Issuu

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 1

Farm Business ANIMAL BEDDING WE LOOK AT ALTERNATIVES TO STRAW

ANIMAL HEALTH PROS & CONS OF PRE-MILKING TREATMENT

FINANCIAL ADVICE WINTER CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT

>> SEE PAGE 54

>> SEE PAGE 30

>> SEE PAGE 34

IRISH

Volume 5 Issue 3 Autumn 2018 Edition Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

DAIRYING

FARM DESIGN – HOW TO STAY WITHIN THE LAW

GRASS IS BACK PLAN FOR WINTER

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 2

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:42 Page 3

Farm Business

Foreword/Contents/Credits

IRISH

Features

DAIRYING

Volume 5 Issue 3 Autumn 2018 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

22 COMPARATIVE COSTS OF FEED BY REFERENCE TO UNITS OF ENERGY

Foreword

Know how to compare your feeds properly in this changing market.

24 IDENTIFYING & DEALING WITH STRESS

o far this is one very unusual year. We have gone from rain to snow to drought and this is all before the ploughing match. It has been a tough year and even the most resilient farmers are finding it tough going. With this in mind we have included a long article by a farmer called Joe Leonard, a Nuffield scholar, who has done some excellent work in this area. Dealing with work stress can be very hard and knowing that most farmers experience it at some stage, and hearing their stories can be both a help and a comfort. We also have an article by Tom Fallon on alternatives to straw bedding as it is likely straw will be in short supply. For some this will be new territory so information on costings and how to use properly should be of interest. Paul Lyons of Bo Steel has written a worthwhile article on the history and development of the haybarn. He also outlines the regulations that came in in 2014 and how to stay within the law. With the added expense of extra feed required during the summer, there may be a shortfall of feed during the winter depending on the severity of weather. Philip O’ Connor of IFAC has set out ways to protect cash flow and plan finances. As heifers are your future herd Emer Kennedy has put a schedule in place to protect that future by ensuring that animals hit critical milestones along the way. All farmers are looking for new ways to reduce the incidence of mastitis and lower the somatic cell count. This has encouraged some to pre-treat before milking. David Gleeson of Teagasc has researched this area and the outcomes along the way. Hope you enjoy and gain from this edition…

Stress has many causes from “overwork” and “finances” to “succession”. In the first of a series Joseph Leonard, a Nuffield Scholar, outlines his research in this area.

30 PRE-MILKING TREATMENT TO PREVENT MASTITIS Will pre-milking teat disinfection reduce new mastitis infection rates on Irish dairy herds? By David Gleeson and Bernadette O’ Brien, Teagasc.

34 FINANCIAL PLANNING NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER – THE CASHFLOW CRISIS Look for ways to conserve cash for difficult times, writes Philip O’Connor, B.A.gr.Sc., MBUIS, IFAC Accountants Agri-Support Manager.

38 WINTER FEEDING OPTIONS FOR REPLACEMENT DAIRY HEIFERS In a year of limited silage availability farmers may be forced to try new winter fodder options, writes Emer Kennedy, Teagasc.

44 THE DRY PERIOD IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CURE AND CORRECTION The various techniques and timing of drying off cows has become much more technical in recent years. By MSD Animal Health

50 FARM BUILDINGS – WHERE YOU STAND WITH THE REGULATIONS The humble hay-shed has stood the test of time. However since 2014 new regulations mean it is not as simple as before…writes Paul Lyons.

54 ALTERNATIVES TO STRAW BEDDING In a year where straw is in short supply, it is necessary to look at other ways, writes Tom Fallon, Teagasc.

Until the next time………

66 IF YOU PUT GOOD PEOPLE IN BAD SYSTEMS,YOU GET BAD RESULTS

The Publisher, Irish Farm Business

Many accidents occur due to lack of a system of work or a failure in the system of work, writes Martina Gormley (HSA). Publisher: Denis Lane Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade Main cover photo: Oldrose Herd

Contributors: David Gleeson and Bernadette O’ Brien (Teagasc), Philip O'Connor (IFAC), Emer Kennedy (Teagasc), Jack O’Connor (MSD Animal Health), Paul Lyons (Bo Steel), Tom Fallon (Teagasc), Martina Gormley (Health and Safety Authority), Joseph Leonard, and Siobhán Kavanagh (Teagasc)

Distribution: EM News Newspread Published by: Select Media Ltd, 4-5 Burton Hall Road Sandyford, Dublin 18 Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2018 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.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 4

