The Dairy Edge

Dairy Specialist, George Ramsbottom, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge to discuss best practice in calf rearing ahead of the upcoming calving season. George explains that farmers must extract colostrum as soon as possible to maximise IgG content, the greater the interval between calving and first milking, the lower the IgG content. Furthermore, colostrum should be extracted from a clean cow into clean buckets as a lack of hygiene will compromise colostrum quality and efficacy. George also gave insights into a common problem of bloat in young calves that farmers experienced in the spring of 2021. Different to bloat in mature cows, in calves bloat occurs in the abomasum or the true stomach. Early sign of bloat in calves includes calves off milk, kicking stomach, teeth grinding and salivating. Overall, George commends dairy farmers on their care of young calves, with evidence of declining mortality levels and improved animal health of Irish calves both nationally and internationally. 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

In the second part of his interview, renowned agri-consultant Matt Ryan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss practices that dairy farmers have adopted in an effort to achieve technical excellence. Traditionally, dairy farmers had extended housing periods where cows got out to grass in April or May and in 1993, Matt travelled to New Zealand which was an eye opening experience in terms of extended grazing through use of the spring rotation planner. Matt explains that the target at this time was to get out 1-2 weeks earlier and house 1-2 weeks later compared with previous years and in the early 90s, he estimates there was a £1 benefit per cow per day. When milk price moved to an A+B-C system, the focus turned to improving fat and protein constituents. Protein was particularly low owing to Shorthorn and British Friesian genetics and breeding focus for predicted fat and protein %, coupled with improved fertility and grassland management, means that the average Irish farmer has a current protein of 3.5%. 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, compares costings of nitrogen fertiliser products to get best value next spring. 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/

Renowned agri-consultant Matt Ryan joins Emma-Louise Coffey for the first in a two-part interview on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to reflect on the challenges that dairy farms have encountered and overcome in the last five decades and he considers how farmers are positioned to face the current challenges. In the past, Matt explains, challenges to dairy farmers included low milk price and consequently low farm incomes, animal disease, weather, personal health, inflation and high interest rates. At present, climate change is to the forefront of farmer concerns but other challenges such as milk price volatility, increasing input prices and mental health and rural decline remain. However, Matt is optimistic for the future of dairy farming and explains that dairy farmers are better positioned now than ever to overcome any challenges that they face. 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, gives an overview of the Profit Monitor, including what it consists of and the benefits of completing it especially when planning for the year ahead. He also discusses the importance of knowing whether or not there's many non-performing stock in your herd and completing a fodder budget. 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 Student of the Year, Deirdre McMahon, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss her decision to change from a career in nursing to dairy farming. Deirdre is from a farming background in west Clare and says she has a vague recollection of cows being milked on her home farm before her family converted to drystock in the 1990s. Deirdre explains that in her younger years, her involvement in farming activities were limited to standing in a gap when her parents were moving stock. Following over a decade of studying and working in nursing, Deirdre made the decision to pursue a career in dairy farming with her husband Brian. In order to get up to speed with the skills and technical aspects of dairy farming, Deirdre completed the Green Cert at Salesian Ag College in Pallaskenry as well as courses in hoof pairing, Grass 10 and the New Entrant course. Ultimately, Deirdre’s efforts have paid off as she won the Teagasc Student of the Year, being recognised for her excellence in farming and technical knowledge. Deirdre and her husband Bryan milk across two units: a leased farm in the Burren in Co Clare and on Brian’s home farm in Clarinbridge in Co Galway where they run a labour efficient spring calving, grass based system. For more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebMKeQ_px8c 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 Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications and Engagement Specialist, to discuss the Bord Bia report and knowing your carbon footprint. As part of the Bord Bia audit process, farmers must complete a Sustainability Survey, the data of which enables Bord Bia to assess the environmental performance of Quality Assured farms using a carbon footprint for 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/

