Irish Farm Business - Vol 3 Issue 1 Spring 2016

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MILK HYGIENE EQUIPMENT CLEANING PROCEDURES

ANIMAL HEALTH FOCUS ON CALF REARING AND MANAGEMENT

FINANCIAL ADVICE DEALING WITH CASHFLOW PRESSURE

>> SEE PAGE 22

>> SEE PAGE 48

>> SEE PAGE 32

IRISH

Farm Business Volume 3 Issue 1 Spring 2016 Edition Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

DAIRYING

MANAGING GRASS

ADOPT CORRECT ROTATION

CALF REARING EXCELLENCE

THE POWER FAMILY, KILKENNY

MILKING PARLOUR DESIGN

INCREASE EFFICIENCY

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Foreword/Contents/Credits IRISH

Farm Business DAIRYING

Volume 3 Issue 1 Spring 2016 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

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Foreword

Features 20 FARM LIFE – A CASE STUDY CALF MANAGEMENT Irish Farm Business visits Maurice & John Power at their farm in Lismatigue Co. Kilkenny.

22 MILKING EQUIPMENT CLEANING PROCEDURES

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t looks like the days are finally getting a bit longer with a stretch in the evenings which makes the daily chores that bit easier. In this issue we concentrate on calf rearing with all things covered from shed design, the correct diet and volume of feed to disease and sickness prevention.We visited Maurice and John Power at their farm in Kilkenny where they milk 180 cows and rear all of the calves (heifers & bulls).

With the price of milk not improving and possibly staying at low levels for some time to come we get practical advice from Tadhg Buckley of AIB on how to calculate the break-even point for your farm and how to deal with cash flow pressure.

Milking Equipment Cleaning: David Gleeson and Bernadette O Brien have valuable information on the cleaning of bulk tanks and milking equipment. TCM is a residue in milk caused by the interaction of chlorine in cleaning detergent and milk.This residue reduces the quality of the milk and thus will reduce the price received for the milk.

They have identified that there is an overuse of chlorine in cleaning tanks and pipes and also that the equipment needs to be rinsed more thoroughly with water at the end.

Managing Grass: It is critical to manage your grass rotation correctly. Michael Egan & Michael O Donovan stress the importance of having a spring grazing plan so that the rotation of grazing is working to the optimum and will allow for sufficient silage to be cut later.

Parlour Design:As the cow numbers increase farmers don’t want to be spending all their time milking so there is a renewed interest in extending parlours at present so as to reduce milking time.Tom Byrne outlines the design options available and some pitfalls to avoid.

Correct milking equipment cleaning procedures are critical to ensure good hygienic quality of milk and milk free from residues, writes David Gleeson and Bernadette O’Brien.

28 REARING HEALTHY DAIRY CALVES

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Rearing healthy calves is fundamental to a successful dairying enterprise, writes Ríona Sayers & Emer Kennedy, AGRIC,Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

32 HOW TO DEAL WITH CASH FLOW PRESSURE Tadhg Buckley, AIB Agri Advisor,discusses the importance of managing cashflow, examines how to calculate your break– even milk price and outlines the three steps to dealing with cashflow pressure.

38 CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM Control of calf scour due to infection with Cryptosporidium parvum – is it possible? Sharon Magnier, MVB.MRCVS, Technical Advisor – Ruminant Division MSD Animal Health reports.

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42 MANAGING GRASS ON YOUR FARM THIS SPRING On many farms the number of grazings can be as high as ten, so rotation management is critical. Michael Egan and Michael O’Donovan of Teagasc, Moorepark report.

48 FOCUS ON CALF REARING Calf management is a major influencing factor on the efficiency of a dairy farm, writes Mairead O’Grady,Vet Advisor MSD Animal Health.

52 LESS TIME IN THE PARLOUR

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Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning & Design writes about milking parlour options with the expansion in the dairy industry in Ireland.

Profiles 26

Health and Safety Authority

31

Nutribio

Until the next time………

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Claas Machinery

The Publishers, Irish Farm Business

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Calor Gas

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Carbon Group

Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Enquiries: Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

Contributors: David Gleeson and Bernadette O’Brien (Teagasc). Ríona Sayers & Emer Kennedy (Teagasc). Tadhg Buckley (AIB Agri Advisor). Michael Egan and Michael O’Donovan (Teagasc).

Mairead O’Grady (Vet Advisor MSD Animal Health).

Sharon Magnier (Technical Advisor – Ruminant Division MSD Animal Health). Tom Byrne (Kilpark Planning & Design).

Front Cover Inset Image: John Power, Maurice Power and David Irish Photography: Hugh Lane

Distribution: Easons, Newspread,WNS Published by: Select Media Ltd, 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Fax. + 353 1 6624981 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2016 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

NEW VICE–CHAIRMAN OF LAKELAND DAIRIES

Colin Kelso, a dairy farmer from Co.Tyrone, has been appointed as Vice–Chairman of Lakeland Dairies.The Dungannon farmer joined the Board of Lakeland Dairies in 2013.

Kelso succeeds Gerry Melia who has served as Vice–Chairman since 2012 and who continues as a Board Member.

Alo Duffy, Lakeland Dairies’ Chairman, welcomed Kelso as Vice– Chairman and also paid tribute to outgoing Vice–Chairman, Gerry Melia for his excellent service to the co–operative.

Earlier this year, Lakeland Dairies CEO Michael Hanley said that once global stocks begin to clear, a gradual improvement in dairy market conditions is expected in 2016.

“Lakeland Dairies has continued to put in the groundwork required to ensure long term sustainability and continuing growth and development in an increasingly globalised and often volatile dairy marketplace.”This includes investments in new milk processing NO SIGN OF INCREASED POST–QUOTA DAIRY capacity, larger scale and an efficiency and cost reduction programme DEBT – YET across all operations.

Recent farmer investment in the dairy sector has been financed The Lakeland Dairies CEO said that dairy markets have been from cash flow without the need to increase borrowings, according challenging due to several factors coming into play at the same time. to Bank of Ireland’s Head of Agriculture Business Banking.

“This has included the abolition of the EU quota system and increased Sean Farrell said the bank does not split out its lending approvals production by European farmers, the Russian ban on EU dairy by individual sector but that about 80% of its 2015 Agriculture products and a global oversupply from dairy producing countries.” Business Banking front book lending was dairy or beef related.

Hanley said that the major dairy importers and traders across “A greater proportion of lending to the beef sector is short term every continent have taken advantage of lower prices to increase stocking finance, compared to the dairy sector where more loans their stock of dairy products over the past year and this will take tend to be longer term and development rather than stocking some time to wash through the system. focused.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

“We believe that much of the recent investment in the dairy sector, which has delivered a 13% increase in output, has been financed from cash flow without recourse to increased borrowings.

Farrell said the bank’s stock of lending to farmers overall has grown over the last year but that this is as a result of its growing market share.“We know from analysis of the Central Bank statistics that the stock of lending held by farmers with all banks has reduced.”

Bank of Ireland approved funding for about 500 acres of agricultural land each week in 2015, which was a significant increase on 2014 volumes. Overall credit approvals in the agricultural sector by the bank last year were up 7% on 2014 figures, at €665m.

“We anticipate that dairy farmers who have expanded as quotas were abolished may require cash flow support during 2016. Bank of Ireland takes a long–term view of the sector and we want to support customers through cash flow troughs as long as we are comfortable with their overall viability,” Farrell said.

IRISH FARM DEBT HALF EUROPEAN AVERAGE Meanwhile,Teagasc Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Tom O’Dwyer confirmed that he, too, is not aware of any noticeable escalation in dairy debt since the abolition of milk quotas last April.

“In the global context, Irish farmers on average are lowly borrowed and, historically speaking, the level of debt on dairy farms has been low,” O’Dwyer said.

“If you compared Irish dairy farms to a New Zealand, Dutch or Danish one, then our levels of debt per hectare, cow or farm are low or modest. But within that average there are some farmers that are highly borrowed.”

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A 2015 Teagasc/Bank of Ireland report concluded that the average debt on Irish farms was half the European average.

Fiona Thorne, economist with Teagasc and one of the authors of the report, then said,“Irish farms in general have a sound financial structure with debt to asset levels quite low by international standards.

“The average debt level on Irish farms is €24,000, which is about half of the European average. Larger dairy farms managed by farmers with higher family farm income and an off–farm income earned by the spouse are the most likely to invest”.

The study also concluded that investment in the order of €1.5 billion would be required if milk output is to increase by 50% over the next 5 years, as set out in the Food Harvest 20–20 report.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

It is understood the bulk of this investment will be undertaken by existing dairy farms and, the report claimed, it is imperative that such farmers engage in rigorous financial planning in order to protect themselves in times of low milk prices.

EUROPEAN MILK PRICE TO REBOUND IN 2016 Danone has forecast that milk prices are expected to edge up this year, with variations from one geographical area to the next.

In an outlook for 2016, it predicted lower prices in Europe and the United States in the first half, with a possible rebound in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, it says 2016 will see steady price increases in emerging countries all year long.

Danone also recently announced its 2015 results. With organic growth of +4.4% and trading operating margin up +17 basis points like–for–like, its results were very solid.

The Paris–based company, whose brands include Actimel and Activia, said sales for the three months ended December 30 grew 2.2% to €5.38 billion from a year earlier despite being hurt by currency movements.Analysts had expected the company to report sales of €5.31 billion.

Danone reported 2015 net profit of €1.28 billion, up from €1.12 billion last year due to improved sales and lower financial costs.

Of note, Danone’s Early Life Nutrition division saw sales rise a steep +6.0% like–for–like despite a very favorable basis for comparison.

This reflects +3.6% growth in sales volume and a +2.4% value increase.

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In Europe, sales were boosted by Chinese consumers’ confirmed appetite for international brands Aptamil and Nutrilon, through exports to China.

In China, Danone pushed ahead with efforts to build a sustainable model of growth by continuing to invest in the Aptamil and Nutrilon brands, and by forging a structure for its local internet offering using a direct distribution model, while developing sales through specialized stores.

Finally, division business in the rest of the world remains upbeat, with double–digit growth in sales in both Latin America and Africa.

INCREASE IN DAIRY BIRTHS FOR 2016 Dairy births are up almost 30,000 to date on the same period in 2015, according to latest registration figures from the Department of Agriculture.

Its figures show that 360,000 calves have been registered so far this year compared to 332,000 born over the same period in 2015 an increase of 7%.

The increase in dairy births coincides with the much–heralded expansion on Irish dairy farmers the abolition of milk quotas which took place last year.

Further growth in Irish national milk production is forecast in 2016.Teagasc says following the estimated 10% increase in production in 2015, further growth of 7% is forecast in 2016.

Recent reports from the calf market suggest a buoyant trade but many mart managers have cautioned that as the increased numbers come on stream prices could well slip.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

The increase in the numbers of dairy calves being born both this year and in 2015 has been cited as a cause for concern in the beef sector.

According to Bord Bia, an increase of almost 28,000 head in live cattle exports in 2014 helped partly offset a rise of more than 100,000 head in calf registrations.

However, it says this increase points to a pick–up in finished cattle supplies as 2016 progresses.

Bord Bia cites figures from the Department of Agriculture’s AIM database for September 1, 2015, which show a decline of 37,000 head in the number of male cattle aged 18–24 months while numbers in the 12–18 months category were 36,000 head higher, relative to a year earlier.

Female numbers in the 18–24 months age bracket were 35,000 head lower while numbers of heifers aged 12–18 months were 30,000 head higher.

Bord Bia says taking these figures into account, supplies at export plants are expected to be tight in the first half of 2016 before recovering in the second half to leave supplies for 2016 up between 60,000 and 80,000 head.

DAIRY COW NUMBERS UP 10% The number of dairy cows in Ireland increased by 10% in December 2015 on the year earlier, recent figures from the Central Statics Office (CSO) show, bringing the total number of dairy cows to 1.24m.

These figures show that the total number of cattle present in Ireland during December 2015 was 2.9% higher than the corresponding period in 2014, as cattle numbers stood at 6.4m head.

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Previously, data from the CSO had shown that an increase in dairy cow numbers lead to a corresponding decrease in the national beef herd. However, this was not the case in 2015.

Data presented by the CSO shows that there was an increase in the number of beef cows in Ireland in December 2015 over December 2014, as beef cow numbers rose by 1.1%.

The total number of beef cows in Ireland was 1.05m during this period, it shows.

The majority of the increase in cattle numbers came from the rise in dairy cow numbers, but there was also a marked increase in the number of cattle aged under one year of age.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS Bord Bia predicts that an additional 60,000–80,000 cattle will come on stream in the second half of 2016, following a tightening of supplies in April and May. The figures from the CSO also suggest this, as it shows that the number of cattle aged between two years and over (excluding cows and bulls) decreased by 89,100 head (18%) in December 2015 on the year before.

GLANBIA PLANNING €35M EXPANSION TO WEXFORD PLANT Food group Glanbia Ingredients Ireland is seeking planning permission for a €35m expansion to its Wexford cheese plant.

Glanbia said it hopes to double processing capacity at the facility, on the outskirts of Wexford town.

The company said the investment will secure the future of the plant’s 48 employees, as well as generating 60–70 jobs during the construction phase. It will also sustain a large number of indirect jobs in the local economy.

Jim Bergin, chief executive of Glanbia Ingredients Ireland, said that the proposed investment is a tremendous vote of confidence in the staff at the Wexford plant, which produced record volumes Figures presented by the CSO show that the numbers of these cattle increased by 140,000 head (+7.4%) in December 2015 on of cheese in 2015.

