Grassroots Farm Magazine Winter 2017 by Grass Roots

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winter 2017

INSIDE: • Milk Quality • Parlour Maintance • Agritechnica Report • LAMMA 18 Preview • Pedigree and Forestry • Animal Health – Lameness • Christmas Gift Ideas • Agri-Business and Much More

IRISH ANGUS CATTLE SOCIETY

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welcome

As the year comes to a close, many future uncertainties face the farming community. With the right leadership, these issues should work out for the better.

he Glyphosate ban has been kicked down the road with a five year license extension however France are looking at an immediate ban. This highlights the need for a replacement product as soon as possible that clears all safety concern and allows farming practices, like zero till, that rely on glyphosate to continue. There are also many parts of Ireland looking at uncertainty with regard for to fodder facing into the new year. This issue should not be escalating as big as it is as the country should have the resources to avert any crisis. It calls for management at the top level to come together and pool the resources available to all farmers in every county so that all farmers can look into the beginning of 2018 with confidence that fodder will be available and feed prices will not be high. The word Brexit still creates fear because of the unknown. However the recent show of strength of the EU27 behind the Irish cause should give the agricultural industry a sense of confidence. All in all, farmers should have no reason not to be confident looking forward to 2018 and further with a more sustainable future ahead. Speaking of sustainable, this issue we feature the electric Fendt. Coupled with the news of the Tesla

Contents News 4 Mercosur 5 Dairy Conference 7 Innovation & EBI truck, the future of high horse power electric work horses looks exciting. This is something we here at Grassroots Farm Magazine will look at further in future issues. Speaking of future issues, the I’s are bing dotted and the T’s are being crossed for the launch of our new gloss magazine. Our launch date is now in the new year and progress continues in developing a product we are very excited to get to you. We are astonished at the number of subscriptions all ready in. we didn't expect such an amazing reaction. Of course if you haven't yet subscribed, we are still running the incredible offer of almost 25% off the newsagent prize with the gloss edition delivered straight to your door. For more details please turn to page 29 and follow instructions there. Back to this free issue, this publication comes to you free due to our advertisers. I want to take this time to encourage you to support them and mention love from Grassroots Farm. Now please take time from your busy schedule to sit back and enjoy Grassroots Farm. Also I want to wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and look forward to speaking to all again in the new year. Until next time, Jason Webb

CORRESPONDENCE Grassroots Media Ltd, Ballinoe Hse, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork. Editorial Editor: Jason Webb Email: editorgrassroots@gmail.com Tweets: twitter.com/Ed_GrassRoots Friend: facebook.com/ed.grassroots Advertising: (086)4684411 advertgrassroots@gmail.com

Advertising Consultant William Wills (086)4664488 Publisher Grassroots Media Ltd Like us on Facebook: www.fb.com/grassrootsfarmmag

Dairy 8 Lameness 12 Milk Quality 14 Parlour Maintance Pedigree 15 National Dairy Show 16 Hereford Beef 18 Fodder Crisis 18 Brexit Sheep 19 Liver Fluke Tillage 20 Glyphosate Ban 20 Tillage Report Forestry 21 Native Trees Machinery 22 LAMMA 18 23 LAMMA Debuts 25 Valtra Successd 26 Agritechnica Gold 27 Electric Fendt Youth 28 Xmas Presents Agri-Business 29 Grassroots News 30 Agri-Business News

Grassroots Magazine is published by Grassroots Media Ltd, Ballinoe Hse, Ballinhassig, Co. Cork. Tel. 086 3871172 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any shape or form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocoping or otherwise without written permission of the publishers, Grassroots Media Ltd. Whilst every care is taken of submitted MSS, photographs, drawings and content, no responsibility can be accepted for their loss or damage. Grassroots Media Ltd does not accept responsibility for the quality or content of advertisements or articles supplied by, or compiled under instruction from a third party. Grassroots Media Ltd does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by opinion, tips and advice giving in this publication.Grassroots Media Ltd accepts no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors and advertisers. In addition, while every care is taken to ensure accuracy of information contained in Grassroots Magazine, we do not accept responsibility for any errors or matters arising same. Copyright Grassroots Media Ltd facebook.com/grassrootsfarmmag

grass roots / WINTER 2017

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news

Typical Beef Ranch in Brazil

EU DEAL WITH BRAZIL ON BEEF IS TOXIC

FA President Joe Healy said any EU deal on beef with Brazil in the Mercosur negotiations is toxic. He called on the EU Trade Commissioner Celia Maelstrom to come clean and reject the environmental destruction, failures on food safety and animal welfare, and slave labour associated with Brazilian beef. Joe Healy was speaking following meetings with senior EU Commission officials in Brussels at the end of November, including with the Chief EU negotiator on the deal, Sandra Gallina, DG Trade, as Mercosur and EU negotiators meet for discussions in Brussels. The IFA President said Irish and European beef farmers are very angry at the way they are being sacrificed in Mercosur and there is bad blood over the excessive offer of an additional 70,000t TRQ offered by the EU. Joe Healy said Irish and European farmers are required to meet the highest food safety and environmental standards in the world. “It is a total contradiction of European policy that Commissioner Malmstrom is now willing to cut a deal for more beef imports from Brazil and sacrifice sustainable production in Europe.” He said Irish beef production is four times more carbon efficient than Brazil where growth is driven on the back of destruction of the rainforests. In addition, the IFA President said the Weak Flesh corruption scandal in Brazil in March 2017 proved once again the failure of Brazil to meet European standards. He said the EU Commission FVO report in May 2017 clearly stated “the Brazilian Competent Authority is not in a position to guarantee that the relevant export requirements are met”. ICSA president Patrick Kent has lambasted the EU Commission for selling out the European beef sector in Mercosur talks at the worst possible time due to the uncertainty around markets as a result of Brexit. Speaking following their meeting with the EU chief Mercosur negotiator Sandra Gallina in Brussels, Mr Kent explained that Brexit put a huge question mark over the 270,000 tons of beef exported to the UK each year. “It is monumental folly to allow 70,000 tons or more of extra 4

grass roots / WINTER 2017

Pat Kent - ICSA

South American beef into the EU at a time when we have no idea what the trading arrangements will be between the UK and Europe. Obviously, the importance of trade with the UK is especially significant to Ireland. However, while it may be Ireland’s problem today, it will be Europe’s problem tomorrow because any interference with free trade between Ireland and the UK could lead to some or all of our current 270,000 tons being displaced onto other EU markets.” The ICSA president, along with ICSA general secretary Eddie Punch, were in attendance at a briefing for all sectors which are interested in Mercosur including car manufacturers, financial services and food and drink, which was hosted by Ms Gallina. While she accepted that the Irish beef sector was especially sensitive, she admitted that every effort was being made to do a deal. “It is clear that the EU is willing to sacrifice the EU beef sector in return for potential gains for the car and financial services sector. ICSA is calling on the Taoiseach to make a further very strong intervention with the Commission president Jean Claude Juncker on behalf of the beef sector. We need to have a strong alliance with France against this deal. It is unacceptable that 100,000 livestock farmers in Ireland will pay a disproportionate price.” ICSA also called into question the coherence of the EU on climate change when this deal will displace local beef with beef imported from thousands of miles away and which is causing destruction of rain forest in South America. “The emissions from transporting beef from the opposite side of the globe and the destruction of forests are ignored in this trade deal. Similarly, the proposals to import ethanol fly in the face of the EU position on reducing crop based ethanol in Europe. Worst of all is the fact that the EU seem to be content to ignore the appalling breaches of food safety standards that occurred in Brazil earlier this year. It is very hard to take the EU seriously when we see such double standards.”

Michael Hanley – Lakeland Dairies

Milk Production Trend is Up

Teagasc National Dairy Conference Report Milk production in Ireland has gone from 5.5 billion litres to over 7 billion litres and that trend is set to continue. That was the opening message from Michael Hanley, chief executive of Lakeland Dairies as he delivered the key note address at the Teagasc National Dairy Conference in Cavan. “Our milk suppliers are increasing production by about 5 % per annum and we have had a significant number of new entrants across our catchment area. We are well invested in processing facilities to process this additional milk and we are selling product into 80 countries around the world.Half our milk supply comes from Northern Ireland and half of the supply come from farmers in the south of Ireland, so Brexit is an obvious concern. We have 2 processing sites in Northern Ireland and 3 processing sites in the south of Ireland so depending on how Brexit turns out, we have a contingency plan.” John Maher, Co-ordinator of the Teagasc Grass10 campaign, spoke about the opportunities for farmers to grow more grass, and utilised more grass and earn higher profit. Every tonne of extra grass utilised will increases profits by €180 per hectare on average. This new Teagasc campaign has set a target of achieving 10 grazing per paddock per year and a target of utilising 10 tonnes of grass Dry Matter per hectare annually. The Grass10 campaign is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, AIB, FBD, Grassland Agro and Farmers Journal. Dairy farmer, Ed Payne from Tulsk in County Roscommon, regional winner in the Grassland Farmer of the Year awards, said that grass is the key driver on their family farm and the focus is on getting cows to graze grass on as many days in the year as possible. He stressed how important the 6 week calving rate is for grass based spring calving dairy systems. Paidi Kelly, Teagasc, talked about the structural change and its implications for Irish dairying. He said that expansion and structural change is creating a sizeable demand for employed labour. To attract people to work on farms, farmers need to be seen as employers of choice offering a work place of choice. Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle, said that Teagasc has been asked to convene a task force on the labour issue and to report in the spring on possible actions to alleviate the labour issue on dairy farms. Morgan O Sullivan, Teagasc, presented results from the Next Generation Herd at Teagasc Moorepark which indicated superior profit per lactation from cows selected for high EBI. grass roots / WINTER 2017

news << Martin Deady and John Joe Cotter of Dairy Geyser with their Gold Engineering Award and Overall Winner Trophy at the National Dairy Innovation Awards.