Labour researchers Marion Beecher and Conor Hogan join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss work practices and technologies that are proven to reduce labour input and improve work efficiency during the busy months on seasonal calving dairy farms. Firstly, Marion quantified the time worked from the month of February to June when 57% of the labour input occurs during these months (40% of the calendar year). Marion explains that farmers have indicated a preference for more free time off farm, an easier and enjoyable workload and more attractive farm to hired labour! Conor gives an insight into a study of 82 dairy farmers, with 137 cows and an average labour input of 18.2 hours per cow from February to June. Breaking down the labour input in the early months of the year, Conor explains that farmers spend 30% of their time milking, 14% on calf care, 13% on grassland and cow care. Of the efficiency practices and technologies Conor identified, they save on average 0.6 hours per cow. The biggest savings come from one operator in the parlour after calving (save 3 h/cow), automatic cluster removers (save 2.5 h/cow) and for calves, contract rearing pre-weaning and selling surplus non-replacements early (save 1.5 h/cow). For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2020/Poster-Conor-Hogan.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 Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialist to discuss organic dairying. Joe started by giving an overview of the main processors in Ireland, the produce that they supply and the various markets that has potential for organic dairy produce. Joe also gave an overview of the farming practices which need to be adapted for farming organic, the types of farmers that organics would suit and the steps you need to consider when converting to organic 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/

Conor Hammersley, PhD Walsh Scholar at Teagasc and the National Centre for Men’s Health Ireland joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the common stressors experienced by Irish dairy farmers and the proactive steps they can take to maintain resilience in an ever changing dairy sector. Conor explains that relative to other occupations, farmers experience higher levels of adverse health outcomes, be it cancers, heart disease or mental health and suggests in many cases personal health is only addressed when farmers reach crisis point. Key stressors for Irish farmers include the changing goal posts in relation to compliance and market demands, and specific to dairy, expansion of dairy herds. Conor suggests some key strategies for farmers to remain resilient including: appreciation of farmers contribution to society (by the general public), acknowledging the challenges you encounter on the farm, seeking help from your GP, family, other farmers or ag advisor and taking some time to get away from the farm. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/farm-business/its-like-admitting-you-are-a-failure-male-farmer-mental-health-help-seeking-limited-by-masculinity-and-identity.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

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 Damien Barrett, Superintending Veterinary Inspector, DAFM, to discuss a holistic approach to animal health - the One Health Approach. The webinar was held as part of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week 2021. 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/

Organic specialist Joe Kelleher joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to discuss organic dairy and consider whether it has a role within the context of Irish milk production systems. Joe differentiates the income in organics compared with conventional dairy which include: - Lower stocking rate (average 1.5 LU/ha) - No chemical Nitrogen application - Greater integration of white clover, red clover and multi species in grazing swards - Higher concentrate price (double the cost of non-organic meals per tonne) - Higher milk price (7-9 c/litre above conventional price) - Organic payment scheme With the advent of reduced chemical fertiliser allowances as well as inflated fertiliser costs, Joe draws on some key principles that conventional dairy farmers can adopt from organic farmers including more targeted use of slurry to get true value from the N-P-K, use of lime and integration of clover and multi-species to fix Nitrogen. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/ 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, discusses taking stock for 2021, with a view to getting yourself organised before the end of the year and trying to set yourself up for the coming year. Stuart gives an overview of physical performance, grassland performance and financial performance. 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/

