Irish Farm Business - Vol 4 Issue 2 Summer 2017

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Farm Business BETTER HEIFERS NEW RESEARCH FROM TEAGASC

IODINE RESIDUES CONTROL NEEDED TO PROTECT PROFITABLE MARKETS

FARM DESIGN HOW TO MAKE CATTLE HANDLING EASY & SAFE

>> SEE PAGE 46

>> SEE PAGE 30

>> SEE PAGE 24

IRISH

Volume 4 Issue 2 Summer 2017 Edition Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

DAIRYING

KEY POINTS FOR QUALITY SILAGE

MILK QUALITY A PRIORITY IN NORTH CORK

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Farm Business

Foreword/Contents/Credits

Features

IRISH

DAIRYING

Oliver Looney is farming near Burnfort, a few miles from Mallow on the Cork side.

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22WHAT’S THE BEST WEED CONTROL IN GRASS?

Volume 4 Issue 2 Summer 2017 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

Understanding how weeds grow will assist you in their reduction and prevention. Tim O’ Donovan, Seedtech, Waterford, reports.

Foreword

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e have had a very dry, if a bit cold April which has enabled farmers to get ahead with work even if grass growth could be a bit better. Everybody including the Taoiseach is talking about Brexit but nobody seems to have any clue as to what will actually happen. As previously stated here, until we hear something really negative we can only stay positive and watch the milk price.

For this edition we visited Oliver Looney’s farm near Burnfort, which is near Mallow in Co. Cork. Oliver was selected by Teagasc as one of their focus farms in 2013/4 as being in expansion mode going from fifty to eighty cows between 2014 and 2017.

True to plan he delivered on all the targets during the expansion period….the story is worth reading.

Good Quality Well Preserved Silage: Joe Patton has written an article on silage which says that even though the machinery involved in silage making has improved dramatically over the last twenty five years; the quality of silage has not.“The principal reason for poor DMD silage is delayed cutting date.”

Weed Control in Grass: Tim O’ Donovan has written an interesting article on weed control and how docks grow and spread.

The simple explanation of how to control is to get rid of them once and then use the grass itself to keep them at bay.

Heifer Rearing: We have two articles on heifer rearing in this issue by Valerie Hobson and Emer Kennedy. Both are worth reading for their clear explanations and planning involved, starting with ensuring healthy calves.

White Clover: Michael Egan explains the growing importance of white clover both for its feed value and also its ability to reduce the usage of N fertilizer.

We hope it makes for interesting reading.

24 CATTLE HANDLING SYSTEMS Crush designs are beginning to evolve. The surrounding pens and method of getting animals into race are extremely important, writes Paul Lyons of Bo Steel.

30 CURRENT FOCUS ON MILK IODINE LEVELS This article will attempt to clarify the effect of different animal management practices on milk iodine levels. By Bernadette O’ Brien and David Gleeson, Teagasc.

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38 SAVE ON FERTILISER: ESTABLISH WHITE CLOVER ON GRASSLAND FARMS Recent research at Teagasc has shown increases in animal performance and milk solids production increased by between 40 to 65 kg milk solids/cow/yr, which can result in additional milk revenue of up to €180 euro/cow/yr. Michael Egan,Teagasc, reports.

42 HEIFER REARING – KEY TARGETS & PLANNING

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Rearing of replacement heifers requires planning and timing is critical. That plan is set out here by Valerie Hobson Animal Nutritionist, Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.

46 NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN HEIFER MANAGEMENT Recent Teagasc data shows that 16.5% of Irish cows do not survive beyond the mid–point of their second lactation; consequently, their rearing costs are not fully paid off, writes Emer Kennedy, Teagasc.

50 INFECTIOUS DISEASE: A THREAT TO HERD HEALTH AND FERTILITY

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Fertility is one of the key areas that must be managed to ensure maximum profitability and productivity in any cattle breeding enterprise. Some infectious agents have the ability to dramatically reduce fertility, according to Joanne Cregg, Ruminant Veterinary Advisor, MSD Animal Health.

66 MORE WORK – MORE RISK With farmers having to do more work than ever, they and farm families are exposed to more risk than ever, particularly from tractors and machinery.

Profiles 15 GERMINAL 17 TERRA LIQUID MINERALS 21 NUTRIBIO 27 SEED DIRECT 28 TRISKA ENERGY 44 DRUMMONDS

The Publishers, Irish Farm Business

Contributors: Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Tim O’ Donovan (Seedtech), David Gleeson and

Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

34 SILAGE MAKING IN IRELAND – ARE WE STUCK IN GEAR? The principal reason for poor quality silage is delayed cutting date, writes Joe Patton, Teagasc

Until the next time………

Enquiries:

18 DAIRYGOLD MILK QUALITY AWARDS

Distribution: Easons, Newspread,WNS

Bernadette O’ Brien (Teagasc), Emer Kennedy (Teagasc), Michael Egan (Teagasc), Valerie Hobson (Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.), Joanne Cregg (MSD Animal Published by: Select Media Ltd, Health), Pat Griffin (Health and Safety Authority), 4-5 Burton Hall Road Joe Patton (Teagasc), and Paul Lyons (Bo Steel) Sandyford, Dublin 18

Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2017 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 EVENTS NATIONAL MILK QUALITY FARM WALK

the excellence of Irish dairy farming highlighted annually by the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.

June 14th, 2017 at 2pm.

The Power Family Farm, Drumhills Farm, Cappagh, Co. Waterford The farm walk will address the following topics: The National Milk Quality Farm Walk takes place on Wednesday, l Farm performance, both current and over time.

14th of June 2017 on the Power Family Farm, Drumhills Farm, Cappagh, l Correct washing routines for minimising TBC, thermodurics and residues.

Co. Waterford at 2pm.

This event is organised by Teagasc, with the support of Glanbia l Achieving low SCC in a large sized dairy herd Ingredients Ireland and the National Dairy Council, and celebrates l Family dairy farming including farm succession and workload/ labour requirements. l Sustainable dairy farming focusing on SDAS and Carbon footprint.

MANAGING LABOUR ON YOUR DAIRY FARM CONFERENCE June 15th 2017 at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Managing Labour on Your Dairy Farm conference takes place in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles, Co. Tipperary on Thursday 15th of June.

This will have a plenary session in the morning (11 – 1 pm) and a series of three workshops in the afternoon (2 – 4 pm)

NATIONAL DAIRY OPEN DAY The National Dairy Open Day takes place on July 4th 2017 in Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

For more on these and other events visit the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/news--events/

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS ENERGY IN AGRICULTURE August 22nd, 2017 at 9.00 am in Gurteen Agricultural College, Roscrea, Co Tipperary.

Energy in Agriculture is Ireland’s largest Energy event for the farming community. The inaugural event last year was a huge success with 1500 farmers and 45 exhibitors in attendance.

Energy in Agriculture 2017 will highlight opportunities for farmers with regards to renewable energy and how they can adopt a sustainable approach to their farming processes. The event is Free to attend.

The organisers want everyone who attends to walk away with new knowledge, new contacts and new ideas. New in 2017 are the 1 to 1 Energy Clinics, where you can schedule an appointment to discuss your energy project with an expert.This advisory service is free and can be booked in advance through the Energy in Agriculture website.

Now in its second year, there will be a brand new line up of talks and demos from sustainable energy experts. Due to the high demand last year, there will be one large exhibition area within the college to accommodate more stands, plus plenty of outdoor spaces.

Exhibitors include: LDK Solutions Ltd, Solar Electric, Renewable Gas Forum Ireland, Wood Fuel Quality Assurance, Calor Gas Ireland and NRGE Ltd. More details to be announced.

See www.energyinagriculture.ie Register for the event online at www.energyinagriculture.ie/register

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ZURICH FARM INSURANCE FARMER OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2017 Friday May 26th, Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin The Zurich Farm Insurance Farming Independent Farmer of the Year Awards are all about recognising and rewarding the very best in Irish Farming. The Awards are now in their fourth year and will take place in Dublin’s Ballsbridge Hotel.

There are six categories available to enter as well as a Lifetime achievement and the overall Farmer of the Year 2017. Category winners will each win a €2,000 prize as well as a profile in the Farming Independent and a magnificent trophy.The two category runner ups will also win a prize of €250. The overall all Grand Prix winner will win an additional cash prize of €3,250 and a €750 voucher for Zurich Farm Insurance.

Farmers can nominate themselves or be nominated by any third party (Teagasc Advisor, friend, family member, fellow farmer and so on). It is 100% free to enter.The awards are a joint venture between Alchemy Event Management & Independent News & Media.

Categories: l Sheep Farmer of the Year l Beef Farmer of the Year l Dairy Farmer of the Year l Excellence in Farm Safety l Rising Star l Tillage Farmer of the Year l Lifetime Achievement l Grand Prix

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS Dairy Farmer of the Year Category: Technical ability, innovation, sales and marketing and keeping an eye on the bottom line are key to success in the dairy sector. The winner in this category will demonstrate excellence in all of these areas, delivering a profitable and sustainable business.

Excellence in Farm Safety: The criteria for entry are; Existence of an appropriate Farm Safety Statement or completed Farm Safety Code of Practice Risk Assessment and a safely run farm with entries required to set out how they manage safety on their farm in relation to the judging criteria which includes: Condition and maintenance of all tractors and machinery of the farm, safety in carrying out repair work on the farm, management of family and public safety, among other requirements.

The Awards are sponsored by: Zurich, Farming Independent, ICMSA, Teagasc and Health and Safety Authority.

Go to www.farmeroftheyear.ie for more information on this year’s awards and the various categories.

THIS MONTH’S HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY INSPECTION CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON TRACTORS & MACHINERY The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) began a month long intensive farm inspection campaign early this month.

Approximately 500 inspections were planned with the focus on tractor and machinery safety.

Each year nearly half of all farm deaths, and many more serious accidents, are linked to tractors and machinery. In an effort to

reduce these accidents inspectors are encouraging farmers to plan work and have systems in place that minimise risk particularly during silage harvesting.

Pat Griffin, Senior Inspector with the HSA said that many serious and fatal accidents on farms occur when someone is crushed or struck by machinery. “The movement of machinery, whether in the yard or in a field, can be hazardous and farmers need to be aware of the risks, particularly if there are young children living on or visiting the farm. Incidents of crushing someone against a building, a wall, a gate or of farmers themselves being caught in crush zones are too common.

Crush zones are generally between the tractor and an attachment or machine or indeed within the machine itself. Farmers need to identify these zones and ensure that the risk to themselves or others being crushed is eliminated.”

Guarding of machinery is also an important factor in preventing accidents and Pat Griffin says that unguarded moving parts on a tractor or machine are drawing–in hazards.

“Wherever it is possible to install a guard, on a PTO shaft for example, you are required to do so. It only takes a second to become entangled in an unguarded PTO shaft and the resulting injuries are devastating. Our Inspectors will take enforcement action wherever they find tractors being operated with unguarded PTO shafts.”

For further information on tractor and machinery safety visit www.hsa.ie and download a free leaflet ‘Essential Tractor Safety Checks’.

HEALTHY UDDERS, HEALTHY COWS RYALL O’MAHONY LTD www.ryallomahony.com

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wo new revolutionary products which may help in the control and reduction of Somatic cells in cows have been launched on the market by Ryall O’Mahony Ltd. Both are based on the natural ingredient Allicine, an extract of the garlic bulb. Allicine acts as a natural antibiotic but without the obvious drawbacks. Both are withdrawal free.

The first is available as a tube for use on the infected quarter and when used for 4 consecutive milkings at the earliest sign of sub-clinical mastitis the UDDERCURE tube has been shown to give very positive results.

The ALLICINE bolus is for use on individual cows showing a high Somatic Cell Count and may help in reducing high Cell counts and improve the overall health of the cow.

The UDDERCURE Tube comes in packs of 20 and the ALLICINE Bolus comes in packs of 6 including a free applicator with the first purchase and can be purchased direct from the supplier.

For further details Tel Noel Ryall 021 4634144.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS EU–UK relationship must be commenced early in the negotiating process.

Maintaining access to and the value of the UK Market: The IFA and representatives from the agri-food industry recently retention of free access to and maintenance of the value of the met with the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to put forward the key UK market is of critical importance. issues for the sector arising from Brexit ahead of the crucial EU In addition, disruption to the highly integrated trade flows Summit. Representatives from Food Drink Ireland, Meat Industry between Ireland and Northern Ireland must be minimised. To Ireland and the Irish Dairy Industry Association joined IFA President achieve this, a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Joe Healy in making a strong case for the measures needed by between the EU and UK is required, with the optimum outcome the sector. that the UK remains within the EU Customs Union. The FTA must IFA President Joe Healy said, “Brexit has the potential to have a include the following elements: devastating impact on farming and food. It’s our largest indigenous Both sides must commit to negotiate an ambitious and balanced sector and the UK is our most important market. Our message to agreement that prioritises continued tariff and barrier free trade, the Taoiseach was clear: the sector’s issues have to be at the long-term growth, investment and stability. forefront of what is agreed by the EU leaders next weekend”.

The agreement should take account of the special case of the Mr Philip Carroll, Chairman of MII said that “the food industry island of Ireland, ensuring that the highly integrated supply delegation highlighted the critical importance of business certainty chains can continue to operate with free movement of goods through the negotiation process to a new trading relationship and services. with the UK and therefore the absolute need for a transition In acceding to a FTA with the UK, the EU must ensure that the period. He also outlined the need for the Government to act value of the UK market is not undermined through lower cost immediately on a series of short term measures to ensure that imports, which do not meet the standards required of the EU Irish food exports maintain their market share in the UK while agri–food sector. negotiations are ongoing.”

The delegation put forward a number of short and medium The delegation identified the key priorities for the sector in relation to the EU negotiating mandate for the Brexit negotiations: term measures to support the agri-food sector: The relaxation of state aids restrictions at both farming and Discussions on the future EU-UK trading relationship: In order industry level that impact on the ability of Ireland to address to minimise economic uncertainty and the potential for major economic damage for exposed sectors, discussions on the future critical stabilisation support measures and strategic transformative

AGRI FOOD LEADERS MEET TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY ON BREXIT ISSUES

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS initiatives. “Brexit – the exceptional case for state aid supports for Transitional arrangements the food and drink sector sets out a comprehensive case justifying Transitional arrangements for businesses to plan and prepare for the necessary relaxation in EU state aid restrictions for Ireland in any new FTA arrangements must be put in place, as required. It is the light of the fracture and serious disturbance caused to the critical that companies retain as full access to each other’s markets Irish economy resulting from Brexit; as possible. The transitional arrangements must prioritise: Direct support for farmers through CAP Market Support or l Avoiding tariffs and import quota regimes other measures to be made available in the event of further l Avoiding requirements for new customs procedures (e.g.