"Our milk suppliers in Wexford are amongst the fastest growing the same period in 2014. and most progressive in the Glanbia catchment area," Mr Bergin This rise occurred as there was a higher number of calvings added. recorded in both the national dairy and the beef herd in 2015, "This investment will also enable further growth in our highly compared to the year previous. popular Wexford Cheese brand, which is being marketed in Ireland, Many industry commentators suggest that this rise will result in the UK, the USA and, most recently, the Middle East," he stated. more cattle coming available for slaughter in the latter half of the year.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

HANSKAMP IN–PARLOUR FEEDING DESIGN

www.hanskamp.nl/en

n-parlour feeding gives many benefits. Hanskamp has, since November, two unique products on the market for feeding in–parlour.The perforated manger and MultiFrame.

The perforated manger, for always clean and dry mangers. And the MultiFrame, a frame which can be mounted in every (existing) milking parlour.The combination of the Hanskamp MultiFrame, perforated manger and PipeFeeder as a complete parlour feeding design has been a huge success.

Feeding in-parlour helps reduce the milking time. Last year Marco de Nood from Middelburg in the Netherlands increased his herd from 55 to 75 cows.“Due to the growth of my dairy stock, my milking time increased up to more than 2 hours per session. My milk equipment dealer advised me to change to feeding in–parlour, using Hanskamp's perforated manger and MultiFrame.”

It has been proven that feeding during milking will trigger the milk flow. Some cows even let go of their milk without pre–treatment.

Also the cows enter the milking parlour much quicker. Marco de Nood says,“Now the cows come much more quickly into the milking parlour. I now no longer have to leave the pit to get the cows, and my milking time has been reduced by almost 30 minutes.”

Thanks to the design of the MultiFrame and perforated manger cleaning the milking parlour is also much easier and faster.The cow-friendly MultiFrame is open. It does not contain any plates, which prevents any feed remnants remaining and makes it easy to keep clean.

This unique feed manger has holes in the bottom. No pellets can fall through the holes due to the correct size of the holes.

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The manger works like a colander.This ensures that any water from cleaning the milking parlour drains away immediately.

The reason Marco de Nood chose Hanskamp’s perforated manger and MultiFrame is because of their simplicity and robustness. It is well designed by people who are acquainted in the agricultural sector.The shape of the manger is a good example; it matches the nose of the cow perfectly and makes it easy for the cow to grab the pellets with its tongue. Marco is really happy with feeding in–parlour of Hanskamp, saying,“the time it helps me save and the solid construction of the products are very important to me.”

For further information visit the website www.hanskamp.nl/en

THE IMPORTANCE OF UDDER HEALTH ne of the simplest things that can be done at farm level to reduce the impact of mastitis on herd profitability is to maintain good udder condition alongside rigorous parlour hygiene. Mastitis is not only a serious welfare issue on dairy farms but remains a major cause of financial loss each year.

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These losses come not only from treatment costs, but also indirect costs such as reduced yields, discarded milk, and fertility problems.

Udder skin is sensitive and can easily become dry, sore and chapped.

The skin needs to be protected from the influences of a wet and cold environment.

If udder skin is not in optimum condition and does become dry or chapped, the effectiveness of the cows natural defences to mastitis are reduced. Cracks and crevices provide a place for bacteria to hide and will reduce the effectiveness of a costly parlour hygiene regime. Sore, chapped skin may also mean that cows will not settle while being milked and may even increase milk let down time.

In order to protect udder health, care products containing essential oils and natural ingredients known for their antibacterial and antifungal qualities should be used.The unique composition of such ingredients soothes and softens udders and has an overall positive effect on udder health.

Application through spraying ensures an even, quick and easy way for such product to be absorbed into the skin in a short time frame.

The aim is to improve blood circulation which helps prevent swollen and hard udders, cracked, dry skin or chapped skin.

For further information contact Agrihealth on Tel: 047 71800 or visit the website www.agrihealth.ie

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NEWS

DAIRY FARMER IN THE NEWS

Joe Healy from Athenry knows the problems facing dairy farmers as well as anybody since he is a dairy farmer himself, writes Kevin Keane.

Joe Healy has worked to increase margins on his dairy farm outside Athenry, Co Galway and is an active member of the Galway Grazers Farm Discussion Group.

oe Healy fully understands the difficulties facing milk suppliers at the moment – and well he should. The IFA presidential candidate runs a 90–cow dairy herd on his holding outside Athenry, Co Galway. Indeed, he is the only dairy farmer in the race.

“The collapse in milk prices over the last year has really put dairy farmers under serious pressure, and I see that in my own operation,” Joe says.

“It is an issue that is obviously surfacing in the IFA presidential canvas and at meetings from Cork right up through the country,” he adds.The Galway farmer has worked to increase margins on his holding and is an active member of the Galway Grazers Farm Discussion Group. However, he is convinced that solutions to the current difficulties in the dairy sector lie mainly outside the farm gate.

“Obviously, farmers cannot survive long-term at milk prices that are on or below the cost of production and we need action on this from the incoming government and from Europe,” Joe insists.

The 48-year-old Galway candidate – who is married to Margaret (0’Dwyer) from Milestone,Thurles, Co Tipperary and has three

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between the EU and Russia. Farmers have been severely hit as a result of the Russian market’s closure.The problem must be solved or else Brussels must deliver a compensation package for Europe’s farmers,” Joe says.

“Similarly the EU intervention price is too low. This is now effectively the floor price for buyers. It must be increased from its current level of 21c/l.”

Joe Healy is perceived by many as the outsider in the IFA presidential race, since he was not on the IFA executive council through the recent turmoil in the organisation.

However, while he has a fresh and unique perspective on the IFA’s problems and their root causes, he is keen to stress his long– standing commitment and broad experience in farmer representation.

A current member of the IFA’s Farm Business Committee, he is also a former president of Macra na Feirme and was vice-president of CEJA (the European young farmers’ organisation).

Currently chair of the Commonages Implementation Committee, and a Farm Business Developments board member, he has also

“Obviously, farmers cannot survive long–term at milk prices that are on or below the cost of production and we need action on this from the incoming government and from Europe” daughters, Nicole (14), Kiara (13) and Anna (11) – maintains that been a farmer representative on the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal a number of measures must be introduced as a matter of urgency Board (1998–2015), Agri–Aware board and the Agri–food 2010 to support the dairy sector.These include: committee. Joe was also chairman and manager of Athenry Mart.

“Everything I have done outside the farm gate has been focused 1. Movement from the EU on the Russian ban; on farm representation, this is my passion, and my record shows 2. The Commission to lift the base price for intervention. It's the depth and breadth of my experience,” Joe says.This deep currently at the equivalent of around 21c/l which is well below knowledge and understanding of the farm sector and the IFA the cost of production; informs Joe’s stance on the recent scandals in the association.

3. The EU to be more proactive in their use of aids to private storage; “What we need is an open and transparent IFA,” Joe insists.“The 4. More fixed-price contracts from dairies to dampen the impact IFA’s problems stemmed from weak governance. In addition, a feeling of volatility; of disconnect between farmers and IFA headquarters created a 5. The Government to redouble its efforts in emerging markets - belief that power became too centrally controlled in the Farm in Africa and the Middle East particularly - to secure outlets for Centre,” Joe says.“I am coming at this problem with a fresh perspective.

Irish dairy produce and to support the development of produce I believe strongly that we have to put the commodity committees tailored for these markets. at the heart of policy making and encourage the county executives “The Russian ban came about because of political differences and local branches to feed into this process.This will enable policy

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING decisions to filter up through the organisation, rather than coming from the top down.”

On the issue of pay for senior staff in the IFA – and for the incoming president – Joe is adamant that the new general secretary’s remuneration should be set by an independent committee and published. He says as president he would be satisfied with all labour costs on his farm being covered by the association, and all vouched expenses paid.

In relation to the difficulties in the beef sector, Joe Healy has called for a total revamp of the beef grid.

“The beef grid is hugely unpopular and farmers believe it is stacked in favour of the factories. As the grid stands, it is totally dysfunctional. We need a comprehensive overhaul of the payment system to restore farmer confidence in it,” Joe says.“This is an issue I have seen develop in my work as a markets analyst covering beef and sheep prices with the Farming Independent.”

Joe and wife Margaret with children Anna (11), Kiara (13) and Nicole (14)

He is also convinced that contentious farmer levies collected on behalf of IFA by meat processors, marts and dairies must be re-examined, and a more transparent mechanism put in place.

“If IFA is to retain the levies, the manner in which they are collected has to open and transparent and they must not compromise the association’s freedom to lobby forcefully on farmers’ behalf,” Joe contends.“There are a range of other important issues such as incomes in the sheep sector, farm inspections, Brexit, international trade deals, the Fair Deal, farm safety and the list goes on,” he explains.

“Farmers’ share of retail returns is another area of contention.

Farmers have seen their share of the final retail price of food produce collapse in recent years. While Minister Richard Bruton’s moves to address the balance between suppliers, retailers and others in the grocery sector is a step in the right direction, much more needs to be done,” Joe says.

“However, falling incomes and IFA governance are the issues of most immediate importance to most farmers,” Joe argues.

“For dairy farmers this means tackling the Russian ban, intervention prices, processor efficiencies and forward contracts.

I have the experience and knowledge to tackle these issues for dairy farmers and all other farmers.”

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FARM LIFE

FARM LIFE – A CASE STUDY

CALF MANAGEMENT Irish Farm Business visits Maurice & John Power at their farm in Lismatigue, Co. Kilkenny.

INTRODUCTION

MAIDEN HEIFERS AND COWS:

aurice and John Power farm near Lismatigue in Co. Kilkenny.The slightly unusual thing about their farm is that they rear all calves born on the farm, where on a lot of farms nowadays all bull calves and non replacement heifers would be moved on very early.

Maurice explains that part of the reason is that he is wary of too much concentration on milk alone. He does not like the idea of having “all his eggs in one basket”. He says that towards the end of the year when the supply of milk being sold is reducing it is nice to continue the cash flow with income from stock sales.

He says that years ago they were growing a lot of vegetables (potatoes etc) and he still wants a little spread of income that rearing the calves gives him.

Served from 10th April onwards. AI is used for the first 6–8 and then a stockbull is used to clean up the rest. Stock bulls used are normally Angus.When the stockbull is in use they would supplement with AI if they believe the cow will come in calf sooner.The stock bulls are rotated 12 hours on/off for better effectiveness.

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Name of Farm: Powers Farm Farming Method: Spring Calving 100% Land Farmed: 300 acres Milking Platform: 125 acres Cow Numbers: 180 Cow Type: British Friesan 20

Artificial Insemination: The bulls are chosen on the basis of the mother’s milk recording.

On this farm they normally use Dovea Genetics as the supplier as well as ABS Global.

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FARM LIFE Scanning: Cows are pre-scanned about the 30th of March to identify any problems early.The Powers believe this is ‘worth its weight in gold’ at a cost of about €3 per scan.The next time for scanning is last week in June and the final scan is done towards the end of September.

Drying Off: The maiden heifers are dried off first so as to get ten to twelve weeks off.The second calvers get a period of ten weeks and the mature cows get approx. twelve weeks.

The cows are dried–off in batches of 24–30 based on dates and fed on wrapped silage which is outside of the normal silage harvesting to get it used up before the pit silage kicks in, from about the start of December.

Maurice recognises the importance of feeding a good precalver mineral to the dry cows.

He Feeds 150 – 170 grams hd/day starting approx 60 days out from the first calving due date thus allowing adequate time to build up any mineral deficiencies that may be underlying.This is split into two feeds – morning & evening as top dressing on the silage.

Maurice & John are aware that the immune status of the calf starts in the womb & the Vit E will transfer from the cow to the calf when supplemented.

The mineral fed contains 4 % phosphorus, 22 % magnesium, high level of Vit D3, 12000iu/kg Vit E,Total selenium is 50mg/kg with half this selenium protected as Seltek. It also contains protected copper & zinc plus 100 mg/kg biotin.

START OF SEPT: ALL IRELAND FINAL & BULLOCKS On this farm the planning for Autumn/Winter begins early. As they are heavily stocked empty cows, lame cows etc are taken care of.The first 30 bullocks are brought in for finishing so that

taken to keep the calves on a clean, deep bed of straw. In the event of a calf getting dirty on birth iodine would be used but this would be an exception.

On day five they get 650 grams of ProviMilk Premium. & by day 8 this is increased to 750 grams per day.This is split 375 grams in the morning & evening in 2.6 litres water making a 12.5 % concentration.When the calves are 6 weeks old they are put on once a day feeding getting 1 x 3.5 litres & getting 650 grams powder per day. ProviMilk Premium is a skim based milk replacer 24% protein &

“Pre–scanning is worth its weight in gold” 20 % oil.The concentration is gradually cut down & calves are weaned at approximately 70 days old but this depends on how much ration they are consuming. Maurice likes to have the calves eating 1.25 kg of ration per day at least before weaning them off the milk to avoid any check In growth.

From 3 days old they get given access to the Gain Starter calf ration CALVING which is a muesli type highly palatable calf ration.

On calving the calf is left with the cow for 12–24 hours depending Calves start off in pens of 3-4 depending on the numbers born and on how busy the calving is at that time.The calf immediately gets are gradually moved to pens of 8-10 calves.Once calves are approximately 2.5 litres of its mother’s colostrum topped up soon afterwards 2 weeks old they are put on 18 % Ultra Calf cubes with free access & 1 with another /2 litre if the calf is about your standard 40kg in weight. this is kept fresh to improve intakes & drive rumen development.This For the next three days the calves get the shared colostrum of calf cube includes high amounts of maize & barley & Soya as the main the 3–4 cows that have calved in that period. protein & is well balanced with good fibre sources – soya hulls & plus The belief is that the best of the colostrum is that produced in it has a very good mineral spec included. the first 24 hours. After that it is not feasible to be able to match GRASS the colostrum of the cow with her own calf only.

Calves are moved onto grass at 4-6 weeks old.About 40/50 calves go The calves are tagged as soon as possible on the day. Navels are not dipped with iodine in the normal course of calving as care is out together and are fed with a 60 teat milk feeder. Maurice believes it is very important to have some hay available for the calves along with the meal and milk.He has a hood on the hay feeder so that on a bad night they can have the dry hay to eat and the shelter the feeder also provides. the shed can be cleared in time for first cows calving.