Update to Economic Values in the EBI

DAIRY GEYSER Win Innovation Award

A new efficient water heater system with multi purposes won the overall prize at the National Dairy Innovation Award.

he awards are held in association with the largest indoors dairy event in Ireland, the National Dairy Show. The Dairy Geyser does away with the idea of storing and batching water for heating. A new coil system allows water access to the heating element for longer meaning water is heated on demand. It is ideal for parlours, bulk tanks and calf housing. A major advantage is that it can also be connected to power washers. In most old systems when heated water was used on a cold bulk tank, the temperature further dropped below 40C which was much cooler than the recommended 53ºC. The competition this year was judged by Don Crowley, Teagasc and Kevin Aherne, Shinagh Estates. Don Crowley commented “To allow detergents to work at their optimum to fight TBC and thermoduric you need to be achieving these recommended temperatures.” With the power hose attached, it can achieve 150ºC dry steam which now means farmers have an effective sterilisation for calf and calving houses. It can be put on any power washer, including PTO driven, for up to 250 bar pressure of dry steam. Hot water will be effective in killing bacteria but not virus. Dry steam is the only effective way of killing viruses like Rota Virus. The hot water boiler is TAMS approved. The pricing is €2,300 + Vat. Dairy Geyser had earlier won the Gold Award in the Engineering Section of the National Dairy Innovation Award. The Gold winners in the other categories were Virtual Vet in the Technology section and Intracare in the Science section.

eagasc has updated the economic values, in its Dairy Farm Systems model, which are used in the formulation of the Economic Breeding Index (EBI). This work was last reviewed in 2014. The new values reflect the changes in the marketplace, accounting for the large increase in butter price that has occurred in the dairy market and the increased labour costs. The model was predicted with the help of Irish dairy processors and is based on current market returns, the short-term returns (i.e., within the year) and the long-term returns (i.e., within 5 years). This has resulted in a projected milk price of 30.5c/litre and a Protein to Fat ratio of 1.7:1. The cost of labour has also been updated from €12.44/hour to €15/hour. The cost of a caesarean section has risen to €235 with a call out fee of €90. With the increase in labour cost, the cost of rearing heifers has risen from €1,545 to €1,570. Table above shows the traits that have changed as a result of the update to the model. The most notable change includes the increase in fat and decrease in protein value. The model projects an economic value by taking the market return and subtracting the cost of production. The reason fat doesn’t have an even higher value, in keeping with the current market price, is because it takes almost double the energy for a cow to produce a kilogram of fat than it does to produce a kilogram of protein. The cost to processing a kilo of fat is also much higher than protein. Therefore, this has resulted in Fat increasing in value by €1.04/kg to €2.08 and Protein reducing in value by €1.06/kg to €5.58. From now on, it is planned to re-visit all these calculations every two years. Other traits of note include lameness and mastitis which have a higher negative value now, more accurately reflecting the impact they have on the cost of production. All these changes will be implemented in the next EBI evaluation which will be available on the 10th January.

grass roots / WINTER 2017

Key risks off pasture at winter

Lameness

Housing is an important time to watch for lameness in cows. These are the starting points as outlined by Keelin O’Driscoll, Teagasc. How do you identify lameness? Clinical lameness: Walking is obviously affected, the cow is unwilling or slow to place one or more feet on the ground and is likely to be near the back of the herd when walking to be milked. Subclinical lameness: Changes are more difficult to detect, and can be overlooked if animals are not locomotion scored. Indicators include: • an arched back while either standing or walking • stiff joints • one limb moving faster or slower than the others • ‘short’ steps i.e. the hind legs not coming far enough forward • the hind legs swinging either outward or inwards • standing with the front legs crossed

Why is lameness important? Prevalence and cost • 20-35% of cows suffer some degree of lameness. • 90% of lameness is in the foot, with 80% in the hind limbs, and 80% of these cases in the outer claw. • Clinical lameness is estimated to reduce milk yield by 350kg per lactation. • A case of clinical lameness is estimated to cost €160 – €300. Costs Direct costs include: • reduced milk yield for up to 4 months before, and 5 months after, clinical lameness • discarded milk • veterinary bills and antibiotics • labour. Indirect costs include: • reduced fertility: cows are unwilling to stand in heat, jump on other cows, can have delayed cycling after calving • increased risk of further lameness • increased risk of secondary disease • cows lose condition due to unwillingness to stand to feed • increased risk of culling 8

grass roots / WINTER 2017

• Poorly designed/sized cubicles: cows need plenty of space to perform normal lying down and getting up movements. Cubicle dividers should be unsupported at the kerb, and the neck rail should be about 1.7m from the kerb and 1.2m high. • Inadequate cubicle number: aim for 10% more cubicles than cows, and at least one per cow. • Inadequate bedding: lying on concrete can cause swellings and injuries to the limbs, and inhibit changes between standing and lying behaviour. Mattresses or mats in cubicles give cows somewhere comfortable to stand as well as promoting lying. • Poorly laid concrete floors: uneven floors with poor concrete joins cause sole bruises and injury. • Poor housing lay-out. Ensure good access to feed areas, wide passages, no sharp corners especially where cows are grouped. • Good ventilation reduces lameness. • Heifers should be trained to use cubicles before introduction to the main herd. • Out-wintering pads: cleanliness should be monitored and woodchip cleaned off and replaced regularly to prevent blockages and bad drainage. Ideally cows should have either shelter or a hard drained area to stand on to prevent hooves becoming soft.

What are the common causes of lameness? Infections Dermatitis/Mortellaro: Highly contagious, this initially looks like a red rash, and can develop into extensive skin loss and scabbing around the cleft between the claws and on the heel. Formalin or copper sulphate footbaths are as effective at prevention as antibiotic footbaths, and should be carried out regularly. It is important that feet are cleaned before walking through the bath. Foot rot/foul in the foot: Symptoms include swelling above the hoof, splayed claws, and a foul smelling secretion between the claws. It is caused by bacteria entering the foot through cracks in the skin caused by dirty wet conditions. Treatment requires antibiotics. Claw injuries Sole bruises: Red to dark purple discolouration, which only becomes visible about 2–3 months after the damage has been done. Cows are particularly susceptible to bruising after calving, especially if hooves are soft, so the damage appears during summer. Cows with bad bruising should be kept in paddocks near the parlour. Sole ulcers: Can develop from very severe bruising. These occur when the tissue under the hoof becomes inflamed and can break through the horn, or cause under-run sole. Excess horn should be trimmed from around the ulcer, a shoe applied to the opposite claw, and topical antibiotic applied. White line disease: Ranges from a thin black line to complete separation of the sole and wall, usually located near the heel in the outer hind claw. It results from stones and dirt penetrating the white line, and working up into the tissue causing pain, under-run soles, and possible infection. Treatment involves hoof paring to remove foreign objects and dirt, providing drainage for any infection, and removing of weight from the affected area.

Other disorders Laminitis: Claws become overgrown (high heels, long toes, and misshaped soles), and the horn is weaker than normal. Associated with concentrate feeding, and not enough roughage, and can lead to erosion of the heel, under-run soles, bruising and ulcers. Stones can pierce the sole of the foot and cause underlying tissue damage and infection, if not treated by hoof paring to reduce weight on the affected claw.

PFS

Hoof clear

FS HOOF CLEAR is a new product designed to help with the growing problem of hoof diseases on Irish farms. The product is sold for bathing or spraying. The active biocidal substances are EU and Department of agriculture approved. Eddie O’Callaghan director of Professional Farm Solutions who created the product comes from both a background in Mathematical Sciences and farming. He says the product is designed to be incredibly hardy in soiled and manure conditions (eliminates requirement for pre-bathing), adheres well to the infected surface, attacks the Treponema and other bacteria responsible for the likes of Digital dermatitis, but also biodegrades well in the slurry tank at the end of its useful life. So far it has exceeded our expectations in delivering the desired results. The more farms that try it out, the more optimistic we get about the products potential for alleviating the economic and welfare impact that these troublesome diseases are bringing to farms. Larger farms find using one quarter of the PFS Hoof Clear bath container once-a-week works excellently at keeping the diseases at bay. With the hoof baths on the market now, there’s a solution for every farmer. As for the spray bottle, it covers up to 20 cows for repeated treatment under normal use.

Testimonial from Edward McCarthy who milks 120 cows in Limerick: “I’ve been badly hit by Mortellaro disease for a good few years now. Obviously it’s not just about using a product – you’ve got to keep after hoof disease with a management plan. I’ve sprayed a number of badly infected cows with the 750ml PFS Hoof Clear spray throughout the year and in recent weeks started hoof bathing all the cows regularly using the PFS Hoof Clear bath product. I like Dr Eddie’s hoof bath product a lot as when it no longer foams, it seems to give me a good indication as to when it’s time to change it. You can see the foam has good adhesion to the hoof. At my last paring in November, I was surprised to find no hoof disease whatsoever. It was a welcome change from the putrid smell of Mortellaro. At this time of year, I’m normally culling up to 10 cows with lameness; this year it will just be one or two.”