Sterling depreciation during exit negotiations. documentation and certification) which would create barriers to An intense and ongoing focus on cost competitiveness led by trade, delays, and increase administrative costs. the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in areas such l Overall, customs procedures must be dealt with as part of the as labour, energy and insurance. first phase of Article 50 negotiations.

The re–introduction of the Employment Subsidy Scheme and the Enterprise Stabilisation measures which were last applied Structural and Adjustment Funding during the financial crisis in 2009-2011; Structural and adjustment funding must be provided by the EU, if l €25 million in funding for market diversification and product required, to the farming and food sectors that are disadvantaged due to changes in the relationship post Brexit between the EU innovation measures, administered by Bord Bia and Enterprise and UK. Ireland; In addition, trade support measures including export This article was originally published on trade financing and export credit guarantees to support the www.ifa.ie/latest-news/ continued development of international export markets; l A substantial increase in resourcing of the international market access unit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; IRELAND STILL ONE OF THE LOWEST l An access to finance package that includes sustainable financing CASH COST PRODUCERS OF MILK via funding from the Irish Strategic Investment Fund and the SBCI; INTERNATIONALLY CAP Budget Post 2020 EU solidarity with farmers requires that there must be no reduction in the CAP budget arising from the UK exit.

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A detailed report and analysis of trends in the competitiveness of the main sectors in Irish agriculture was published by Teagasc recently, as part of an international workshop on measuring international competitiveness and efficiency in agriculture.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

2017 TEAGASC PASTURE PROFIT INDEX

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hen reseeding it is important to use the best varieties available as the swards we sow today are expected to perform for 10 years and maybe even longer. Ensuring you use the top performing varieties and mixtures will give the biggest return over time to your farm. Reseeding is a costly investment and one of the few on-farm investments which can pay for itself in a 2–year period, thus it is worth using the best varieties available.

The two most useful sources of information on grass varieties are the DAFM Recommended List and the Teagasc Pasture Profit Index (PPI) both of which were released a few weeks ago.

The new 2017 Teagasc Pasture Profit Index (PPI), has been released

by Teagasc and DAFM. The PPI quantifies the performance of each variety across the key traits of seasonal DM yield, quality, persistency and silage DM yield. Each variety is then ranked in economic terms, in a similar manner to how the EBI ranks bulls.

Once again this year the “Aber” varieties are topping each category.

Irish seed company, Germinal, have the rights to market Aber varieties in Ireland. A new intermediate tetraploid “AberClyde” is the highest variety overall on the PPI with a value of €206/ha per year. AberMagic retains its position as top intermediate diploid (€199/ha per year). AberGain is the highest performing late tetraploid (€169/ha per year) and AberChoice is the highest performing late diploid (€175/ha per year).

AberGain and AberChoice have remained top varieties in their categories since the PPI was first released and continue to demonstrate excellent performance out on farms. Each of these varieties are demonstrating excellent performance in the quality sub-indices.

AberGain is the highest variety overall for quality on the PPI, while AberChoice is the 2nd best variety overall for quality, and the best diploid variety for quality in 2017.

Higher quality varieties have the potential for supporting higher animal intakes and animal performance resulting in increased sward utilisation which is a proven driver of farm profitability. Each extra tonne of grass utilised at farm level will increase net profit by €160 per ha according to Teagasc.

Varieties with high quality values on the PPI e.g AberGain and AberChoice should dominate your grazing mixtures in 2017.

Barry Bateman, dairy farmer and Dr. Mary McEvoy, Germinal, in a new reseed of AberGain

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS Profitability, costs of production, value of output and some partial production are evident for Irish beef, with costs much lower in regions such as Brazil and Argentina. This could have profound productivity indicators (such as milk yield, stocking density, cereal yield, labour productivity) were examined in this study. The primary implications on the competitiveness of Irish beef on UK markets in a more liberalised trade environment post Brexit”. source of data used was the Farm Accountancy Data Network On the launch of the report, Dr Kevin Hanrahan, Head of the (FADN) published by the European Commission.

The analysis has once again reaffirmed the competitive advantage Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme, said: “This latest research has put in place an important IT infrastructure associated with the Irish dairy farm system in particular. Irish dairy farms continue to exhibit relatively low cash costs of production which will allow annual updating and publication of these important when we compare ourselves against key EU and international competitiveness indicators. In response to changing policy and competitors. Dr Fiona Thorne, Teagasc economist and one of the market conditions, having an up-to-date handle on how we compare co-–authors of the report, said:“For recent years, cash cost in Ireland against our key competitors, is more important than ever”. were one of the lowest amongst the key EU dairy producing The research was funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food regions, at €2.7 per kg of milk solids, which was substantially and the Marine’s Research Stimulus Fund. lower than countries such as the UK, France, the Netherlands, The full report is available at www.teagasc.ie/publications/ Germany and Denmark”. Dr Thorne went on to say, “Our latest This article was originally published on research shows that based on a total cost competitiveness index, www.teagasc.ie/news--events/news/ we are finally beginning to see our total economic costs reduce in an international context, due to increases in scale”.

In relation to the other main sectors in Irish agriculture, by using profitability as a leading indicator of competitive performance, Dr Thorne said: “The inter-EU analysis carried out has illustrated the importance of decoupled payments for Irish farmers, with the beef and sheep sectors in particular exhibiting higher cash costs as a percent of market based output compared to key EU counterparts.”

Anne Kinsella, Teagasc and co-author of the report said: “One of the implications of the current study is the potential hard hitting impact Brexit could have for Irish beef farms. The current study has shown that relatively high cash and total economic costs of

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

“86% OF COWS CALVED IN JUST OVER 4 WEEKS AND PREDOMINANTLY UNASSISTED CALVINGS” I chose the system as I felt it was more consistent and reliable than other methods available.”

The system works by monitoring water flow to the herd and recalibrates for changes in consumption, so on a wet day the cows still get their required dose.After inputting exact cow numbers and dosage rates the system delivers the Magnesium, Minerals or Bloat automatically, ensuring accuracy and consistency while eliminating waste. The controller can be fitted into most water systems. Terra Liquid Minerals analyze the herds’ requirements and can tailor make their minerals to individual oin Toohey, with his wife Collette, farm just outside the “ancestral farms, ensuring exact deficiencies are targeted. home” of Barrack Obama, in Moneygal. He milks 120 cows of Eoin went on to say,“I have noticed a definite improvement in the varying genetics.“I pick bulls to make my system better,” Eoin explained.

“I concentrate on fertility and milk solids with an average EBI of 112, herd, having no retained cleanings in 2017. I saw the same pattern achieving 510kg of milk solids sold per cow last year. in 2016 and noticed after metri-checking the herd I had a very small “We feed anywhere from 700kg - 1,000kg-plus with an 18% nut in number of ‘dirty cows’, with less veterinary costs. This has led to a Spring and about 30t of straight barley throughout the year for energy tighter calving pattern and an increase in my production curve in as we have walks of up to 1,200m on the farm. Compact calving is February over previous years. Feeding Terra Liquid’s high zinc mineral very important to achieving high milk solids and utilising my grass. mix has led to a big improvement in lameness, both in overall hoof This year 86% of cows calved in just over 4 weeks, which were health and hardness of the hoof. predominantly unassisted calvings.”

“While I have increased my mineral spend by using Terra Liquid Eoin also focuses on minerals to help him achieve his goals.“We Minerals, I definitely see the benefits in all areas of the milk production have an issue with selenium on the farm, low magnesium and high cycle which has saved me time and money.” molybdenum swards, as well as an Iodine issue, with animals showing up with copper deficiencies. I chose to put in a Terra Liquid Minerals For more information: Web: www.terraliquidminerals.ie Mob: 087 216 5374. Email: sales@tlm.ie System 3 years ago to help me overcome my mineral problems.

E

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FARM FOCUS

DAIRYGOLD MILK QUALITY AWARDS Oliver Looney is farming near Burnfort, a few miles from Mallow on the Cork side.

H

e attended Rockwell College in 1993/4 going on from there to three months on a farm and eighty hours with Teagasc to obtain a Green Cert. Like they say about wine 93/94 seems to have been a good year as a number of students from that class are cropping up here and there as particularly good farmers.

From then, Oliver spent a good few years with the farm relief service (FRS). He then went fencing on his own while helping out on the farm and taking over in 2009.

FARM DETAILS Land Owned Land leased Milking Platform

26ha 14 ha 34ha

Oliver hosted a Teagasc/Dairygold farm walk in 2014 at a time when he had 50 cows and the literature given out on the day had a four year forecast/plan up to 2017. I have reproduced that table to the right as he has met and exceeded most targets.

Lactating cows Milk Production /litres Milk Yield Cow / litres Fat & Protein Kg sold

2014 50

2015 63

2016 75

2017 84

290,000

359,000

420,000

478,0000

5800

5700

5600

5700

22,000

27350

33,000

36,960

Oliver has 86 lactating cows at present. He also added cubicles, slurry storage and a bulk tank as outlined in the plan. The reason for saying this is that it underlines the benefit of a properly thought out plan which must then be well executed over the period of the plan.

Compact Calving: The calving period ran from 22 January to 10th April. 78 cows calved in the first six weeks and 8 in the next six weeks. He is trying to rule out April calving altogether. As he says “the more compact the calving the longer the season of milking”.

Fertility: The Looney herd has been a closed herd for approx. forty years. This means nothing comes in and everything goes out. Also only AI is used in this herd, Friesan for the early calvers and mostly Aberdeen Angus to tidy up. All genomic bulls are used. Emphasis on breeding is high fertility high solids and pedigree. For now he has the volume and the milk fat so the concentration is on fertility. The average age of the herd is four years.

Munster Herd Health: Oliver is a participant in Munster Herd Health which means testing 3 or 4 times per year. No routine vaccinations are carried out and dosing is done when required at housing. He says this is partly because it is a closed herd which has given the herd a chance to build immunity over time.

Milk Quality: Oliver is in the later rounds of the Milk Quality awards which he attributes mainly to routine but thorough cleanliness in the parlour and generally through the farm.

Surplus Stock: The policy is to sell all surplus stock at the back end of the year. No surplus stock are kept over the winter period.As the herd is reasonably well known this is done primarily directly from the yard.

CONCLUSION 18

Oliver is living proof that a farm expansion can take place in a planned way without compromising milk quality or quality of life.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

LAMENESS:PREVENTION IS KEY ameness is a very significant problem in many dairy herds and economic loss due to hoof ailments is often underestimated.The losses in lameness are attributed to the fact that lame cattle eat less, are in pain, lose weight quickly and this usually results in reduced milk production. The additional risk of nutritional deficiency makes lame cattle more susceptible to other infections and fertility problems.

PREVENTION = GETTING THE SUCCESS FACTORS RIGHT 1. Maintain optimum hoof quality: shape and quality of horn.

• Ensure high quality feed and good feed intake. Be aware of the risk periods (before, during and after calving).

• Lift and examine hooves at least three times a year and trim if necessary to maintain correct hoof shape.

• Use footbaths as necessary.

• Breed for hoof health.

• Keep hooves dry as much as possible.

2. Ensure minimal stress on hooves.

• Cows need to lie down for as long as 12-15 hours a day. Spacious, dry and soft lying places ensure maximum lying time. Ensure cubicles are sufficient in number and of adequate size.

• Sheds should be spacious enough to allow good ‘cow flow’ and avoid pushing etc.

• Ensure floor surface is even with good grip. Ensure slats are in good working order, with no excessively wide gaps.

• Manage high-risk locations (e.g. turning points, tracks) and high-risk times such as milking so that cows are not crowded, pushed etc.

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3. Keep environment welfare friendly • Cow accommodation should be clean and dry • Cows constantly standing in slurry cannot avoid lameness. Keep slats, collection yard and roadways as clean as possible 4. Intervene effectively at first signs of lameness • Ensure all farm workers can detect and identify hoof problems at an early stage. Routine checks allow sufficient time for early treatment.

• Treat hoof problems quickly and effectively.Treat each cow individually.

• Get a vet for severe lameness and use a trained hoof pairing expert for herd lameness prevention.

HOOF HYGIENE FOR TODAY & TOMORROW To help farmers maintain optimal hoof health Intracare has developed Intra Hoof-fit Clean & Control. This environmentally safe and antibiotic free product was developed in close collaboration with dairy farmers, veterinary surgeons and cattle specialists. Clean & Control is an exceptional formalin-free disinfectant which is highly effective against micro-organisms that cause infectious hoof problems. It fits perfectly into the hygiene routine of the modern farm making it an ideal preventative tool.The powerful bonding agents within the product allows the product to stay active, even when cattle are walking through manure after application.

Regular hoof care maintenance helps prevent hoof problems from reaching the point where the cow has to be culled. Good animal welfare demands preventive hoof-care treatment, this will lead to more profit and less work on the dairy farm.

The Intra Hoof-Fit Clean & Control range is distributed in Ireland by Agrihealth and available from your local retailer or Co-Op. For more information contact Agrihealth on Tel: 047 71800 or email: info@agrihealth.ie.

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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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DOCK CONTROL

WHAT’S THE BEST WEED CONTROL IN GRASS? Understanding how weeds grow will assist you in their reduction and prevention.

Tim O’ Donovan, Seedtech, Waterford, reports.

T

Plot on left received fluroxypyr in April 2010, plot on right did not. Picture take April 2016, showing weed control effects of grass.

he Broad–leaved dock is considered one of the five most widely distributed non–cultivated plant species in the world and one of the most studied by researchers. It is also amongst the most visible and annoying weeds on Irish dairy and beef farms, and a common reason why people will drop into their local co-op/merchants each spring looking for a weed spray. Google ‘dock control’ and see the multitude of articles, research papers and best practise guides that are tripping over each other to help farmers control this pernicious weed. So why then are docks still a major problem? The answer is a combination of good productive grassland practices and the dock growth habit.