Pre–calving is straightforward, cows and heifers are divided up on scanning dates and by your own eye.

With 14 days to go cows due to calve are moved to a separate shed.At 5 days to go due cows are moved to large straw bedded shed.

CONCLUSION As with all good farms the attention to detail by Maurice and John Power is plain to see.The farmyard is located in a valley so when it is warm it tends to be very warm and when cold, colder than the surrounding area. Realising this they have a system of airing the sheds to cope with these changes in temperature. Long hours are devoted to the task of ensuring the welfare of cows and calves alike. In the times we live in it may be worth noting again the decision to have more than one stream of income given the price of milk at present.

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MILK HYGIENE

MILKING EQUIPMENT

CLEANING PROCEDURES

Correct milking equipment cleaning procedures are critical to ensure good hygienic quality of milk and milk free from residues, writes David Gleeson and Bernadette O’Brien.

of 0.03mg/kg in butter) is necessary in order to obtain a premium price for the butter product in export markets. Alternatively, Trichloromethane (TCM) is a residue in milk caused by the interaction of chlorine from cleaning detergent and milk.TCM is hygienic quality of milk must also be maintained to ensure satisfactory processing and quality products. A strategy to reduce one of the most important quality parameters of milk destined for the manufacture of lactic butter.The reduction of milk TCM to TCM to minimum levels and maintain quality is on–going in recent a target level of <0.0015mg/kg (in order to achieve a target level years.This is a combined effort by farmers, milk processors, milk quality advisors, Ornua and Teagasc.

It involves routine milk analysis, identification of problem milk supplies, advice on correction and corrective action. Progress in reducing milk TCM to the target level in recent years is shown in Figure 1. Different initiatives have been carried out at intervals, in order to focus and maintain momentum in the aim to reduce TCM and maintain bacterial quality. One such strategy is a recent survey of milking equipment (milking machine and bulk tank) cleaning procedures.

INTRODUCTION

FARM SURVEY The survey was undertaken by milk quality advisors in conjunction with Ornua and Teagasc.This survey was conducted on 112 farms which were previously identified as having milk containing unsatisfactory TCM residue levels.The high TCM farms chosen were geographically spread across Ireland, with those farms

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MILK HYGIENE

supplying milk to 5 different milk processors.The parlour type and unit size of these parlours was representative of typical farms in Ireland, with 67% having pipeline plants, 11% with pipelines + milk meters attached and 22% having glass jars.

29% of these herds had 6 milking units or less, a further 61% had between 7 and 15 units, and 10% of herds had greater than 15 milking units. 61% of farms had their own well water supply, 18% of farms were part of a local group scheme and a further 13% were linked to a County Council water supply. While there may be infrequent instances of high TCM milk being linked to the addition of higher than normal chlorine to group scheme wells, the majority of farms on this study had their own well water supply.

There were 14 different incorrect cleaning procedures identified on the farms visited with the number of faults per farm ranging from one to seven.

Rinsing of milk and detergent from machine/bulk tank surfaces – key points Adequate rinsing of both milk and detergent residues at equipment cleaning time is critical to minimize TCM residues in milk. At least 14 litres or 3 gallons of clean water per milking unit is necessary to remove milk and detergent residues. The volume of the water trough (for storage of water for the cleaning process) was inadequate on 55% of farms and this is a key factor accounting for the insufficient water used for rinsing on 65% of

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MILK HYGIENE

farms. Currently, in many instances of parlour expansion, the water trough storage volume has not been increased in line with the extra milking units.

Inadequate rinsing of the bulk milk tank was also identified as an issue on 30% of farms. Correction of bulk tank rinse levels is achieved by increasing the bulk tank rinse cycles or implementing an additional manual rinse when the wash cycle is complete.

Only products containing less than 3.5% chlorine concentration should be used for equipment cleaning; using products with higher levels will lead to residues especially where rinse water volumes are low.

There is a tendency to use these higher chlorine concentrated products for bulk tank cleaning (16% of farms on survey), as it is considered that these products are less likely to crystalize in the

“At least 14 litres or 3 gallons of clean water per milking unit is necessary to remove milk and detergent residues” Strength and level of detergent/steriliser products used – key points Overuse of detergent for both machine (18%) and bulk milk tank (26%) cleaning was identified as a further problem leading to TCM residues. Furthermore, this results in increased cost of cleaning.This is generally due to lack of measurement utensils and not following product guidance instructions.

Figure 1

pipes supplying the detergent for cleaning. However these products will increase the likelihood of residues.

Unregistered products are not legally approved to be sold in Ireland and the chemical content of these products is not known in some instances. 5% of farms in this study were using unregistered products.

Check the Teagasc link for registered products, chemical content of products and washing routines: www.agresearch.teagasc.ie/ moorepark/cleaningguides/cleaning.asp

WASHING PROCEDURES FOR MILKING MACHINE – KEY POINTS Adding additional chlorine to the detergent/steriliser solution is not necessary as there is adequate chlorine concentration to clean the equipment in all detergent/steriliser products. This practise will increase the likelihood of residues and will increase the daily cost of cleaning the equipment.

Detergent steriliser products contain chlorine and this is identified as sodium hypochlorite on drum labels.When this product is used for cleaning milking equipment, it should be rinsed from the plant with clean water as soon as the wash cycle (8/10 minutes) is completed.

Leaving this solution (containing chlorine) in the plant until the next milking will cause rubber tubing to deteriorate more quickly and will also likely lead to residues in milk.

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MILK HYGIENE 25% of farms with high milk TCM in this survey were incorrectly leaving this solution in the plant.

Where recommended by the manufacturer, cleaning solutions may be reused on one occasion.A direct link has been shown between reusing cleaning solutions and TCM residues. 19% of farms with high milk TCM were reusing the cleaning solution more than once. In addition, the ability of the solution to clean the milking equipment properly or adequately is reduced considerably with extended reuse.

Adding chlorine to a pre–milking rinse to sterilize equipment should be avoided as this has been shown to increase milk TCM. Specifically, where water quality may be an issue, the addition of peracetic acid as an alternative to chlorine for sterilizing equipment may be considered.

Other key cleaning procedures that will minimize the TCM level in milk are: G Using cleaning products with a chlorine content less than 3.5% G Use legally registered products G Using the recommended detergent levels for both milking machine and bulk tank G Reuse the detergent cleaning solution only where recommended and not more than once G Avoid using chlorine in a pre–milking rinse

G Avoid dipping clusters in chlorine G Avoid adding additional chlorine to the detergent cleaning solution G Rinse cleaning solutions that contain chlorine from the plant with clean water immediately after the circulation cycle is complete G Do not retain and reuse rinse water previously used to rinse out detergent from the plant

CONCLUSION Adequate rinsing of the milking plant with at least 14 litres of clean water per unit is the key to minimizing residue levels in milk leaving the farm gate.

Increasing the bulk tank rinse cycles or implementing an additional manual rinse when appropriate will minimize the contribution of the bulk tank cleaning procedure to residues.

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HEALTH AND SAFETY

FARM SAFETY

It is the simple things that really can be the difference between life and death for farmers in Ireland, writes John Kennedy of the Health and Safety Authority.

There has also been an increase in livestock related deaths, mostly related to attacks from freshly calved cows. More care in handling new born calves and better animal handling facilities is an area where farmers need more focus.

There is also concern at the high number of fatalities due to falls from roofs.This raises the question of why many tasks on the farm are not being carried out by outside specialists. Certainly there are cost implications, but it does beg the question why farmers seem to be reluctant to engage contractors for many tasks where maintenance of machinery or farm buildings is required. Farmers are great at multitasking but are generally not good roofers or mechanics. It appears that there is an insufficient supply of good effective agri–services, where non–routine farm tasks can be carried out in an economic, efficient and safe manner.Adopting this approach would allow the farmer more time to attend to the core farm work tasks.

It is well within the capability of the farming sector to reduce the level of farm fatalities to single figures this year (zero is also a single figure). Other countries, Sweden and Denmark, managed to achieve zero farm fatalities, albeit not for successive years. Certainly we earnestly hope that there will be no tragic deaths to children on farms during this coming year.

The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee of the Health and Safety Authority has developed a new three–year plan to tackle look at the breakdown of farm fatal accidents over the the problem. It is incumbent on all involved in farm safety to last ten years shows that tractors and machinery feature work together to push for a reduction in farm deaths and injury. in the vast majority of them, followed by livestock. On However the people best placed to change this for the sector are deeper examination of the circumstances behind many of these farmers themselves. deaths, it is evident that no great financial costs would have been For further information please visit involved in preventing them. There are many behavioral factors the Health and Safety Authority website: at play in the pre–injury situation. Certainly rushing and heavy www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Agriculture_Forestry/

A

“There has also been an increase in livestock related deaths, mostly related to attacks from freshly calved cows. More care in handling new born calves and better animal handling facilities is an area where farmers need more focus” workload factors increase the necessity for farmers to give more consideration to time management of their working day on the farm.

It is very heartening to observe the huge level of interest in farm safety coming from so many farm related organisations, the media and farmers themselves.There has been a significant increase in awareness of the dangers among farmers in recent years. Unfortunately this is still not translating into any significant reduction in farm deaths.

Last year, 2015, we had a total of 19 fatalities in the Agricultural and forestry sector, eighteen of which were in farming and one in forestry. Notwithstanding the fact that these figures are a reduction from the disastrous level of farm fatalities which reached the highest number on record for over 20 years at 30 fatalities in 2014, the improvement in 2015 merely brings us back to just below the ten year average figure (19).

While the majority of fatal accidents involved getting crushed or rolled over by tractors, farm vehicles and machinery, some other trends are emerging.There appears to be a shift from the number of farmers, over the age of 65, suffering a farm fatality to the younger age bracket 55 – 65. This may be attributable to the increase in farm work activities following the downturn in construction related work.

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CALF MANAGEMENT

REARING HEALTHY DAIRY CALVES

Rearing healthy calves is fundamental to a successful dairying enterprise, writes Ríona Sayers & Emer Kennedy,AGRIC,Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

INTRODUCTION

CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF SCOUR

Heifer calves represent the future of the herd and high mortality rates amongst the calf cohort on a farm can be detrimental to herd progress, both in terms of any planned expansion and genetic gain.

Neonatal calf diarrhoea is one of the most common causes of mortality in calves with calf pneumonia also a serious cause of both morbidity and mortality.

Both can be prevented and treated successfully if appropriate measures are implemented.

Scour in calves can result from inconsistent feeding regimes or it can be due to an infectious cause. Infectious causes of scour are common and Table 1 outlines the predominant pathogens involved in infectious scour and when clinical signs are most likely to occur.

NEONATAL CALF SCOUR A diarrhoeic calf becomes rapidly dehydrated, acidotic, and low in essential electrolytes such as sodium (Na+),Potassium (K+),and Chloride (Cl-).Treatment, therefore, should involve rehydration, replacement of electrolytes, and correction of acidosis. Some electrolyte products, while assisting with rehydration and replacement of electrolytes, often fail to effectively correct acidosis.

This is essential to recovery of the calf. This has led to the introduction of new legislation across the EU (Regulation No. 1123/2014) which dictates a number of requirements that all scour treatments must conform to.

Products not conforming will state that they are “complementary feeds” only. It is important, therefore, for dairy farmers to ensure that a product is appropriate to their requirements i.e. it will treat a calf with scour.

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Table 1: Common causes of calf scour on Irish dairy farms with approximate times of occurrence.

Cause of calf scour Cryptosporidium parvum Escherschia coli Rotavirus Coronavirus Salmonella species Coccidia

Age clinical signs most commonly appear First week of life First week of life 1–3 weeks of age 1–3 week of life 2 to 6 weeks of age 3 to 6 weeks of age

The most important means of preventing scour outbreaks are; a) ensuring an adequate volume (3 litres) of good quality colostrum is fed within 2 hours of birth (www.animalhealthireland.ie).Aim for approximately 8.5% of birth body weight i.e. 3 litres for a 35kg calf.

Use only the first milk from the freshly calved cow – subsequent milkings (transition milk) do not contain enough antibodies to develop the calf’s immune system adequately. Consequently the calf cannot fight off infection. It should be noted that 60–70 % of neonatal calves undergoing post–mortem at Irish regional veterinary laboratories have inadequate absorption of protective antibodies.

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CALF MANAGEMENT b) optimal daily feed requirements post–colostrum and transition milk feeding are approximately 15% of calf body weight i.e. 6 litres/day for a 40kg calf; below this will lead to reduced growth rates and increased susceptibility to disease. c) practicing excellent hygiene of calf pens and feeding utensils.

Keep calf pens clean and freshly top up with dry bedding.A damp, cold calf will be more susceptible to infectious pathogens in the environment. Feed buckets must be kept clean in order to prevent build–up of bacteria.

TREATMENT OF CALF SCOUR Initial treatment of diarrhoea using electrolyte solutions is predominantly carried out by farm personnel, often with little regard for the quality of the formulation or its acid buffering capacity. Correction of the metabolic acidosis that accompanies episodes of diarrhoea is essential in achieving calf recovery.

Teagasc,Moorepark undertook an experiment in spring 2015 evaluating the effectiveness of a scour treatment that conforms to the new EU legislative requirements. Blood gas measurements were taken from both normal and treated scouring calves for comparative purposes.