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 5

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 6

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY PUBLISHES 2017 ANNUAL REPORT The Health and Safety Authority recently published its 2017 Annual Report.The report provides details on a wide range of activities undertaken from business advice and support through to enforcement. Business and enterprise - advice and support: The Authority uses information and advice as a primary method of achieving compliance. It also provides free resources to enable enterprises manage their employees’ safety and health. During 2017 the free online safety tool for small businesses, BeSMART.ie, added a further 8,500 new users. Over 30 industry specific guidance documents were published with approximately 360,000 publications downloaded from the HSA website. Almost 25,000 students at post-primary and further education participated in the ‘Choose Safety’ programme and 17,750 courses were taken on the Authority’s eLearning portal. In anticipation of the UK Exit from the EU in 2019, advice was provided to companies on the implications for chemicals supply chains. Protecting workers and consumers through enforcement: Last year the Authority completed a total of 9,934 inspections and investigations.There were almost 2,000 farm inspections and investigations and over 4,400 carried out in the construction sector. Inspectors issued 512 improvement notices and 547 prohibition notices after serious breaches were found. A total of 21 prosecutions were successfully concluded, resulting in fines of over €2.6m.

As well as protecting workers the Authority plays a key role in protecting consumers.There were 400 market surveillance checks of chemical products on the Irish market, including 200 on detergents to address concerns for consumer safety. Accreditation: The Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) saw increased applications for accreditation in areas that will be affected by the UK exit from the EU.There were 294 site assessment visits completed with 302 decisions taken to maintain and extend accreditation. Also, 21 new applications for accreditation were awarded by the INAB Board. Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD said:“Tragically 47 people lost their lives due to work activity in 2017 with the farming sector yet again recording the highest fatality rate with 24 deaths. I, through my Department, work closely with the HSA and I know the Authority is working with all sectors, including farming, to promote the benefits of strong health and safety practices. This approach achieves positive results in other sectors and while awareness is high in the farming sector there are still far too many accidents occurring. “The best way to prevent accidents is to encourage employers to take their responsibilities seriously and to assist workers in identifying hazards. Whether on a farm, in a factory or on a fishing boat it is the workers and those supervising the work that are best positioned to make the right decisions in relation to safety, health and welfare.” Dr Sharon McGuinness, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority said:“A key part of our remit is to foster a culture of

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 7

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 8

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS prevention, we do this by encouraging employers and employees Event Time: 11am to work together, to take ownership of safety and health in their Venue: Stackallen, Slane, Co. Meath workplaces and achieve positive results. We are also committed to Join Teagasc/Glanbia on Friday, 14th September, as they visit the providing businesses and enterprises with high levels of advice farm of Peter Mongey to learn what skills and knowledge he has and support in areas like accreditation and chemical and product gained from the programme to sustainably and profitably future legislation.This is to enable them to grow their business and proof his dairy farm business. prepare for future impacts such as Brexit. The Teagasc/Glanbia Joint Programme was set up to position dairy farmers in the Glanbia area to take advantage of growth “It is also important for us to balance this support by targeting areas where the risks of accidents or fatalities are high. Last year opportunities that arose post 2015. Other Teagasc/Glanbia End of Programme Farm Walks will be we implemented strong inspection and awareness campaigns. taking place. Check the Events section of the Teagasc website for These campaigns focussed on areas such as safety around vehicles and machinery and health effects arising from stress, poor manual more details. handling and exposure to chemicals.” COLLEGE CAREER AND COURSE OPEN DAY Tom Coughlan, Chairman of the Health and Safety Authority Dates: 4 October - 12 October 2018 said:“Increased economic activity and employment brings new Event Time: TBC challenges. We monitor closely how the work environment is Venue: Agricultural Colleges changing and the effect these changes are having on work-related Teagasc is inviting schools, students, teachers and parents to hazards.Therefore to deliver on our mandate of safe and healthy attend one of these special career events at a college convenient workplaces we focus on emerging and existing risks. In doing this to you. These events provide a unique opportunity to update you we deliver the best outcomes for workers and the enterprises on career opportunities and courses offered in the land based employing them.” sector. To download a copy of the 2017 Annual Report visit 4 October Botanic Gardens http://www.hsa.ie/!544RNJ 4 October Gurteen College

TEAGASC EVENTS: Teagasc/Glanbia End of Programme Farm Walk – Peter Mongey, Co. Meath Date: September 14th 2018

5 October 5 October 10 October 11 October 12 October

Ballyhaise Agricultural College Kildalton Agricultural College Mountbellew Agricultural College Salesian Agricultural College Clonakilty Agricultural College