Excavated dock root carcase 18 months after Forefront T application.

Note the crown is totally dead (top 2 pieces), the remaining root cannot regenerate due to a lack of the correct type of meristematic tissue for bud development. around 4? For this answer, the research looked at how the dock plant reproduced itself, what factors favoured its growth and could grassland farmers be ‘helping’ the dock, in any way, proliferate in their fields?

HOW MANY DOCK SEEDS ARE IN SOIL AND HOW LONG DO THEY SURVIVE?

As with many weeds it is a numbers game. Nature produces a lot of potential offspring as it knows the low chances of survival and subsequent reproduction. In typical grassland fields at Johnstown Castle, Dr. Humphreys found 180,000 dock seeds/m2 in the top 15 cm of soil. A far thinking US researcher (Dr Beal) saved soil samples in 1879 and buried them to 50 cm depth in DOCKS AND SLURRY SPREADING Research conducted in Johnstown Castle by Dr. James Humphreys soil. Obviously, the good Dr Beale was not around 80 years later to see that 2% of the dock seeds he buried still germinated after in the early 1990’s, exposed some myths about docks and how they were spreading in grassland. The most common way people all that time. On a more practical note, dock seeds buried for 10 believe docks spread is in slurry and farmyard manure. Here the years suffered no deterioration in their germination capacity (76%). All is not lost however, as it has also been estimated that Teagasc research was conclusive – it demonstrated that dock seeds do not survive being ensiled (due to low ph of silage) and up to 90% of dock seeds are lost because of dispersion, predation, death or decay. that dock seeds produced in May and June are immature and most do not germinate if they fall to the ground. So, May and DOCK GERMINATION AND GROWTH June cut silage is not spreading dock seeds. So why then are REQUIREMENTS silage fields still infested with docks considering the vast majority For a dock seed to germinate, the amount of light reaching the of silage is made in June or earlier, and the typical silage ph is soil surface is the main factor as moisture and temperature are

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DOCK CONTROL usually adequate. It has been proven in docks (and many weed species) that the ratio of far-infra red to near infra-red light is a key trigger to tell a seed to germinate. When sunlight passes through green grass, some of the light spectrum is absorbed by the leaf. What is absorbed is the key wavelength for seedling so that is why docks find it so hard to germinate in grassland.

Valid observations that slurry ‘opens’ grass swards are not the major problem with slurry applications. The main contribution of cattle slurry to dock problems in grassland is in relation to its effect on increased nutrient status of the soil which favours the establishment, competitiveness and survival of the dock seedlings.

During the seedling stage, docks need nitrogen while later on they need potassium as up to 80% of its dry matter is contained in its tap-root. Work done at Johnstown Castle, showed that in a grass sward, the level of potassium may be in over-supply for the needs of the grass thus favouring the higher needs of the dock.

Remember cattle slurry contains higher levels of potassium relative to nitrogen and phosphorous. It is prudent that you maintain soil potassium levels at index 3 (101–150 mg/l) and that you regularly soil sample to ensure you are correctly fertilising your crops.

This strategy will also reduce the competitiveness of docks in your grassland sward and facilitate effective chemical control.

nutrients are actively being transported to new foliage and roots.

If seed stalks are seen on the plant or if the dock has diseased leaves or is under pest attack it is better to cut/top or graze and allow re-growth of the docks before applying chemical.

Do not apply chemicals in a period of drought as the chemical will not be taken up by the plant leaves in sufficient quantities.

Use the highest water rates on the manufacturer’s label for best effects.

SHORT TERM APPROACH Any of the CMPP/Dicamba formulations under can be applied three weeks before cutting. This will give four to six weeks control and may be useful to keep docks out of first cut silage. Remember it’s not the seeds we are worried about here, but the low digestibility of the dock leaves (~ 65% the digestibility of ryegrass silage).

The cost is low but any clover will be eliminated and the grass may be temporarily retarded.

SEASON LONG DOCK CONTROL

Use of herbicides based on aminopyralid, dicamba, triclopyr, fluroxypyr, etc., will give season long control plus a wide range of common grassland weeds. The price range is from €40 – €90/ha depending on the product selected and rate applied.

Some of these products have given longer that one season WHAT’S THE BEST WEED CONTROL IN control in Teagasc trials but product application and timing must GRASS? ANSWER: GRASS This may seem odd but it’s true and is proven in grazing fields be ideal to get this benefit. The more established the dock tap root, every year. Ever wonder why there are significantly less weeds in the more difficult the kill.

“One well timed spray killed the docks outright – they had no taproot developed – and the grass did the rest. What’s the best weed control in grass? Answer: grass!” well managed grazing fields? It’s because of the light issue explained CLOVER–SWARDS previously and the sheer completeness of grass roots. If a weed Where clover is of consequence Eagle or Prospect may be applied. seed is lucky (or unlucky) to receive the correct amount of These products do not harm clover but Prospect may have some sunlight and get a dose of nutrient rich slurry, it then must grow effect on the constituent grasses in the sward. These are best applied on top of a mat of grass roots. Now, if you have badly poached in good growth conditions and will give season long control. grassland, where the competitiveness of the sward is reduced, then weeds can and do proliferate. In my own trials (2010-2016), I managed grassland to stay dock free for 7 years. The picture shows the plots in April 2016. What did I do? – nothing! These plots were in a field that was grazed in February, cut twice for silage in May and July and grazed again in August-October. I did spray the plot in the picture with fluroxypyr in April 2010 when the docks were seedlings. So, one well timed spray killed the docks outright – they had no taproot developed – and the grass did the rest. What’s the best weed control in grass? Answer: grass!

CHEMICAL CONTROL OF DOCKS Weeds with a tap root present two problems; one - they have the capacity to regenerate themselves from root fragments and two – it is difficult to get chemicals to travel the full length of a well-developed tap root. In my experience it is better to try and keep dock numbers low in the period after reseeding than try and treat a problem in an existing grass field. If you have the opportunity, as part of a grassland reseeding program, I think it is wise to spend your money on effective pre-(glyphosate) and post-(many) chemical products and ensure you get their timing and intervals correct. Time and money invested at that stage will pay handsomely over many years in a productive grass sward. In the established sward, best control of docks will be achieved in good growing conditions when docks are actively growing and

Viable dock crown (after excavation), producing new shoots 18 months after chemical application. Compare this to the picture above, where the crown was ‘fried’.

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FARM DESIGN

CATTLE HANDLING SYSTEMS Crush designs are beginning to evolve.The surrounding pens and method of getting animals into race are extremely important, writes Paul Lyons of Bo Steel.

G

Figure 3 – Large handling yard with curved collection pen.

etting cattle to line up and do what you want is never easy.

On our own farm I can remember the dreaded mart or TB test days when you had to try and gather everything into a yard by chasing them several times around a field until either man or beast gave in. Once in the yard, you had to coerce animals into the crush race, then dose, inject or read tags. Finally, you let the wild beasts back into the wilderness. I can remember running through fields, crossing ditches, getting crushed by a reversing cow in a crush, I can also vividly remember a bullock heading down the yard wearing a crush gate! There were days when all went smoothly, cattle were rounded up in calm silence and almost wordlessly walked into the crush. They were the best days and the key to all cattle handling is there somewhere....less stress. When both animal and farmer are the least stressed as possible the best results will come. The key to keeping stress from the animals and yourself is through planning and design. A good handling system will give you confidence to go out and get a job done quickly and will have our animals a lot calmer to deal with. Once upon a time, all sorts of extra help could be drafted in for working with cattle. Once upon a time, there were less animals and you worked more closely with them; unfortunately that time is no more.

SO WHAT IS GOOD DESIGN? What pieces of equipment can help with the job? I have only 6 cows or I have 60 cows. I will try to answer. You may be familiar with two of the greatest minds in relation to stockmanship, Temple Grandin and Bud Williams. Both are based in the US and there are reams of material on the web about methods of reducing stress with animals. You can buy the best crush gate on the market but

24

stockmanship is a skill and like all skills it needs to be honed and improved all the time. Both authors have similar feelings on crush design.

• Cows have wide vision; chutes that have solid walls work best.

• They also react to noise; this should be kept to a minimum.

• You want to make animals do things; correct positioning of yourself and equipment will let them do it for you.

EQUIPMENT Crush designs are beginning to evolve. While the race is important, the surrounding pens and the method of getting animals into the race are actually more important. There are simple head gates, semi automatic head gates and fully automatic head gates, but items such as anti backing bars, head scoops, weighing scales and forcing gates are all vital if you intend to put up a facility with the least amount of labour required. Table 1 lists the general equipment needed for a cattle crush.

Table 1 – Equipment Manual Crush gate Semi Auto Crush gate Fully automatic crush gate Crush crates Weighing scales Anti backing bar Head scoop Post and rail crush Post and panel crush Man escape gate Calving panel

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FARM DESIGN Figure 2 – Basic crush layout

CRUSH DESIGNS Volumes have been written about crush design but I am going to talk about two systems. A decent, well thought out basic crush yard and race and a more elaborate design using curved raced. Figure 2 shows a good basic crush and yard measuring 40ft x 25ft. Here is why it is good:

around all the way to the back of the crush race to move animals while the operator can remain safely behind it. These gates normally have a ratchet system to prevent the gate being driven back against the operator.

• This crush also has a working area operated from any cattle pens.

Once gate A is returned to its closed position near gate B, the area is • The yard has 3 pens – front pen for segregating cattle for loading, completely shut off from the rest of the crush. Equipment and doses can be safely left without fear of being knocked over. middle yard, and a back yard for cattle waiting to go up the cute.

Lots of scope for organising cattle before and after going up the chute.

• The drafting gates at the head of the crush race, gates C, D and E • Cattle can be drafted after the chute – in front of the head gate, and can be used to let animals outside the crush, into a waiting trailer or back into the holding pens. there is a triangle with three gates. One gate to let cattle into the middle yard, one to allow them move forward into the loading yard Cattle handling is a wide ranging subject. I've covered some good and one to allow an animal straight out the field if you are finished principles here and showed two decent designs. Ultimately, a couple with them.

“I vividly remember a bullock heading down the yard wearing a crush gate!” of thousand euros can easily be spent on equipment before you even try to put it together in a logical way. It’s best to spend some time on research beforehand to see what you want.

Try to focus more on the design than finding the cheapest equipment.

The few pounds saved is of little use later if you have a set–up that's not working and a danger to animals or yourself.

If you are trying to modify an existing set-up, don't feel restricted Figure 3 (See first page of this article) shows a larger handling just because you think you have to keep it. Don't be afraid to take yard with a curved collection pen and measures 60ft by 25ft. drastic measures to get the right set up. If in doubt seek some professional Its features are: advice.

• Safety – The chute has rails on both sides. Operators can work out on the field side away from cattle in the middle yard if needs be.

There is also a small gate between the back yard and middle yard. It is just big enough for one person; it is easy to move from one yard to the other without opening the large gate. More importantly, an operator can move through it quickly in an emergency.

• Two large pens to have cattle organised for the curved collection pen.

• Once cattle are moved to the collection pen, gate A can revolve

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Paul Lyons is the founder of Bo Steel who specialise in cattle, sheep and equine solutions. Paul.lyons@built2last.ie

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

SEED DIRECT S www.seeddirect.ie

eed Direct have been supplying grass seed to the agricultural trade in the North East since 1959. As we are an independent seed company, we can provide a full range of grass seed varieties for our customers. Seed Direct is the first ever online company which enables farmers to create and purchase their own customised mixtures.

The company provides seed mixtures for all farmers, including those who require a special blend of grasses for a particular use i.e. grazing or forage.As few farmers have the same soil type throughout their farm, we believe it is important to choose the particular grass seed that is most suitable to each soil type.

The website contains the Department of Agriculture help sheet, The company website, www.seeddirect.ie caters for all types of which assists farmers in selecting grasses to form their own mixtures. farming. It is a very user friendly website, which provides both a A full description of the qualities of each grass is also given. The simple and cost effective method of purchasing grass and clover most important characteristics of grass are its palatability, productivity, seed. and digestibility.

ON THE WEBSITE, FARMERS ARE PROVIDED Since the launch of www.seeddirect.ie the first online grass seed WITH THREE DIFFERENT OPTIONS WHEN purchasing website in Ireland, farmers from all over the country PURCHASING SEED: are availing of the opportunity to going online and forming their own special grass seed mixtures.

•Choose a ready made mixture Seed Direct is an established family run business with an excellent •Form your own mixture track record for customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on offering •Choose a straight variety of grass or clover seed a great service at very competive prices and we guarantee prompt delivery. We have never been known to compromise on the quality Ryegrasses and clover seed can be bought separately, by those of our services, and we look forward to providing our customers wishing to top sow their pastures, choosing the types of seed suitable with top class service into the future. to their own farming practice.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

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FOCUS ON MILK RESIDUES

CURRENT FOCUS ON MILK IODINE LEVELS This article will attempt to clarify the effect of different animal management practices on milk iodine levels. By Bernadette O’ Brien and David Gleeson, Teagasc.

IMPORTANCE OF RESIDUES AND SPECIFICALLY IODINE IN DAIRY PRODUCTS Extensive testing of milk is carried out by the dairy industry and regulatory agencies to protect public health and support the export of Irish food abroad. Instances of residues being detected in milk have been reported internationally. This may be largely attributed to the development of more sensitive detection methods that can detect a wide range of residues in milk that were previously unidentified.

Thus, Ireland needs to be very protective of its reputation with regard to the quality of dairy product exports.

The Irish dairy industry produces more than 5.7 billion litres of milk annually from approximately 1.2 million dairy cows and is export orientated with 80% of production destined for international markets, and this is progressively increasing following the abolition of quotas. Of particular significance here is the Irish infant formula export market.

Total Irish infant formula exports were valued at €1.5bn for 2015 and now account for 35% of all dairy exports. Three of the world’s largest producers of infant formula have manufacturing facilities in Ireland, sourcing milk supplies from local dairy farmers through Irish dairy processors.