Treatment was also administered and monitored on a number of commercial farms experiencing scour outbreaks. In all, 99 dairy calves, aged between 0 and 5 weeks approximately, were studied. It was found that acidosis was strongly related to the clinical state of the calf, i.e. the more acidotic the calf, the more sick the calf was. Calves in poorer health also have lower feed intake which continues the cycle of dehydration and acidosis. Blood pH and base excess, (a measure of the acid buffering capacity of the blood), pre–and post–treatment were measured during the trial, the results of which are outlined in Figure 1.The product was administered by stomach

tube to ensure that calves received the full dose required and extra fluids over and above the normal two milk feeds will assist with rehydration.Additionally, as the majority of sick calves in this study were incapable of independent milk feeding, mixing the product with milk served no additional advantage. Stomach tubing is an essential skill for farmers, particularly dairy farmers, and training should be sought from veterinarians or other experienced farmers in correct use of stomach tubes. It is important to note that withholding milk during a diarrhoeic episode is no longer best practice and fresh milk should continue to be offered to calves throughout the diarrhoeic episode.

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CALF MANAGEMENT prevent the infectious pathogens listed in Table 2 from reaching the lungs.

Achieving good ventilation is a balance, however, and calves should not be held in a draughty environment. Provision of a deep straw bed and partial pen–roofing to prevent down–draughts, will ensure calves can employ avoidance mechanisms to keep themselves warm and dry.

As calves get older and weather permitting, outdoor rearing is very useful in producing healthy calves and reducing the incidence of calf pneumonia. Shelter should be provided however, where calves can avoid muddy and wet conditions. It is not recommended that calves Figure 1: Blood pH (a) and base excess (b) comparison across share the same air space as adult cows, as this increases the risk viral transmission from carrier cows to susceptible calves. normal and scouring calves pre– and post–scour treatment.

Probably, more so than calf scour, good biosecurity plays an important role in the prevention of calf pneumonia.A closed herd policy will assist in reducing the risk of disease introduction to the herd as a whole, particularly in preventing viral introduction.Vaccines have a very important role to play in preventing and controlling calf pneumonia complex.

These vaccines boost the immunity provided to the calf from colostrum and ensure protection should the colostrum provided not contain the required protective antibodies. Multivalent vaccines are A B available for many of the pathogens involved in the calf pneumonia complex e.g. PI3+BVD+BRSV or PI3+BRSV+Pasteurella.

NEONATAL CALF PNEUMONIA All IBR vaccines in Ireland are marker vaccines and are not included Many of the underlying contributors to calf scour such as poor in multivalent calf pneumonia vaccines.This facilitates herd–level IBR hygiene and inadequate colostrum intake are also implicated in control programmes based on vaccination and diagnostics. outbreaks of calf pneumonia.Additionally poor or adapted housing with poor or excessive ventilation leads to increased susceptibility of TREATMENT OF CALF PNEUMONIA dairy calves to pneumonic pathogens. Good husbandry will greatly If a case of calf pneumonia is suspected,the calf should be immediately assist in preventing outbreaks and housing/management inadequacies isolated in a warm and dry environment. Calf pneumonia will always should be corrected prior to taking any further preventative action. require veterinary intervention and the sooner the intervention takes

“Calf pneumonia will always require veterinary intervention and the sooner the intervention takes place the better the prognosis for both the sick calf and the remainder of the calf cohort” CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF CALF PNEUMONIA Calf pneumonia is a highly complex condition, so much so, that in veterinary circles, it is referred to as Calf Pneumonia Complex. Often, multiple viral and bacterial pathogens are involved which leads to a worsening of the condition. Microbes involved in calf pneumonia complex are included in Table 2.

Table 2: Pathogens of Calf Pneumonia Complex.

* Based on Irish licensing by the HPRA (www.HPRA.ie) **Due to implementation of the Irish national BVD eradication scheme

place the better the prognosis for both the sick calf and the remainder of the calf cohort.

Pneumonias resulting from viral infections will not be susceptible to antibiotics. However, it is often prudent to administer antibiotics as secondary bacterial pneumonias can follow an initial viral infection.

These secondary bacterial infections are more severe and the prognosis in such cases is poorer.

Finally, it should be remembered that pneumonia is a painful condition.

Calves in pain will reduce their feed intake which will contribute to a worsening of the overall condition.Pain–relief (e.g.an anti–inflammatory) should always, therefore, be administered with antibiotic treatment.

If feed intake is reduced during the pneumonic episode, an electrolyte supplement will be required.

Unlike calf scour, a formulation which corrects acidosis is not required in this case, and correction of any dehydration is most important. If it is necessary to assist the calf with feeding, it is essential to remember that these calves may have difficulty swallowing which may lead to milk/fluids entering the lungs, again detrimental to the calf’s condition. If required, feed sick calves slowly and carefully to avoid/minimise aspiration of fluids into the lungs.

CONCLUSION

Good calf husbandry (clean, warm, dry, ventilation, vaccination) Prevention of calf pneumonia is greatly assisted by the provision of will go a long way in preventing serious outbreaks of calf scour and good housing. Good ventilation must be provided and this can be pneumonia.

If treatment is required, ensure appropriate products are judged by the odour level in housing.Very strong odours often indicate administered and try to maintain feed intake throughout the period a build–up of ammonia (from urine) in the calf’s environment.Ammonia of illness if possible. will damage the protective mechanisms in the calf’s windpipe which

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

FLOWMAG & FLOWTRACE M The Complete Liquid Magnesium and Trace Element Solution.

odern Irish dairy cows are bred to be efficient converters of forage to milk. Efficiency, by definition means getting more from less, and with current milk process, that means maximising forage intakes and optimising the use of the relatively expensive inputs.This leads to tough decisions when it comes to choices and levels of feed and fertiliser purchased. In the face of such uncertainties, there is need for an option that allows flexibility and control when it comes to the performance of your livestock.

Farmers are being pushed more and more to maximise the productivity of their land, to grow as much grass as possible and to utilise as much of this grass as possible in order to maintain increased stocking rates and produce as much output (kgs of production per hectare) as possible. Improving soil fertility is a key factor in increasing the total yield of grass grown per hectare; however increased soil fertility does not necessarily mean that the grass itself will have higher trace element content.Mineral imbalances and deficiencies are quite common in Irish grazing scenarios, while supplementation at grass can prove difficult, especially where little or no concentrates are fed.

Grazing as much grass as possible is a noble aspiration and undoubtedly will lead to improvement in performance at a farm level. However increased stocking rates, faster growing grass varieties, improved grassland management and reduced “imported feed” and concentrates results in an increased demand for trace element

supplementation. If left unmet, this demand for trace elements can manifest itself as a mineral imbalance which could seriously undermine the efforts being made to maximise farm performance. Increased incidence of illness and ill thrift are direct results of mineral deficiencies and imbalances and will ultimately impact the productivity of the farm.

The FlowMag & FlowTrace range from Nutribio, part of the Co– Operative Animal Health Group, is an ideal partner in this context.

They deliver a consistent supply of minerals and trace elements through the drinking water.To reduce the risk of grass tetany and/ or trace element deficiencies, concentrate supplementation and mineralised or un–mineralised rations can be supported by the variable application rate.

Mineral imbalances may be noticed in isolation or in combination. Imbalances or deficiencies of trace elements may cause ill thrift, abortion/placental retention, calf death at or around birth, reduced immunity in calves and cattle.

Susceptibility to bacteria and parasites, infertility in cows, reduced fertility in bulls, lowered milk yield, lameness, slow healing of wounds and poor skin/hair quality are also key issues.

The FlowMag range supplies magnesium to aid in the prevention of Grass Tetany with optional Trace elements added and is ideal for periods of tetany risk (Early Spring,Autumn) while the FlowTrace range is an ideal partner where specific deficiencies have been identified or high levels of performance are expected.

Please contact your local stockist for more information.

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FINANCE – ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO DEAL WITH

CASH FLOW PRESSURE Tadhg Buckley,AIB Agri Advisor, discusses the importance of managing cashflow, examines how to calculate your break–even milk price and outlines the three steps to dealing with cashflow pressure.

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016 will be a difficult year on many Irish dairy farms.The relatively high average milk price experienced in recent years has declined by over 36% since 2013 and it is clear, at this stage, that the average price in 2016 will not be anywhere near the prices achieved in 2013 and 2014.

While at a national level the dairy sector is in a strong position, it is important that all dairy farmers review their own situation to determine the impact that another year of low milk prices could have on their business.

CALCULATING YOUR BREAK–EVEN PRICE A useful starting position for some at the beginning of the year is to review the most recent Profit and Loss accounts for the farm and looking ahead ask ‘What is the break–even milk price that I need this year to cover farm costs, living expenses, bank repayments and income tax next year, assuming all other things are equal?’

Calculating a farm’s break-even milk price is an entirely farm specific exercise. It is the milk price that your farm business needs to meet all cash commitments.

This calculation should include both capital and interest financial repayments, drawings/household expenses and taxation. It should exclude depreciation as this is a non–cash expense (the capital portion of repayments is included in its place).

This exercise allows you establish at what price your business will be in a cash deficit.

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I have included an example of a break even calculation for a dairy farm. Table 1 (Right–Hand Page), shows an example of a farmer supplying 400,000 litres of milk.

In this example the break-even milk price is 27.5c/litre of milk supplied, which is typical of many farms.

It is important to note that this example doesn’t include any capital development or change of stock values.

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FINANCE – ADVERTORIAL Table 1: Farmer supplying 400,000 litres of milk

Farm costs (excluding Depreciation and Bank Interest) Capital Expenditure from Cashflow -

€

C / litre

85,000

21.25

-

Bank Repayments

15,000

3.75

Drawings / Living expenses (required from farm)

35,000

8.75

Income Tax

5,000

1.25

Total costs

140,000

35.00

Less Income from non-milk sales (calves / culls / beef / direct payments)

-30,000

-7.50

Total Income required from milk sales

110,000

27.5c / litre

Break–even milk price

27.5c / litre Figures used for illustrative purposes only

Completion of this exercise should highlight your existing position, whether or not you need to take further action such as reducing costs or adding value to your output, and how much action you need to take.

When completing the exercise it is important to consider how items will change in the coming year, since the period you analysed.

Some farmers are likely to experience periods of cashflow deficits this year and I believe that farmers should take a three step approach to dealing with cashflow pressure or even potential cashflow pressure.

This will help ensure that you are not just treating the symptoms, but the underlying root cause of the cashflow pressure giving you the opportunity to correct any underlying issues that may exist.

1) Understand the cause of the cashflow pressure (or likely cashflow pressure) It is important to understand the cause of cashflow pressure on your farm as this will give you a real insight into how your business is positioned for the medium term. While the low milk price may be the trigger for the cashflow pressure currently experienced or anticipated, there may also be other reasons impacting on the farms cashflow including: • Building up livestock from cashflow • Carrying out capital expenditure from cashflow (or a portion of it, from cashflow) • High level of bank debt / high level of bank repayments • Farm has a high cost of production • High level of drawings

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FINANCE – ADVERTORIAL

• High machinery costs • Restricted herd / disease / other on farm issues • Once off high costs Once you have identified the cause (and/or causes), this will enable you to put a plan in place to take corrective action.

2) Estimate the size of support required: When you are planning for the coming year, it is important to estimate how much additional support your business will require, if any.You will need to make certain assumptions around output price, performance, costs and living expenses.

In general, the best starting point is to review the previous year and estimate based on pervious performance. (It must be remembered that 2015 was a favourable year for animal performance and weather).

A cashflow projection for the coming year will help highlight how much of a shortfall will arise (if any) and when it will arise.

This will enable you to put the most appropriate solution in place for your business at an early stage rather than continually

While it may be an appropriate solution for some, on many farms the initial reaction to cashflow pressure is often to think about going on a period of interest only for existing bank borrowings and hope that the issue sorts itself out in this period. However, there are a number of other options that should also be considered including postponing building up dairy cow numbers for a period; controlling living expenses by taking a set wage each week/month or placing recent capital expenditure from cashflow on a term loan.

From AIB’s perspective, I have outlined below the typical support measures that are available to customers experiencing short term cashflow difficulties. In some instances, the cost of credit may increase as a result of these measures. i. ii. iii.

Short–term increase to working capital facilities Short–term loan facilities An interest only period on existing facilities.

If you are experiencing or expect to experience cashflow difficulties, the important thing is to remember that there are a number of support options available to you.Take the time to

“If you are experiencing or expect to experience cashflow difficulties, the important thing is to remember that there are a number of support options available to you” reacting to cashflow problems during the year.A simple cashflow planning template is available at www.aib.ie/farming.

inform yourself, identify the cause or causes of the problem and estimate the level of support required. Solutions are best tailored at an early stage and early contact with your bank, if support is required, is key.

3) Develop a solution: Once you understand the cause of the cashflow pressure you For those of you who would like to speak to somebody in will know whether it is a once off, or an ongoing issue for you.

AIB on how we can help you and your business, From completing the cashflow projection you will now know contact your local AIB branch or call 1890 47 88 33 how much of a shortfall your business is likely to incur and there( available 8am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am–6pm on Saturdays). fore you can develop a solution.This will put you in a strong position if you are meeting your bank to seek support.

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities It is worth highlighting that the earlier you develop a solution are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are the more options that may be available to you. For instance if the not available to persons under 18 years of age. Security may solution was to reduce living expenses or place a loan on interest be required.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central only, the earlier you take action, the greater impact this will have Bank of Ireland. on your business.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

REVOLUTIONARY DISCO MAX CUT MOWER RANGE

The latest CLAAS DISCO range of mounted and trailed mowers all feature the revolutionary new CLAAS MAX CUT disc mower bed that sets a new standard for cut quality.

BUSINESS and DUO mower units utilise load sensing hydraulics and are controlled using either the new OPERATOR terminal or the ISOBUScompatible COMMUNICATOR II terminal,which allows the various mower functions to be assigned to the function buttons on the tractor’s multi-function control lever.The AUTOSWATHER model series is also controlled using the ISOBUS COMMUNICATOR II control terminal.