Department of Agriculture vets Damien Barrett and Caroline Garvan join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the correlation between good animal health and farm productivity. Damien highlights the importance of optimal animal health from birth, explaining that an incidence of pneumonia can increase calving interval in later life by up to 12% and an incidence of scour is linked to lower milk production. Furthermore, Damien recommends that farmers weigh young stock regularly to ensure heifers reach weight targets in order to calve timely at 24 months of age. Caroline focuses on the ‘one health’ concept referring to the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance among animal and human populations. Caroline explains the cyclical effect of antibiotic usage, where an animal is treated with an antibiotic, 60% is excreted into the environment which gives rise antibiotic exposure to more animals driving the development of resistance. 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, discusses when to finish grazing for 2021. 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 KT, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, to consider whether improving environmental efficiencies on Irish dairy farms is compatible with profitability. In order to reduce environmental emissions, Joe encourages farmers to reduce crude protein content of dairy rations when cows are at grass, increasing days at grass and monitoring replacement heifers to ensure they are on target to calve down at 24 months. He also highlights that high levels of grass utilisation, coupled with grass growth and appropriate stocking rate, continue to drive profitability on Irish dairy farms and he quantifies the target milk solids of 85%+ of cows’ liveweight. Hear more from Joe at the Teagasc National Dairy Conference which is taking place on 23rd and 24th November. You must register in advance here: 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 is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available as a bonus podcast episode. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Don Crowley, Teagasc Milk Quality Specialist to discuss getting prepared for dry off. Don gives an overview of the practices at drying off cows for best results. 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, Clare Clabby joins Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss the research that has been carried out on selective dry cow therapy. Clare explains that the research focused on herds that completed at least 4 milk recordings per year and where all bulk tank readings remained under 200,000. In these herds, cows with SCC of less than 200,000 were selected and divided into two groups: Group 1 internal teat sealer only and Group 2 antibiotic plus internal teat sealer. In one herd, Clare noted a significant rise in the cows that had received a teat sealer only. Through further investigation, Clare noted that the herd, despite being under the limit set for the trial, had a rising SCC from mid lactation which indicated that there was a growing level of infection in the herd prior to dry off. Clare encourages all farmers to take the bulk tank trend into account as well as milk recording and incidence of mastitis records. Clare reiterates the importance of milk recording records to select appropriate cows for sealer only or sealer + antibiotic treatment and ensuring sufficient help and time is allocated to facilitate best practice in your dry cow procedure. 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. In this webinar, James Dunne speaks to vet Willie Buckley about factors influencing decisions around dry cow therapy and Finola McCoy from AHI explains the help available to farmers to plan for dry-off. 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/

Grassland Farmer of the Year, Caroline Walsh, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with an insight into her success and key learnings from the Grass 10 competition. Caroline began milking a herd of 40 cows on leased ground in 2010 when she acquired 40,000 gallons of milk quota and from there she has developed her husband’s family farm into a sustainable dairy enterprise where she now milks 64 cows. Looking to grassland performance, Caroline credits her dairy advisor Mark Treacy as well as members of the local Grass 10 discussion group for the improvements to grass production and management on the farm. The farm grew 14 tonnes of grass in 2020 and achieved 9.6 grazings per paddock due to regular measurement and continuously grazing paddocks at 1,400 kg DM/ha. 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses appropriate winter housing facilities and how they can prevent incidence of mastitis. 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 Ed Payne joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to explain how the work-life balance he has created in his dairy farm business allows him to train and compete in ultramarathons. Firstly, Ed gives an update on the dairy farm business, milking 550 cows across the two dairy platforms with family labour, 3 full-time labour units as well as relief staff and he explains the thinking behind switching from OAD to TAD milking on the 2nd milking platform. Ed reflects on the necessity to get off the farm to allow for family time and time for hobbies. In recent years, he has looked to facilitate his interest in physical activity within his means and has taken up long distance running, which has culminated in Ed completing events such as 200km in 24 hours around county Roscommon. Ed credits his time away from the farm as a mental break and an opportunity to solve problems that arise within the farm gate. 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc to discuss the concept & risk of system drift in dairy farming in Ireland and how people can find it. 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/