It is key that the quality of local Irish milk is at a level that is acceptable to use for such a sensitive product, such that import of ingredients does not have to be considered. Credentials around Irish food safety

30

combined with the outdoor grass-based milk production system gives a premium image in the market–place and this has to be maintained. But this is not achieved easily. To protect the export of Irish dairy products, and particularly infant formula, and to reduce the risk of costly product recalls, further focus on iodine residues in milk is needed.

MILK IODINE LEVELS Sources of iodine that have potential to increase milk iodine levels in Ireland have been a concern in recent times. This article will attempt to clarify the effect of different animal management practices on milk iodine levels and focus on appropriate measures for the future.

Iodine is an essential trace element for humans with recommended intake levels of 180-200 μg/day, but it is important to be mindful of tolerable upper limits of iodine intake/day (approximately 600 μg/day), hence the importance of maintaining correct levels in milk and dairy products, including powdered products, where iodine from the milk can be concentrated.

The limit for iodine in milk powder as an ingredient in infant feed formula is 130μg iodine/ 100g powder; the target or preferred limit is 100 μg iodine/ 100g powder. A previous target iodine level in milk was < 250μg iodine/kg milk. This target may need to be reduced in order to achieve the preferred limit in milk powder.A previous measurement of iodine in the Irish spring milk production system was 227μg/kg.

Concentrations of 510 µg/kg and 180 µg/kg were recorded for

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FOCUS ON MILK RESIDUES December and June, respectively. So the specification is currently difficult for Irish manufacturers to meet throughout the entire year. The seasonal milk production system in Ireland may exacerbate the situation further as most cows at specific points in lactation are fed supplementary concentrate meals containing iodine, in addition to the normal teat disinfection which may also include iodine. Iodine supplementations at farm level tend to be used in the expectation of reduced calving difficulties, improved calf health, increasing cow fertility and improved udder health.

FEED SUPPLEMENTATION AND TEAT DISINFECTION AS IODINE SOURCES Traditionally, there were two main mechanisms by which iodine reached the cow’s system, (i) through the cow ingesting relatively high quantities of iodine in concentrate feed and (ii) through disinfection of cow teats with iodine-containing products pre- and/or post-milking.

Currently, relatively high iodine levels are added to feed rations. This may be partly due to past iodine deficiency issues in cows and grass.

In the early 1990s, it was found that some cows from herds not supplemented with iodine were grossly deficient in iodine.

A further report indicated that iodine was subnormal in 97 % of samples of Irish pasture, which represented the complete diet of the dairy cow in Ireland during the summer months. Iodine levels of 0.26 mg/kg DM (+/- 0.18) and 0.27 mg/kg DM (+/- 0.18) were recorded for pasture and silage, respectively. Following these reports, Teagasc (formerly AFT) recommended a supplementation regime.

The recommended level for cows was 12-60 mg of iodine /cow per day. The lower recommended levels (~12 mg of iodine /cow per day) were advised for routine continuous use. The higher recommended levels (~60 mg of iodine /cow per day) were advised for national use in a 5-month mineral programme for dairy cows (1 month prepartum to 5 months post-partum) or as needed for herds of cows at risk of severe deficiency. The recommendations for treating cows

deficient in iodine was up to 5 times higher than that recommended in most other countries. However, this level of supplementation was considered necessary at that time to address the considered risk of iodine deficiency.

Mineral supplementation via the feed was the cheapest and most effective way to ensure an increased iodine status in livestock. These recommendations were made over 20 years ago, when the export of infant formula was not a significant issue. But an important development has occurred in more recent years. Currently, dairy concentrate feeds in Ireland include up to 30 and 35 mg/kg supplementary iodine – typically fed at a rate of 2-3 kg/cow/day in early lactation, this delivers 70-105 mg/cow/day iodine. The limitation of this supplementation method is that when feed levels higher than the planned or expected feeding rate occur (e.g. due to poor weather or grass growth), excessive dietary iodine intake may occur.Also, it is obvious that the interpretation of the above recommendations has become somewhat unclear over time, with the higher recommended iodine levels of supplementation

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FOCUS ON MILK RESIDUES intake by cows of 10-12mg/cow/day. Bulk tank milk from these farms will be analysed for iodine content at regular intervals. Cow fertility and calf health data will also be monitored in parallel.

WHAT CAN A FARMER DO TO AVOID EXCESSIVE IODINE LEVELS IN MILK? A farmer can contribute to maintaining appropriate daily cow intake of iodine by being aware of all the potential iodine sources for the cow. Examples include: (i) pre–milking teat disinfection with iodine should be avoided; (ii) post–milking disinfection with iodine should be avoided unless teats are washed and dried pre-milking; (iii) concentrates should be fed in a way that ensures maximum total not being reserved for herds/cows seriously deficient in iodine, but iodine delivered = 12mg/cow/day; (iv) if adding magnesium chloride to drinking water to prevent grass being used indiscriminately. The recommended levels of iodine tetany, caution should be exercised to ensure that the product purchased supplementation for routine continuous use were in line with the allows a maximum daily intake of 12 mg/cow/day of iodine to the then, and current, internationally recommended iodine intake for cow (some of these products can result in iodine intakes of up to animals, i.e. 0.5mg/kg dry matter intake or 10-12 mg/cow/day. This is a key point – as it is known that excess iodine intake by cows is just 90mg/cow/day); (v) other products such as boluses, drenches, etc. can be of benefit if excreted into the milk and urine.

A grass diet can supply 1 -16 mg iodine/cow per day. So depending cows are deficient in some important trace elements (including iodine), on the mineral status of the grass, adequate iodine may be supplied but they can seriously impact on milk iodine levels.

Some bolus products can release iodine levels of 54mg/cow/day; to cows on a complete pasture diet. Likewise, teat disinfection

“Total Irish infant formula exports were valued at €1.5bn for 2015 and now account for 35% of all dairy exports”

practises, modified over time, to include pre-milking teat disinfection have potential to increase milk iodine levels considerably. Teat disinfection both pre-and post-milking significantly increases milk iodine concentration compared to a non-iodine teat disinfectant.

Much variation has been observed in research trials investigating the effect of different teat disinfection practices on milk iodine between 1980-2007, but much of it was due to different issues such as iodine strength which varied between 0.1 to 0.8%, also formulation, analytical methods, housing conditions and dipping versus spraying.

However, pre-milking disinfection can pose a very substantial risk, as it is dependent on the degree of iodine removal from the teats prior to cluster attachment.

TEAGASC INVESTIGATION OF DIFFERENT METHODS FOR IODINE DELIVERY TO COWS While the two methods of iodine intake by cows mentioned above, concentrate feed supplementation and teat disinfectant are the most usual, other methods are available and may be more consistent and/or easier to control, e.g. adding iodine through the drinking water.

This system is designed to deliver a consistent level of iodine to the cow each day (12mg iodine per day) irrespective of the volume of water used by the cow (as addition of iodine to the water is dependent on the water volume used). This system has now been applied on a number of Teagasc farms.

Teagasc are currently examining all methods of iodine delivery on their farms, with the objective of streamlining the delivery of iodine to cows at the required level in a consistent manner. The study encompasses control and monitoring of iodine inputs on the research farms to ensure the recommended iodine

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multi vitamin drenches used once off during the breeding season can contribute up to 75mg/cow, and mineral licks can contribute up to 40mg/cow/day.

It is important to establish the iodine status of the herd - is the herd deficient or not.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVE There are a number of aspects to focus on for the future, such as (i) iodine supplementation of cows needs to be conducted on a proven necessity basis; (ii) it may be prudent to maintain systematic general monitoring of iodine content in cow milk with routine feedback to the agribusiness, including feed manufacturers and the veterinary profession; (iii) it may be prudent to examine the iodine status of specific Irish herds where there is a suspicion of low iodine levels; (iv) feed compounders and dairy farmers should re-focus towards the iodine requirement of the animal and provide iodine supplementation with reference to this value (rather than the animal ingesting and subsequently excreting high iodine levels, (v) all interested groups should keep abreast of new approaches to and monitoring of consistent and adequate methods of supply of iodine to cows.

The positive position is that the contribution of the major components to increased milk iodine concentrations is largely known, the remaining step is to control the input of these components.

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MAKING GOOD SILAGE

SILAGE MAKING IN IRELAND – ARE WE STUCK IN GEAR? The principal reason for poor quality silage is delayed cutting date, writes Joe Patton, Teagasc.

Dairy heifers and young cattle need high DMD silage to meet growth targets in the first winter

INTRODUCTION The silage making season could almost be considered as the biggest unofficial rural summer festival in Ireland. Every year, thousands of people and tens of € millions worth of equipment are mobilized over a few weeks to harvest over 1 million ha of crop. The cost is estimated at €500 million annually to the livestock industry. High stress levels and great work satisfaction are combined in equal measure for those involved.

In recent years, the technology used for silage harvesting has progressed so far as to be unrecognisable from what was employed through 1980s and early 1990s. Veterans of those campaigns will remember, fondly, cutting with 4ft single chop harvesters, hitching on and off home–made trailers in the driest corner of a field, and teams of older men dutifully tending to the side of the pit with all manner of graips and forks in hand.

It all seems quaint in comparison to the present offering of variable rate precision chop harvesters, global positioning systems, in–line NIR sensors, and advanced swath conditioners.

Table 1. Timeline of silage quality surveys on dairy and beef farms in Ireland, 1970–2013 DM g/kg

pH

DMD g/kg

Cr. Protein g/kg DM

1970–81 (Wheeler et al., 1983) 217

4.3

633

127

1985–88 (Wilson et al., 1990)

197

4.1

652

149

1990–92 (Keating et al., 1993)

221

4.1

670

153

1993–96 (Keating et al., 1997)

224

4.1

672

143

2012–13 (McElhinney et al., 2016) 270

4.2

625

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Source: Padraig O’Kiely, Teagasc workshop on silage quality, Grange, January 2016

SILAGE QUALITY – UNDERLYING REASONS FOR LACK OF PROGRESS

So what is happening on our dairy and beef farms to limit progress on silage quality?

The underlying reason may be be more fundamental than a lack of SILAGE QUALITY TRENDS information on the usual list of technical issues such as cutting date, The upshot of this huge advancement in technology is a capacity fertilizer application rates and sward type. to harvest significantly greater grass tonnage over a shorter time– These are widely reviewed and discussed around this time of year, frame. Allied to improved ryegrass varieties and better soil fertility and the principles are quite well understood in general. Despite this data available, it would be logical to expect a corresponding positive it does seem there is a general apathy towards achieving high feed shift in the feed quality of the national grass silage crop. However a quality levels for grass silage crops. look at the temporal data (Table 1) on dry matter digestibility (DMD) While good preservation characteristics (pH, ammonia, lactic acid and crude protein (CP) for grass silage made in the 1980s compared levels) are widely sought, many silage crops are not managed toward a specific target for feed quality. to today, makes for poor reading indeed.

The key feed quality metric is of course DMD, which essentially There are of course numerous excellent operators who defy the measures the percentage of each feed tonne that is nutritionally trend; however as a cattle industry we continue to make winter feed useful to the animal in terms of energy and protein. It relates very that on average is nutritionally unfit for purpose. Effectively, all the € well to the level of animal performance achieved in lactating, millions invested in technology in recent years has just allowed us to growing and finishing cattle (See example in Table 1). make more bad silage faster.

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MAKING GOOD SILAGE

DMD %

75

70

Harvest date

20 May

2 Jun

15 Jun

28 Jun

by actually expressed a preference for the low grade silage for growing cattle, mostly because it seemed ‘a safer bet’. Until that changes and the true performance value of appropriate DMD silage is re–established, it is certainly unlikely that national average silage quality will improve any time soon.

Silage tDM per ha

4.6

6.0

7.0

7.7

Figure 1. Target DMD for different stock classes

Intake (kg/day)

9.0

8.3

7.6

7.0

Livewt gain (kg/day)

0.83

0.66

0.49

0.31

Table 1. Silage DMD effects on daily gain for yearling beef cattle Silage Quality 65

60

Source, Teagasc Grange

There are well established economically optimum DMD targets for the different stock types (Figure 1.); however on many farms this is deemed of secondary importance to filling the pits and bale stacks with low grade bulk. This philosophy has partly evolved due to an assumption that good yield and high quality are mutually exclusive; they are not. Obliquely, it can be argued that the EU milk quota system contributed to acceptance of low DMD silage on dairy farms as it resulted in lower stocking rates and long winter dry periods for the milking herd; that situation has changed. And for beef systems, the impact was a rapid expansion of suckler cow numbers and with it a common view that higher DMD silage is mostly irrelevant; that ignores the requirements for growing and finishing cattle on these farms.

Finally, a proliferation of commercial pseudo–science and misunderstanding around forage fibre guidelines has served to the dilute the message on DMD as the key driver of animal performance.

I was struck by this during the course of a Teagasc livestock event last year, where we ran a simple demonstration of top notch 80– DMD silage versus some very chewy 62–DMD material. It was really remarkable to observe that the great majority of the hundreds stopping

SILAGE QUALITY– THE KEY TECHNICAL ISSUES Having said all that, it must be recognized that a large number of farms, dairy and beef alike, do succeed in meeting good quality well– preserved silage year–on–year.

These farms tend to succeed in this practice despite varying weather conditions and also manage to have bulk to spare. An interesting point is that while there is no secret to the recipe for making silage at the correct DMD, these farms will work to a well– defined plan.

In simple summary, these plans are designed to deliver a clean– based crop, with high yield DM yield at the correct plant growth stage, and adequate soluble carbohydrate (sugars) to guarantee good preservation. Some of the key points are:

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MAKING GOOD SILAGE Figure 2. Grass growth stage effects on silage DMD

• A common misconception is that improving silage quality comes at a direct cost to DM yield. On the contrary, the principal factors that drive yield– soil P&K status, soil pH, reseeded (ryegrass) swards, N application rate– also drive quality because they facilitate cutting of high DM yields before grass heading date.

A key structural weakness in the industry is short–term rental arrangements for silage ground. These make soil improvement and reseeding plans difficult to implement. Long term leasing of silage cutting areas should be sought.

• Later cutting may be planned for some farms particularly if closing date was delayed this year. Grazing a second time will postpone DMD decline to some degree.

• Target silage DMD varies with type of stock to be fed. This will vary from farm to farm so a simple plan should be drawn up to outline stock numbers, approximate silage tonnage for each type of stock, and also target quality. A good approach is to first define the highest DMD silage needed, work out the area to be cut to deliver the required tonnage, and manage the remaining area to deliver a standard quality crop.