Dairy

Tackling lameness with Provita Hoofsure Endurance (Range) Lameness is now a major challenge in Irish dairy herds. Digital dermatitis (DD), more commonly known as Mortellaro, is an infectious condition and one of the major causes of lameness reducing milk yield, fertility, mobility and feed intake.

study conducted on ten dairy farms in Ireland by Somers and O’Grady in 2015, show that 89% of cows had lesions on their hind feet, 11.8% had lesions on their front feet and only in 6.9% of cows were no lesions found. This infectious condition spreads quickly through the herd and can reduce milk yield by at least one litre per cow per day. Overall cost is estimated to be €10,000 per 100 cows in a herd. It is very important that controlling and treating lameness is a top priority. It is extremely critical that farmers are able to monitor Digital Dermatitis on their farm, and can use their footbaths correctly to help tackle the problem. However, a staggering 80% of footbaths are used incorrectly (AFBI). It’s important to note that a specific farm orientated Digital Dermatitis control plan is imperative as it will allow the farmer to see the changes to the DD problem on their farm. Different levels of Digital Dermatitis should be tackled in various ways. Provita Animal Health can offer support in this instance. The Provita DD App is easy for farmers to use, and involves simply entering the size, colour and profile of the lesion.

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The app will convert your observations and categorise them into early, acute, healing, chronic or chronic and acute DD lesions. Once the data has been submitted a full report and specific recommendations for the farm will be made by Provita. The full Hoofsure range by Provita includes three products. Hoofsure Endurance is a footbath solution, scientifically proven proprietary blend of organic acids, essential oils and wetting agents. It is a safe, non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and biodegradable product, which can be easily disposed into a slurry pit or lagoon. This product should be used at a 1% dilution rate for maintenance and a 2%+ dilution rate in more difficult conditions. Hoofsure Endurance can be used as a 25% topical spray in conjunction with or as an alternative to footbathing. Hoofsure Konquest is a scientifically proven proprietary concentrated gel, for topical application. It can be used with a hoof bandage. Use this on more difficult cases of DD. Hoofsure Combat is a unique film-forming hoof spray containing a proprietary blend of organic acids and essential oils, providing persistent longer lasting activity. 11:04

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Dairy

CELLCHECK MILKING FOR QUALITY AWARDS The CellCheck Milking For Quality Awards celebrate excellence in udder health performance across our dairy industry and are given to the 500 milk suppliers nationally with the lowest weighted annual average somatic cell count.

his is the fourth year of the awards and recognises excellence in the 2016 supply year, with a national ceremony which was held in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny on the 23rd of November. The 500 winners represent the 14 Coop regions across the country. The CellCheck Milking For Quality Awards ceremony was sponsored by FBD Insurance and supported by Ornua and the Irish Farmers’ Journal. CellCheck is the national mastitis control programme, coordinated and facilitated by Animal Health Ireland. It is being developed and delivered in partnwership with industry bodies representing farmers, processors, service providers and government. The CellCheck programme was originally developed in response to industry demand for a sustainable and coordinated approach to improving mastitis control on Irish farms. AHI acknowledges the financial and other contributions of Teagasc and all our stakeholders to the CellCheck programme. Finola McCoy, CellCheck Programme Manager said “We continue to see annual progress, even among the suppliers with the best somatic cell counts in the country, with all winners for the 2016 supply year having an SCC of 78,000 cells/mL or less, compared to 93,000 cells/mL in 2015 and 103,000 cells/mL in 2013, the inaugural year of the Awards. It is important to note that while this award scheme recognises the 500 suppliers with

grass roots / WINTER 2017

the best average SCC, there are many more suppliers achieving excellent standards of udder health, with only small margins separating them from the award winners.” The CellCheck Milking For Quality Awards ceremony is also an occasion to recognise the substantial improvement in milk quality that has been achieved in the national herd in recent years. The evidence-based messages of the CellCheck programme highlight the benefits for dairy farmers, both economically and from an animal welfare point of view, of paying greater attention to the somatic cell count level in their herd. Fiona Muldoon, CEO, FBD Insurances said “FBD Insurance plc is invested in supporting and protecting agricultural businesses in Ireland. We continue our long-standing relationship with the CellCheck Milking For Quality Awards because we believe in the impact of the awards and in Animal Health Ireland’s contribution to Ireland’s agricultural sector. We have watched the Awards go from strength to strength over the years and at FBD Insurance, we know that these Awards help key decision makers follow the right path on their farms. I would like to congratulate this year’s winners and wish you all the very best for this coming year”. A special presentation was made on the night to the best performing supplier from each of the participating milk processors.

Dairy

Excellence in Irish Dairy National Quality Milk Awards 2017 Winners Announced

he country’s top prize for best quality milk has been awarded to John and Maria Walsh, from Co Tipperary who supply their milk to Dairygold Co-op. The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards has been running since 1996 and celebrates excellence in Irish dairy farming. The winners were announced in Dublin early in October with presentations to 14 of Ireland’s top dairy farms by Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed. Winners John and Maria Walsh were accompanied by their family and received a prize of €5,000 and the coveted NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards perpetual cup. John and Maria Walsh have three children; Brendan, Claire and Helena. They are the 6th generation of farmers to farm the land and take great pride in their work. Attention to detail is paramount and all farm decisions are discussed as a family on a Saturday evening around the dinner table. Farm safety is key and something they are very passionate about.

elements at times of need. All our products are manufactured by one of the worlds acknowledged leaders in this sector to our own specification. Our products are of the highest quality and will give constantly good results. Agristock Dairy Flourish is available in 1L, 2.5L, 5L, 10L and 20L sizes. Other products available from the Agristock range include Calf Flourish, Cattle Flourish, Sheep Flourish, Lamb Flourish and our Red Label animal health products which include Agristock Red Label Calf Colostrum, Red Label Calf Tube and Red Label Footbath.

Agristock will have a stand at the Spring Farm Machinery Show in Millstreet on the 17th and 18th of January 2018

grass roots / WINTER 2017

The Importance of a Milking Machine Service BY BRENDAN DILLON, CELLCHECK TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP MEMBER AND MILK QUALITY ADVISOR, GLANBIA

he Irish Milk Quality Co-operative Society (IMQCS) was set up in 1989 with the aim to improve Irish quality standards and to ensure Irish milking machine installations and testing standards equate with the best international standards. To be an IMQCS-registered milking machine technician, all technicians must be affiliated with IMQCS, and must attend a refresher course every two years. • For a Bord Bia SDAS audit, a farmer must have a milking machine test report and this report is required to come from an IMQCS registered technician. All IMQCS-registered technicians are listed on the ICOS website www.milkquality.ie. • During our CellCheck Farmer Workshops, we highlight the importance of an efficient and effective operating milking machine. The milking machine is the dairy farmer’s combine harvester. This machine is used every day, for 300 days in seasonal milk production, and for winter milk production it is used for 365 days a year. The milking machine runs for three to four hours per day and over the course of one lactation, it is on the cow for between 60 and 70 hours. Therefore, it is critical that the milking machine is functioning to its maximum and to ensure that, it should be tested by a qualified technician every six months.

FUNCTION OF THE MILKING MACHINE • The milking machine applies intermittent vacuum to the teat end, which causes the teat end to open and lets the milk flow out. A constant vacuum level should be maintained in the system throughout the milking. • The pulsation system is responsible for maintaining good blood circulation, and rest periods for the teat. As well as a test every 6 months, there are regular checks that farmers can do, which can give an early indicator of a machine problem, which should prompt follow-up investigation. A. Daily checks • Air admission holes are usually in the claw piece. If the hole is blocked liner slips can occur and there will be milk in the liners when the cluster is being taken off. Use the proper tool designed to unblock or clear the air admission holes. • The vacuum gauge is critical-tap the face of the gauge to ensure the needle is not stuck. • When the milking machine is working and milking, the pulsation should be regular; listen to the relays and if they are out of sync, get the machine tested. • As milk enters the receiving jar, there should be a steady flow except when emptying the recorder jars. If there is turbulence, air leaks are likely. • Check cows’ teats as you remove the clusters. If teats are 14

grass roots / WINTER 2017

discoloured, either red or blue, it can suggest problems such as high vacuum or over milking and this should be investigated. • Observe cows when they are milking-unsettled cows can be an indicator of a milking machine problem. B. Weekly Checks • All liners come with marking on the lip and on the stem; ensure these markings are aligned. • The filter on the pulsation airline needs to be kept clean to avoid dirt getting into the relays. • When milking, make sure the regulator is releasing air; a hissing sound should be heard. • Liner condition is critical. Liners are the only component of the machine that comes in direct contact with the cows’ teats, and they need to be kept in good condition. When liners are worn, they lose their shape and do not massage the teat correctly, resulting in longer milking times and reduced yields. Worn liners are also a source of bacteria, particularly thermoduric bacteria, as the bugs hide in the cracks in the liner. Liners should be changed every 2,000 milkings or every six months, whichever comes first. • The drain valve on the air line should be open when the milking machine has stopped working. Any milk/water coming from this airline post-milking would suggest a cut liner or pulse tube. • The oil in the vacuum pump forms a seal between the rotor and the frame of the motor, to keep the vacuum from leaking air/ vacuum. C. Monthly checks • Effective reserve can be checked by closing the buttons on all the clawpieces and then opening just one. If the vacuum gauge drops by more than 2 kPa, then the effective reserve is not adequate. This test is applicable for plants with 16-32 units. If there are more than 32 units, open two units and check the vacuum gauge again. • The ‘milking time’ is roughly the time it takes to milk one cow. It will depend on cow yields, but from milk let-down to finish it will usually be between seven and ten minutes. • During one milking, record the number of liner slips or squawks that need to be corrected by the milker. Five or less per 100 cows is acceptable, while 10 or more per 100 cows suggests that the machine needs servicing CONCLUSION • The milking machine can have an effect on the incidence of mastitis. It can act as a vector for bacteria from cow to cow. It can damage the teat end, increase bacteria at the teat end and create impact forces at the teat end. Therefore it is critical that the milking machine is serviced twice a year. Remember this is the dairy man’s combine harvester and where the money is made!