Included in the 19-model DISCO MAX CUT range there are seven high output DISCO triple mower and mower conditioners are now available, ranging from the 9.10m wide DISCO 9400 C DUO to the 8.10m DISCO 8500 TREND.

he new range of DISCO MAX CUT models covers a total of 19 models, ranging from the simplest 2.6m mounted mower up to advanced, ISOBUS compatible, high capacity triples with cutting widths as wide as 9.1m.

T

REVOLUTIONARY MAX CUT MOWER BED The new MAX CUT mower bed features a waved shape leading edge, which means that unlike a mower bed with a straight leading edge,the cutting discs can be mounted as close to the front of the bed as possible.

In combination with the new,specially formed discs,there is a greater overlap between the blades, so creating an enlarged cutting area for optimum cutting quality and flow through the mower.

The new MAX CUT mower bed is made from two pieces of pressed steel plate, which are then bolted together.This means that a high torsional strength can be achieved,but the potential of cracks developing is reduced as there are no heat stresses,which are caused during the welding process.

A total of nine new mounted or trailed CONTOUR mower or mower conditioner versions are available,ranging in working width of 2.80m up to 3.80m,providing a wide range of models for small and medium-sized farms.

In the trailed mower range two new models are available,the DISCO 3200 TC and the TC AS which has a conveyor system for swath grouping, both of which have working widths of 3.00m.

All the new CONTOUR models retain the hydro-pneumatic ACTIVE FLOAT suspension,which enables the ground pressure on the mower unit to be changed from the driver's seat when mowing and adjusted to the conditions in the field.They are also protected by a mechanical break back system which moves the mower unit backwards and up,so that it is raised above the obstacle.

PROFIL FRONT MOWERS Completing the DISCO mower line-up are two front mowers,the DISCO 3200F and the DISCO 3200FC mower conditioner,both of which have a 3.00m cutting width.

To achieve a clean cut and avoid soil contamination,extra-wide skids are To ensure optimum ground contour following, the mower units are fitted to the underside of the mower bed,which guide dirt and foreign fitted with the proven PROFIL kinematics.The mower is suspended and material backwards.There are also additional wear skids and high cut pulled using a trailing linkage around a pivot point close to the ground. skids available as an option.

This allows the mower bed to swing both longitudinally and laterally,so The satellite drive train of the new MAX CUT is permanently lubricated accurately following the ground contours independent of the tractor and maintenance free,and designed so that in lighter crops it can be run front axle. at 850 rpm instead of 1000 rpm,which will help reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%. To fully protect the drive train, each mowing disc is For further information visit www.claas.co.uk or mounted using a CLAAS SAFETY LINK module,which incorporates a Tel: + 44 (0) 1284 763100 pre-determined breaking point that will shear in the event of a collision, and is easy to replace.

FIVE MODEL RANGE To clearly identify the range of model specifications,type of operation and control systems,the 19 new DISCO models have been divided into five variants:TREND,CONTOUR,BUSINESS,AUTOSWATHER and DUO. The simpler TREND mower units are operated using the tractor spool valves without any electric control terminal, but if required can be incorporated into the tractor's headland management.The optional individual lifting function is operated using a hydraulic isolator valve, which makes it possible to pre-select the mowing units.

CONTOUR series mowers are again operated using the tractor's spool valves,but the pre-selection is made using the new OPERATOR control panel or an ISOBUS control terminal.

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ANIMAL HEALTH

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM Control of calf scour due to infection with Cryptosporidium parvum – is it possible?

Sharon Magnier, MVB.MRCVS,Technical Advisor – Ruminant Division MSD Animal Health reports.

utbreaks of calf scour are dreaded by every stock person. Any farmer who has dealt with an outbreak, particularly when Cryptosporidium parvum is involved, will know that getting it under control can appear an impossible task.

Expanding herds and the lack of focus of capital investment in calf housing means that outbreaks are continuing to increase.

The latest data shows a steady increase in the percentage of deaths in neonatal calves due to scour1-3.

O

There are multiple causes of scour in very young calves.

Cryptosporidiosis remains one of the primary causes of death due to scour in neonatal calves and data from laboratories has shown that over a quarter of both post mortem and faecal samples of calves submitted are positive for the disease 3.

Mixed infections can occur and Cryptosporidium parvum is often found on farms where rotavirus has also been detected.

Mixed infections make control more complicated as measures such as vaccination of cows against scour caused by rotavirus, coronavirus or Escherichia coli (E.coli) K99 may need to be included in the prevention protocol.This is also why diagnosis

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ANIMAL HEALTH of the cause of the outbreak, via faecal sampling, is so important, Calves develop profuse watery diarrhoea which may contain as this will determine the subsequent control measures that must be mucus and can last for 5 to 12 days.They lose their appetite implemented on the farm. Do not sit on an outbreak – get your and become weak and dehydrated. vet involved and have samples taken early on in the disease – it WHY IS CONTROL OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS will save you a lot of headaches in the long-term.

SO DIFFICULT? WHAT IMPACT DOES SCOUR HAVE ON PROFITABILITY?

Rapid multiplication within each calf means that the levels of the parasite build up very quickly on farm. Excreted oocysts In order to maximise profitability it is advised that dairy heifer have a thick wall and can withstand many disinfectants. Oocysts calves maintain a steady growth rate and reach at least 60 to 65% are extremely resistant and survive freezing at -10°c for one of their mature body weight at breeding and 90% of the mature week and up to 4 days in dry faeces 5. When cleaning pens,

“Do not sit on an outbreak – get your vet involved and have samples taken early on in the disease – it will save you a lot of headaches in the long–term” body weight of the mid-lactation 4 year old cows at calving. remove all dirt from surfaces first of all and then ideally steam Reaching these growth targets mean that heifers are then more clean and disinfect the area with a disinfectant which is licensed likely to calve down at 24 months. Any set back in growth will for activity against Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. interfere with the achievement of the aforementioned targets.

Studies have shown that scour can increase the mortality rate of HOW CAN OUTBREAKS BE CONTROLLED? pre-weaned calves by 3% and cause a reduction in live weight at • All new born calves MUST get at least 3 L of colostrum within 18 months of 12 kg4.This is why controlling infections, such as 2 hours of birth. cryptosporidiosis, that will interrupt calf growth is so important • Healthy calves must be separated from sick calves and a to overall profitability. “hospitalisation” unit established for the sick calves.

• Healthy calves should be fed first each day and hospitalised HOW DO CALVES BECOME INFECTED WITH calves attended to last so as not to transfer disease from the sick CRYTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM? animals to the healthy unit.

Cryptosporidiosis in cattle is caused by infection with the Scouring Calf protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. Calves initially become infected by oral ingestion of oocysts that are shed in the faeces of other calves and cows.They can also pick the oocysts up from the environment and from the clothes, boots and hands of people handling the calves. Preventing contact of calves with the parasite can be virtually impossible as it is so widespread and very, very strict hygiene and prevention measures must be put in place if any limitation of the impact of the disease on the herd is to be achieved.

CALVES ARE NATURAL MULTIPLICATION MACHINES FOR CRYPTOSPORIDIUM PARVUM! Adult cows can act as carriers and shed low numbers of oocysts. However, the parasite multiples rapidly within the calf which can then shed millions of oocysts out into the housing environment. While the number of oocysts builds up very rapidly in the surroundings, the number needed to infect a neighbouring calf can be as low as 50 and even lower in humans at just 9 oocysts! 5 The more immunity a calf has, the greater the number of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts that calf must ingest to develop scour. This is why correct, hygienic colostrum management is important in the control of cryptosporidiosis.

WHAT SIGNS WILL YOU SEE IN INFECTED CALVES? Calves of 1 to 4 weeks can be affected but scour is generally seen in 1 to 2 week old calves.A large number of calves can become ill but the mortality rate, in uncomplicated singular infections, is usually low.

If mixed infections occur, where pathogens such as rotavirus are present, mortality rates can be higher.

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ANIMAL HEALTH • Designated overalls and boots should be worn when working CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS AND COCCIDIOSIS ARE in the hospital unit and hands should always be washed between NOT THE SAME TYPE OF INFECTION! each group of calves.

It is easy to get confused between cryptosporidiosis and coccidiosis.

• Strict, thorough hygiene of feeding equipment including bottles, However, these are two different diseases involving two separate nipples and buckets must be practised. parasites. Coccidiosis is host-specific, meaning that the species • Raise feed and water troughs so that calves can eat and drink of the parasite involved (Eimeria spp.) in cattle can only be spread out of them but cannot defaecate into them. to other cattle and not to other animals or humans. Calves are • Antibiotics are NOT effective against cryptosporidiosis. All usually over 3 weeks of age when they develop diarrhoea due to calves clinically affected should be treated with a product coccidiosis.The diarrhoea often appears “bloody” and straining licensed to reduce diarrhoea due to Cryptosporidium parvum. may also be seen in severely affected calves. Management of There is a product containing halofuginone lactate that is outbreaks of coccidiosis in housed calves is similar to management licensed for this purpose and administration should start within for cryptosporidiosis; however, it is the treatment that differs.

24 hours after the onset of diarrhoea and continue daily for 7 While halofuginone lactate can be used to reduce the severity of days. cryptosporidiosis, products containing, for example diclazuril or

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT OUTBREAKS OCCURRING?

toltrazuril can be used to prevent, or in some cases to reduce the effects of coccidiosis.

REMEMBER HUMAN HEALTH IS ALSO AT RISK!

• Correct colostrum management following the 3-2-1 rule where As mentioned previously, Cryptosporidium parvum does pose 3 L of colostrum are given within 2 hours of birth, from the first a risk to human health. Symptoms in humans include watery milking, is essential.This will boost the calf`s immunity and offer diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, dehydration and mild fever. greater defence against a multitude of infections, including Infection is particularly serious in people whose immune systems cryptosporidiosis. are compromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy.

• Do not mix newborn calves with calves older than 3 to 4 days Hand washing is therefore an important step in the prevention as the latter may not have scour but could be shedding of disease, not alone in calves, but in humans as well.

Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts.

Cryptosporidiosis remains a threat to the health and growth of • If cryptosporidiosis was a problem on the farm last year, don’t our dairy calves. In the current climate of expansion the disease wait for it to take hold this year. Cryptosporidium parvum builds up is likely to maintain significance. Correct management of calf as the calving season progresses. units and implementation of the correct preventative measures Start calves on oral halofuginone lactate after their first feed and remain vital to long-term control of the disease on farm. daily thereafter for 7 days.

This neonatal treatment schedule should be implemented at the REFERENCES: 1. Anon (2013) DAFM/AFBI All-island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2012 very beginning of the season, in order to reduce this build up later 2. Anon (2014) DAFM/AFBI All-island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2013 on. Halofuginone lactate decreases the overall amount of oocysts 3. Anon (2015) DAFM/AFBI All-island Animal Disease Surveillance Report 2014 4. Morrison, S. et al. (2013) The impact of calf health on future performance VIJ 3, 264 - 268 shed.

5. Silverlås, C. (2010) Cryptosporidium Infection in Dairy Cattle: Prevalence, • Adhere consistently to strict hygienic protocols, particularly of species distribution and associated management factors. Doctoral Thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala. feeding equipment.

Fig. 2 Strict hygiene during feeding is essential to the control of cryptosporidiosis

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

EFFICIENT HOT WATER SOLUTIONS BENEFITS OF A CALOR GAS POWERED HOT WATER SOLUTION FOR DAIRY FARMS • Infinite hot water on demand • Standby hot water storage losses eliminated • Varying hot water demand profile can be met • Additional bulk tank washing requirement • Lower carbon hot water solution • Can be tailored to suit the individual farm requirements Calor provides a full range of tailored energy solutions for s running a farming business is a costly, complex undertaking, farms and businesses right across the agricultural sector, from with so many variables to deal with, it makes sense to have highly efficient and safe heating better control wherever you can, such as with heating, for grain drying to hot water having instant hot water and ensuring the fuel you choose doesn’t and cooking solutions designed compromise your produce. Calor are working closely with Irish to save money, ensure greater farmers to tailor solutions for their specific energy needs, help control and produce better results. improve energy efficiency and ultimately, their bottom line.

And with less emissions For the Dairy Farmer, Calor powered instantaneous water heaters compared to other fuel types, can provide an ideal solution as a reliable and ample hot water Calor can help the farmer continue supply is an essential component in managing hygiene and to deliver produce to the highest controlling the Total Bacteria Count (TBC) of milk produced. Hot standards. water storage costs are eliminated with this system as water is heated only when it is required.

To find out more information and learn how Calor Gas can The farmer no longer needs to worry about running out of hot deliver tailor–made energy solutions to improve efficiencies water or having insufficient quantities at a the right temperature. and provide cost savings for your business, visit the following Hot water storage costs are eliminated with this system as an infinite website: www.calorgas.ie/calor-for-business/ or call us on supply is heated only when it is required and the system can be 1850 812 450 (Republic of Ireland) or Tel: 028 9045 5588 run with automatic or manual dairy washing systems.

(Northern Ireland).

A

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SPRING GRASS MANAGEMENT

MANAGING GRASS

ON YOUR FARM THIS SPRING On many farms the number of grazings can be as high as ten, so rotation management is critical. Michael Egan and Michael O’Donovan of Teagasc, Moorepark report.

on the farm. Regrowth levels have to be tracked on the farm, especially from early March, so that strategic management decisions around grazing, such as grass allocations and supplementation can be made.

The period from calving to breeding is a critical time for both High quality grass is achievable by grazing pastures to low grazing cow and grassland management. Cows should be turned out to residuals early in spring.The recommendation from Moorepark grass as soon as possible post–calving as this will increase milk research is to graze to 3.5 cm in early spring, which has two production performance, particularly milk solids production benefits 1) increase pasture utilisation 2) recondition the sward raising milk revenues. Profitability will increase as higher cost feeds such as grass silage and concentrate are reduced or eliminated for the subsequent rotations.