• Within a given sward, DMD is very much determined by grass growth stage at harvest (Figure2). For higher DMD silage (72+), harvest at or just before seed heads emerge. DMD drops by 1 unit for every 2–3 days delay after that, depending on weather and sward conditions. If the crop lodges or there is dead material at the base, DMD generally drops a further 3–4 units. Swards with elongated seed heads and visible hard nodes are not suitable for milking cows or growing/finishing cattle (Figure 2)

However it is important to understand that while delaying the first cut well beyond (more than 1 week) grass heading date appears to put bulk in the pit, losses in digestibility means that total feed available to the animal is not increasing, or perhaps even declining (Figure 3).

It also slows grass recovery rate and reduces second cut yield such that total yield of digestible feed per ha is lower.

Figure 3. Cutting date effects on DM and total digestible DM yield in grass silage swards

• For spring calving dairy herds, silage for dry cows should be 69– 70% DMD; otherwise it will be more expensive to reach BCS targets next winter.

The scope for delaying silage cutting date is therefore quite limited. Silage fed to milking cows (75+ DMD) and youngstock (72+

“As a cattle industry we continue to make winter feed that on average is nutritionally unfit for purpose” DMD needs higher DMD and should be harvested at an earlier • For areas that were grazed twice, is there merit in delaying first growth stage. Budget how much of this material is needed (equivalent cut to allow these to ‘catch up’? Evidence from research at Teagasc to 3 bales per cow for spring/autumn feeding, plus 3 bales per replacement Grange (Figure 4) shows that the gap in yield between areas grazed heifer). For spring calving herds, taking out a small percentage of twice versus once is maintained or even increases through early first cut as bales 7–10 days early helps meet this budget.

June. Crop DMD will have declined too far on the main area by the time these sections are ready for cutting. A better option may be to • For beef systems, dry suckler cows can be adequately fed on silage manage this area separately, baling out early at lower yield to provide at 66–67% DMD, however the target for calved sucklers, growing and high DMD material. finishing stock is 72% plus.There is considerable variation in relative stock numbers from farm to farm so budget on a case–by–case basis.A simple Figure 4. Silage DM yield for swards grazed once or twice in spring rule of thumb is 1.8 high quality silage bales per month for every calved suckler or finishing animal over the winter, or 1.2 bales per weanling/growing animal.

Table 2. Wilting duration and swath effects on sward dry matter content.

DM% of crop 6 metres per row 3 metres per row Tedded Out

36

0 17 17 17

Wilting Hours 24 48 19 23 23 31 30 50

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MAKING GOOD SILAGE • A guideline for fertilizer N is that grass uses up 2 units of N (2.5kg) per day on average. Fertilizer should be applied approximately 50 days before planned cutting date. Sticking rigidly to this interval could mean very late first cuts on some farms. However, the crop may still be harvested sooner depending on nitrate and sugar levels.

If weather conditions are otherwise suitable, it is advisable to test the grass crop rather than delaying cutting based solely on the ‘2– unit rule’. Wilting to >28% DM is a very effective aid to preservation if nitrate readings are high.

Photo 1. Nodes on ryegrass stem - silage DMD from this crop will be unsuitable for milking cows and growing cattle

• Grass sugars content is more critical to good preservation than nitrate readings. Add a sugar source (e.g. molasses) if the opportunity for cutting is there but Brix (sugar) readings are low. Under good ensiling conditions, there is no clear benefit to using additives. Adding inoculants (bacteria, enzymes) will not significantly improve feed value if the standing grass crop is of poor quality.

• Where wilting is needed, reaching the target DM of 28–32% is a function of swath type and duration of drying (Table 2). Dry matter will not increase sufficiently in large rows, even if left for 48 hours.

On the other hand, grass tedded out and left for >36 hours in good conditions may become be too dry for pit silage (>40%).

CONCLUSIONS Despite some excellent field research and a widespread under– standing of main contributing factors, grass silage quality in Ireland has changed little since the 1970s.

As an industry, our average winter feed is nutritionally inadequate for animal maintenance, even for dry suckler cows. It is adding significant cost to our cattle and dairy systems both as increased feeding cost and lost productivity.

The principal reason for poor DMD silage is delayed cutting date.

This is directly driven by numerous technical issues, but apathy towards the requirements for quality forage is an important under– lying cause.

There are many farms achieving excellent silage yield and quality results through cost–effective management practices; their example should be highlighted to the wider industry.

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

SAVE ON FERTILISER:ESTABLISH WHITE CLOVER ON GRASSLAND FARMS Recent research at Teagasc has shown increases in animal performance and milk solids production increased by between 40 to 65 kg milk solids/cow/yr, which can result in additional milk revenue of up to €180 euro/cow/yr. Michael Egan, Teagasc, reports.

milk revenue of up to €180 euro/cow/yr. The 15% increase in • White clover establishment requires high soil fertility; P and K animal performance is particularly in the second half of the lactation when sward clover content is at its greatest. Clover index of ≥ 3 and soil pH ≥ 6.3 growth is very seasonal, and therefore its contribution to sward • Over–sowing can be a less expensive method of establishing herbage mass varies across the year. It is lowest in spring, white clover but requires excellent grazing management and peaking in late summer and declining during autumn. When suitable climate conditions included in grass swards it has been shown to increase overall • Pre–grazing covers to be kept <1200 kg DM/ha and post– herbage production by between 900 to 1500 kg DM/ha. As a grazing sward height < 4cm result of the increase in farm performance there has been an increased interest in incorporating clover into the grazing INTRODUCTION system, the question then arises; how do you get clover into your The benefit of white clover in grassland in terms of savings in swards.

Direct reseeding is a very successful method; however nitrogen fertiliser and increased animal performance has this will take a number of years to establish clover over the previously been shown at a number of experiments undertaken entire grazing area. A simple and low cost method of introducing at Teagasc Moorepark and Teagasc Clonakility. Currently there is white clover onto your farm is to over–sow the seed into existing increased interest in white clover as the cost of N fertiliser continues to increase, and application rates are limited under the grass swards.

Nitrates Directive. Clover fixes atmospheric N and makes it SOIL FERTILITY available for grass growth. Previous research has shown that Clover will establish and persist only on high fertility soils. clover can contribute up to 100 kg N/ha/yr through N fixation, Rhizobia bacteria that fix N in association with clover are more resulting in significant saving for farmers. White clover, however productive in soils with a pH of greater than 6.3. The phosphorus can also increase both animal and herbage production when (P) content of the soil is also important when establishing a compared to grass only swards. clover sward.

White clover seeds are very small and clover Recent research at Teagasc has shown increases in animal seedlings tend to be relatively fragile. Seedling vigour is favoured performance and milk solids production increased by between by having plenty of P in the vicinity of the establishing seedling.

40 to 65 kg milk solids/cow/yr, which can result in additional

Teagasc Moorepark and Alfie Shaw Photography (http://www.agriimages.co.uk/contact-us.asp).

SUMMARY

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT It is usually recommended that clover seed is broadcast with a fertilizer that contains P fertiliser as this will favour establishment; generally 0–7–30 or 0–10–20 is recommended.

HOW TO ESTABLISH A CLOVER SWARD ON YOUR FARM Clover can be established on your farm using two methods; 1) Direct reseeding, 2) Over–sowing.

1. Direct Reseeding Key steps involved in a full reseed • Analyse a representative sample of soil for P, K and pH; if ploughing take sample subsequent to doing so • Spray off the old pasture with a minimum of 5L per ha of Glyphosate; allow 7 – 10 days after spraying before cultivating

• Best practice to over–sow directly after grazing (≤4 cm post– grazing sward height; Figure 2) or as after cutting the paddock for surplus bales – it is not recommended to over–sow clover into dedicated silage paddocks • A slightly higher seeding rate (3.5 to 5 kg/ha) is recommended for over–sowing compared to a full reseed, to overcome the issues with slugs and a lower germination rate • Sow with a fertilizer that contains P fertiliser as this will favour establishment particularly if soil fertility is poor – 1 bag of 0–7–30 or 0–10–20/acre – If possible reduce N fertiliser post over–sowing • Soil contact post sowing is one of the most crucial factors effecting germination – Roll paddocks post sowing to ensure soil contact – Apply watery slurry (if available) – ideally around 2000 gals/acre • Ideally over–sow on well managed grassland – not suitable on old ‘butty’ swards with a low content of perennial ryegrass – if this is the case a full reseed is best practice

“A simple and low cost method of introducing white clover onto your farm is to over-sow the seed into existing grass swards” • Avoid ploughing too deep (15 cm) as it can reduce soil fertility Table 1: Recommended white clover cultivars to include in • Prepare a fine, firm seedbed and apply lime, phosphate and grazing seed mixes potash as per soil test results • Sow perennial ryegrass (27–34 kg/ha) and white–clover (1 to 2 kg/ha) seed mix • Avoid sowing clover seed too deep as white clover has a poor seed energy reserved – approx. 10 mm • Ideally cover seeds and roll well to ensure good contact between the seed and the soil

2. Over–sowing Over–sowing is a simple and low cost method of introducing white clover onto your farm. Success is very much dependent on weather conditions around sowing; therefore there is a certain amount of risk associated with this approach.

MANAGEMENT OF GRASS–CLOVER SWARDS AFTER OVER–SOWING

Poor establishment results have been obtained where the grass Key steps involved with over–sowing white clover; gets too strong after over–sowing. This is the single biggest • When over–sowing, the clover seed can be broadcast onto the reason for failure that lies within the farmer’s control. sward or stitched in using a suitable machine (Einbock Swards need to be grazed tight after over–sowing white clover. pneumatic seeder; Figure 1) The single most important recommendation, is tight grazing for Figure 1 - Einbock pneumatic seeder

Figure 2 - Post grazing sward height (< 4cm)

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GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

the first 3 grazings post sowing, both for direct reseeding and Table 2: List of herbicides in established swards over–sowing, keeping pre–grazing herbage mass <1200 kg DM and new leys and grazing swards to <4 cm. By doing this it allows light to penetrate to the base of the sward which is essential for clover establishment. Soil moisture conditions have a major influence on the success of over–sowing.

In general, highest rates of rainfall are recorded during the winter and lowest rainfall during May, June and July. To improve the chances of success on drier soils it is recommended that over–sowing is carried out in late April or early May. Ideal circumstances would be paddocks where surplus grass is removed as baled silage.

Weed control is an essential element in both direct reseeding and over–sowing. Weeds in new reseeds are best controlled when grass is at the 2–3 leaf stage.

CONCLUSION Docks and chickweed are two of the most critical weeds to White clover can play a significant role in increasing animal control in new reseeds; it is important to control these at the performance (+40 kg milk solids/cow) and herbage production seedling stage, by applying the herbicide before the first grazing. (+900 kg DM/ha) and a potential reduction in chemical N fertiliser.

When clover is included in the swards, it is important to use a To avail of this potential benefit white clover can be established clover safe herbicide (Table 2). by two methods, a full reseed or over–sow. However for either When over–sowing clover into existing grass swards, it may be method to be successful soil fertility must first be increased to better is control more established weeds before over–sowing the index 3 for P and K and a soil pH of 6.3, if soils are suboptimal. clover into the sward. If you are considering this it is important For full reseeding, white clover sowing rate should be 1 to 2 to consider the residue time from application of the spray to kg/ha, it is very important that seed is not buried too deep and a over–sowing the clover, as it can vary from 1 month to 4 months. good soil seed contact is established. In an over–sowing scenario It is important to contact your local advisor or merchant if doing white clover sowing rate should be 3.5 to 5 kg/ha and again this. All pesticides users should comply with the regulations as good soil seed contact is essential. outlined in the Sustainable Use Directive (SUD).

It is best to carry out over–sowing after a tight grazing or a By ensuring the above steps are carried out successfully, clover surplus cut of silage in the months of April to early August to content in the sward can equate to >15% of the sward make up ensure adequate soil temperature for seed germination. the following year. The grazing management in subsequent years Article by Michael Egan, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland is also of critical importance to ensure the persistence of clover Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork in the sward.

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HEIFER REARING PLAN

HEIFER REARING – KEY TARGETS & PLANNING Rearing of replacement heifers requires planning and timing is critical.That plan is set out here by Valerie Hobson Animal Nutritionist, Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.

R

eplacement heifers are the future of every dairy herd. Now that we are in a non–quota era, the long term financial penalties of a poor heifer rearing programme are crippling. The net cost of rearing a replacement heifer on your farm is estimated by Teagasc to be approximately €1,500 per head. A heifer that calves down at 30 months will cost the farmer an extra €400 per head for that delay of 6 months, these costs spiral out of control when you start looking at multiples so therefore it’s important to keep to a firm plan.

Achieving the target weights at critical stages for each breed during the first two years of life will go a long way to ensuring lower rearing costs and maximising future performance of your replacement heifers.

Figure 1 shows the target weights for a number of breeds, each having a target 30%, 60% and 90% of mature live weight at established intervals.

Figure 1. Target weights for different breeds of replacement heifers at different stages during the rearing period

Dairy farmers aim to calve heifers down at 24 months of age however this target should not be set in stone, it is possible to have them calving down earlier if the heifers are at appropriate weights and body condition at mating.

The target weight at breeding is 55 – 60% of mature weight with a minimum body condition score of 3.25.

THE LONG–TERM BENEFITS OF THESE TARGETS: • More lactations (surviving long enough to become profitable) • Reduced cost of production • Reduced replacement rate – Assuming a 29% replacement rate and 5% calf mortality rate, by reducing the calving age from let’s say 30 months to 24 months you will reduce the number of replacement stock carried on a 100 cow dairy farm by 15 animals.

• Maintain compact calving • Significant better fertility During the life of a heifer, the rumen takes on the role of a power station, gaining energy, proteins and vitamins from feed; therefore special attention should be paid to the positive development of the rumen. This should be accompanied by a significant change in the feeding of the calf: The energy source of milk or milk substitute is exchanged for nutrient input from concentrates and forages. During this time the rumen papillae must develop on the previously smooth rumen wall. The calves organs are growing very quickly in the first 8 – 10 weeks so proper nutrition is vital to avoid unnecessary health issues down the line.