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 9

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 10

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS Team and look forward to working with the advisors and research colleagues at Teagasc along with dairy farmers and industry partners.” Teagasc has appointed two new Dairy Knowledge Transfer specialists. Martina Gormley will be based at the Teagasc centre in From a farming background in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork with extensive dairy farming experience gathered through years of Athenry and will cover the western region, while Stuart Childs working with the Bride and Blackwater Farm Relief Services, will be located in the southern region and based in Teagasc Stuart Childs qualified with a BAgrSc (Animal Science) from UCD Moorepark in Fermoy. in 2004. He completed a PhD in Animal Science with Teagasc and Martina Gormley comes from a farming background in Tuam, Co. Galway. In 2008, Martina received a BAgrSc (Animal Science) UCD investigating the role of fatty acid nutrition on fertility in cattle under the direction of Professors David Kenny, Joe Sreenan from University College Dublin. Having initially worked in the HerdPlus office with ICBF, Martina joined Teagasc in 2011, initially and Michael Diskin, graduating in 2008. Following nine months in the Animal Biotech Department in Teagasc Moorepark working based in Teagasc, Leitrim as a Walsh fellow student completing a on immune response to mastitis infection, Stuart worked as a research masters on the “effectiveness of discussion groups as an Dairy Advisor in East Limerick based in Kilmallock. He worked extension tool”. Having completed her Masters Programme, with dairy clients and discussion groups in this area. He also Martina joined the Teagasc / Lakeland Dairies joint programme worked as a Dairy Advisor in the Mallow office before moving to where she spent three years working with dairy farmers to the Moorepark office in March 2016 where he has worked to date. improve their technical efficiencies. In September 2016, Martina Speaking following his appointment, Stuart said:“Dairying in took up a new role as Dairy Discussion Group Facilitator on the Ireland is going through considerable growth and this is Teagasc/Aurivo joint programme. producing new challenges for farmers, advisors and researchers. Following her appointment as a Dairy Knowledge Transfer We are currently in the midst of one of the most challenging specialist, Martina Gormley said:“There are many opportunities years experienced by all sectors of agriculture and it is a case of and challenges facing dairying in Ireland.The Teagasc Profit survival at this moment in time, however, farmers and the Monitor demonstrates a big opportunity for farmers to improve agricultural sector are very resilient. While maximising the use of and, or, maintain farm output while reducing costs. Attracting grazed grass will always be to the fore in Ireland, given the labour and people management is an area that poses challenges competitive advantage it offers in terms of production costs, the for dairy farmers at present. Part of my role will involve health benefits associated with grass-fed dairy and the overall improving on-farm labour efficiency and attracting/retaining sustainability of the production system, strategies to better position employees. I am delighted to join the Dairy Knowledge Transfer (continues on page 14)

TEAGASC APPOINT TWO NEW DAIRY SPECIALISTS

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 11

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 12

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

FARM SAFETY – WATCH OUT FOR OVERHEAD ELECTRICITY WIRES WHEN TRANSPORTING HIGH LOADS OF HAY AND STRAW Coming in contact with overhead electricity wires is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. to their assistance were put at risk of electrocution. In a situation like this the advice is to stay in the vehicle and keep others away, and immediately contact ESB Networks on 1850 372 999. In another case a high load of bales being driven on the public road came in direct contact with overhead wires and the trailer went on fire. The driver had just enough time to pull in and un-hitch the burning trailer. Afterwards, all that remained was the burnt-out remains of the trailer. These are very serious near misses and are a timely warning of the very real dangers of coming close to electricity wires. Electricity wires are always live and never safe to approach. Keep clear of electricity wires and remember that electricity can jump gaps. The advice from ESB Networks Public Safety Manager Arthur Byrne is “When loading hay and straw onto a tractor or lorry, the only safe way is ensure that the load is low enough to allow for safe transit, and avoid putting the public at risk. When planning the route with a high load, identify where electricity wires cross the road. Where there is doubt, establish if there is adequate clearance and, if necessary contact ESB Networks. In a field, always stack bales away from overhead wires. NEVER, under any circumstances touch an electricity wire or anything the wire may be in contact with, including any part of tractor/lorry/trailer that may be in contact with live electricity wires.

In an emergency situation contact ESB Networks immediately on Tel: 1850 372 999. Store this number in your phone.

ecent serious incidents have highlighted the importance of ensuring high loads can pass safely beneath overhead electricity wires. Overhead electricity wires are erected with best international clearances to permit the transit of loads safely. However serious problems arise when loads are so high that they physically interfere

There is more information and advice available in the Farm Safely with Electricity Booklet which can be downloaded from www.esbnetworks.ie. Guidelines for safe working near overhead lines in agriculture and the Code of Practice for Avoiding danger from overhead

“Electricity wires are always live and never safe to approach” with live electricity wires. In some cases high loads have pulled electricity lines are other useful publications and are available down wires and poles, often with the driver completely unaware from the HSA (www.hsa/ie ) and ESB Networks websites of the dangers to anyone unlucky enough to be nearby. In other (www.esbnetworks.ie). cases, loads have gone on fire with danger for the driver of the vehicle as well as to nearby property. In recent months there has been a significant increase in the number of incidents involving high loads. In one case a high load of bales pulled down wires which landed on a car with the driver in the car. Electricity wires are always live and, in this case, the driver of the car, or indeed someone coming

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 13

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 14

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS farms to deal with weather shocks such as excessive rain or long dry spells will be necessary. I look forward to working with my advisory and research colleagues, along with dairy farmers and industry partners, to improve the sustainability at every level of all dairy farms in the country.” Dr.Tom O'Dwyer, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc said:“Martina and Stuart are welcome additions to the Dairy KT team and bring valuable experience with them to their new roles. Both will be integral to Teagasc development programmes with industry partners; in the case of Martina with Aurivo and Arrabawn, while Stuart will support the programmes with Dairygold and Kerry Agribusiness. I look forward to working with them in the coming years.” For further information on Teagasc news and upcoming events visit www.teagasc.ie/news--events/.