Dairy

<< John Kirby, National Dairy Show Director, Brian Carscadden, Judge, Clonpaddin G Fame ET, owned by John & Cyril Dowling, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin pictured with Stephen Cadogan, Irish Examiner, sponsor Supreme Championship and Charles Gallagher, CE IHFA

Fame Takes National Dairy Show Title The 35th National Dairy Show at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet was a resounding success amidst weather upheaval during the preceding days most acutely felt in the south west region with Storm Ophelia which left many farms without electricity for many days.

t is a great tribute to the resilience and support of IHFA breeders for this special show that they came out in strong numbers. It was a marvellous spectacle with exhibitors from Monaghan to Cork and everywhere in between competing for top honours. The judging was handled in a calm, controlled and assured manner by renowned judge Brian Carscadden, from Ontario Canada, who complimented all the breeders on the quality of their cows and the professional manner in which the show was organised. Great praise has to go to Show Director, John Kirby, and the organising committee, the Cork Holstein Friesian Club and IHFA staff for making it a memorable show in the prevailing conditions of Storm Brian raging that morning. There was strong competition in all the classes with the Supreme Championship going to Cyril & John Dowling of the Baldonnel herd, Co. Dublin. Cyril and John are strong supporters of the show and are unique in that they are farming approximately eight miles from O’Connell Street, Dublin. This was the second time for the Baldonnel herd to claim National Dairy Show Supreme Champion, having previously won the title in 1998. The herd also had a shared ownership in the 2015 champion. The 2017 supreme champion was Clonpaddin G Fame ET EX92. She also won

National Dairy Show Best Udder. Mervyn Eager, Evergrange, purchased her as a six-month old calf at the Clonpaddin celebration sale while hosting the IHFA National Open Day in 2011. Having calved-in with an Atwood daughter in the Evergrange herd Mervyn subsequently sold her to the Baldonnel herd with Mervyn retaining a share interest. Evergrange Atwood Fame VG87 has bred two daughters sired by Ladd P. Her lineage traces back to Moralta Inspiration Fame owned by George & Peter Kingston of the Cradenhill herd. She had attained EX97 the highest score achievable in the classification system. She also holds the unique record of three times in succession Champion of the Dairy Show in the years ‘95, ’96 and ‘97. In tapping forward Clonpaddin G Fame for Supreme Champion the Judge said “She has a world class mammary system and has a more comfortable flex to the hock. It’s no secret that I like good uddered cows. When I look at my Champion cow I really admire her veination, she has quality and width through her udder an ideal teat size and length”. Reserve Champion was won by Aidan Foody and Rory Timlin partnership, with their 5 year old cow GS Alliance Attwood Okisha, classified EX91 on conformation. Okisha is a grand-daughter of Decrausaz Iron O’Kalibre EX97, Supreme

Champion All-European Holstein Show 2013. Honourable Mention went to Brochan Cocoman’s mature cow Kilwarden Windbrook Vix ET. Kilwarden Windbrook Vix also won Best Exhibitor Bred Animal and Brochan was presented with the Cecil Johnson perpetual cup. Windbrook Vix previously won Interbreed Champion Balmoral Spring Show. She is Classified EX93 on conformation. Her lineage traces back to the Vixan family and Tab Maude. A maternal sister to her fourth dam, Smearlaview A Storm Vixan was champion of the National Dairy show in 2007 for Tim and John Kirby. Kilwarden breeding was also successful in the 4-Year-Old class where Kilwarden Gold Bonnie ET took first place, exhibitor bred and also best udder of class. National Dairy Show Reserve Exhibitor Bred Champion went to John & Garry Hurley with their 3 year old cow in milk Clonpaddin Windbrook Fame 2ET VG88. She is by Windbrook out of a full sister to the Supreme Champion of the Show, a consistent breeding family. Intermediate Champion was won by Laurelelm Fever Brilliant VG86. Junior Champion was won by Cornboro Beemer Dolly, she was National Calf Show Honourable Mention 2017. Source - IHFA

grass roots / WINTER 2017

beef

Flight of the Phoenix at Tullamore

torm Brian made conditions miserable but that wasn’t enough to keep exhibitors from attending from the Hereford Autumn Show held in Tullamore. Competition was tough with many strong bulls present at the event. The interest in the Hereford breed has continued to go from strength to strength each year. This year saw the breed establish itself as one of the main breeds at many of the summer shows throughout the country with many animals who had won various rosettes and sashes throughout the year present at the Offaly event. Michael Molloys Phoenix bull, from the Moyclare herd took flight upon entering the ring and quickly caught the attention of a number of potential buyers who wished to add this smashing sire to their herd. The price quickly ran up to over €5,000 which seen the bidding battle drop to just two hopeful buyers. It was Michael Hoey who came out victorious when his last bid of €6,600 proved enough to secure the 16 month old bull. Moyclare Phoenix is sired out David Larkin's bull Cill Cormaic Kasper and out of one Michael's home bred cows, Moyclare Rose 22nd, both animals which have produced champions at numerous shows in recent years for Mr. Molloy. Reserve Bull Champion on the day was Tom & Anselm Fitzgerald's Grianan Ranger, born last August and sired by Grainan Freddy. This attractive looking bull sold for €4,000 with John Ryan from County Tipperary becoming the new owner. It was Shane Kilrane's bull that was crowned Champion bull at the event. His bull Drumboy Jamie's was on exhibition at the Irish Hereford Society’s stand at the National Ploughing Championship this year where he caught the eye of many passer-by’s. Sired by the very successful and well know bull Kilsunny Goliath who is well renowned for producing champions throughout the country and across water. Tom Roycroft had his eye on him since the ploughing and became the new owner when he placed his last bid at €3,650. Champion of the female classes went to Padraig McGraths Kye Sunshine 722 who is incalf to his stock 5 star his stock bull Knoxlustre Twilight, who has a calving difficulty of 3.5%. Kye Sunshine will remain in the west of Ireland with her new owner Cathal Dolan from Carrigallen, County Leitrim. John Appelbe’s 14 month old heifer Appel 1 Joy, sired by this years Hereford National Champion Solpoll 1 Lawmann was sold for €4,600 the second highest price at the event, with Fellow rebel man Michael Dullea from Drimleague becoming the new owner. 16

grass roots / WINTER 2017

Top price bull €6,600 Moyclare Phoenix owned by Michael Molloy with handler Hugh P Murray

Shane and Sean Kilrane with their Champion bull ‘Drumboy Jamie’ that sold for €3,650 in Tullamore. IHBS President Pat McCarthy presenting them with the Bank of Ireland Cup

The heifer that attracted a lot of interest from the crowd ‘Appel 1 Joy’ bred by John Appelbe and sold for €4,600 on the day to Mr. Michael Dullea

beef

Champions Of National Hereford Calf Show 2017

JUDGE: MR. ALBERT DE COGAN, ‘IMOKI LY HEREFORDS’ KILLAMUCKEY, CASTLEMARTYR, CO. CORK

Supreme Male Champion: ‘Corlismore Ted 894’ DOB – 10/12/16. Sire: Moyclare Mariner, Dam:Corlismore Tara 618. Owned by Sean McKiernan and shown by the newly wedded couple Gary & Evelyn McKiernan. Reserve Supreme Male Champion: ‘Kilsunny Noble’ DOB – 20/01/17. Sire: Glaslough Judge, Dam: Kilsunny Lass Fluffy. Supreme Female Champion: ‘Herberry 1 Lucy Lou’ DOB – 12/01/17. Sire: Dendor 1 Kohinoor, Dam: Gouldingpoll 1 Lucy 641. Reserve Supreme Female Champion: ‘Moyclare Piscies’ DOB – 15/11/16. Sire: Brocca Saviour, Dam: Cill Cormaic Laylatt. Senior Male Champion: ‘Corlismore Ted 894’ DOB – 10/12/16. Sire: Moyclare Mariner, Dam:Corlismore Tara 618. Owned by Sean McKiernan Reserve Senior Male Champion: ‘Cill Cormaic Prince 2’ DOB – 23/10/16. Sire: Blackwater Lad, Dam: Cill Cormaic Lavinia. Senior Female Champion: ‘Moyclare Piscies’ DOB – 15/11/16. Sire: Brocca Saviour, Dam: Cill Cormaic Laylatt.

Supreme & Senior Male Champion: ‘Corlismore Ted 894’ DOB – 10/12/16. Sire: Moyclare Mariner, Dam: Corlis more Tara 618. Owned by Sean McKiernan and shown by the newly wedded couple Gary & Evelyn McKiernan (Class 9 winner)

Supreme & Junior Female Champion: ‘Herberry 1 Lucy Lou’ DOB – 12/01/17. Sire: Dendor 1 Kohinoor, Dam: Gouldingpoll 1 Lucy 641, exhibited by owner Veronica Brennan (Class 5 winner) Emma Hynes working hard, shortly before she class win

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beef

Time to address Fodder Crisis

he Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association held a national rally to highlight the need for action on the fodder crisis. National President Colm O’Donnell outlined the need to have a fodder aid package in place before Christmas stating: “how many farmers will be facing into 2018 with most or all of their fodder supplies used up as a result of the early feeding of livestock and their inability to harvest a second cut due to excessive rainfall.” He continued “Currently many farmers are facing into their fourth month of feeding with another five still to come and what they need to see is recognition from Minister Creed that there is a crisis and a plan in the form of a fodder scheme to help them.” Mr O’Donnell added “As it stands a considerable amount of time has been lost denying the need for a fodder aid scheme while farmers struggled both physically and mentally as they attempt to provide enough feed for their livestock.” In the INHFA’s pre-budget submission the association sought an aid package to include a meal voucher scheme, a transport haulage subsidy and a monitoring role for Teagasc. Colm concluded “ This can provide the basis for a fodder aid scheme but immediate action is required in order to advert animal welfare issues in early 2018.”