I have included a 6 stage heifer rearing plan below with target weight gains, recommended feeding levels etc.

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HEIFER REARING PLAN

HEIFER REARING PLAN (0 – 24 MONTHS) Stage 1: Young Calf (0 – 3 months) • Ample supply of good quality colostrum (10% of Birthweight) The first 2 hours of a heifer calf’s life can have a big impact on her lifetime production and profitability. Colostrum management and feeding is critical to the success of the heifer rearing plan. Low quality colostrum will leave it much more difficult to manage calves and leave them much more exposed to diseases. Colostrum quality is measured by its IgG (immunoglobulin) content, the higher the better • Avoid rumen upset • Feed quality compound feed (feed efficiency is very high in the young calf with 100 grams of feed giving 50 – 60 grams of growth) • Close observation of calf for 1st few weeks to ensure calf health • Feed high concentrations of milk powder • Ensure there is a proper vaccination program is in place Metabolic programming in calves is promoting high levels of growth in the first 3 months which results in better mammary development, higher milk production and reduced age at first calving.

Stage 2: First grazing (3 – 9 months) • Feed 1 –2 kg of 20% Heifer Rearer ration when grazing high quality grass • Increased feeding rate of ration to 3Kg when grass quality deteriorates • House heifers if grass quality/availability does not support sufficient daily live weight gain The target here is to achieve 40% of the mature weight at 9 months of age; to achieve this target animals need to achieve a daily live weight gain of 0.8Kg.

the key from here on; over the 9 month pregnancy it would be very easy for the heifers' weight gain to go unchecked. It is essential that weights are checked every few months so that the heifer can be brought in on target. Forage quality has a big bearing on growth rates and meal feeding requirements. If you don't measure it, you can't manage it.

Stage 5: Second Grazing

Stage 3: First Housing (9 – 13 months)

• Grass alone will suffice once it is of good quality and in ample supply • If grass supply is in tight supply or quality is poor supplement with some concentrate

• Analyse your silage and other on farm fodder • Balance your on farm fodder accordingly with concentrates • Heifer health is essential at housing time to ensure optimal parasite control etc at housing

Target weight gain during the second grazing period is 0.75kg/ head/day and the heifer should be 80% of mature weight at calving.

The target weight is 50% of the mature weight at 12 months and once again to achieve this target the animal must continue gaining 0.8Kg per day.

Stage 4: Breeding (13 – 15 months) • Ensure the heifers graze very high quality grass • Feed 1– 3 kg/head/day of a 20% Heifer Rearer ration (depending on grass quality & weight of heifers) • It is essential that the heifers are kept on a rising plane of nutrition during the breeding season • Scan heifers at end of breeding season Target weight at end of Stage 4 is 55 – 60% of mature weight and animals must gain approx. 0.85kg/head/day. Constant monitoring is

Stage 6: Second Winter • Analyse your silage and other on farm fodder • Balance your on farm fodder accordingly with concentrates • Important to feed a pre–calver mineral at least 6 weeks pre– calving • Animal health needs close attention at housing – ensure parasite control is optimal (seek veterinary advice) Target weight at calving down is 90% of mature weight and all heifers are a BCS of 3.25 – 3.5.

Starting with healthy calves and following a feeding plan will ensure that cows reach their maximum potential. My mantra is fail to prepare is prepare to fail so maximise your herd production and keep on planning.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

GRASP THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY TO RESEED The current good weather & excellent ground conditions creates a window of opportunity on many farms to pull out a paddock or two for reseeding/overseeding, and addressing head–on the problem of poorly performing paddocks/fields.

To get the most out of a reseed the ENTIRE job needs to be done correctly. Soil fertility needs to be right; apply lime if required; use adequate levels of Roundup; and ‘don’t fall at the last hurdle’ – it is critical to prevent weeds becoming established in the reseeded sward. Monitor weeds and spray with the correct post emergence herbicide, at the correct rate, within a few weeks of sowing. Graze the sward lightly initially. This is especially important where grass has been overseeded or stitched–in.

OVERSEEDING A targeted overseed can very successfully & economically fill in the bare patches in a damaged sward & restore productivity to what basically is a good, sound sward, simply requiring rejuvenation.

Complete reseeding is not warranted in all farm situations. A big SEVERELY POACHED AND WEED–INFESTED advantage of overseeding is its relatively low cost.

Overseeding can be used as a short–term alternative to full FIELDS ARE COSTING YOU MONEY! reseeding. Advances in machinery technology and following best Reseeded pastures are significantly more productive than old practice is leading to a greater level of success, consistently. pastures – typically 15–25% additional productivity, permitting Within our Green Acres range for 2017, we have formulated a higher stocking rates. An extra 2–3 tonnes DM / hectare / year is specialist overseeding blend, RESTORATOR, specifically for this typically yielded from new pastures over what it is possible to task, which is a blend of three proven late heading tetraploid achieve from old pastures.

Equally digestibility of silage can be 2–3 units higher in reseeded grass varieties. A seeding rate of 6–8 kilos per acre is recommended.

The best time for overseeding is late April/early May or mid summer pastures, and is far easier to preserve. FACT: A 1% improvement in sward DMD equates to a 5% improvement in animal performance. after taking a cut of silage/a tight grazing. N.B. The existing grass sward MUST be very short. Following overseeding, ensure the In addition, reseeded swards have excellent growth in early paddock is grazed at light covers for the remainder of the season, spring and late autumn.

“With the current high cost of artificial fertiliser, what farmer can prosper fertilising non-productive and unresponsive swards?”

The top varieties contained in our Green Acres Certified Grass Seed Mixtures are very leafy in mid–summer, when old pastures tend to get stemmy and deteriorate in quality. Reseeding also presents the ideal opportunity to rid fields of weeds and to level badly poached or fields damaged by heavy machinery over recent seasons.

Saving on Meals – good grassland farmers are feeding meals as required to supplement quality grass in order to optimise animal performance – rather than feeding meals to compensate for poor quality grass.

Increased Response to Fertiliser – old pastures can be a whopping 25% lower in nutrient responsiveness than new pastures.

Teagasc research clearly demonstrates that a reseeded pasture is more responsive to Nitrogen – typically + 10kg DM per kg N. With the current high cost of artificial fertiliser, what farmer can prosper fertilising non–productive and unresponsive swards?

We would strongly urge you to grasp the opportunity which the next few weeks presents to make your farm more productive.

Roll after sowing to preserve moisture in the soil. If conditions are dry following sowing apply watery slurry.

Grass is the cheapest feed which you can produce on your farm, and the payback from investing in reseeding is less than 2 years !!!

in order to encourage seedling germination and tillering. It will only be on the third or fourth rotation that the new grass plants will start contributing to the sward.

DON’T LET THIS REAL OPPORTUNITY TO BOOST THE PRODUCTIVITY OF YOUR FARM PASS YOU BY! Judiciously Formulated Mixtures within the Green Acres range include: SWEET BITE – specialist grazing mix GOLD BITE – dual–purpose mix MEGA BITE – intensive silage mix HEAVY GROUND – wet land/reclamation mix SUPER GROW – dual cut & graze mix RESTORATOR – sward rejuvenation overseeding mix Prescription Mixtures made to order.

Michael Slattery, Drummonds: Tel: 041 9838986 Mob: 086 2582003

For advice on any aspect of reseeding/overseeding or for help in identifying your local Green Acres stockist, please contact Drummonds Drogheda on Tel: 041–9838986 or E–mail: info@drummonds.ie.

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HEIFER MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN HEIFER MANAGEMENT Recent Teagasc data shows that 16.5% of Irish cows do not survive beyond the mid-point of their second lactation; consequently, their rearing costs are not fully paid off, writes Emer Kennedy, Teagasc.

I

n seasonal calving systems of milk production replacement heifers should enter the milking herd at 22 to 26 months of age. Data from ICBF indicate that only 59% of heifers are calving at 22 – 26 months old. The top 5% of herds calve 100% of their heifers within the target age range, while farmers in the bottom 5% calve none of their heifers at the correct age. The total costs associated with a replacement heifer from birth to calving is €1,545, this however increases substantially if the heifer enters the milking herd at greater than 26 months of age.

In order to recoup the investment made while rearing a replacement heifer a cow needs to complete 1.63 lactations. Recent Teagasc data shows that 16.5% of Irish cows do not survive beyond the mid-point of their second lactation; consequently, their rearing costs are not fully paid off. Achieving specified targets while rearing replacement heifers is an integral component of the system, especially when aiming to maximise return on investment.

A recent Teagasc Moorepark study has shown that the most profitable replacement heifer rearing systems are those where heifers attain a target bodyweight (BW) which is 60% of mature herd BW at mating start date (MSD). As average daily weight gain during the pre-weaning or milk feeding period affects BW postweaning this may have repercussions on the attainment of target weight at MSD. Therefore, it is critical that farmers aim to achieve target weights at specified time points from the day the heifer calf is born.

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PRE–WEANING NUTRITION Good nutrition is fundamental to animal health, welfare and productivity. As average daily gain (ADG) during the pre-weaning period affects BW post-weaning this may have repercussions on the attainment of target live-weight at MSD. Calf management programmes previously focused on strategies that restrict milk feeding in order to encourage concentrate intake in an effort to accelerate weaning and reduce costs associated with feeding and management. However, many of these programmes have not significantly reduced any of these variables. Research from the US previously stated that manipulation of the nutritional programme of the calf must start immediately after birth and continue for at least 5 weeks and the feed must be liquid to have a positive influence on performance. Calves fed a higher plane of nutrition during the pre–weaning period have previously been shown to have improved growth performance, greater feeding efficiency, reach sexual maturity at a younger age, have more mammary parenchymal tissue and produce more milk as a lactating animal.

TARGET WEIGHTS Bodyweight and body condition score (BCS) are of greater importance at MSD than age, i.e. heifers can be less than 15 months at MSD but should not be greater than 17 months of age.

Recently a Teagasc Moorepark study gathered BW and BCS information at MSD from over eight hundred and seventy

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HEIFER MANAGEMENT RESEARCH Holstein-Friesian (HF) heifers on 48 farms across the country.

It was clear that age (i.e. calving at <24 months) does not affect calving date, survivability or subsequent milk production performance.

Heifers that achieve target weight at MSD were more productive and are more likely to survive to 2nd and 3rd lactation and ultimately result in greater profitability.

Thus, ensuring maiden heifers achieve target weight at MSD is of critical importance. Every heifer rearing program should have a target BW or proportion of mature BW to achieve at MSD. At Moorepark studies have shown that heifers should be mated at 55 to 60% of mature BW and should calve at 85 to 90% of mature BW. A further target of 30% of mature BW at 6 months of age can also be set. Based on this research target BW at four critical periods are outlined in Table 1 for the more popular dairy breeds.

Table 1. BW targets (kg) for maiden heifers at weaning, 6 months, breeding and pre-calving due to differences in weaning BW rather than differences in postweaning BW gain which may lead to differences at MSD. Thus, calves should be weaned at 18% of mature BW.

ACHIEVING TARGET WEIGHTS The weight of replacement heifers needs to be continually monitored from weaning onwards. When heifers are brought back to the yard for dosing every 6 – 8 weeks their size and if possible weight gain should be observed. Some lighter heifers HF = Holstein-Friesian, NZFR = New Zealand Friesian, NR = Norwegian Red, J = Jersey may require concentrate during the summer months to ensure that they maintain similar weight gains to the rest of the herd.

WEAN BY WEIGHT If weanling heifers are below target weight they should be Feed conversion efficiency of younger animals is a lot higher than older animals. Therefore, it is more economically efficient to supplemented with concentrate in early autumn, discovering feed young calves to ensure high rates of weight gain, particularly calves are under target weight at housing is too late. Recent Moorepark experiments show that calves supplemented with during the milk feeding period. concentrate in autumn (September and October) gained 0.20 A recent Moorepark experiment investigated the effect of kg/calf more per day than those not supplemented during the weaning weight on heifer weight gain during the following autumn period. summer months. Obviously, calves weaned at a higher BW will A silage only diet is not suitable for heifers either at or below require a greater number of days drinking milk or milk replacer. target weight over the winter months as weight gains are too Interestingly, calves weaned at 18% of mature BW (100 kg for a

“Thus, ensuring maiden heifers achieve target weight at MSD is of critical importance” heifer with a mature BW of 550 kg) were still heavier than those weaned at <15% of mature BW when they were weighed again at 190 days (approx. 6 months old).

The calves weaned at 18% of mature BW had a greater weight gain from birth to 190 days than the calves weaned at lighter weights.

There was no difference in weight gain from weaning to 190 days of age between treatments, indicating that no compensatory growth occurred and that differences in BW at 190 days were

low. Concentrate will need to be included to ensure heifers achieve target weight at MSD. The quantity of concentrate will depend on heifer BW at housing.

EARLY TURNOUT Regardless of diet offered over the winter weight gains achieved post–turnout are higher than that achieved during the winter.

Heifers should be turned out to grass as soon as possible in spring, as they can gain up to 1 kg/day at grass compared to <0.70 kg/ heifer/day while on their winter diet. Consequently heifers have a greater chance of attaining their target weight with early turnout.

SUMMARY The message gathered from all the evidence is clear, good nutrition is fundamental to animal health, welfare and productivity.

Through correct feeding and continuous monitoring from the day the calf is born target weights can be achieved. Reaching these targets will result in more productive cows when they reach the lactating herd. Furthermore, these animals should last in the herd for greater than two lactations which will result in the initial investment during the rearing phase being recovered, thereby allowing cows to generate a profit for the remainder of her lactations.

Article by Emer Kennedy, Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork

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ANIMAL HEALTH

INFECTIOUS DISEASE: A THREAT TO HERD HEALTH AND FERTILITY Fertility is one of the key areas that must be managed to ensure maximum profitability and productivity in any cattle breeding enterprise. Some infectious agents have the ability to dramatically reduce fertility, according to Joanne Cregg, Ruminant Veterinary Advisor, MSD Animal Health.