FMP WELCOMES RETAILER MOVES TO SUPPORT IRISH LIQUID MILK HIT BY DROUGHT CRISIS IFA President, Joe Healy, acknowledged the move by retailer Iceland, to support Irish liquid milk farmers, who are experiencing extreme financial pressure as a result of the extended drought this summer. Healy welcomed the statement by Iceland confirming that they have instructed its milk supplier to pass an extra 2c per litre directly to its liquid milk farmers in Ireland. “The weather has been against dairy farmers over the past 12 months, firstly by the extended wet period and late spring in

2018 and the more recent two month period of drought conditions, which resulted in no grass growth in most dairy regions of Ireland. This has placed extra costs of between €5,000-€10,000/month on the average dairy farmer. Liquid milk farming is a specialised operation which incurs extra costs of feeding, labour management and capital investment. While growth conditions have improved in many parts of the country recently, there is a massive deficit in winter forage supplies which will continue to place a huge financial strain on all 1,800 liquid milk farmers in Ireland.” John Finn, Galway liquid milk producer and National Chairman of the IFA Liquid Milk Committee added,“Irish liquid milk farmers operate on very tight margins in normal weather years with the cost of producing year-round liquid milk recognised as being 40 cent per litre. With the reduced milk price in 2018, liquid milk

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 15

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 16

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS farmers are going to run at a deficit and the extra cost of feeding due to the weather conditions will only exacerbate the situation on farms. There is no scope to absorb a crisis like this and without substantial support from all retailers and milk processors, 2018 will push many of our liquid milk suppliers to breaking point,” John Finn warned. This news article was originally published on www.ifa.ie/latest-news/

NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2018 Taking place September 18th – 20th, Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, the National Ploughing Championships feature: • 1700 Exhibitors • 291,500 Visitors • Over 300 Competitors • Almost 2 million feet of Trade Space • Economic Impact of over €35 million Some exhibitors this year include Calor Gas, Skills for Work,Abbey Machinery Ltd,Agrihealth,Agriking Ltd,Anner Agri Limited, Banagher Precast Concrete, Bo Steel, Bord na Mona, Comfort Slat Mats, Concrete Grooving, Dairymaster, Easy Track, Firebird Heating Solutions, Geoline Ltd, Hi Spec, Irish Rollforming Ltd, JB Tyres, Liscarroll Engineering Ltd, Mullinahone Co-op, SMP Concrete Products, Veon Ltd and many more. How much are the tickets for the event? Adults - €20 (10% discount apply on pre-orders of 1O+ online only). Ticket can be used any of the three days. Senior Citizens - €15 (ID will be required at the gate).Tickets are day specific. Secondary School Students - €15 (rate of €10 applies on preorders of 10+ when purchased through school only).Tickets are day specific. Children under 12 go free once accompanied by an adult. College Students - €20 each, 10% discount when 10 or more are ordered, online only.Tickets can be used any of the three days.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 17

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 18

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS How to purchase tickets for the Event: Fast Track tickets can be purchased before the event online at www.npa.ie or over the phone on 059 86 25125 (please note 10% booking fee applies to tickets purchased over the phone). Fast Track Tickets can be purchased up until Friday 7th September, after which date the NPA cannot guarantee delivery of tickets before the event. Tickets can also be bought on the day of the event at the admission gates. To purchase tickets, view the full list of exhibitors, find visitor information, competitions and to keep up-to-date check www.npa.ie