Hard Brexit Catastrophic For Europe’s Meat Industry

hard Brexit will have a ‘catastrophic impact’ on the European Meat Industry, according to a stark new report published by Europe’s Meat Industry body, UECBV, as the UK and EU continue negotiations. ‘Crisis – The EU Meat Industry in a Hard Brexit scenario’ report was commissioned by UECBV and carried out by Red Flag Consulting, to analyse the potential impact of a hard Brexit scenario. It found that a ‘no-deal’ outcome would lead to: • Trade collapsing - an 84% drop in beef trade between the EU27 and UK • Market price shock – The value of EU pig meat production would drop by €2.3 Billion, and beef by €2.4 billion • Job losses – at least 32,000 job losses across the EU at farm level, through processing and distribution In this scenario, meat products would face greater burdens than almost any other sector • Higher WTO tariffs than any other sector • Additional costs of veterinary checks, in addition to the customs checks faced by all goods • Major disruption to supply chains and chaos for just-in-time fresh meat delivery systems

Can be adapted or adjusted to feed meal or nuts in feed passages 18

grass roots / WINTER 2017

sheep

Farm-to-Farm Variation

Liver Fluke Forecast Reported as High

ach year, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine advises farmers of the predicted risk of disease caused by liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infection in livestock based on advice received from the Liver Fluke Advisory Group.

The Disease Forecast The risk of disease due to liver fluke infection this winter is high for all parts of the country. This forecast is based on meteorological data provided by Met Ă&#x2030;ireann with regard to weather conditions and rainfall during the summer and autumn of this year.

Animal Health Ireland Further to the disease forecast, preliminary information from the Animal Health Ireland Beef HealthCheck programme indicates that nationally the frequency of fluke damaged livers in cattle at slaughter has increased slightly over the summer months and into the autumn, with live fluke detected at low but consistent levels throughout this period. The frequency of these findings is greatest in cattle going to slaughter from north western and western counties. The Beef HealthCheck programme now provides a high level of coverage of cattle nationally, and work is ongoing to analyse the information it provides.

Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs) Liver Fluke Abattoir ELISA Survey Blood samples collected by Department staff from a selection of lambs (n=4,129) entering abattoirs in September and October were tested for antibodies to liver fluke to determine their level of exposure. Preliminary data from this survey indicates greatest exposure of lambs to liver fluke from counties on the western seaboard.

In assessing the risk of liver fluke disease on any particular farm, variation between individual farms in their soil type (whether soils are heavy or freedraining) must be taken into account, in addition to weather. The intermediate host of the parasite, which is a mud snail, tends to be located in soil that is slightly acidic and muddy. Thus, areas of fields with rushes are a particularly common location for mud snails to be found. Aside from local conditions on the farm and prior weather conditions, it is important that livestock owners also factor in prior liver fluke history on the farm. This can be an important indicator of future disease patterns.

Monitoring of Disease Liver fluke infection tends to be chronic in cattle, resulting in ill thrift and poor performance. In sheep, similarly, chronic disease can occur. However, infection in sheep can also result in more acute clinical signs, and can cause sudden death in cases of heavy challenge. Livestock owners should continue to be vigilant for any signs of illness or ill thrift in their stock and should consult with their veterinary practitioner for diagnosis of liver fluke infection or other potential cause(s) of these clinical signs. It is recommended that carcasses be submitted to a RVL for post mortem examination in cases where the cause of death is not obvious.

practitioner to devise an appropriate control and prevention program. In using flukicides to control and treat liver fluke infection, particular attention should be given to dosing cattle at the time of housing, and sheep in autumn or earlier in the year if there are concerns based on faecal examination or prior history. For sheep, a drug effective against early immature as well as late immature and mature flukes should be used to protect against acute disease, and sheep should also be removed from pasture to prevent re-infection. If the flukicide given to cattle at housing is not effective against early immature fluke, then faecal samples should be taken six to eight weeks after housing and tested for the presence of liver fluke eggs. This will determine whether a follow-up flukicide treatment is necessary. Advice should always be sought on treatment protocols and the appropriate interval at which such treatments should be given. Testing faecal samples for the presence of liver fluke eggs can help determine both the necessity and success of such treatments. This is especially important given that resistance to flukicides is becoming an increasing concern. In addition, bulk milk tests for antibodies to the parasite in dairy herds can be useful in monitoring year-to-year variation. Where it is feasible, and as a long term control option, areas of fields which are suitable habitats for the intermediate host (wet muddy areas often containing clumps of rushes) should be either fenced off or drained. This will result in a permanent reduction of snail habitat.

What about Rumen Fluke?

Information from abattoir examination of livers (Beef HealthCheck reports for cattle) of previously sold fattened stock is also a valuable source of information to inform livestock owners of the prevalence of liver fluke infection on their own farm or on the efficacy of their control program.

Treatment and Control In areas of high risk and on farms where liver fluke infection has been diagnosed or there is a prior history, livestock owners should consult with their veterinary

This parasite, which shares the same intermediate host as liver fluke, has become more prevalent in Ireland over the last number of years. The pathogenicity of rumen fluke is due to the activity of the juvenile stages in the intestine. If clinical signs such as rapid weight loss or diarrhoea are seen, or if there is a history of previous disease from rumen fluke on the farm, consult with your veterinary advisor as to whether treatment for rumen fluke is required. The finding of rumen fluke eggs in faecal samples of animals that are thriving and producing well is not reason enough to warrant treatment of these animals for rumen fluke. grass rootsâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; /â&#x20AC;&#x201A; WINTER 2017

Tillage

Glyphosate to be Banned in 2022 MEPs insist that glyphosate, a potentially carcinogenic substance, be banned after 2022. Member states decided on 27 November that the herbicide can be used in the EU for another five years.

lyphosate is the world's most widely and heavily applied weed-killer, however there are long-standing concerns about how it might affect people's health. This is why in October 2017 MEPs demanded a full ban glyphosate-based herbicides by December 2022 and immediate restrictions on the use of the substance. In 2016 the European Commission originally proposed to reauthorise the use of glyphosate for the next 15 years. Due to the reluctance of some countries, it was forced to reduce this period first to ten years and then to five in order to find the required majority of member states to support the herbicide's renewal. MEPs' concerns about glyphosates' potential health impact are shared by many people all over Europe. A European citizens’ initiative collected 1.3 million signatures to ask for a ban glyphosate and protect people and the environment from toxic pesticides.

Tillage Report Calls For Action

report by the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture has called for increased support for tillage farmers. Some key recommendations include:

• That a new Organic Action Plan be developed, as the last plan covered the period 2013-2015. There should be a commitment to produce new Action Plans on an ongoing basis in order that the sector may have a constant policy direction. • A review of the potential of energy crops should be undertaken in Ireland to fully identify the viability of the sector and to inform policies which will enhance the potential of the sector. • Until such time as a viable alternative is available, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine should continue to vocally support the extension of a licence for glyphosate. The 20

grass roots / WINTER 2017

Committee also recommends that the Minister actively seek to help develop support amongst other Member States for an extension to the licence. • That the CAP budget be maintained and used in a targeted and effective manner in order to provide the greatest benefit to all producers including tillage farmers.

Committee Chair, Pat Deering TD, said at the launch, “In undertaking this body of work, the Committee wished to explore the full range of actions which could benefit the tillage sector; of course, some options are, as yet, on the scientific horizon while others could be implemented in the short-term.” “One of our key aims in drafting this report was to encourage discussion on new ideas for tillage in order to allow the sector to grow and innovate into the future. The time to act is now and we must be open-minded to new innovations in tillage and cropping if the sector is to flourish in the long term. Accelerating innovation in Irish tillage farming and crop genetics is vital if farmers are to be successful. There have been great advancements in innovation around dairy farming; genetics and financial management and tillage must not be left behind.” “Access to finance will be essential in helping tillage famers diversify, mitigate risk, and increase efficiency. We are calling for access to finance to remain a priority and for the CAP budget to be maintained and protected. " “Ireland has a highly productive tillage sector, with yields amongst the highest in the world, which supports a substantial number of jobs. It has the potential to grow and diversify even further, provided it is given the necessary supports. This report is intended to provide a basis for engagement between stakeholders in formulating a Tillage Sector Plan. The discussions held with stakeholders will hopefully serve as a robust foundation for this plan and we are encouraging the Minister to carefully consider our recommendations.”

forestry

<< Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Andrew Doyle T.D. visited the Christmas tree farm of Christy Kavanagh in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow to encourage people to buy a real

Doyle Encourages People to Purchase a Real Irish Christmas Tree this Season Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Andrew Doyle T.D. has encouraged people to buy a real Irish Christmas tree this Christmas.

he Minister was speaking on a visit to the Christmas tree farm of Christy Kavanagh in Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow. Christy has been in the Christmas tree business since 1980 following a family tradition that dates back to the 1950s and recently scooped two major awards at the recent Irish Christmas Tree Growers competition. The Minister commented “Around 550,000 Irish Christmas trees are harvested each year with 350,000 sold at home and about 200,000 trees exported, mainly to the UK, France and Germany. The industry contributes €21 million to the Irish economy. The professionalism and quality of the Irish Christmas tree sector is epitomised by farmers like Christy Kavanagh and Irish consumers can be assured that they are buying the best when buying from an Irish farm. Real Christmas trees are more environmentally friendly, carbon neutral and everyone who buys an Irish tree is contributing to providing jobs in rural Ireland. At home we always have a real tree. It wouldn’t be the same Christmas experience without one.” Christy Kavanagh is also the vice chair of the Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association whose “Love a Real Tree Campaign”

is now in its’ third year. Christy explained that “the love a real tree campaign encourages consumers to purchase a real tree as opposed to an imported artificial tree. There is a wonderful opportunity to produce superior product in this country and export to the U.K. and Europe, as ‘Noble fir’ grows better here than in any other part of Europe. In fact having seen the competition in Germany, Denmark and Britain this year, our standards are far higher than all the rest and there is still room for improvement. The Minister concluded by saying “the quality of Christmas trees produced in Ireland has increased significantly over recent years. Much of this improvement has been driven by investments under my Department’s Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. This assists growers who wish to make investments in specialised equipment to manage and harvest the crop. While this is the busiest time of year for our Christmas tree growers I encourage them all to consider applying for the Scheme. A real tree is the natural choice. I am delighted to see a steady trend towards people buying real Christmas trees.”