Superintendent veterinary inspector, Philip Breslin, from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the incidence of TB in dairy herds in Ireland. Philip explains that the skin test remains the best method for diagnosis of TB in cattle, offering the most accurate number of positive incidents of TB with low levels of false positives (1 in 5,000). To reduce the risk of TB to your herd, farmers should aim to maintain a closed herd, consider culling older stock that may have been exposed to TB outbreak previously, ensure all boundary are fenced well and being vigilant to wildlife activity on your farm. Philip encourages farmers to be proactive in engaging and consulting with the Department of Agriculture where wildlife such as badgers are identified in order to vaccinate or remove the badger populations near to your herd. 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses the proposed nitrate excretion bands for dairy cows and the implications that they may have 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/

Teagasc researcher, Jonathan Herron, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast and quantifies how much dairy farming is contributing to national greenhouse gas emissions with practices on dairy farms showing a reduction in emissions intensity. Jonathan explains that dairy production accounts for 12% (agriculture = 34%) of total national emissions, with methane and nitrous oxide being the predominant gases being emitted from agriculture. Jonathan gives an insight into the new emissions intensity of milk production per kg CO2-eq per kg fat and protein corrected milk at 0.99 kg, compared to previously reported 1.12 kg. He explains that this takes into account where farmers have engaged in improved farming practices such as switching from CAN to Urea or protected Urea, switching from splash plate to LESS technologies, integrates white clover and improved genetic merit of their herds. For farms that stopped using CAN on farms, they reduced emissions by 7-8% with no negative impact to grass productivity. Jonathan suggested that future emission intensity can include a mitigation factor arising from Carbon sequestration. While the quantity of Carbon sequestered per ha is not known yet, research is on-going to quantify how much Carbon is stored on Irish farms in tree and plant life (i.e. hedgerows, grassland and tillage crops). 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses planning for drying off for 2021. Stuart outlines the jobs which need to be done before we start looking at drying off at all over the next couple of weeks. Stuart discusses what jobs can be started now, such as cleaning cows and roadways; looking at individual cow information; and sourcing products necessary 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/

Teagasc Dairy Adviser, Abigail Ryan, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss what the dairy farm workplace will look like in 2030, based on a recent survey of students and graduates from agricultural courses. In the future, the respondents of the survey expect to be either farm owners (63%), in a partnership (23%), share farming (3%) or farm employees (11%) and have identified fewer working hours (less than 50 hours per week) and good work organisation including a 6pm finish time and 2-3 weekends off per month. Based on the feedback, Abigail expects that farms will need more relief milkers to help match farm working hours with industrial counterparts, while farms need to also focus on good facilities, technology and work organisation to attract employees to the farm workplaces. 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