DAFM ISSUES ADVICE ON USE OF ANTIBIOTICS FOR FOOT BATHING CATTLE In recent times, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, (DAFM) has received queries about the use of soluble antibiotic powders, including erythromycin and lincomycin, in footbaths to treat lameness, mainly caused by digital dermatitis in cows. Bovine lameness can be a serious issue particularly in dairy herds, leading to welfare issues and economic loss, therefore it is essential that lameness is correctly diagnosed and that an effective lameness control programme is implemented by the farmer in conjunction with the herd veterinary practitioner. There are currently no antibiotics licensed in Ireland for use in footbaths however, there are other licensed treatments available. Recent research has shown that the use of antibiotic foot baths only provides short-lived relief for affected cattle, with many cattle remaining acutely or chronically infected. The practice of using antibiotics in foot bathing solutions for cattle is based on their use ‘off-label’ – that is using a product for a purpose for which it is not authorised.The unauthorised use of a veterinary medicine carries a significant risk to public health, due to potential residues in milk or meat in treated animals, contribution to antimicrobial resistance, and possible environmental contamination. Unauthorised use of veterinary medicines in food producing animals poses reputational risks to our agri-food sector. The antibiotics that DAFM has received queries about in relation to foot bathing cattle are among our most critically important antimicrobials. These antimicrobials are of huge importance in treating life-threatening infections in humans. Improved animal health and disease prevention, and using antimicrobials only when necessary in food animals are key steps to reducing the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 19

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 20

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

LAMENESS Lameness is an obvious sign that an animal is experiencing pain and discomfort which must be alleviated by treatment of the disease and therapeutic trimming.

hile there are a wide variety of factors affecting the incidence and severity of lameness, once a cow is lame it will inevitably require some intervention to reduce the negative impact it has on animal health and welfare, productivity and therefore economic return to the farmer. Reducing the duration of lameness is critical for improving cow welfare. A recent survey showed that during winter the prevalence of lameness on dairy farms in the UK is on average 32%. Once a cow has been identified as lame a curative approach is essential which needs to include corrective claw trimming, the use of hoof blocks and the possible provision of analgesia (pain relief).

CLAW TRIMMING The first aim is to remove all excess hoof growth and loose or necrotic (dead) horn tissue without damaging the adjacent healthy tissue, while the second is to adjust weight bearing so that the affected area of the claw is not bearing weight. In many cases of lameness it would seem that corrective trimming alone can provide a sufficient difference in height between the injured claw and the normal one so that weight bearing on the protected area is reduced and recovery of the claw is supported. A review of recent studies by Richard Laven (Massey University Farm services, NZ) in the UK-Vet Livestock Journal reported that even mildly lame cows were “twice as likely to be sound 35 days after treatment if a block was used in conjunction

have advantages and shortfalls according to the situation. Durability varies in excess of 4 weeks for plastic and rubber blocks and down to 10-14 days for EVA foam blocks. Therefore a more durable block should be used to support a more chronic diseased hoof where a longer period of elevation is required. In situations where both claws are compromised or long periods of treatment risk deterioration – a softer block is a more suitable solution. Walkease EVA foam blocks are designed for situations of early detection and lameness intervention. The soft composition of the blocks mean they are comfortable for the cow to walk on, wear down evenly over time and are easily removed. There is no risk of compromising the healthy claw ensuring the cow will recover more quickly, and for the user the immediate benefits is the low cost and the speed and ease of fitting. Dr Neil Chesteron (BVSc, Lameness Expert NZ) advises that “serious cases need a block that lasts for a minimum of three weeks. However, less severe cases do benefit from blocking for 10 days to two weeks”.

PAIN MANAGEMENT It is not just lameness itself which is painful; treatment of claw horn lesions also causes a significant stress and pain reaction in acutely lame cows. A cow in pain will not move much or have an appetite for feed. This will have a direct effect on the recovery period for the lameness issue itself and

“The question should not be whether you should use a block – but is there a reason why you should not” with a therapeutic trim”, so the question should not be whether you should use a block – but is there a reason why you should not?

HOOF BLOCKS A key part of managing the issue of lameness is the use of hoof blocks. Fixing a block under the healthy claw is a wellaccepted strategy to improve mobility and reduce pain during the healing process. Elevating the compromised claw by transferring weight onto a healthy claw instantly helps to alleviate pain, which helps speed the recovery process due to increased mobility and function (a reduction in locomotion score). Key to reducing the requirement of long term treatment and complications of lesion recovery is to identify and treat lame cows early. However the challenge faced by farmers, foot trimmers and veterinarians is to identify which type of hoof block is most suitable to ensure a successful recovery without the risk of compromising the healthy claw. Plastic, rubber, wooden and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam blocks available for use all

also a knock-on effect for other health related issues such a weight loss, milk yield and subsequent lameness in other legs from over-weight bearing. Pain relief during treatment should be focused on in conjunction with trimming and hoof blocks. NSAIDs have been shown to moderate the pain of lameness, but they do not eliminate it. They are best used in conjunction with, not instead of, blocks and should only be used under veterinary advice.