Komatsu Forest delegation visits McHale Plant Sales

delegation from Komatsu Forest recently visited the Rathcoole-based headquarters of McHale Plant Sales on Greenogue Industrial Estate in the wake of its appointment to distribute their range of timber harvesting and forwarding machinery in Ireland, north and south. Led by its president and chief executive officer, Mitsuru Ueno, the delegation viewed the company’s facilities and met with staff before engaging with sales director John O'Brien and colleagues to discuss what their future plans for the market in Ireland will be. Linked with the Japanese manufacturer for the past 23 years as distributor of its excavators and construction plant, the enlargement of their role to include the Komatsu Forest range is one that brings the firm into an area of activity that John O'Brien notes ‘has grown significantly over recent decades’.

Pictured with one of the red-coloured Komatsu harvesters used to fell, strip and cut each tree for onward transport to the sawmill is Mitsuru Ueno with McHale directors Tim Shanahan and John O’Brien.

machinery

LAMMA 18 – The Premier Machinery Event

Farmers, contractors and other rural businesses looking to improve their bottom line have an excellent opportunity to quiz hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers of farm machinery, equipment and agricultural services with a trip to England to attend the LAMMA show at Peterborough in January.

he event has cemented its reputation in recent years as being the biggest and best of its type in the UK and Ireland. Last year more than over 850 exhibitors provided an unmatchable array of equipment and expertise for over 40,000 visitors. With exhibitor bookings for LAMMA ’18 matching last year’s pace, visitors are in for another unmissable event. LAMMA is now recognised as the place to do business, and many farmers will be looking to take advantage of the change and opportunities that lie ahead through considered investment in machinery and systems that can help reduce costs and/or raise productivity. Elisabeth Mork-Eidem, group head of events at Briefing Media, which owns LAMMA Show, said the event continued to grow in size and stature and remained a key diary event for the industry, in the UK and beyond. “LAMMA is a highly informative event, while retaining its informal, friendly atmosphere. It is a great place to talk through new opportunities and to make new contacts, and also to catch up with old friends.” “Last year we heard of many positive conversations that resulted in a significant amount of business, and we fully expect that to continue at LAMMA ’18 as key decision makers across agriculture continue to gear up for the future. It’s shaping up to be another excellent event.” Most leading manufacturers will be attending, many showing new tractors, combines, drills and cultivation equipment. In addition, LAMMA’s ethos of hosting smaller agricultural engineering and machinery companies from across the UK continues, giving visitors access to a vast array of innovative products. The popular Workshop Area returns, offering supplies to suit simple repairs to sophisticated projects, as does The Dealers’ Den, with its plethora of second-hand kit. Although LAMMA’s core business is machinery and equipment, other sectors including agronomy, business and farm management advice also feature. A new Farm Safety Zone, sponsored by leading health and safety consultancy Safety Revolution, is being introduced to help reduce the high number of deaths and injuries on UK farms. 22

grass roots / WINTER 2017

The zone will host a series of talks with specialists from Safety Revolution and the wider industry, enabling visitors to access the most current health and safety information and specialist advice. Professional development continues to feature strongly at LAMMA, which has become a platform for knowledge exchange. With so much going on, key sectors are zoned around the showground to help visitors find what they need with the minimum of fuss. Livestock supplies, forage machinery and associated equipment are grouped together as is post-harvest technology and roots machinery. To help plan their trip to LAMMA, those intending to visit can sign up for the event newsletter to find out all the latest show news and exhibitor updates. Details of the new LAMMA ’18 app will also be available on the website. This follows last year’s successful app launch, which was downloaded by 5,000 visitors who benefited from a range of features, including exhibitor search and directions, to help them make the most of the show. Visitors also have access to free Wi-Fi across the site at designated hotspots, to ensure they can use the app as well as browse the internet.

Essential information LAMMA ’18 takes place on Wednesday 17th January between 7.30am and 5pm and Thursday 18th January between 7.30am and 4.30pm. Venue: East of England Showground, Oundle Road, Alwalton, Peterborough, PE2 6XE. Parking and entrance to the show is free of charge. Car parks will open early and visitors arriving between 6.30am and 8am can enjoy an early bird breakfast. LAMMA all-day breakfast is available from 8am. A free shuttle bus service will run between Peterborough train station and the East of England Showground. The service starts at 7am until 5pm. The shuttle bus drop-off and pick-up points will be at main gate (3) near the security office. Two 53-seater buses run throughout the day.

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This is the first public outing for the Farmet Falcon seed drill in the UK. The Falcon range includes models from 3m to 8m and features a 4000-litre grain only tank, or 6,000 litres of grain and fertilizer. The drill’s modular design means users can select different toolbar options, and swap them easily and quickly during the season if conditions demand. Options range from traditional 2-row disc module, hydraulic levellers, various tine options and even a power harrow for 3m and 4m Efficient Fuel - Dipetane.indd rigid models. Two seed metering units for the grain tank can be set up to sow two different seed types to drill at once, at different depths and seeding rates. Standard 125mm double disc coulter units can be specified, or alternatively, a 150mm spacing double disc, or a 75cm precision seeder unit for maize. One very versatile drilling rig!

s& GR ’ E , F’s

DMD Sales Ltd. Unit 5, Kilcoole Ind. Estate, Co. Wicklow A63HP71 Tel Ireland +353 1 2876922 Email drew@dipetane.ie

We are the Inventors and Sole Manufacturers & appoint only Authorised Distributors grass roots of DIPETANE worldwide. DIPETANE is available in all good Motor Factors, / WINTER 2017 APPLE GREEN and CORRIB OIL Service Stations and Agri-Machinery outlets. DIPETANE is a member of the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI).

Injectors !

machinery

39HP TYM Debuts at LAMMA TYM plan to showcase the compact T393 at the LAMMA event.

39hp Yanmar engine, two transmission options: 12x12 speed manual with dash mounted shuttle lever or a three range HST transmission, and the highest lift capabilities in its class at 1200kg, means the T393 can take on the small and big jobs with ease. TYM sales manager, Steven Haynes, says: “The T393 is a great addition to the TYM product line up offering premium features in a compact and cost-effective package. For any work you do, a workhorse always helps. With that in mind, we’ve chosen our newest addition to the compact line to provide the utmost productivity down to the last detail.” As Steven says, productivity is at the fore of the T393’s design. It’s available with either a rear mounted ROPS or a factory fitted cabin with air conditioning to deliver all-year round operating comfort, plus, the cabin features a high capacity heater and front and rear work lamps. So, dark winter afternoons or inclement weather won’t stop work with the T393. The T393 has one of the highest hydraulic flow rates with a maximum output of 42 litres per minute, making it suitable for

use with a wide range of hydraulically driven attachments. All the HST models come equipped with a new ‘Auto Throttle’ function, linking the HST pedals to the engine throttle to synchronise the tractor’s speed and engine rpm. This simplifies tractor operation and helps to reduce fuel consumption. The cab features wide opening doors which allows for easy access on and off the tractor and, unlike larger models, there is no intrusive B-post on the tractor to hinder visibility. Steven concludes: “The T393 new tractor brings the utmost versatility to our TYM offering in the UK and Ireland.” “It’s more productive per acre and is the ideal choice for those who don’t need a larger framed mid-duty model but need the most amount of power, productivity, versatility and efficiency in a compact package.” The T393 completes the TYM compact utility tractor range joining the TS25, T293 and T353, and further complements the mid- and heavy-duty TYM ranges. It is available with optional extras such as a front loader, backhoe, front-weight kit and rear counter balance.

Blaney Showcase at LAMMA

Blaney Motor Company will attend the LAMMA Show from 17th to 18th January, for the UK launch of the new Blaney L1 10-27 pivot steer loader.

hese Blaney multipurpose wheeled loaders have been specifically designed to be compact for manoeuvrability and mobility. Their size allows them to access hard to reach areas while their weight allows them to be transported under 3.5 ton. Sean Blaney, MD of Blaney Motor Company is delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Blaney Motor’s new vehicles at LAMMA Show and says, “We are committed to building a legacy of quality engineering and I am looking forward to getting feedback from new customers and partners that our engineering team can 24

grass roots / WINTER 2017

use to further develop our range of machines.” The Blaney loaders have been designed to be simple to operate, with all the controls at your fingertips – easy controls for any novice. Blaney engineers have paid close attention to the need for farmers to hop on/ hop off quickly and incorporated a design for easy driver access. The Blaney compact wheeled loader is equipped with a 40HP engine and hydrostatic transmission with four wheel drive limited slip differential. With a unique high capacity hydraulic system they are able to lift an impressive weight with a 1 tonne lifting capacity and an impressive industry leading 2.7m reach or 3.3m for the telescopic model. Blaney are also showcasing the C600 hedgecutter featuring Blaney’s power shredding technology for a tidy finish. Blaney as an independent manufacturer have no links to any other range and so have no restrictions in their design, giving them the ability to give experienced users exactly what they want. For feeding round bale silage Blaney offer the acclaimed Forager X10 bale unroller, designed to be a 1 man and 1 tractor operation to handle and feed out wet and misshapen bales.