Alan Twomey and Nicky Byrne join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with an overview of the non-replacement dairy calves contribution to the beef production systems and suggest how farmers can add value to both dairy and beef farms. Alan gives an insight into the Dairy Beef Index which is an economic index that promotes high quality beef animals from the dairy herd. The index represents 50% of dairy traits such as gestation length and calving ease and 50% beef traits such as carcass weight and carcass confirmation. Nicky explains that 57% of cattle meat processed in Ireland is coming from the dairy herd and concerns exist due to a growing proportion of these animals failing to reach minimum carcass standards at slaughter. Nicky documents results from his research at Teagasc Grange where he compared Holstein-Friesian and Angus cross animals through to slaughter. The Angus cross animals achieved spec for slaughter one month earlier than the Holstein-Friesian animals at a higher spec and with lower levels of concentrate fed. 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses keeping replacement heifers on target this Autumn. Stuart outlines the key target weights for the different breeds whilst also taking into consideration the Maintenance Sub Index. He also highlights the importance of weighing your stock regularly. 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 the third and final day from the Moorepark Open Day, this week’s Dairy Edge speaks to John Upton, Ryan Prendergast and Fergal Buckley from Teagasc to discuss the milking and energy use efficiency of herringbone and rotary parlours. John firstly explains that rotary parlours are becoming common place on large scale dairy farms with in excess of 300 cows to complete the milking procedure in a timely manner. Ryan outlines the milking efficiency achieved during the autumn with on average 105 cows milked per hour in a herringbone parlour (range 52-200), with an average of 10 rows of cows and completed by 1.5 labour units. Conversely, in the rotary parlour, 155 cows were milked per hour (range 78-189), with an average of 8 rotations and completed by 1 labour unit. John concludes that good cow flow, facilities with no more than 8 rows/rotations and work organisation are factors that contributed to efficient milking practices. Meanwhile, Fergal quantifies the cost of electricity per 1,000 litres of milk produced at €6.69 for herringbone parlours and €7.00 for rotary parlours. When comparing the two milking systems, Fergal expects that higher costs incurred in the rotary milking systems is down to larger equipment and a greater level of technology and automation. Fergal explains that the cost is higher than that previously reported by John Upton and expects, when he measures the full lactation, that this will reduce. 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 Day Two of the Moorepark Open Day, Jack Nolan from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the Dairy Edge to explain the measures proposed for the new Nitrates Derogation and challenges for farmers and industry as to how they can minimise negative environmental impacts. Jack estimates that 85% of nutrient loss into water comes from agriculture and expects measures such as a 10-15% in chemical N allowance and the extension of the closed period from mid-September will reduce nutrient leaching to water courses. He recommends that farmers turn their efforts to optimising soil fertility, targeted use of slurry to the open slurry spreading period and where conditions allow, use of LESS, the inclusion of white clover, as areas that will help farmers maintain grassland productivity whilst applying lower levels of chemical N. Jack urges both farmers and industry stakeholders to work collectively in a responsible manner and to ask the question ‘can we do better?’ when it comes to farming sustainably. 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

Stephen Butler joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with an insight into the Sexed Technologies lab that will be established in Moorepark later this year to provide a semen sorting service open to all AI companies. This offers the potential for a greater number and elite bulls to become available as sexed straws. Sexed semen in combination with high Dairy Beef Index bulls can help farmers produce sufficient high genetic merit dairy replacements while improving the carcass weight and conformation of surplus stock adding greater value to the beef farmer. Stephen gave some insight into the In Vitro Embryo Production/Transfer experiment that was carried out in the spring of 2021. This involves collection of oocytes from either live donors or from ovaries collected after slaughter. The oocytes are fertilised and cultured in a lab for seven days before being transferred to a surrogate dam that has been synchronised to be on day seven of her oestrous cycle. Using this technology, an elite genetic merit dam can be scheduled to have oocytes collected weekly for several weeks. This technology facilitates the dam moving from having one calf per year to having multiple calves per year, increasing the chances of producing a calf with greater genetic merit than the current generation. 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discussed late season fertiliser N and planning for spring 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/

Laurence Shalloo joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to explain the Nitrates modelling work completed by Teagasc which considered a reduction in chemical Nitrogen, consequence of non-compliance with closed dates for slurry, a reduction in stock rate, whole-farm v milking platform stocking rate and a banding system for the organic N per cow. Laurence details the new banding system for organic Nitrogen ranks cows based on milk yield (<4,500 kg milk = 80 kg N, 4,500-6,500 kg milk = 92 kg N, >6,500 kg = 106 kg N) with the kg N expected to increase by 0.7 per annum. This banding system is set to allow farmers to improve efficiency in the form of higher milk constituents and solids while avoiding higher banding. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2021/Nitrates-Modelling-Final.pdf Don’t forget, the Teagasc Moorepark Open Day 2021 Day is taking place on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th & Thursday, 16th September 2021. It is repeated over the three days to ensure compliance with government Covid-19 guidelines. The event consists of a planned onsite event and also a virtual event on Wednesday. If you wish to attend the event you must pre book and can do so here: https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/moorepark-open-day/#d.en.101492 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Aoife Leader, Teagasc to discuss managing hedgerows. With hedge-cutting season commencing, Aoife gave an insight into how hedgerows are an important source of biodiversity on farms and how their management influences the quality of the biodiversity. 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/