CONCLUSION Lameness and the treatment of lameness are painful for the animal and costly to the farmer and it can only be alleviated and not eliminated. Preventing lameness is by far the most effective method of reducing pain. As well as pain relief, hoof blocks are vital in minimising the pain felt by lame cattle; however they are almost certainly underused and should be considered for use routinely. Walkease EVA blocks are distributed in Ireland by Agrihealth. For more information contact Agrihealth on Tel: 047 7180 or email: enquiries@agrihealth.ie www.agrihealth.ie

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 21

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 22

FEED COSTS COMPARISONS

COMPARATIVE COSTS OF FEED BY UNITS OF ENERGY The Relative Cost of Different Feeds

Know how to compare your feeds properly in this changing market

or many farmers this year is one of forced change in the types of feed used and methods of feeding their animals. For animals the energy content and balance of feed is more important than simply the amount fed. (It is like comparing coal to turf). As the traditional feeds, (silage, hay, straw, barley), are increasing in price it is necessary to look around to see what else is available for sale in the market. With this in mind Teagasc have prepared a useful guide to enable farmers to compare the cost per unit of energy of each feed, rather than making a comparison by weight.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 23

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 24

STRESS MANAGEMENT

IDENTIFYING & DEALING WITH STRESS Stress has many causes from “overwork” and “finances” to “succession”. In the first of a series Joseph Leonard, a Nuffield Scholar, outlines his research in this area.

BACKGROUND

To farm, to be a custodian of a small piece of land for a few short years and to have a connection with 'mother nature' is a pleasure and a privilege that fewer and fewer people have. As a dairy farmer I am fully aware of how lucky I am to have this opportunity. But as a farmer I am also fully aware of how hard a farming life can be at times. Having spent years growing and developing my business I am acutely aware of the stress that can be placed not only on myself but also on my family and work colleagues. My wife and I, along with our four children, live in county Meath on the east coast of Ireland. We are currently running our 500 cow milk production partnership in conjunction with family and outside help. We run a spring calving, grass based production system that aims to maximise the use of our natural competitive advantage that is Ireland’s ability to grow high quality feed (grass) cheaply. Though our business has expanded considerably in the past number of years (we were milking 180 cows in 2007) our focus has always been on developing a simple, easy to manage, sustainable farming system. How to manage stress is a topic I have been interested in for a number of years since my involvement in a project by my discussion group on 'identifying stress triggers on our farms'. This group, the Navan Discussion group, set up in 1993, is made up of 15 predominantly spring calving dairy farmers from counties Meath and Cavan. Over

the years the group’s main focus has been on developing technical and financial efficiencies on farm while, almost inadvertently, providing social and personal support. It was in 2012 when we undertook our project on managing stress that I began to realise the real value of the social and personal support the group provides. This made me aware of the need to get farmers talking and focused on the wider issues beyond farm practices. With the unprecedented changes that are happening within Irish agriculture, especially the dairy industry, I believe there is a fundamental need to look at all aspects of the industry and that critically includes farmer welfare. In Teagasc our national farm research and advisory body, Irish farmers possess a world leading farm support body that provides expert advice on all technical and financial matters. However this only covers two aspects of the needs of modern farming - the final aspect relates to the farmer’s personal welfare needs and that of their family. It is an area that greatly needs highlighting. On a personal level this study has helped me to cope with the continuing challenges of leading my dairy business development through 'post quota' Ireland, whilst gaining an insight into the challenges facing other farmers in similar positions. With my family’s farming expansion plans ongoing we are expecting to double our annual milk output in a short time period. This process has already proved challenging. The physical and technical parts

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 25

STRESS MANAGEMENT

FOCUS ON “NORMAL” STRESS

Stress is our emotional response to an event or situation - how stressed we get depends upon how well we feel we are able to cope with that situation. This leads to us all responding differently to stressful situations. Dorothy Fairburn used a simple analogy in her Nuffield thesis – 'An experienced skier's perception of a steep snow covered mountain is different from that of a novice standing at the top of the same mountain'. Fairburn (1996)

of this expansion were readily enough planned for and implemented. The added stress of managing the extra labour demands and the communication levels needed to keep 'the show on the road' by juggling the requirements of my family, my increased work force and myself proved very tough. Personally, insomnia is my first sign of stress. Despite the physical exhaustion that is normal during the calving season this year I regularly found myself unable to sleep for more than three to four hours a night when, to function properly, I need a good seven to eight hours. I was unable to stop my mind ‘racing’ and to relax due to the stress I was under. I find this physical exhaustion then leads me to be indecisive and to make poorer decisions on the farm. Recognising and acting on the signs that I am under severe strain is something that has taken years for me to get better at.