machinery

VALTRA

SUCCESS CONTINUES AT AGRITECHNICA

altra´s T Series has won the worldrenowned ‘Machine of the Year 2018’ award in the upper horse power category at the Agritechnica trade fair in Hannover. Previously the Valtra T254 model already won “Tractor of the Year 2018” and “Best Design 2018” awards in the same fair. The selection was made by independent journalists from the German agricultural publications Agrarheute, Traction, Agrartechnik, Land & Forst, Bayerisches Landwirtschaftliches Wochenblatt and from international agricultural publications. “This is a fantastic recognition for the whole T Series and for our new SmartTouch user interface. The 4th generation T Series has proven to be a success story among customers and dealers as from the beginning” comments Mikko Lehikoinen, Marketing Director, Valtra Inc. “The recently launched SmartTouch is the focus point at Valtra stand in Agritechnica and the customer feedback has been great. With SmartTouch we offer something unique that leads the way to easy to use interfaces both of tractor and precision farming tools .” Valtra´s T Series was launched in 2014 and from the beginning it has received several respected awards. Ranging from 155 to 251 hp the T Series offers six power levels, four transmission and hydraulic combinations (HiTech, Active, Versu and Direct) and a reliable AGCO Power engine (6,6l ad 7,4l). The T Series stands for the highest levels of comfort, durability, versatility and

Scandinavian design with optimal functionality and great visibility. Like all Valtra product ranges, it can be tailored to meet the highest needs of each individual customer, not forgetting Valtra’s TwinTrac reverse-drive system or the SkyView cab with ultimate rear side visibility.

The Valtra T series Direct and Versu models come with the new easy-to-use SmartTouch user interface. SmartTouch was designed and engineered in Finland, and it was awarded the Red Dot design award in April 2017. SmartTouch features fully integrated technology: Guidance, Isobus, AgControl and TaskDoc. The new armrest increases the productivity of any tractor-implement combination and lightens the workload for the driver. Separate profiles can be set for each individual driver and task, and configurations can be made in seconds using the touchscreen.

All settings with the exception of changes to the terminal’s settings are automatically saved to the active profile. The 9-inch terminal has been designed to be easier and more intuitive to use than a modern smart phone.

All the functions on the terminal can be accessed with a maximum of two swipes or taps, and the design makes it impossible to get lost in the menu. Anyone, whether they have used a touchscreen before or not, can operate this terminal with little or no practice. Valtra’s Versu models revolutionise the way powershift tractors are driven. The speed can be increased by pushing the hand-operated drive lever and decreased by pulling it, keeping acceleration in full control at all times. There is no switch to change between lever and pedal mode, as they work in prefect sync all the time. Driving with the drive lever is a new feature that provides more flexibility for the operator. Valtra’s Versu models are the only powershift tractors in the world that enable full operation using only the drive lever. The 5-step Powershift transmission features four main and two creeper ranges for a total of 30 speeds in both directions. Shifting is precise and effortless whether operated fully automatically or manually with the drive lever. The T254 also features Valtra’s Hillhold feature, which enables easy starts using just the accelerator pedal, even uphill, as well as Valtra’s revolutionary, patented hydraulics assistant. This innovation provides more hydraulic output automatically, either stationary or when driving, with no effect on driving speed. As with all of Valtra’s 4th generation models, the T254 offers the highest levels of comfort, durability, versatility and Scandinavian design with optimal functionality and great visibility. It can also be tailored to meet the needs of each individual customer, not forgetting Valtra’s TwinTrac reverse-drive system or the SkyView cab with ultimate rear side visibility. grass roots / WINTER 2017

machinery

Gold For ‘StalkBuster’ and ‘Cemos Auto Threshing’ Kemper Maschinenfabrik won a gold in the Agritechnica innovation award with a product developed jointly with John Deere.

t was one of only two gold awards at this years event at Hannover, Germany. The other went to Claas. Kemper’s product is developed for silage maize crop harvesting. Since the corn borer spread across Germany about 15 years ago, it has become the most notorious pest in silage maize crops in the country. It causes losses in yield and quality, because the cobs do not develop well, and they become infested with Fusaria which may then spread to the following wheat crop. One of the most important methods to fight the pest, along with chemical and biological options, is to chop the maize stubble thoroughly and immediately after the crop is harvested. The Kemper StalkBuster is the first stubble-destroying technology that forms an integral part of a maize header. It is the only machine on the market that destroys all the stubble before it is driven on by the forager or the tractor and trailer. Usually about 30% of the stubble remains intact, and as the corn borer winters inside it, a high percentage of undestroyed. Stubble offers them a haven so they can infest the area again the following year. The corn borer pupates in the stubble in spring and the moth starts infesting the new crop after that. The topper is integrated in the header, is relatively lightweight and has a relatively low power input requirement. This means no extra limitations apply for legal road transport. The Kemper StalkBuster is a technical solution that offers great benefits for users, their productivity and the environment. Claas won their gold award for their Cemos Auto Threshing.

grass roots / WINTER 2017

This is an autonomous threshing system for Claas straw-walker and hybrid combine harvesters Currently operators have to find out by themselves which settings strike the best balance between the optimum drum speed, the optimum concave gap, the suitable aggressiveness of threshing and the quality of the grain. Some operators find this complexity too difficult to come to terms with, and find setting up the combine a chore. Consequently, very often a combine is not set up perfectly to suit the current harvest conditions. Cemos Auto Threshing is the first system that sets the tangential threshing system on straw walker and hybrid machines automatically. As such, it makes a significant contribution to optimising the quality of work and performance. Depending on the strategy entered into the system by the operator, it sets the drum speed and the concave gap for optimum results in the current harvest conditions. The USP of the entire system is the fact that all controllers communicate with each other. For example, the throughput controller operates via a special communication module to control the throughput relative to the threshing controller, as well as the separation and cleaning controllers. Another module in the system is Auto Threshing, which for the first time completes the enormous complex technical step to implement fully automated threshing. On such a harvester, users no longer need to know which settings they have to make to get the desired results. Instead, they enter the harvesting strategy, which is then used by the auto-learning system to optimise all parameters. This innovative automation technology allows combine harvesters to continuously combine at maximum efficiency.

machinery

Fendt Tractor Goes Electric Electric bikes and cars have increasingly arrived on the market, but the technology has not been available for commercial vehicles so far.

his is attributed to the challenge of developing highperformance battery technology that suits the needs. Fendt have developed a battery-powered tractor that is a world first and was developed to serve in a wide range of applications. Using the powertrain of a 50kW Vario model, it replaces the combustion engine, the exhaust, air and fuel systems and the radiator by a battery block, a compact electric motor and the necessary electric control system. The Fendt e100 Vario is the first practical, battery-powered tractor that can be used in normal operation for a full working day without the need to recharge. The new e100 is a practical, all-electric compact tractor with a 67hp power output, which can operate for up to five hours under actual operating conditions. The energy source is a 650-volt high-capacity lithium-ion battery with a capacity of about 100kWh. The battery is charged either with 400 volts and up to 22kW via a standard CEE outdoor socket, or by a supercharging option with direct voltage. With a standard CCS type 2 plug, the battery can be recharged up to 80 per cent in just 40 minutes. In addition, energy can be recovered thanks to the use of an electric motor. The Fendt e100 Vario allows the use of conventional as well as electrified implements. The electric tractor is fitted with two AEF-compliant power interfaces for electrical equipment. A short-term boost of up to 150kW for the implements can be provided by the battery.

A standard PTO connection is also available, as well as the normal hydraulic supply to implements. Therefore, the Fendt e100 Vario can be used with existing equipment with no additional caveats, but is also equipped to reap the benefits of using electrical implements. Precise and dynamic control is enabled thanks to the electrical drive. The maximum torque for the ground drive and PTO drive is supplied from a standing start. Safety is guaranteed by an insulated design and continuous, electronic system monitoring. The efficiency of the battery-powered tractor is increased by a completely new, energy-efficient type of thermal management. A regulated, electrical heat pump performs the task of air conditioning the cab as well as the battery and electronics. Energy management, including the tractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battery information, can be monitored via smartphone. In addition, comfort functions, such as pre-heating in winter or air conditioning in summer, can be easily controlled in advance when connected to the mains supply. The battery-powered tractor can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. If renewable energy generated on the farm is used, the machine can be operated with a net zero carbon footprint and very cost-efficiently. Maintenance work and costs are reduced, for filter and oil as well as many components involved in conventional technology are no longer needed. Consumables such as engine oil, AdBlue or diesel are a thing of the past. The power needed to operate the tractor can be supplied by renewable energies, such as biogas, solar power, or wind power, therefore making a significant contribution to combating climate change. At the same time, the high-capacity battery can store excess power and feed it back into the grid. The tractor will be in use for the first time in 2018 in limited numbers, initially on selected farms and in local authorities.

