhanced genetic gain and better beef. 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, Jim White, and grassland researcher, Mike Egan, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the establishment and management of white clover through over-sowing. Mike recommends that dairy farmers make a plan to establish white clover for the grazing platform and can target up to 25% of the platform with a combination of a full reseed with perennial ryegrass + white clover and over-sowing white clover in existing grass swards. Jim established 16% (11 of 67 ha) of his milking platform with white clover through over-sowing in 2021. He explains that key to the success of establishment was grassland management, measuring the milking platform every 5 days during the peak grazing season and grazing at a cover of 1,100-1,200 kg DM/ha. Mike explains that there are 3 components that determine the success of over-sowing: nutrients (adequate soil fertiliser pre-sow), moisture (for up to 6 weeks post-sow) and light (to assist germination, establishment and persistence at the base of the sward). For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2021/Management-and-establishment-of-grass-white-clover-swards.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

For this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses when to start the second round of grazing in 2022. Firstly, Stuart outlines how the start time varies from year to year. You need to look back to go forward - to see what's on the first grazed paddocks – and where that is going to dictate the start of the second round. You also need to re-assess weekly due to the ever changing weather. 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 Specialist George Ramsbottom joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss best practice for management of heifers in order for them to calf down timely in seasonal calving systems. Firstly, George explains that only 80% of dairy heifers calf, owing to heifers not achieving target weight prior to mating start date, sub-optimal breeding management and mortality. At mating start date, heifers should weigh 60% of their mature live weight and this is dictated by genetics; individual heifers’ live weight can be calculated based on their maintenance sub-index. For heifers identified as below target, George recommends that they are separated from the main group and fed high quality grass, where weight gain in excess of 1 kg per day can be achieved. George encourages farmers to select ‘low risk’ calving difficulty sires for heifers to ensure ease of calving in heifers 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

Tillage specialist, Mark Plunkett, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with advice on fertiliser strategies for silage ground, taking into account uncertainty around supply and the soaring cost of fertiliser. Mark explains that the recommended fertiliser application is 100 kg Nitrogen, 20 kg Phosphorus, 125 kg Potassium (35 kg of which after first cut) and 20 kg Sulphur to support a 5 tonne DM/ha yield. Furthermore, he acknowledges that the recommendation was previously 125 kg N, but given the cost and availability of fertiliser, this has reduced. The first 80 kg N will support 75% of the silage crop, the next 20 kg N will support the 20% of the crop so in order to achieve adequate first cut with winter feed reserves in mind and farmers should aim to spread 100 kg/ha. Mark encourages farmers to maximise the use of slurry on silage ground as 3,000 gallons of slurry/acre makes up the majority of P and K requirements as well as up to 30 kg N. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2016/Teagasc-Quality-Grass-Silage-Guide.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

Teagasc is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available as a bonus podcast episode. For this week’s webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Dr Stephen Moore, Teagasc to discuss synchronisation protocols for the 2022 breeding season. Given the current climate it is going to be important to try and retain as many cows as possible in the herd. Stephen gives an overview of the various options around synchronisation for heifers and cows - sexed and conventional semen protocols. 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 advisor, Bernadette Bennett, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast with advice for farmers on how to make the best breeding decisions so as to maximise the genetic gain of their herd. Firstly, Bernadette gives insight into an analysis she completed on 100 dairy clients: the top 20% had an average EBI of €186 and produced 498 kg MS while the bottom 20% had an average EBI of €121 and produced €451 kg MS. Bernadette explains that the difference in MS produced equates to €282 per cow (assuming 1kg MS = €6) or in excess of €39,000 for the average herd of 139 cows. Bernadette encourages farmers to use the Female Selector on HerdPlus to select cows that are suitable for dairy AI and identify cows with lameness, high SCC, poor temperament, sub-optimal fertility or low milk production for beef AI or culling. When selecting a team of bulls, Bernadette reminds us of the importance of the bull team, with a maximum of 15% of cows served to one sire. Bernadette also identifies traits for profit including improving milk solids and to achieve 9% solids (5% fat and 4% protein), the bull team needs fat PD of 0.28 and protein PD of 0.18. 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 is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available as a bonus podcast episode. For this week’s webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Rosarii O'Connor and Mairéad O'Neill, Munster Bovine, to discuss milk recording. Rosarii and Mairéad gave an insight into Electronic DIY milk recording and the steps you can take to ensure a successful recording. 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, Mike Bermingham, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with an update on the grazing and calving season during February, and looks forward to the remainder of the first grazing rotation. On 1st March, Mike had 32% of the farm grazed and an average farm cover of 1,000 kg /ha. Mike intends on maintaining a high level of grazed grass in the diet in March, supplementing with 4 kg meal and high quality baled silage if farm cover dips below target. Mike had a significant issue with milk fever 2 years ago, explaining cows were over-conditioned, silage was high quality and he has crossbred cows who are predisposed to milk fever. Mike has taken proactive steps to reduce cases including BCS at dry off, mineral analysis on silage, restricting silage intake and feeding straw once per week. 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