Factors such as age, experience and position within the management structure of the business and physical and mental strength all have a profound effect on how we as individuals perceive and handle stress. Whilst short term stress can be useful in that the adrenaline 'rush' it gives us can help to escape/solve a problem, prolonged exposure to stress is known to cause adverse medical conditions. The symptoms of prolonged stress, though well known, can vary widely from: • Self-medication with alcohol/drugs;

• Poor/broken relationships;

• Eating/Sleeping disorders;

• Anxiety disorders;

• Physical illness including cardiovascular disorders and certain cancers.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 26

STRESS MANAGEMENT

surmount such problems before they become major life affecting obstacles. Financial hardship due to extreme price volatility or enterprise viability and/ or the effects of climatic conditions are cited in numerous studies as being major contributory factors towards stress in farming. However there is little that we as farmers can do day-today to counter these outside forces as they are outside our ‘circles of influence’. The theory of 'circles of influence' in its simplest form states that we (as farmers) should worry about the things that are within our control or ‘circle of influence’ rather than the things that are beyond our control. For dairy farmers a focus on our basic key performance indicators (KPI's) such as six week calving rate and tons of grass dry matter grown per hectare will be far more beneficial to our financial viability than time spent worrying about things beyond our control such as the weather and milk price. Yet most farmer conversations will focus on the latter especially when times are tough. Resilience and mental strength are valuable attributes to being a farmer. They are the very characteristics that help us deal with the stresses of modern farming in a time of considerable price volatility, increased mechanisation, increased rural isolation and greater regulation. However a more important attribute to success is the ability to admit your mistakes and ask for help when you need it. No truly Stress as an emotional reaction to an external event is neither sectorial nor regionally exclusive rather it is a reaction common to successful person made it on their own, they all did it as part of a everyone. Simplistic as it sounds most stressful situations start out team - as never before us farmers collectively need to recognise with a relatively minor problem that if addressed early and in the ourselves as a team. right way can usually be prevented from ever becoming the major problem that leads to stress/conflict. METHOD By giving young farmers the tools to recognise and deal with This study is built upon research carried out by myself and my these problems early it is hoped that they will be better placed to discussion group, the Navan Discussion Group, which aimed to

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 27

identify controllable stress triggers within our own farms; some of which are referenced further in this paper. This Nuffield study aims to look at some major causes of stress, particularly for young people getting involved in Irish agriculture, and the key findings of this research are laid out in the six interlinked areas listed below. These are laid out in such a way as to provide a linear progression through initially addressing issues from succession to goal setting, to finding support and personal attitudes to self-care and then how industry stakeholders can provide support.

As such this study will look at the issues around;

• Succession and intergenerational relationships;

• Goal setting and clarity of vision;

• Mentoring and team building;

• Self-care and attitudes to health and safety;

• Media coverage;

• Education;

SUCCESSION AND INTERGENERATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Succession planning or rather the lack of it is a major source of stress and uncertainty, not only for younger, but also for older retiring farmers.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

In an interview with Sian Bushell, a farm business consultant and a succession planner who works in the UK and Ireland, she described a number of reasons that can leave both generations feeling overwhelmed and stressed if this process is not tackled correctly and early. Sian believes younger farmers moving into the family business need clarification as to where they stand in terms of succession plans. Who will inherit what if there is more than one sibling, will the farm be split even though the other siblings have no wish to farm? These difficult conversations need to happen early and younger farmers need to have responsibility and feel actively involved in the major decisions on running the farm so as to meet their ambitions. They shouldn’t be left with all the worst/dirtiest jobs just because they are starting out. Nor should they be made to feel guilty by more settled parents because they want time off or a social life. For the older generation, parents are often unwilling or financially unable to let go of the business as they may not have a pension plan. There are also major issues around self-esteem as many farmers define themselves by their work and they see the removal of this as a threat to their personal identity often resulting in feelings of worthlessness. Another area, cited by Sian, as being of great concern to parents is their son/daughter’s choice of partner. There is a strong perception that a marriage breakdown will automatically lead to the farm or part of it being sold. Though this is not necessarily the case, the worry of it happening is enough to stall the transfer of land to the next generation. In some cases transfer is delayed until the death of the father. This inter-generational relationship, be it a son or daughter who is joining the business, is one that always needs to be managed

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 05/09/2018 10:37 Page 28

STRESS MANAGEMENT

carefully. These stresses were highlighted by Larry, a dairy farmer The position of daughters and daughters-in-law in the succession in up-state New York whom we visited. issue tends to be one of second class citizens. According to Sian, the daughter, particularly on Irish farms, is often not considered as Larry, who works alongside his father and his own two sons a candidate to inherit the farm. This is more prevalent on smaller readily discussed the stresses and tensions that the family were farms where attitudes are far less open. Parry et al (2005) found going through. As he explained the situation, he had worked his similar attitudes in the UK; early years under his strong willed father but in general had ‘We came across several examples of daughters who were avoided conflict by allowing his father to dictate the direction the strongly attached to farming and who seemed to be the most farm business would take. Day to day conflict was avoided primarily capable beneficiary, who were excluded from inheritance in because Larry was the stockman and his father was the machinery favour of sons.’ operator, so their routine work was reasonably independent. Once his own two sons joined the business the tensions started to The daughter–in-law often has the hardest position as she tries to surface as the two boys are both strong willed and immediately establish her own identity in an already formed family and business