Grassland researcher Mike Egan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge and quantifies the level of grass cover on dairy farms. Based on PastureBase Ireland figures, farm cover is on average 812 kg DM/ha which is 120 kg behind target. If you are behind target, Mike recommends that farmers consider increasing supplementation, remove non-milking cow stock from the milking platform, don’t cut bales and don’t reseed this autumn in order to build cover. Mike explains that getting grass right in the autumn will ensure there is sufficient grass in the spring, leading to an additional 22 kg milk solids early in the subsequent 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

Teagasc’s Head of Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme, Pat Dillon, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with a preview of the 2021 Moorepark Open Day event. It will take place over three days on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th September with the normal face-to-face format during the day and an additional virtual online forum each evening at 7pm. The open day is a ticketed event and those who wish to attend on the day must register online from 6th September. Reflecting on the last decade, Pat explains that the abolition of milk quotas has offered dairy farmers the opportunity to exploit technical efficiencies and as published in the National Farm Survey, dairy farm incomes have risen with average incomes of €74,000 in 2020. Looking to the next ten years, Pat says we will not see expansion anywhere near that of the last decade. Instead of an expansion focus, farmers will be focusing on further sustainability of their farm business, creating resilience in areas such as environmental practices and animal welfare. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/moorepark21-open-day.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

Teagasc is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available as a bonus podcast episode. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by James Dunne to explore the decision around the best time to end the breeding season and considers the economics of spring calving herds milking on through the winter. 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/

Danny Bermingham joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with an insight into his dairy farm, including how his management practices differ from the standard guidelines. Through participation in the heavy soils programme, Danny has learned the correct drainage techniques for his soil types and this in combination with improved soil fertility and grazing infrastructure, days at grass has increased which has had a positive impact on milk solids and fertility. Danny explains that cows generally get out to grass by St Patricks Day and are housed again around 1st November, with additional days at grass in the spring and autumn considered a bonus. Over the last 10 years, milk solids have increased from 420 kg to 523 kg and Danny credits greater days at grass, compact calving leading to more days in milk, improving genetic merit and herd maturity to greater milk performance and hopes the cows will surpass this by achieving 540 kg MS in 2021. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2019/Danny-Bermingham-booklet.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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Tomás Tubritt, Teagasc Moorepark, to discuss the grazing utilisation star index. Tomás starts by giving an overview of the Pasture Profit Index (PPI) which is a variety selection tool used to select varieties when reseeding. Tomás also gives an introduction to the grazing utilisation star index which was introduced recently. 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 weeks episode of The Dairy Edge, Tom Fallon gives insight into important practices to win the second half of the lactation. Tom explains that after the busy calving and breeding season and conservation of silage, farmers tend to take a step back from the farm but Tom urges farmers to continue to pay attention to cow health and in particular, mobility to ensure cows are achieving their milk production potential while holding and gaining body condition and pregnancy. Tom recommends that all farmers take the opportunity to critically analyse their farm roadways and farm yard surfaces to identify degradation that can occur over time and put a plan in place remedy issues and encourage good cow flow. Additionally, Tom recommends that farmers complete a mobility score on the whole herd to catch any cows at the onset of a lameness event and treat early. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2021/Dairy-Cow-Mobility--Winning-the-second-half---how-do-cows-experience-your-farm.pdf https://projectblue.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/Dairy/Publications/Dairy%20Mobility%20Scoresheet_200427_WEB.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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor to discuss an Autumn Grass Strategy. It is important that we build covers during the Autumn period in order to have grass for the remainder of the year and it's also very important that we do it right in order to have grass for the spring time. 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, Beth Dooley explains what makes individual farmers an employer of choice and has tips on complying with employment regulation. Beth explains that employees are attracted to farms that are safe places to work, have processes and are streamlined (including SOPs), a clear working roster and an opportunity to upskill. Beth recommends that farmers complete a written contract for all employees which should always include; - Name and address of employer and employee - Place of work - Job title, nature of work - Date of commencement - Term of contract (fixed or temporary) - Rate of pay - Annual leave entitlements - Notice required for termination of employment For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/dairy/2-aisling-meehan-presentation-v2.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