Figure 1 shows the difference between a sward grazed to 3.5 from the diet.The spring rotation planner (SRP) is a tool that is widely used by farmers to budget the available grazing area until cm (a) and a sward grazed to > 4.5 cm (b) in the first rotation. By the desired end of the first grazing rotation (approximately April grazing swards to 3.5 cm in the first rotation, it increases leaf 4th – 10th; magic day – when grass growth equals grass demand). proportion and reduces stem and dead material thus increasing overall sward quality in subsequent grazings.

Farm grass supply (farm cover) will have to be measured in conjunction with the spring rotation planner to ascertain the quantity of grass that will be offered to the cows during the first SPRING ROTATION PLANNER The best way of managing grass in spring is to set out the area rotation. you are going to graze weekly and implement this plan during the spring period.

SPRING GRAZING MANAGEMENT The SRP provides clear guidance at this time.The SPR works off In general spring grazing management is broken down into simple parameters; turnout date, grazing area and the targeted having sufficient cow numbers calved early enough to utilize spring grass and then ensuring that a number of key targets are finish date of the first rotation.

Table 1 shows the proportion of the farm to be grazed by three followed based on calving pattern and grazing area.The spring key points in the early grazing season. rotation planner (SRP) is an excellent tool to guide farmers in

MAXIMISING THE POTENTIAL FROM GRAZED GRASS IN SPRING

tracking the level of area grazed off at different time points in the FOR THE PLAN TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE spring.The SRP should be used in conjunction with a spring grass budget because the SPR just tracks the area grazed and tells nothing FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED: about grass supply to grazing cows or subsequent regrowth levels • Stick to the target area allocated by the planner, do not graze more or less per day

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SPRING GRASS MANAGEMENT • Post–grazing sward height in the paddock should be 3.5 cm (a) ensuring high quality grass in the next rotation • If, after allocating the correct portion of the farm, post grazing sward height is >3.5 cm then feed allocation is too high and concentrate should be phased out. If grass is in short supply the cows should be supplemented.

(b) ts D

Table 1: Spring grazing area allocations when grazing from early February Week end date

% of total farm area grazed at week end

1st February

Start grazing

1st March

30% Grazed

17th March

66%

5th April

Begin rotation 2

ARE FARMERS MEETING SPRING TARGETS? A survey of some PastureBase Ireland farms was under taken in the first week of March in 2015, to track how spring grazing management was progressing.The following are the main findings: • 75% of cows calved on farms – On Target • Farm cover was >800 kg DM/ha with some farms as high as 1200 kg DM/ha – On Target • Area grazed on March 2 – was 21%,(ranging from 8 –46%) – Off Target • 7% of farms still had cows indoors – Off Target • Cows grazing – allocated 10 kg DM of grass and 3 kg of concentrate – On Target • On average all farms have 30 units of N applied (range 0–60 units/ac) – Off Target • On average, 22% of the platform has received slurry (range 0 – 60%) – On Target

Figure 1: Comparison of a sward grazed to 3.5 cm (a) and 4.5 cm (b) in the first rotation

always going to be large with this type of data, the lack of N application and slurry application is very concerning and these should be priority issues when it comes to establishing higher spring grass growth on the farm.

INCREASING GRASS GROWTH WITH SPRING GRAZING

The impact of spring grazing has been advocated on many occasions as growth rates are usually greater on spring grazed swards compared to un–grazed swards. Recently, PastureBase Ireland data for 2015 has shown that farms which have completed the first grazing rotation in advance of April 10th have grown substantially more grass than farms which finished the first rotation after April 10th. Figure 2 shows the profile of spring grass growth on farms who have finished the first rotation before and after April 10th, (32 farms in each category). Mean spring grass production from January 1st to April 10th was 1320 kg DM/ha (farms grazed by April 10th) compared to 1030 kg DM/ha What is clear from the survey is that not enough land area was for farms grazed after April 10th.This is a 20% increase in grass grazed in February. Mean calving date for this group of farms is DM production by advancing the finish date of the first rotation. early; therefore it is important that the target of 30% grazed by Most farms in Ireland are finishing the first rotation too late and are missing out on producing this extra spring grass. the end of February is achieved. The variation across farms is

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SPRING GRASS MANAGEMENT Another very important aspect of spring grazing and finishing the first rotation on time, this results in more grazings been achieved on the farm. On many farms the average number of grazings achieved per year can be as high as 10; some of these farms have 2.5 grazings completed by May 1st in other word they are half way through the third rotation by the first week of May. The relationship between spring grass growth and annual grazing DM production is positive and 43% of the variation in annual grazing DM production is accounted for by spring grass growth.

Clearly, the application of N should be carried out as early as circumstances permit. See Table 2 for spring N fertiliser recommendations.

Table 2: Nitrogen fertiliser application for the spring period Month

Product

Rate

Area

January

Slurry

2500 gal/acre

1/3 of grazing platform

January/February Urea

23 units/acre

2/3 of grazing platform

March

(covers <700 kg DM/ha)

Urea

46 units/acre

Entire grazing platform

February/March Slurry

2000 gals/acre

1/3 of grazing platform

Total applied N

70 units/acre

(paddocks that were grazed first)

COMPARISON OF UREA VERSUS CAN Currently, quoted prices for Urea (46% N) are in the region of €360 and for calcium–ammonium–nitrate 27.5% N (CAN) €300, which is equivalent to €0.78 per kg N for urea, and €1.11 per kg N for CAN. Urea is therefore currently 30% cheaper per kg N than CAN.The application of CAN increases the nitrate pool in the soil Figure 2: A comparison of spring DM production from farms which is readily available to plants but has a high risk of loss whereas which have finished the first rotation before and after April Urea must be converted to ammonium–N and then to nitrate by 10th (2015) (x axis = Farm). nitrifying bacteria which is then available for uptake by the plant which can take in the region of 5 – 7 days. N from Urea is more IMPORTANCE OF SPRING NITROGEN slowly available to plants but much more stable in the soil APPLICATION AND ITS TIMING profile. In contrast, applying CAN in similar conditions in spring Date of autumn closing and of early spring N application have can result in higher levels of N loss through leaching. It has been been shown to be the two most important management factors shown that there was a better response to urea than to CAN influencing the spring grass supply. Research has showed that the applied in spring in terms of dry matter production and recovery date in spring at which a given grass yield is obtained could be of N by the pasture.Therefore, because urea is cheaper than CAN brought forward by 3 weeks with N fertiliser applied at the correct in terms of Euro/kg N applied in the fertiliser, urea is the more time. It has previously been suggested that the optimum date for cost–effective fertiliser to apply during the spring. On a cost applying N for early spring grass was sometime in January for basis, it has to be urea in 2016 even allowing for dry season losses. south east; February for Northern Ireland.

The effects of “early spring” application of fertiliser N has shown SPRING GRAZING–BENEFIT OF EARLY that sizeable responses (sometimes >10 kg DM/kg N) to the TURNOUT TO ANIMAL PERFORMANCE application fertiliser N can be obtained in early spring from a Table 3 shows the results of a study comparing spring calving series of experiments across Ireland. It has been reported that N cows that had access to grazed grass full time from calving in application always advanced, by approximately three weeks, the early February with a group of cows that remained indoors until date in spring by which any given yield of grass was attained. early April.

“The best way of managing grass in spring is to set out the area you are going to graze weekly and implement this plan during the spring period” The ‘indoor’ cows were offered a high concentrate diet containing 40% grass silage (8.6 kg DM/cow/day) and 60% concentrate (11.1 kg DM/cow/day), while the outdoor cows were offered a daily grass allowance of 15 kg DM and 3 kg of concentrate.

There was no difference in milk yield (28.3 vs. 27.3 kg/day) between the two systems but the early spring grazing system cows produced milk of lower fat content (3.86 vs. 4.16 %) and higher protein content (3.36 vs. 3.07 %) compared to the indoor cows. Cows from both feeding systems achieved similar total DM intakes of approximately 15.5 kg DM/cow/day.

Significantly, the cows on the early spring grazing system continued to maintain a higher milk protein concentration and higher grass DM intake than their indoor counterparts up to July.

The results of this study highlight the large benefits (both nutritionally and financially) of including grazed grass in the diet of spring calving dairy cows in early lactation. When modelled on

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SPRING GRASS MANAGEMENT

a whole farm basis, early grazing will generate an increased profitability of €2.70/cow/day for each extra day at grass through higher animal performance and lower feed costs.

Table 3: The effect of feeding system (Early Spring Grazing; Indoor Feeding) on the milk production characteristics of spring–calving dairy cows from February to April

After the first three hours they usually consume very little extra pasture, but poaching damage is increased.

To achieve a good utilisation during the three hour period of grazing, silage should not be offered to the herd when they come in from grazing as long as the herd have achieved an adequate intake of grazed grass. By feeding silage it reduces their ability to clean out the paddock in the subsequent grazing and they will do more walking about at the next grazing causing poaching.

In extremely inclement weather conditions, when cows have to be housed full time, you should aim to feed high quality baled silage ideally bales that were taking as surplus silage the previous year.

Early spring grazing

Indoor Feeding

Milk yield (kg/day)

28.3

27.3

Milk solids (kg/cow)

2.04

1.97

Milk fat concentration (%)

3.86

4.16

Milk protein concentration (%)

3.36

3.07

SPRING GRASS QUALITY

SCM yield (kg/day)

26.6

25.9

Bodyweight (kg)

499

517

Bodyweight gain (kg/day)

+0.20

+0.03

Body condition score

2.87

2.92

12.9

–

Spring grass is generally higher in crude protein (CP), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and low in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) compared to silage. Data from a number of farms that held the ‘Teagasc Spring Grazing Farm Walks’ across the country in early February of this year had the following grass quality values; herbage DM content – 154 g/kg DM, crude protein content – 260 g/kg DM, organic matter digestibility (OMD) – 825 g/kg DM. In general, concentrate crude protein levels can be adjusted based on the high level of crude protein available in spring grass. Target protein levels in the concentrate in the spring: indoors full–time on silage = 18–20% CP; out by day / silage by night = 16% CP; on/off grazing with no silage in the diet = 14% CP; outdoors full–time for first rotation = 14% CP; main grazing season & autumn = 14% CP.

Intake (kg DM/cow/day) Grass Silage

–

5.7

Concentrates

2.8

9.6

Total intake

15.7

15.3

ON/OFF GRAZING IN WET CONDITIONS

With the recent wet weather ground conditions have reached saturation point and as a result grazing conditions have become Article by Michael Egan and Michael O’Donovan, Animal increasingly difficult. Farmers should try grazing their drier areas and Grassland Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, of the farm first to avoid excess poaching damage to paddocks.

Fermoy, Co Cork.

When there is a high risk period for poaching damage farmers should use on/off grazing.

On–off grazing is a practice that can reduce damage to soil and pasture when grazing wet paddocks. Cows are allowed to graze their next daily allocation for a short period (usually 3 hours) and are then moved off the pasture to stand–off to reduce damage from poaching. If cows are not removed after this period, they tend to keep searching for clean pasture or seek shelter from rain/wind.

Dairy cows can graze 90% of their required intake in two three hour grazing periods (three hours after morning and evening milking).

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ANIMAL HEALTH

FOCUS ON CALF REARING Calf management is a major influencing factor on the efficiency of a dairy farm, writes Mairead O’Grady,Vet Advisor MSD Animal Health.

in order to prevent such wastage. However, from 6 weeks to six months of age calves also need added protection against disease Spring 2016 will see an increased number of calves born on a significant number of dairy farms in Ireland due to the end of the as they remain a risky category for this time period. Utilising these data, farmers and veterinary professionals can tailor disease control milk quota system. Calf health and productivity have a direct programmes and institute management decisions appropriately to effect on growth rates which largely determine whether a calf the relevant age group. rearing enterprise is profitable. It is also broadly accepted that more intensive management systems have a higher risk of a disease LEARN FROM PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE outbreak than smaller scale systems.

There is a wealth of knowledge available on farms to assist in the reduction of disease in calves in future seasons. Preparation CALF HEALTH AND SURVIVAL RATES for the impending calving season should involve assessment the Sickness and death levels in calves are critical elements to monitor on level of disease experienced in previous seasons, assessment of farm. In 2013 according to Animal Identification and Movement the identified causes of disease and implementation of a suitable, (AIM) System data, 60369 calves were reported to have died within tailored disease prevention programme. the first 6 weeks of life.This equates to 2.88% of calf births but accounts for 45.6% of the total calf deaths up to 1 year old.The same data indicated that almost 80% of the total deaths in calves Target: <5% of calves dead up to 56 days of age. <10% of calves sick/treated up to 56 days of age. up to 1 year old occurred in the first 6 months of life.

The All–island animal disease surveillance report 2013 identified gastro–enteric disease as the most common cause of death in neonatal HOW CAN WE MAXIMISE CALF HEALTH? A combination of good calving management, hygiene, colostrum calves (<1 month of age) submitted for post mortem examination, feeding and preventative disease control reaps rewards when rearing accounting for 38% of cases in Northern Ireland and 27.6% in calves.

Ireland.

However a different trend emerges in calves aged 1 to 5 months • Calving pens: dry, clean, well bedded pens are a necessity.The submitted for post mortem.The report indicated that respiratory cleanliness of the cow entering the calving pen is also a priority disease was responsible for 38% and 29.5% of cases in Northern to reduce the challenge to the new born calf. Good lighting in this area allows for early identification of problem cows or calves.

Ireland and the Republic of Ireland respectively.

Having cows fit but not fat at calving time and appropriate use of The animals most at risk of dying are those in the first six weeks of life. Special attention has to be given to this category of animal sires to minimise assisted calvings lower the subsequent risk of

INTRODUCTION

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ANIMAL HEALTH disease; calves traumatised during the calving process run a higher risk not only of immediate mortality but of subsequently succumbing to a range of diseases in young life.

• Snatching calves: remove calves from the calving pen and their dam as soon as possible after birth.Aim to remove 90% of the calves from their dams within 1 hour of birth.