grass rootsâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; /â&#x20AC;&#x201A; WINTER 2017

youth

It’s the Season, What to Give? GRASSROOTS FARM GIFT GUIDE Its that time of year again where we all scratch our heads and consider what present we need to buy the farmers, big and small, in our lives. Here at Grassroots Farm Magazine we take a look at some of the options. A great farming family idea is to start with the Tractor Ted Family Planner 2018. Tractor Ted, the childhood favourite little green tractor returns with his own family planner with columns for up to five family members. Children will love the farmyard illustrations and with a week-to-view format it's easy to keep your family organised throughout 2018. Available online or at calendar stockists like Calendar Club. Rain and Grain is the new DVD from the famous Northern Irish production team, Grassmen. Grassmen set a goal of raising £200,000 for their chosen charity over the course of 2 years and they knew they were going to have to pull out all the stops. Following the huge success of the charity Make-AWish raffle of the 110-90, the decision was made to follow in it's footsteps with their infamous TW-35. The 32 County Bale Challenge would be the first proper test for the old girl. The idea here was to travel the 32 Irish counties in one week, baling 100 bales in each county and donating the money to charity. The final figure raised was simply amazing. They felt that the TW was designed for work in an arable environment, so they crossed the Irish sea in the hope to leave the rain behind; in search of grain they went all the way to Oxford. Back home in rainy Northern Ireland they decided to take a wee look at what has changed in 30 years of chopping grass. They borrowed a few old school machines and put them to work alongside the latest and greatest machinery. In terms of farmyard toy sets, Siku have launched a silage clamp with cover, tyres and granulate. The Silo set from the German toy makers latest releases is ideal addition for their farm landscape rangeIt features a movable silo, a tarpaulin 28

grass roots / WINTER 2017

consisting of rubberised material and 12 tyres for holding the tarpaulin down as well as granulate for filling the silo. The set is the perfect addition to the Siku Farmer set, however it can naturally also be played as a standalone. For farm model lovers try the Case IH Puma 175 CVX - 175th Anniversary Edition 1:16 scale from Universal Models. The Puma 175 CVX Jubilee Edition is finished in a distinctive ‘Viper Stryker’ pearlescent red inherited from the Case IH Autonomous Concept Vehicle (ACV). It also carries unique 175th anniversary decals. Case IH had created a 175th anniversary version of the Puma 175 CVX tractor to mark 175 years since the founding of the company that became today’s Case IH Agriculture. Jerome Increase Case founded his eponymous farm equipment business in 1842, in the US town of Racine, Wisconsin. How about a tough smartphone for the hardworking farmer in

your life? The Cat brand is known to be tough and they now enter the smartphone market. The Cat S41 is a truly rugged phone. Its tough credentials include MIL SPEC 810G and IP68 water and dust resistant certified, scratch-resistant screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and drop proof tested onto concrete from up to 1.8 metres. It’s also tough enough to handle thermal shocks and salt mist spray. Thats a phone that should be at home in the rough and tumble of farm work. Some people like a practical present, something than they can use on their tractor or car. Agrify, a Cork company, may have the answer. Tyre2Tyre is a tyre balancer without the use of a compressor or pump.The Ballydesmond manufactured product allows for a flat wheel to inflated off of an inflated wheel so that the vehicle or implement can be brought to a compressor or pump. It is ideal for slow puncture while on the road or away from the farmyard. The product should fit any present budget and is available from the companies website. Whatever else you decide to get, don't forget a subscription for our own new gloss magazine, launching in the new year. The best farm features, insights and stories will be available in newsagents for just €2.99 but subscribe for 11 issues for only €25. To save 25% with this one time offer, send away today. See overleaf for details.

ALL PROFESSIONALISM GOES OUT THE WINDOW AS EXCITEMENT TAKES OVER AS WE BEGIN TO TELL YOU WHAT WE HAVE COMING YOUR WAY.

t has taken a few years of planning and hard, long hours of research to try and develop something that the Irish agricultural industry could be proud of. While we have examined many digital models, we believe the Irish agricultural market still requires a premium quality magazine that offers information within an enjoyable readers experience. This is independent information as we all know that the free news models requires corporate funding to fund it and hence, corporate controlled news. We want to bring you a premium gloss magazine that gives voice to the grassroots of our farming community as well as servicing the small to medium businesses that support the sector. We want to look at all options so farmers can pick and choose ideas and systems that suit their own farm requirements. We want to give a voice to all - be it lobby groups, corporates, idealists and rebels of the status quo. The reader can enjoy interesting angles to the issues and developments happening in the industry to further form their own opinions.

The quality will be like no other as the best design minds create a visually appealing package. The content creators travel far and wide for the most interesting and informative stories. The finished product compacts all farming elements and machinery into one enjoyable gloss magazine. We also are happy to tell you that this FREE publication will remain in its current format. It will support the premium gloss with content teasers as well as having its own exclusive content. We look forward to servicing the farming industry that we are so passionate about into the future. Watch out for our first premium gloss edition for only €2.99 in all good news agents shortly. Consider a subscription as the ideal present to the your nearest and dearest or even treat yourself.

Miss it if you dare, subscription details below

Grassroots Farm Magazine Has News For You

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FOR NEW PREMIUM GRASSROOTS FARM MAGAZINE

A Christmas Present for the Whole of 2018

Save almost 25% €25 for 11 issues To order please fill out form on the left and post with a checque for €25 made payable to Grassroots Media or for secure online bookings please email editor@grassrootsmedia.ie and follow details in reply grass roots / WINTER 2017 29

agri business

<< Trade Talks between Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed and Korean

Ornua has announced a major product expansion into the South Korean market with the launch of Kerrygold butter.

Minister for Agriculture Mr. Kim Yung-Rok. <<

Pictured at the launch of Kerrygold in South

Korea L-R Vincent Tong, Ornua, Minister Michael Creed, Sean Ryan, Ornua, Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia

South Korea Expansion for Agriculture Exports

outh Korea is the 11th largest economy in the world, with a GDP of €1.2 trillion and a growth rate of 3.3%. The country has a population of over 51 million and is heavily urbanised, with over 82% of the population living in cities. Agriculture accounts for just 2.2% of GDP. South Korea currently imports 150,000mt of cheese and butter. The new product was unveiled by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD at a launch in the Hyundai Department Store Samseong-dong in the Gangnam-gu district, Seoul, during the Irish Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan. It is planned that Kerrygold will be sold through major Korean retailers. The branded Kerrygold dairy products, made from the milk of grass-fed cows, will bring a unique new offering to South Korean consumers. Korean consumers place a high value on the origin and quality of their food. Its dairy market is characterised by very highquality standards. Ireland already has pigmeat access to

South Korea, and a strong trade has developed: in 2016, Ireland exported 5,048 tonnes of pigmeat to Korea, at a value of EUR11.2m. South Korea consumes high amounts of pork, and OECD figures put their average consumption of pigmeat at about 28.3kg/capita in 2016. South Korea consumes about 10.3kg/ capita of beef, only slightly less than the EU average but very high by Asian and global standards. Due to their population, South Korea is an important potential market for Irish beef products. Minister Creed met with the South Korean Minister for Agriculture Mr. Kim Yung-Rok to discuss the opening of the beef trade into the country. Commenting on the meeting Minister Creed said: "I stated the very high priority accorded to achieving beef market access to Korea and the importance of further advancing the process, following on from recent inspection visits. A follow up meeting has been arranged between Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine officials and Minister Kim's technical experts”.

New Office Facilities at Teagasc Midleton Opened

newly Extended Teagasc Advisory office in Midleton, Co Cork was officially opened in mid November by David Stanton TD, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration. The investment of €320,000 in the extra office accommodation was necessary in Midleton as some of the staff who had moved from Farranlea Road in Cork in 2010 were accommodated in portacabins. The Teagasc Midleton office serves an important farming area, in dairying, drystock and tillage that now extends from Youghal to Kinsale, up to Ballinhassig and to Knockraha and Glanmire. The Teagasc activities in Midleton Office catchment area include; 18 farmer 30

grass roots / WINTER 2017

discussion groups, 11 of which are in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Knowledge Transfer Scheme. There are 284 farmers in discussion groups, facilitated from this office with around 150 discussion group meetings held on farms each year. In addition 6 farm walks are organised each year, and 3 seminars, attracting a total attendance at these events of over 2,250 farmers. Speaking at the opening, Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle said; “The local network of Teagasc advisory offices and education centres around the country provide critically important infrastructure from which the organisation delivers its effective knowledge transfer programmes in advisory and education.”

Management changes in Teagasc Advisory

wo new Teagasc Regional Advisory Managers will be appointed in the coming months. Regional managers lead the delivery of Teagasc advisory services to farmers and the delivery of educational courses in the regional education centres. Pat Clarke will be the new Regional Advisory Manager for Teagasc in counties Galway and Clare. Pat is currently a dairy Specialist based in Athenry. Majella Moloney will be the new Teagasc Regional Advisory Manager in counties Kerry and Limerick. Majella will be moving from her current position as Principal of the Teagasc Agricultural College in Clonakility, Co Cork. A number of managers will be reassigned to new regions. David Colbourne will be moving from Clare/ Galway to manage the region including counties Laois, Kildare, Meath, Louth and Dublin. Billy Kelleher moves from Cork West region to Cork East region. John Horgan will move from Kerry/Limerick region to head up the advisory service in Cork West. The changes arise following the retirement of two long serving Teagasc managers, Ger MacMahon in Cork East and Larry O Loughlin in Laois, Kildare, Meath, Louth and Dublin. Speaking following the announcements, Dermot McCarthy, Head of the Teagasc advisory services said: “I would like to wish both Majella Moloney and Pat Clarke well as they take up new positions with Teagasc in the advisory service. I would like to pay tribute to the contributions made by both Ger MacMahon and Larry O Loughlin over their long careers in Teagasc, in the many roles which they pursued in the organisation, and most recently as part of the advisory management team. I wish the other managers well in their newly assigned areas of responsibility.”

Scour problems? Vaccinate cows now to protect calves against • Rotavirus • Coronavirus • E.coli K99

In 2013, Department of Agriculture (AIM) figures reveal that 60,369 calves died up to 6 weeks of age. Diarrhoea is the most common cause of mortality in calves up to 4 weeks of age1 Vaccination of cows at the correct time prior to calving reduces the damage caused by Rotavirus, Coronavirus and E.coli.

IE/ROT/1214/0001

1. Anon 2013. AFBI/DAFM All-Island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2013

Use Medicines Responsibly Further information is available from your prescriber or from MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. E-mail: vet-support.ie@merck.com Website: www.msd-animal-health.ie Tel: +353(0)1 2970220.