Barbara McGrogan from the Irish Cancer Society joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with tips and advice on how to be Sun Smart and protect ourselves against skin cancers. Barbara provides some statistics about skin cancer, including the fact that skin cancer accounts for 1 in every 3 cancers diagnosed in Ireland each year, with outdoor workers having a 2-3 times greater risk compared with indoor workers. Most importantly, it is the most preventable cancer where correct steps are taken to protect yourself. UV rays cause skin cancer, Barbara explains, particularly when the UV score is at 3 or greater, and UV rays are strongest in the months of April to September and from 11am to 3pm in the day. The UV ray scoring index is available on the Met Eireann website and is reported on the news. Barbara recommends that all farmers use the 5S of Sun Smart: · Slip on clothing · Slop on sunscreen (at least factor 30 for adults and factor 50 for children, reapply regularly throughout the day, ensure it’s water resistant if necessary) · Slap on a wide brimmed hat · Seek shade (where possible) · Slide on sunglasses For more information on UV awareness and the sunsmart message for outdoor workers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-B77rRN1nKY. https://www.met.ie/uv-index https://www.hse.ie/sunsmart 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses setting up your fertiliser spreader. He was joined by guest speaker Francis Quigley, Machinery Specialist at Kildalton College, Teagasc. They spoke about protected urea, how it spreads and problems with fertiliser spreaders. Francis also gave a demonstration on maintenance of the spreader and how to set it up correctly. 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/

It’s Farm Safety Week and on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast, Francis Bligh joins Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss the potential risks on Irish dairy farms during the summer months. Francis points to autumn herds calving outdoors, 2nd cut silage, agitating and spreading slurry and children on the farm as some of the activities that present risk as well as day to day farming activities. Francis recommends that farmers and farm staff take the opportunity to all aspects of the farm to consider potential risks to themselves and the wider public to make your farm a safer workplace. He emphasises the importance for dairy farmers in taking ownership of their health and well-being by getting the basics of food, sleep and exercise and he encourages all farmers to go to the GP where there is any health concern and that all farmers should be scheduling some time off from the farm following a busy 6 months on farm to avoid burnout. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/farm-health--safety/farm-safety-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

Teagasc is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available as a bonus podcast episode. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, and guests discuss smarter milking. Andrew Hogan, FRS Training, speaks about the cow flow process, which can have a significant impact on how quickly cows can be milked. Padraig O’Connor, Teagasc, gave a demonstration on cluster attachment, how to do it efficiently and its positives. While Michelle McGrath, Assistant CellCheck Programme Manager with AHI, gave an overview of mid-season mastitis control and the approaches that can be taken to minimise cell count spread during the 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/

Tom O’Dwyer and Siobhán Kavanagh join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to consider whether the agri sector can achieve emission reduction targets. Siobhán first outlines national, European and international climate action policy that will dictate the need to reduce total emissions from agriculture to the tune of 15%. When considering new and emerging technologies that have the potential to reduce environmental footprint, Tom explains that research is ongoing in areas such as methane inhibitors while Tom urges farmers to embrace and adopt proven solutions such as protected Urea, LESS and inclusion of white clover. Siobhán gives details about the fifty-four dairy Signpost farms dotted across the country which represent different farm scale, soil type and farm system (spring calving/autumn calving/organic). The Signpost farms aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10-15% by implementing grassland management practices such as increased grass utilisation, reseeding and inclusion of white clover. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/ 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. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses roadways and water systems. Stuart explains that this time of the year is a good opportunity to examine roadways as it is easier to assess the quality of the surface layers compared to the winter period. He then goes through different examples of poor and good quality roadways. Finally, Stuart discusses the importance of ensuring that cows have adequate water supply and gives an overview of the key water specifications. 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/