• Colostrum feeding:Aim to feed 3.5–4 litres of colostrum within one hour of birth, when the calves’ ability to absorb the protective antibodies within colostrum is maximal.The colostrum and the feeding utensils used (bottle or stomach tube) must be clean.

Colostrum milked from the cow within the first hour after calving has the highest level of protective antibodies which protect the calf from diseases. Each hour after calving the cows’ colostrum becomes diluted by the production of milk and the antibody content decreases by almost 4% per hour. It is worthwhile to consider having facilities such as an individual unit to facilitate milking cows that calve at times other than routine milking time in order to obtain best quality colostrum.

Target: Ensure that each calf receives colostrum from its dam to respond to infection adequately.The dam can be vaccinated within 1–2 hours after birth. from 3 weeks to 12 weeks prior to calving and this is commonly MONITORING COLOSTRUM MANAGEMENT ON carried out at time of drying off. Protection from this vaccination programme is achieved by feeding colostrum from vaccinated FARM Your veterinary practitioner can routinely blood sample a number cows to their calves as detailed already in this article. When of calves, within the first few days of life, throughout the season calves are fed milk from vaccinated cows for two to four weeks to assess calf immunoglobulin levels.This acts as an indicator of after birth these antibodies in the vaccinated dam’s milk have been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of scours and how well colostrum feeding practices are being carried out.

“The animals most at risk of dying are those in the first six weeks of life. Special attention has to be given to this category of animal in order to prevent such wastage” Calves should be approximately 2 days old, healthy and adequately hydrated. Sick dehydrated calves can give erroneous results. Zinc Sulphate Turbidity test (ZST) or Total Protein (TP) assessment are common test methods. In 2013, 56% of samples submitted to the laboratories in Ireland for analysis were found to have inadequate levels indicating poor colostrum feeding practices.

Target: 90% of calves tested achieving results greater than 30 units (ZST) or 5.5 g/l (TP).

reduce the shedding of virus from calves infected with rotavirus and coronavirus.

Fact Calves which do not receive enough colostrum have: • Delayed time to first calving • Decreased average daily weight gain • Decreased milk and fat production at first lactation

CALF ACCOMMODATION

Once calves are moved from the calving pens they require a Vaccination has been successfully utilised to increase colostral heat source to ensure they dry rapidly. An infrared heat lamp is a antibodies to rotavirus, coronavirus and Escherichia coli.This simple and effective source of heat for young or sick calves. approach helps to reduce losses due to scour within the first weeks of life prior to the calves’ own immune systems being able Straw bedding is proven to be a very effective insulator reducing heat loss from calves. In order to be effective, bedding should be clean, dry and deep enough for the calf to make a nest in.

Unfortunately, far too many calves lie on very shallow bedding rather than being provided enough bedding to lie in. Calves in their first weeks of life will use energy to maintain their body temperature if the environmental temperature falls below 15 degrees Celsius. During spring the average daily temperature is commonly less than this which means that, unless action is taken, calves will reduce their growth rate in order to keep warm. Methods of dealing with low air temperatures in calf accommodation include infrared heat lamps, deeper straw bedding, calf coats and increased feed amount or feed concentration. A simple addition to any calf house is a maximum/minimum thermometer which clearly indicates the extremes of temperature during a 24 hour period allowing an informed decision to be made regarding adjustments to the calves’ environment.

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ANIMAL HEALTH

from within the calf pen at calf level.Air quality at the feed passage Drinking water should be freely available from the outset for or above calf level is not representative of that which calves are baby calves. Milk feeding should allow for calves to grow at a rate inhaling. It is clear that early protection is required on many units of at least 800 grams per day with the aim to weigh at least double when we assess the level of mortality in the first 6 weeks of life. their birth weight by 56 days old. Nutrition during the first six to Also, the significant number of deaths which occur from 6 weeks to 6 months of age illustrate the importance of utilising a vaccination seven weeks of life significantly affects milk yield in the first protocol which provides sustained protection for this period of lactation and can boost lifetime milk production much more so than the effect of genetics. Calf concentrate feed should be offered risk. Consideration should be given to incorporating M. haemolytica control into a broadly protective, sustained calf respiratory vaccination from the first days of life in order to allow the calf to gradually protocol. become accustomed to the feedstuff and to ensure intakes well Vaccination from two weeks of age with Bovipast RSP provides in excess of 1 kg of adequate quality concentrates per day by protection against BRSV and PI–3 and also protects against the weaning are achieved. bacteria M. haemolytica. A second injection given four weeks • Target: Calves should weigh double their birth weight by eight later provides protection throughout this early risk period. A weeks of age e.g. 40Kg at birth, 80 Kg at 56 days. further booster dose of Bovipast RSP can be administered prior • Heifers should be 60% of their mature bodyweight at mating to the next period of risk e.g. winter housing for spring–born (aim to commence breeding by 13 months). calves to minimise pneumonia risk during the housing period.

• Heifers should be 85–90% of mature bodyweight at first calving Conveniently, Bovipast RSP can be administered on the same day (by 24 months of age) as Bovilis IBR marker live.

FEEDING

THE RISK OF PNEUMONIA

PRUDENT USE OF VETERINARY

Calves will receive varying levels of protection against many of ANTIMICROBIAL MEDICINES the common causes of pneumonia for the first months of life Antimicrobial restrictions are in force in many regions including from the dam via colostral antibodies. In 2013, over 60% of all Scandinavia and parts of Europe.The EU Commission has proposed cases of pneumonia diagnosed at post mortem at the regional legislation which aims to combat antimicrobial resistance and laboratories were in calves less than 6 months old. The most help keep antibiotics effective in humans and animals.This may frequent cause of pneumonia in all animals submitted to the restrict the authorisation and use in animals of certain antimicrobials. laboratory for investigation was bacterial pneumonia. Causes of Disease prevention programmes which incorporate effective pneumonia in calves commonly include the bacteria Pasteurella vaccination and management changes can help to reduce the or Mannheimia haemolytica and viruses Bovine Respiratory Syncytial level of morbidity on farm and hence the amount of antimicrobial virus (BRSV) and Parainfluenza virus 3 (PI–3).The source of infection therapy required. can be other animals on farm which emphasises the importance A recent study found that significantly fewer antibiotics were of segregating calves of different ages to minimise spread of disease. used in the farms that had been vaccinated with inactivated BRSV, Stressed calves are more susceptible to disease such as pneumonia. PI–3 and M. haemolytica versus the farms with no pneumonia Stressors such as cold housing, damp bedding, overstocking and vaccination regime in place. underfeeding can often be overlooked. Ventilation plays a key role in preventing pneumonia and is often compromised.

BEST PRACTICE Minimising draughts whilst maximising ventilation can be Decisions must be made by veterinary practitioners and farmers challenging. Assess this with your veterinary practitioner. Smoke regarding disease control programmes which promote improved bombs can be used in destocked houses as part of a ventilation productivity, decreased antimicrobial usage and decreased mortality. assessment. As a rule of thumb, if you can smell ammonia in calf This will have the added benefit of improving animal welfare on housing then ventilation is not adequate. Always assess air quality Irish farms.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

CARBON GROUP TEAMS UP WITH GLOBAL GIANTS TO BRING DAIRY FARMERS “BEST IN THE MARKET” SOLUTIONS arbon Group’s reputation as a trusted supplier to the Irish dairy industry has spanned the last 49 years.Their wealth of experience has focussed them on developing a range of products tailored specifically towards the dairy farmer’s daily needs.

“We offer farmers a range of convenient, reliable and accessible products to help them save time and money. Isn’t that what everyone wants!” Brian Walsh, MD Carbon Group.

Cork based Carbon Group works with a network of global manufacturers and nationwide footprint of distributors to ensure that farming businesses get the best choice and product performance on the market. All of Carbon Group’s Technical Managers bring industry experience, with an in-depth knowledge of sector specific requirements coupled with product compliance and specification.

DSM’s DelvoTest is regarded as the Gold Standard in antibiotic milk testing and is widely used by dairy processors and individual farmers alike. Carbon Group supplies the starter kits and test (3 hour or the 5 minute rapid) either directly or from local creameries.

“Because the DevloTest is so convenient and easy, many farmers are testing the milk before it even leaves the yard. This has been standard practice on the continent for some time now but we are increasingly trending towards this here in Ireland.

Farmers just aren’t prepared to take the risk anymore.” says Eddie O’Dwyer,Technical Manager, Carbon Group.

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Carbon Group also produce a pre and post milking Cleaning System for machinery and equipment.The ‘Aval’ range of detergents was originally developed and manufactured by Carbon Group especially for the dairy industry to provide safe, efficient and effective cleaning solutions. Each of the products has been designed for specific cleaning requirements, with the top seller,AvalKsan, giving farmers the convenience of a 2 in 1 detergent and steriliser.The full range includes AvalChlor, AvalDescale Xtra, AvalJetster and AvalThermoklense and can be bought from co-ops nationwide.

Carbon Group has also recently launched a full range of Yard Maintenance paints.These coating have been specifically designed for durability, easy application and food safe environments for all floors, walls and roofing needs. Carbon Group has partnered market leaders, Rusto-leum, to bring these highly technical products to the Irish market.

“We were approached by Rusto-leum to represent them here in Ireland given our strong reputation and track record.We see the paint and coating range as complimentary to what we are currently able to offer the farming community. The products performance speaks for itself and already Rusto-leum is fast becoming the coating of choice”Ken O’Grady,Technical Sales Director.

To find out more on any of these products contact the Carbon Group Sales Team on (021) 437 8988/info@carbon.ie or visit their website www.carbon.ie

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FARM DESIGN

LESS TIME IN THE PARLOUR Tom Byrne of Kilpark Planning & Design writes about milking parlour options with the expansion in the dairy industry in Ireland.

The department has two specifications for milking parlours ver the last year we found that there has been a significant increase in the amount of design drawings and planning including S.106 for new milking parlours and S.103 which looks at modification and expansion of existing milking parlours. applications for milking parlours, due to the expansion In this article we look at two of the more popular types of milking in the dairy industry. parlours we have been working with recently.

Many existing dairy farmers are upgrading their milking parlours especially young farmers eligible for 60% grant under the TAMS scheme.

THE HERRINGBONE PARLOUR More often than not existing dairy farmers who are expanding Herringbone parlours can vary in design and size.Typical sizes will convert existing sheds on site to additional cubicle housing are 3ft (915mm) centres and 2ft 6” (762mm) centres with each with slatted tanks to facilitate expansion, but the milking parlour having its own advantages and disadvantages. is not always that simple. A number of factors must be considered when planning a milking parlour.

With 3ft centres

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• Location of the parlour: the parlour should be in close proximity to the cubicle housing if not under the same roof. When dealing with location of the parlour it is recommended that the parlour is at least 10 meters from any open slurry tanks. Location in relation to surface water and water source or supply, whether it is public mains or a bored well is also important.

Should the site for the parlour be a green field site, it should be located centrally on the landholding as the location of the parlour is important to try and leaving equal travel distance for cows to all pastures.

• cows are standing at a 30 degree angle to the milker • There is a longer pit which means more walking • Clusters are usually put on in front of the hind leg which means they are easily kicked off With 2ft 6” centers • Cows are standing at a 50 degree angle to the milker • The pit is shorter so less walking • Clusters are usually put on between the back legs which mean they are less likely to be kicked off

• Size of the parlour: in particular the width; this can vary depending ROTARY PARLOUR Rotary milking parlours should be considered in larger dairy on the type of parlour proposed. It is always a good idea to leave an extra span to the rear of the parlour to allow for future expansion. herds of sizes 200 cows and upwards. One of the main benefits of the rotary system is that one operator can manage a larger • Collecting yard: the collecting yard is a key part of the milking number of cows.There are a number of things to be considered parlour which sometimes can be forgotten about and needs careful with a rotary parlour including; thought.

• Number of revolutions per hour • Herd sizes of between 300 to 400 cows need a 50–60 point • Type of parlour: the type of parlour chosen will usually be rotary parlour. dictated by the size of the herd, be it herringbone, rotary or robotic.

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FARM DESIGN • The shed to house the rotary parlour is also an important factor as a large structure of circa 24 meters x 24 meters would be required • Size of the collecting yard should be large enough and designed so as to keep a constant flow of cows to the parlour • Levels are also a key factor as the collecting yard and drafting area where cows exit will need to be at the same level as the rotary platform

DOES THE COLLECTING YARD GET FORGOTTEN ABOUT AT DESIGN STAGE? The collecting yard is a key part of the process and the milking parlour.

This can sometimes be overlooked when in fact it requires careful thought especially when it comes to cow flow. Cow flow into the parlour needs to be constant with little or no delays and this can be dictated by the collecting yard design and layout.

Rectangular collecting yards are more popular as of late and are better suited to larger herds.

The size of the yard as well as the tank within the collecting yard should be specific to the size of the herd.

One of the benefits of the rectangular collecting yard is the ability to use an automatic sliding gate at the back of the cows and thus maximizing cow flow to the parlour itself.

DRAWING NUMBER 1

tank. Cow flow is especially important with rotary parlours and Drawing number 1 shows the floor plan & section drawings of this will be largely assisted by the automatic sliding gate in the a 20 unit herringbone parlour designed for a herd of approximately collecting yard. On exiting the platform there is a large cow exit 150 cows.This parlour was also designed as part of an existing area which is also important for cow flow before progressing to

“One of the benefits of the rectangular collecting yard is the ability to use an automatic sliding gate at the back of the cows and thus maximizing cow flow to the parlour itself” farmyard with existing sheds being converted to cubicle housing.

The parlour is located adjacent to existing sheds leaving a distance between them which facilitates the drafting area.