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ecent statistics from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation BOVINE VIRAL DIARRHOEA (BVD) (ICBF) show that the national average calving interval for the BVD, a highly infectious viral agent, can have devastating effects if beef herd is down by five days, from 2014 levels, to 407 breeding animals are exposed to the virus around the time of mating or days, while the dairy herd has seen a decrease of four days to 392 during pregnancy. days. However, with a national target of a 365 day calving interval, there is still some room for improvement in the management of Irish Fertility effects cows. A number of important factors affect herd fertility including Early embryonic loss and conception failures are associated with management factors such as genetics, nutrition and BCS management, infection in the days around insemination. Infection in naïve pregnant heat detection and in some cases bull management. However, dams, established toward the end of the first trimester in pregnancy, infectious disease remains a barrier to reproductive performance on may give rise to the development of persistently infected calves in many farms. utero.

Many of these infectious agents can be successfully managed through Occasionally persistently infected animals survive to adult-hood. A improvements in hygiene and biosecurity practices on farm and persistently infected dam will give rise to a PI calf (approx. 10% of through the use of strategic vaccination to improve the immunity PI calves in ROI). Infection can also result in abortions or stillbirth of the breeding herd. later in pregnancy.

Infection occurs in susceptible animals following contact with any of Disease Exposure (unvaccinated herds) % of study herds the secretions from infected animals. Bull fertility may also be adversely BVD 98% affected by infection with this virus.

IBR 80% Transiently infected bulls shed the virus in semen for the duration of Salmonella spp.

49% infection and occasionally testicular infection may persist for life. Bulls Leptospira hardjo 86% shedding virus at the time of service may spread the virus leading to Neospora caninum 19% ‘outbreaks’ of embryonic death, abortion and infertility.

Elevated temperature in the bull during transient infection can also Table 1: Exposure of Irish herds to common infectious negatively impact on semen quality and fertility for up to ten weeks. agents affecting fertility (Moorepark data)

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ANIMAL HEALTH Fertility effects Acute infection with leptospirosis can result in abortion, stillbirths or low birth weight, weak calves. Chronic infections are associated with damage to the reproductive tract of the female and should be considered as a potential cause of poor conception rates.

Chronically infected cows harbour the infective bacteria, known as leptospires, which they shed intermittently, in their urine, milk and also in discharges from the womb. Bulls may shed the bacteria in semen.

Control Control • Continued full participation in the BVD eradication programme, with immediate disposal of PI animals • Maintain high levels of biosecurity to prevent disease entry or further spread • Vaccinate all breeding animals • Monitoring of the herd BVD status is recommended. In a dairy herd, a simple test for antibodies can be performed on bulk milk; in beef herds, unvaccinated juveniles (over 8 months of age) can be blood– tested and samples analysed for BVD antibodies

• Some acute infections may respond to antibiotic therapy. Seek advice from your veterinary practitioner • Control rodent populations • Limit access to areas of stagnant water of areas which flood • Vaccination is key to the control of disease in cattle and also aids in the reduction in risk to people

INFECTIOUS BOVINE RHINOTRACHEITIS (IBR)

IBR is caused by the BHV-1 virus, a member of the Herpesvirus family.

Infection is predominately associated with respiratory disease but fertility problems and abortion are also associated with infection.

LEPTOSPIROSIS Furthermore, a recent UK study examining the effect of subclinical IBR Leptospirosis, caused by infection with bacteria from the Leptospira in a 129 cow herd revealed that IBR carrier cows produced 2.6kg less family, is endemic to the cattle population, with 80% of herds in Ireland milk per day over a two year period when compared to cows that were testing positive for exposure. Cattle infections are commonly associated negative for the virus. with two variations or serovars; Leptospira interrogans serovar Animals that become infected with the virus remain infected for hardjo and Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo. Leptospires can life and may shed virus intermittently but particularly during times also cause disease in humans.The risk of transmission is particularly of stress. high in dairy farmers due to contamination of the farmer with infected urine during milking.The severity of illness in humans varies from mild Fertility effects flu-like signs to potentially fatal complications; for instance, leptospiral • Infection at the time of service may reduce fertility and decrease meningitis. Therefore, all necessary precautions should be taken to conception rates prevent the spread of disease.Wildlife reservoirs of infection, particularly • Infection later in pregnancy can result in stillbirths, abortion, rodents, are important in the maintenance of infection in some herds. mummification and the birth of live calves that die soon after birth

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ANIMAL HEALTH Control

Control

The most suitable control measure for IBR depends on several factors including the level of latent carriers, the environment and herd management.

Speak to your vet about the most suitable control programme for you.

• If IBR is not in a herd then bioexclusion is the goal. Maintenance of a fully closed herd alongside biosecurity to keep out disease would be beneficial in these herds.

• If herd prevalence is low then testing and culling of carriers followed by bioexclusion is an option.

• If herd prevalence is high then a combination of vaccination and bioexclusion is likely to be the most financially feasible option. In low prevalance or negative herds, vaccination can also be used to minimise the threat of virus introduction.

• Test and eliminate infected breeding females. If large proportion of herd is affected then breed affected dairy animals to beef bulls. In particular, avoid sourcing replacements from infected cows • Dispose of aborted foetuses and foetal membranes so that dogs and wildlife do not have access to either • Protect herd from contact with dog faeces • There is currently no vaccine available for cattle to protect against Neospora

DIAGNOSIS

Seek advice from your veterinary practitioner immediately if you suspect infectious disease as a cause of reproductive failure.As many infectious agents are zoonotic, extreme caution should be exercised when SALMONELLA handling any aborted material from cattle.

Salmonella infections in cattle can result in a staggering variety of signs Your veterinary practitioner will be able to advise you on the which can be detrimental to a farming enterprise. In Ireland, exposure diagnostics required and on a suitable quarantine and biosecurity of herds to Salmonella is common. In fact, almost 50% of bulk milk samples regime to deal with the situation. from unvaccinated dairy herds tested positive for antibodies to Salmonella • Submit all aborted foetuses and foetal membrane to the laboratory spp. Disease outbreaks in cattle are predominantly related to infection for further analysis. Weak congenitally affected calves should also be with either of the following two serotypes; Salmonella dublin or Salmonella submitted for postmortem

“A recent UK study examining the effect of subclinical IBR in a 129 cow herd revealed that IBR carrier cows produced 2.6kg less milk per day over a two year period when compared to cows that were negative for the virus” typhimurium. A worrying feature of infection is that many infected animals in a herd may show few or no symptoms but may still act as a source of infection for other animals. Transmission is faecal-oral and carriers may shed bacteria in dung intermittently for their lifetime.

Wildlife reservoirs or carriers may also contribute to the spread of disease. Salmonella infections are also of concern to the general public as many serotypes of this bacteria family are capable of causing serious disease or even death in humans.

Fertility effects Abortion storms occur 4-6 weeks following episodes of salmonellosis.

Control • Avoid faecal oral contact by maintaining strict hygiene practices particularly during the housing period. Feed troughs, stores and drinkers should be protected from wildlife and from faecal contamination • Quarantine suspects and culling of carriers • Vaccination of the whole herd (see vaccination section below)

NEOSPORA Neospora caninum is a very small protozoan parasite with a worldwide distribution. Neospora abortions have been recorded in a wide host range including cattle, sheep and dogs.The dog and other canids (such as foxes) are the main host with cattle acting as incidental hosts.

Neospora eggs are shed in dog faeces and cows become infected on ingestion of those eggs.

Fertility effects • Abortion, between 3 and 9 months of pregnancy (particularly 4–6 months). Cows remain infected for life and can abort repeatedly • Birth of clinically normal but congenitally infected calves.

Congenitally infected heifers may abort in subsequent pregnancies or pass on infection to her calves.

• Still birth or premature calves • Neurological signs in calves: unable to stand or weak

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• Collect blood samples from affected breeding females- any suspect non-pregnant and aborted dams • Bulk tank screening is useful as a monitoring tool for diseases

VACCINATION Due to the ability of some of these agents to cross species and cause serious disease in humans as well as the negative impact of these agents

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ANIMAL HEALTH

on cow productivity and welfare it is important to use all tools available to control infection. Disease prevention without vaccination is not always possible especially with infections like IBR, Leptospirosis, BVD and Salmonella which are very common in the Irish cattle population.The following sections contain further information on some of the vaccines and vaccine combinations that are available from MSD Animal Health. It is prudent to seek advice from a veterinary practitioner who is familiar with your farm before embarking on any vaccinaton regime.

BVD

Shedding of IBR virus after a new infection in groups of naïve cattle vaccinated with live IBR marker vaccine, inactivated IBR marker vaccine and controls (unvaccinated) has also been assessed.

This study revealed that cattle vaccinated with a live IBR marker vaccine shed significantly less virus than cattle vaccinated with an inactivated IBR marker vaccine.

There was a greater reduction in severity of fever and in clinical signs following BHV-1 challenge in animals vaccinated with live IBR marker vaccine compared to those vaccinated with inactivated IBR marker vaccine and controls.

Bovilis BVD is licensed for use in cows and heifers to protect the foetus against transplacental infection with BVD virus. Previously unvaccinated animals require two vaccinations of Bovilis BVD vaccine four weeks apart.Animals previously vaccinated with BVD should receive a single annual booster of Bovilis BVD vaccine at least four weeks prior to mating every year. Leptavoid-H can be administered at the same time as Bovilis BVD to cows and heifers. Bovilis BVD can also be mixed and administered with Bovilis IBR marker live.This conveniently allows 2 ml of the reconstituted vaccine to be administered to cattle as a booster dose to provide both BVD and IBR protection.

Salmonella control on farm can be greatly improved by the use of appropritely timed vaccination.There is currently only one Salmonella vaccine licensed for use in cattle, containing antigens of S. dublin and S. typhimurium.

This vaccine, Bovivac S, is marketed in Ireland by MSD AH and is available from your animal health supplier. The advice of your veterinary practitioner should be sought before implementing a Salmonella control programme.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

NEOSPORA

Vaccination plays an important role in the control of leptospirosis in suckler and dairy herds and will also reduce the risk of infection to dairy farm workers. Leptavoid H is the only vaccine that has proven protection against the two strains of Leptospirosis commonly associated with disease in Ireland. Vaccination should be performed at least two weeks prior to breeding and best results are achieved if animals are vaccinated in advance of the main season of transmission which is spring.A primary vaccination regime consists of two doses of vaccine, with a four-six week interval between injections. Boosters should then be administered annually.

There is currently no licensed vaccine for cattle to protect against Neospora.

SALMONELLA

SUMMARY

• Plan vaccination regimes ahead of the busy breeding season • Use the vaccination calendar available on www.bovilis.ie to schedule automated reminders via text or email to avoid ‘missed’ boosters or incorrect vaccine use.

• Maintain high biosecurity standards to avoid the introduction or spread of disease.

• Make use of licensed, logical vaccine combinations: Bovilis BVD + Leptavoid-H, Bovilis BVD + Bovilis IBR marker live (see vaccination IBR section or links to product SPCs on www.msd-animal-health.ie for Vaccination with Bovilis IBR marker live vaccine is administered biannually, usually one month pre-calving and every six months thereafter. futher information on combinations).

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS BIOCEL INVESTS IN ITS FUTURE Biocel celebrates 50th anniversary with international expansion plans and €1 million

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investment in facilities and technology.

anufacturing company Biocel in Little Island, Cork, is celebrating 50 years in business. As the company looks to the past, it also has a firm eye on the future, in particular, the expansion into international markets in Continental Europe and Asia, adding to its successful Irish and UK portfolio. Biocel has invested more than €1 million to upgrade and develop their onsite facilities and technology.

Founded by brewing chemist and former international racing cyclist Karl McCarthy for the supply of products to the Irish brewing and dairying industries in the 1960’s, the family business has grown to become one of the largest indigenous chemical manufacturing companies in Ireland.

Biocel manufactures a wide range of products and supplies high quality, cost effective and specialist chemical formulations to many industries, including Brewing and Beverage, Distilling, Dairying, Agriculture, Catering and Food Processing, Laundries, Construction, Water Treatment, and Pharmaceutical. Clients include Diageo, Irish Distillers Pernod-Ricard, Dairygold and public Sector Hospitals and many others. The Research and Development team at Biocel specialise in the formulation of products to customer's specific needs.

The company has a strong heritage, and is a leader in the area of product development, technical service, engineering back up, and customer care, including speed of delivery and emergency response.

Commenting Dr. Karl McCarthy from Biocel said, “As we celebrate this important milestone, we also have a firm eye on future growth to

ensure another successful 50 years in business. We have invested significantly in upgrading our facilities and technology to ensure that we remain an industry leader and continue to generate new capabilities for the future challenges facing our customers. It has taken many years to build the skills and infrastructure to become a trusted supplier to many of Ireland's and the UK's leading producers and we now look forward to expanding into overseas markets in Continental Europe and Asia.” From its humble beginnings in a single building, Biocel now operates from a complex 22 acre site at Rockgrove Industrial Estate, Little Island, Cork, and was the first in their industry to gain ISO 9000 accreditation.

The site has four manufacturing plants, two laboratories - one for quality control and one for research and development - 12,000 square meters of covered and uncovered storage, and a new water and effluent treatment plant. Biocel delivers products throughout the Island of Ireland using their dedicated fleet of Hazchem compliant vehicles.

HOW DIPETANE WORKS Dipetane uniquely addresses and solves the fundamental problem existing in standard combustion, which is that the valuable carbon remains unburnt. Irish scientists are the first and only scientists worldwide who have discovered how to enable the existing fixed oxygen to gain proper access to burn the valuable carbon much more completely compared to standard combustion.

INJECTOR PROTECTION Dipetane protects costly injectors and valve stems from the EC 90% cut in sulphur, the sulphur had been acting as a lubricant for injectors and valve stems. Dipetane’s more complete combustion of the carbon leaves no hard unburnt carbon grating in the system.

Dipetane’s in-built lubricant greatly increases the protection of injectors and valve stems.

DPF’S-DIESEL PARTICLE FILTERS As mentioned above protecting DPF’s through the use of Dipetane is critical and very cost-effective. Dipetane treated fuel’s unique ability to burn the carbon more completely, compared to all standard fuels means that much less un-burnt carbon enters the DPF and therefore the regeneration occurs less often. In some 6.8 litre engines Dipetane’s use has extended the regeneration from 70 hours out to over 200 hours. This is a substantial fuel saving and protects the DPF from the very high ‘revs involved in the regeneration process.