All gates in the drafting area can also be folded back to allow the area to be used as an access route as and when required.The cows have two options to exit the parlour, one to return to the cubicle housing and the other to the pasture.The proposed shed is a six span shed with the front span being 6.0 meters in width to allow for the large dairy and separate plant room to the front of the building.The proposed collecting yard includes a slatted tank which runs up the centre of the yard.All areas of the collecting yard will be sloping towards tank and as the tank covers a large area it will minimize the amount of scraping.

the exit route. Adjacent to the collecting yard is a drafting area including a race with holding pens at either side.The holding pens are 4.8 meters and 3.6 meters wide and all gates in the drafting area can be folded back to allow the drafting area to be used as an alternative exit access route to other pastures on the land holding.

The slatted tank extends across the rear of the drafting area as well as the collecting yard to contain all dirty water from both yards.

DRAWING NUMBER 2

• Initial on site consultation • Provision of a fee proposal with all works clearly outlined • Survey of farm yard / adjoining buildings / existing buildings on–site • Draft plans of proposed building or structure • Liaise with Teagasc adviser or Agri consultant in relation to the proposal • Preparation and submission of planning application to county council

Drawing number 2 shows the floor plan drawings of a rotary parlour designed for a herd of approximately 350 to 400 cows.

The Rotary parlour itself, with a platform of 17.6 meters in diameter is housed in a large 6 span shed of 24.4 meters wide. A number of rooms are located around the platform in the corners of the shed such as plant room, pump room, office and also an AI store which is on a raised area so as it can be accessed at the same level as the platform.This parlour was also designed as part of an existing farmyard and sits adjacent to two silage pits as well as in close proximity to all cubicle housing on site.

The large rectangular collecting yard has a slatted tank to the rear with the slope on the collecting yard falling towards the

KILPARK PLANNING & DESIGN The procedures of work which Kilpark Planning & Design carry out on any given project are as follows:

Contact Tom at Kilpark Planning & Design, Tel: 085 8194657, Email: tomkilpark@gmail.com, Web: www.kilpark.ie

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS

KERRY FARMER ACHIEVES A NATIONAL FIRST WITH INSTALLATION OF DELAVAL ‘HERD NAVIGATOR™ Kerry farmer has become the first in the Republic of Ireland to install a new farm management system which could revolutionise the face of dairy farming.The O’Hanlon family have lived and worked on Golden Hill Farm since 1876 and currently keep a dairy herd of 130 animals with plans for further expansion.

According to 40 year old Johnny O’Hanlon who runs the farm along with his parents, Gerard and Ann, the recently installed DeLaval ‘Herd Navigator™’system is going to generate a new stream of valuable information regarding animal health and productivity which will be invaluable to his a significant innovation in herd management as the system automatically business.“If milk prices drop, you have to do what you’re doing more measures different components in the milk while the cow is being profitably. By being able to identify potential problems before they milked.This is undoubtedly the management tool of the future, it takes actually manifest themselves, we can reduce spend on antibiotics, keep so much pressure off the farmer and delivers accurate results which our milk output constant and of the highest quality.It allows us to gather will increase the financial yield from each cow by around €267 per cow information through milk samples which we would never have been per year,” said Kieran FitzGerald,VMS Solutions Manager, GB and Ireland. able to do before. Quite simply, there is no piece of farm equipment like Herd Navigator™ focus areas include reproduction, udder health and ‘Herd Navigator™’,” said Mr O’Hanlon. feeding. Using sophisticated bio–modelling, analytical results are ‘Herd Navigator™’ is designed to provide producers with an enhanced presented on the farmer’s computer in a clear form that makes it easy overview of their entire herd whilst offering specific valuable information to spot animals which need special attention including: on individual cows. It will allow milk producers to identify significantly • Cows in heat, pregnant cows and cows with reproduction disorders more cows in heat than can be seen with current heat detection aids – or abortions. such as activity meters - or visual checks to spot mastitis before it affects • Cows that are developing mastitis,days before clinical signs can be seen.

• Early detection of ketosis cases or imbalance in feed ration. the milk. Milk producers will also be made aware of cows affected by different metabolic disorders, such as clinical and–sub–clinical ketosis The new system will give the milk producer a better overview of the before actual symptoms are visible to the naked eye.“Herd Navigator™ is whole herd while providing valuable information on individual cows.

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FORMER KERRY GAA LEGEND ‘SIGNS’ FOR FLOGAS LPG F ormer Kerry football star Darragh Ó Sé recently signed up to Flogas, converting his family’s home heating system from oil to Flogas LPG.Darragh’s 10-year-old oil boiler had become inefficient and expensive due to high running costs, so he started looking around for alternatives.“I heard about the benefits of LPG as an alternative fuel to oil and knew of several Kerry homes that had made the transition,” says Darragh.After a free home visit and energy survey with Flogas, Darragh got a new 24kw LPG boiler installed – meaning a cleaner burning fuel, longer boiler lifespan, lower carbon tax and increased efficiency.

Darragh now has a fuel supply that is secure and safe from theft and he received his first 1,200 litres free of charge. Flogas has also partnered with National Energy Assessors (NEA), who assisted in Darragh’s application for the SEAI grant of up to €700 for the installation of his new boiler.“I can’t believe how quickly the water heats up.We now have unlimited amounts of hot water for showers and switching from electric cooking to gas cooking is great,” says Darragh.

As an energy solutions specialist, Flogas can design and implement a complete turnkey solution for your home so why not avail of a no-obligation free survey from ourselves or our network of Flogas– approved and RGII/Gas Safe registered installers nationwide? We’ll analyse your existing energy costs and outline the benefits and savings you’ll enjoy by converting to Flogas LPG. If you are also interested in signing up for a great deal, contact Flogas on Tel :1800 320 342, email:gas@flogas.ie web: www.flogas.ie

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

J B TYRES

www.jbtyres.com

J B Tyres began business in 1989 by the current owner James Barfoot – a one man band operating out of a small two bay garage on the main street of Tobermore in South Derry.

James grew up on a farm in the neighbouring village of Desertmartin and so always had an interest in the agriculture sector. The business evolved into a specialist agriculture dealership with Michelin,Trelleborg and Goodyear being the main brands and offering specialist technical advice to the customer.

In 2005 J B Tyres became the first dealer in the UK and Ireland to sign up for the exclusive Michelin Exelagri programme which promotes excellence and professionalism in tractor tyre fitting and servicing.

J B Tyres are currently one of the largest stockists and suppliers of agri tyres not just in Ireland but the whole of the UK, with a comprehensive range in stock of Michelin, Kleber, Goodyear, Trelleborg and Taurus they can supply tyres to cover all agricultural needs.

For further information visit the website www.jbtyres.com or Tel: +44 (0) 28 7964 4128

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

DEPARTMENT SAYS 90% OF YOUNG FARMER SCHEME APPLICATIONS NOW PROCESSED

To date 90% or some 8,500 applications to the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme have been fully processed, according to latest figures from the Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, it says the remaining cases will be finalised as soon as possible. In a number of these cases the Department says it is awaiting farmer responses and/or documentation.

According to the Department, in line with Minister Coveney’s commitment in late January payment flow has increased and Ireland has paid farmers faster than most other EU States.

A Department spokesperson described this as a ‘considerable achievement’ given the extended payment application date, the complexity of the new CAP Scheme and the additional need to launch the 2016/17 scheme at this time. Figures from the Department show that of the 9,300 applications to the scheme, 800 remain outstanding.

It recently issued letters to several hundred young farmers applicants in the scheme requesting further documentation or information in order to finalise processing of their applications.

In addition to this, the Department also requested additional documentation from 700 farmers in order to finalise their 2015 Transfer of Entitlement applications.

This outstanding documentation may also be delaying National Reserve and Young Farmer Scheme applications, it said.

The Department is now urging the farmers involved to engage with the Department and respond as soon as possible in order to have their applications finalised.

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DIPETANE – REDUCING EMISSIONS HONESTLY

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO DIPETANE (NON–ADDITIVE) FUEL TREATMENT ipetane uniquely equalises and stabilises the carbon chains in all standard fuel. This enables all of the incoming 21 Units of Oxygen in the air, to attach and burn the carbon chains, thereby enabling more complete combustion. Dipetane is a unique product. It is the only precombustion fuel treatment world–wide that significantly reduces the Green House Gas problems associated with all standard fuels.

Dipetane reduces fuel usage by up to 10%. Dipetane reduces NOx by up to 30%. Dipetane reduces CO2 by up to 15%. Dipetane reduces Particulate Matter (Carcinogenic) – PM’s by up to 24%. Dipetane protects Injectors against Low Sulphur Fuels due to its increase in lubricity. Dipetane keeps EGR’s, DPF’s and Catalytic Converters clean due to more complete combustion of Carbon. Dipetane helps to burn the lower Carbon Bio-Fuels more completely. Dipetane has a Cold Pour Point of Minus -34c° Dipetane is 100% Hydro-Carbon. There is nothing in Dipetane that is not already in your fuel. It cannot change the spec of your fuel which remains within the EN590 Fuel Specification. Therefore all warranties for your vehicle remain intact.Dipetane is not a ‘Fuel Additive’. Fuel Additives poorly address the problem of un-burnt carbon after combustion.Additives do very little to help the initial burning of the expensive Carbon.You will notice the lists of toxic and hazardous ingredients in these fuel additives.

Dipetane contains no additives whatsoever. Dipetane is a single product suitable for use in all fuels, engines and boilers. Dipetane is used at a ratio of 1:200 in all fuels. 1 Litre of Dipetane treats 200 litres of Fuel. Dipetane is available at all good Motor Factors and is sold in 1 Litre, 5 Litre and 25 Litres. We also supply in 200 Litre barrels and 1,000 Litre IBC’S. Dipetane is Researched & Developed in Ireland. Solely manufactured in Ireland and distributed world-wide from Kilcoole in County Wicklow.

Dipetane International Ltd, Unit 5 Kilcoole Industrial Estate, Kilcoole, County Wicklow, A63 HP71. www.dipetane.com. View our animated video at www.dipetane.com/how-dipetane-works/

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

NEW DELAVAL TECHNOLOGY HELPS FARMERS PLAN FEEDING AND INCREASE PROFITABILITY Farmers advised to keep calving dairy cows in optimum condition. information that can have significant benefits to the health of the cow and to the running and profitability of the farm,” concluded Mr Fitzgerald.

By consistently and regularly measuring a cow’s body condition score, a farmer can monitor every cow’s body condition through all stages of the lactation cycle thereby ensuring each animal is in the best shape possible.

Traditionally, body condition scoring is done by looking at a cow and feeling but this can lead to inaccuracies, particularly if the shed is crowded. Body condition scoring is more accurate than weighing. Body weight varies a lot with feed and water intake, if the cow has manured or just been milked. lobal milking technology leader, DeLaval has launched the world’s first automated body condition score (BCS) system for cows, taking the guesswork out of an otherwise laborious process. Body condition scores are used as a critical measure of how effective feeding is on a farm and is key to breeding and overall profitability of the business.

The system ensures that dairy cows are kept in the correct body condition at calving, something which Teagasc’s Principal Research Officer, Frank Buckley recommends.

Mr Buckley advised that it is important to have cows in a body condition score of 3.25 to 3.5 prior to calving. Having cows over or under conditioned will have a negative impact on both the cow’s milk and fertility performance throughout the year.

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reproductive efficiency and cow longevity.

The innovative BCS system launched by DeLaval makes it easy and quick for farmers to obtain an accurate body condition score of their cows.The technology is based on a 3D camera fixed on a gate.

Once a cow passes under the camera, the system recognises the movement and selects the best still image of the cow in the video sequence.The image is converted into an accurate body condition score. It then calculates the body condition score of each cow and sends it to DeLaval DelPro™ Farm Manager where the farmer can view graphs of individual animals, groups or the entire herd.

“Most farmers understand the concept and benefits of body condition scoring but for various reasons they are not doing it

DeLaval’s own studies project that regular scoring and optimising the score could help the farmer to: • Reduce cases of ketosis on farms by 50% • Reduce the feed cost by trimming down the feed on overweight cows • Increase milk yield from a herd where all cows have the optimum body condition - the system can mean an increase of up to 545kg during the first 120 days of lactation.

• Reduce the number of open days by bringing the body condition score back to an optimum level as soon as possible after calving and thereby returning the cow to its normal cyclical ovarian activity - conception rate can be improved by 50% • Save the farmer time since the need for manual body condition scoring is gone, the alternative is that it will save the farmer the

“Keeping cows in the correct condition using the DeLaval BCS will mean the animal can use body reserves for milk production without impacting on her production and fertility” today.With experts such as Teagasc now Keeping cows in the correct condition using the DeLaval BCS will mean the animal advising farmers of the importance of correct BCS at calving, farmers appreciate can use body reserves for milk production without impacting on her production and the benefit of a cost-effective solution for fertility. Mr Buckley also highlighted the risk of consistent, regular and accurate scoring, having cows too strong at the time of calving said Kieran FitzGerald, VMS Solutions can cause issues such as metabolic diseases Manager, Britain and Ireland. along with increasing the number of difficult “The technology is a world-first and completely changes the way the farming births. community will look at body condition Body condition scoring also needs to be done accurately and at specific times in the scoring. Achieving an accurate body lactation cycle. Knowing the body condition condition score is now extremely simple.

It gives consistent and daily feedback on score of your cows helps a farmer plan feeding to ensure cows have healthy body fat the condition of a herd without any work on the part of the farmer. That’s valuable reserves thus promoting milk production,

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cost of bringing in resources such as feed advisors or veterinarians to do the body condition scoring • Eliminates the subjective nature of scoring DeLaval is now selling its DeLaval body condition scoring BCS in a number of countries in Europe including Ireland, North and South America and Asia. By the end of the year, the system will be sold globally.

Today DeLaval body condition scoring BCS is available with DeLaval VMS™ - voluntary milking system and with parlours and rotaries in Q3-2015.

The DeLaval body condition scoring has been awarded the acclaimed Innov’Space 2015 award.

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