UP TO 10% FUEL SAVINGS Dipetane’s independent scientific Chassis Dynamometer and Boiler Tests under controlled conditions show up to 10% fuel savings. Mix rate for Dipetane is always 1:200. 1 litre treats 200 litre’s diesel, petrol, kerosene, heavy oil. It does not change the ‘spec of the fuel. It is not an ‘additive’, being 100% hydro-carbon.

For more info see www.dipetane.com

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS EFFECTIVE SOIL NUTRITION FOR SILAGE GROUND M aximising grass silage yields starts in the soil but not all soils have the potential to produce a profitable crop. For this reason, different fields may require different fertiliser strategies according to the soil type and fertility status.

SOIL TEST In order to get the best response to fertiliser, the first step should be to conduct a soil test to establish the fertility status of the silage ground. The results of the soil test should provide information on the soil pH and major plant nutrients, in particular P and K, and allow decisions to be made on an appropriate fertiliser strategy.

TARGET PH 6.3 TO 6.5 Perennial and Italian ryegrass grow best in a pH of 6.3 to 6.5. In situations where pH is lower than the target then it will be necessary to apply lime to correct this. This will release the major soil nutrients N, P and K to the grass plant. It is important to leave at least three months between lime application and closing ground for silage in order to ensure no risk of problems with ensiling.

FERTILISER APPLICATION The target Nitrogen application for silage ground should be approx.

80 to 100 units per acre depending on the age of the sward. Perennial ryegrass dominated swards tend to be more efficient at utilising N and hence the high application rate is more effective on these swards.

As a crop of grass silage will deplete the ground of approximately 4kg P and 25kg K per tonne of grass DM, it is important to apply sufficient P and K on ground for silage. The level of P and K to be applied will be determined from the soil index and the nutrient

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content of any slurry applied. Where ground for silage has been depleted of P and K it is important to put a fertiliser plan in place to restore it back up to Index 3. It is also worth considering Sulphur application on those grounds that need it. Sulphur will improve grass DM yield and quality. NitroFert provide a full range of suitable quality fertilisers for silage ground and will provide any technical advice you may require on this.

Contact NitroFert in New Ross at 051-425169 for more details. Please see our advert on page 25.

Article by Rosalyn Drew of NitroFert Ltd, Tel: 086 049 0739, Email: rosalyndrew@nitrofert.ie

Micheal Crowe, Cappawhite, Co. Tipperary.

Finalist in NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards 2014.

Tipperary Co Op Supplier.

“Since changing to NitroFert fertilisers over 3 years ago, I have seen big improvements in the quality of the sward – my cows are happier and more content due to the palatability of the grass and my indexes are showing a rise in soil fertility.

Another big benefit I find with NitroFert is that the high solubility of the fertiliser means I get a quicker regrowth on the next rotation. I am very happy with this range of fertilisers and will continue using NitroFert into the future.”

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS A

McHALE PRO GLIDE R3100 MOWER t Agritechnica 2015 in Hannover, Germany, McHale launched the McHale Pro Glide Mower Range to the world market.All Mowers are fitted with 3 metre cutter bars with tine conditioners and benefit from a number of novel features which result in better ground following ability and quicker reaction times to changes in ground conditions.As a result McHale have developed unique patented ground adaption technology which deliver 3 dimensional ground contour tracking for its Pro Glide range of rear mowers which allows an arc of movement from left to right and forward and back movement adjusting to changes in the contours of the ground.

James Heanue, Irish Sales Manager for McHale “To maximise the feed value of forage it is important that grass crops are cut when the sugar content is highest, and that the mower leaves clean crop stubble and produces quality forage free from impurities.

I feel the R3100 offers a number of unique features which will deliver better ground following ability and better cut quality.”

PRO GLIDE R3100 REAR MOWER McHale offer farmers and contractors a single rear mower, the Pro Glide R3100, with a cutting width of 3.1 metres.This mower possesses a number of common features which are highlighted below.

The Pro Glide range of rear mowers is fitted with patented ground adaption technology which allows the bed to move back and up if the bed encounters small obstacles.This results in higher mowing speeds being able to be achieved without the interruption of having to reset the break back. If the mower hits an immovable object, it is fitted with mechanical break back which will be triggered.

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CUTTER BAR The 3 metre Pro Glide cutter bar is powered by a heavy duty right angle gearbox which is positioned behind the inner top hat.

The Pro Glide cutter bar has been designed so the rounded low profile front edge lets the fully welded cutter bar glide smoothly over the ground.

The blades are free to spin 360° which makes them self-cleaning and stops them fouling on the knives on neighbouring discs.The knives orbit with a generous overlap, which ensures a clean cut, while also feeding a smooth flow of cut material to the rear of the mower.

CONDITIONER The McHale Pro Glide comes standard with a steel tine conditioner to help you cut and condition the grass as efficiently as possible.The position of the steel tines allow for powerful conditioning which ensure the McHale Pro Glide range can deliver fast uniform wilting leading to a neat fluffy swath. Conditioning speeds can be adjusted between 700 rpm & 1000rpm with the simple pull of a lever.

For more information on the McHale Pro Glide Range or any McHale machine from our product range, visit our website, www.mchale.net.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS AGRIHEALTH – FENCEMAN RANGE FENCEMAN ENERGISERS The Fenceman CP range features the CP900 and CP1900 12v energiser unite. Both have Fenceman’s unique uninterruptible power system giving you piece of mind for all unwanted power events. Should mains power fail the unit will switch to the 12V battery if connected. Once mains power has been restored the unit will automatically return to mains usage and recharge the 12V battery.

In the event that the mains power fails for longer than the life of the 12v battery then the D Cell battery back-up system will automatically take over. This three stage battery warning system in combination with Fenceman’s Constant Power technology ensures a robust and working fence for all scenarios.

SMART Both the CP900 and CP1900 feature light sensors which will switch between high and low output. Night mode will automatically

switch to high power output at night and vice versa for day mode ensuring high power protection at night. Both units also feature a warning should the fence line voltage drop below 2000v.

Fenceman’s Constant power patent ensures the maximum amount of energy is available for each pulse, through the lifetime of the battery.

The Fenceman range has been protecting animals and land for over twenty years and is an Irish owned brand distributed by Agrihealth, Monaghan. The range features a mains, battery and constant power energisers as well as posts, batteries and a wide range of wire, tape and accessories.

The Fenceman range is available from your local Co-Op or agricultural merchant.

For more information contact Agrihealth on 047 71800 or visit www.agrihealth.ie.

HOW FLOGAS SOLVED THE PROBLEM OF INSTANT HOT WATER FOR KILKENNY FARM

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ot only do the Power family have a proud tradition of Kilkenny hurling, with four All–Ireland Hurling Championships under their belt, they’re also well–established dairy farmers in Callan.

On Kilbricken farm, brothers Jim, John and Edmund Power have built up a 1,200 acre mixed enterprise that includes a 400 strong herd of Holstein Friesian dairy cows.

Kilbricken Farm uses large volumes of water to clean its 50–unit rotary milking parlour every evening and its 20,000 litre milk tank every other day.

Back in 2012, the farm’s existing electric hot water heating unit was struggling to reach the required 800C temperature and was taking longer to fill the tank each time. The brothers were on the lookout for a solution when Jim met Flogas Sales Executive Tommy Murray at the Callan Co–op. A free site visit was organised shortly afterwards to demonstrate how a hot water heating system powered by Flogas LPG, was a cost–effective solution for the Power brothers.

THE FLOGAS SOLUTION The Flogas system uses Andrews FastFlo water heaters to produce up to 15 litres of hot water at 37–800C per minute and the auto ignition system eliminates running and storage costs when idle, so the farm only pays for the hot water that’s used.

Not only was the FastFlo heating perfect for the farm’s cleaning duties, it was also ideal for the calving season, as its precise temperature control means that the calves’ milk could be heated up quickly and easily.

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John Power of Kilbricken Farm in Callan cleaning with instant hot water powered by Flogas

THE CHANGE–OVER Due to the size of the rotary milking parlour, Mark Murphy, a Registered Gas Installer from Heat Services Network, installed three cascading 56kW Andrews FASTflo heaters to produce 45 litres of hot water per minute and connected them to a Flogas LPG bulk tank sited nearby. The installation was completed seamlessly, as in most cases Flogas uses existing pipework so no major changes are needed and there’s no disruption to farm activities.

As the Power Brothers will tell you, it has undoubtedly become a winning edition to their farm. Jim Power said, “Not only do we now have instant hot water on demand for a range of activities on our farm, which has made a big difference to our workload, we estimate that we’re saving over 20% on our hot water heating bills as a result.”

For further information visit www.flogas.ie

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS W

NORCAR MINI-LOADERS APPOINT NEW IRISH AGENTS oodpecker Environmental, a family run business providing nationwide service, is 14 years in business this year. Now sole distributors for Schliesing woodchippers, Jo Beau and Greenteeth products throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland, and recently appointed importer and distributor for Norcar Loaders.

Norcar are designed & manufactured in Finland for durability in the toughest of environments, Norcar’s high specification multifunctional miniloaders are recognised as world leaders in their class. They are compact and designed to have as low a centre of gravity as possible, which lowers the risk of tipping over with Norcar mini loaders, even in difficult terrain.They have the driver's seat located at the rear, similar to larger front loaders, which makes them flexible and able to move in confined spaces without having to worry about protruding parts colliding with surrounding obstacles.The driver always has a clear view of the equipment and control of the placement of the front wheels.

The articulated steering's turning angle enables a very tight turning radius, which is a popular feature on all Norcar loaders.The mini loader's low profile front frame and compact lifting boom ensure excellent forward visibility. The machine remains stable even when handling heavy loads since the extension boom is short when retracted. Parallel leveller makes the machine safe and effective when using the pallet forks, as the attachment remains in the correct position, regardless of the boom height. Parallel leveller also provides the loader with greater lifting power this gives a comfortable ride, and an ability to perform tasks with great precision.

The renowned wheeled range and versatile compact track loaders, plus a huge selection of interchangeable attachments, cover a multitude

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of applications for virtually all kinds of jobs and types of environment in the construction, forestry, farming, equestrian, industrial, building, land– scaping and renewable–energies market sectors.

Having recently exhibited at the Irish Forestry,Woodland & Bio Energy Show, Strabally Hall Estate. We are now looking forward to our next trade show Glas in Citywest Thursday 20th July. Then it’s onto the National Ploughing Championships 2017, Screggan,Tullamore, Co Offaly 19th, 20th & 21st September proving to be an interesting and busy one with a record attendance last year of 283,000 over 3 days!!

For further information contact: Woodpecker Environmental Ltd., Glenview, Boranaraltry Lane, Glencullen, Dublin 18.

Tel: +353 1 2950646 Website: www.woodpeckerenv.ie James: +353 87 133 4000, email: james@woodpeckerenv.ie Annmarie: +353 86 818 1636, email: annmarie@woodpeckerenv.ie

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HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY

MORE WORK – MORE RISK With farmers having to do more work than ever, they and farm families are exposed to more risk than ever, particularly from tractors and machinery.

TRACTORS – KEY SAFETY POINTS • Always carry out a visual all round check before getting on the tractor • Carry out daily checks which includes oil, water, diesel, tyres and lights • Have a cab or safety frame to OECD standards • Look for corrosion on frames of older tractors • Ensure that the tractor can be started with the key and that the engine-stop control is effective • Check the mirrors and windows for clear visibility and keep them clean • The vehicle controls should all be clearly marked and in working order • Ensure that the cab floor is kept clear to allow safe use of brakes and clutch here is no doubt that modern agriculture is absolutely reliant • The brakes and hydraulics should be in good working order • Have a properly functioning handbrake on the efficiencies that come with the use of tractors and machinery. They create labour saving efficiencies that are at • Ensure that the power take-off (PTO) is fully guarded the very core of our modern farming system. However, because of • Adjust the seat to suit the driver their large size, weight, speed and immense power, often operated • The hitch points of both tractor and trailer must not be worn in restricted areas, they also create huge risks to the operators and • Do not stand in crush zones between the tractor and other machines • Use the SAFE STOP (Handover) Procedure those who are close by.

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The second farm safety campaign for 2017 by the Health and

TRACTORS AND MACHINERY COLLECTIVELY Safety Authority runs for the month of May and focuses on Tractor ARE THE MAIN CAUSE OF FATAL ACCIDENTS and Machinery Safety as silage harvesting season gets on the way.

IN AGRICULTURE Farmers and contractors must put greater emphasis on the safety Between 2007 and 2016, of the 197 people killed in agriculture 95 have been killed in farm related accidents involving tractors/ vehicles and machinery (16 of them children). In addition to this, every year there are very large numbers of serious injuries involving the use of tractors and machinery resulting in long–term consequences for those involved. These deaths or serious injuries can ruin the lives and the livelihoods of farming families.

of their machines and how they are operated to reduce the level of death and injury in farming. The 3 areas to concentrate on are the Driver, the Machine and the System of Work.

Ensuring the driver is trained, competent and fit for work which includes operators getting adequate rest and nourishment is as important as keeping the machine right.This and giving some thought and planning to your system of work and the particular circumstances of the work

“Machinery accidents can be prevented by keeping the machine in good working order, ensuring you are fully competent to operate the machinery, ensuring safe stopping of the machine, adopting practical & safe working methods and minimising reversing manoeuvres” Good farm management must always include the management of health and safety within the farm business. Machinery accidents can be prevented by keeping the machine in good working order, ensuring you are fully competent to operate the machinery, ensuring safe stopping of the machine, adopting practical & safe working methods and minimising reversing manoeuvres. Simple and low-cost solutions, such as, switching off before checking machinery, proper tyre inflation, keeping windows and mirrors clean, keeping the cab floor clear, identifying & staying out of crush zones, reverse parking safely, can all help to prevent these accidents and serious injuries.

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area will go a long way in preventing death and injury. If filling a silage pit, ensure not to overfill the pit which places operators rolling the pit at serious risk of machinery overturning.

If making bagged silage it is critical that it is safely stacked on curved sides in a pyramid with the bales on the outside of the bottom row chocked to prevent movement. If done correctly it will reduce the risks when drawing bales from the stack. HSA Inspectors will be out on the ground to monitor safety standards and to provide information and advice particularly around tractor and machinery use. Our ultimate goal is to keep you and farm families safe.

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