“The final aspect relates to the farmer’s personal welfare needs and that of their family. It is an area that greatly needs highlighting”

unit while living in close proximity (often even in the same house) to a new mother-in-law. For a family getting the balance right between initially fully accepting the new daughter-in-law into the family unit while at the same time adopting a more cautious approach to integration into the business unit can be very stressful for all involved. The clear advice to help avoid the stress that surrounds succession is to start the conversations early and to involve all relevant parties so that everyone knows exactly what is going to happen to the farm and how the business is going to be divided. Once everything has been established everyone, parents and children, can then plan their own way forward with a clear This is a very clear example of the type of conflict Sian Bushell understanding. Uncertainty breeds anxiety and stress whereas spoke of. Clear communication, establishing everyone’s needs and clarity engenders confidence. ambitions and the involvement of an independent mediator would (To be continued. Next issue's topics include: goal setting, help to considerably reduce the stress that Larry and his family mentoring and self-care). were going through. started to challenge their grandfather, a situation he had never faced before and one that he strongly resisted. The sons also introduced a new robotic milking system and more precision feeding that has replaced Larry’s work and left him feeling superfluous as his daily routine is removed. The result of these changes is that Larry has been left feeling he has no role to play in his own farm, except to act as sole mediator between his sons and their grandfather. This feeling of isolation was only exacerbated by his wife’s refusal to get involved, stating that the farm was ‘nothing to do with her’.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 29

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 30

MASTITIS TREATMENT

PRE-MILKING TREATMENT TO PREVENT MASTITIS Will pre-milking teat disinfection reduce new mastitis infection rates on Irish dairy herds? By David Gleeson and Bernadette O’ Brien, Teagasc.

he teat orifice is an important first line of defence in protecting formula manufacture. But the practice of pre-milking teat disinfection a cow from the invasion of mastitis pathogens into udder (immediately prior to cluster attachment) with other products is being quarters. Colonization of teat skin with bacteria generally adopted on Irish dairy farms, particularly in cow herds where new increases the risk of intra-mammary infection. Previous studies have infection rates are higher than expected. shown that bacterial numbers on teats prior to cluster application FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE may be influenced by the pre-milking teat preparation procedure. MAKING PRE-MILKING TEAT DISINFECTION Studies conducted in the US have shown that pre-dipping with A ROUTINE PRACTICE disinfectant reduces bacterial numbers on teat skin and has been Bacteria type: In a study undertaken to profile the pathogens in shown to be most effective against environmental bacteria such as clinical mastitis cases in Irish milk recording herds, staphylococcus Escherichia coli and Streptococcus uberis. In general, when cows were housed indoors the procedure was found to reduce the incidence was isolated as the predominant pathogen in 23 per cent of samples; but pre-milking teat disinfection is most effective against environmental of new intra-mammary infection (IMI) caused by environmental bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus uberis. pathogens by greater than 50%. Level of infection in the herd: While pre-milking disinfection may Alternatively, the grass based milk production system in Ireland have a benefit in preventing the spread of infection in situations means that mastitis infections caused by contagious rather than environmental pathogens are more prevalent. Staphylococcus aureus where herd infection levels are high, it may have limited benefit (S. aureus) is one of the major and more virulent pathogens that can when milk SCC is <200×103 cells/mL and where there is a high standard of parlour and environment hygiene and post-milking teat cause subclinical mastitis infection on Irish dairy farms. Again, S. disinfection is practised. aureus infection occurrence has been shown to be influenced by Organic material present on teats: Best practice pre-milking disinfection bacterial numbers on the teat end. Previous work showed that a teat cleaning procedure which includes wet cleaning followed by manual procedures identified in the US involves: cleaning teats, fore-stripping, drying with a paper towel results in the lowest bacterial counts. Dipping applying disinfectant product, allowing recommended contact time (30 seconds), drying each teat separately, before attaching clusters to a of teats with an iodine disinfectant post-milking was also shown to reduce the concentration of S. aureus on teat skin. However, the use dry udder. However on Irish farms, pre-milking teat disinfectant is of iodine as a pre-milking disinfectant cannot be recommended due to generally applied directly to teats without prior cleaning, which may the risks of iodine residues in milk and the implications for infant milk impact on the antimicrobial effectiveness of the disinfectant.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 31

The combined median SCC from

MASTITIS TREATMENT

A study was conducted to investigate if teat disinfectant applied to herds A and B for PTD and NPTD treatments differed between cows teats pre-milking would have any additional positive impact sampling days (P<0.001), with (over routine post milking teat disinfection) on new mastitis infections, sample day 5 being significantly when teats were not previously cleaned and the herd SCC was different from all other sample <200×103 cells/mL. days (P<0.05). The highest SCC A split udder design experiment was undertaken on two Teagasc research herds (Herd A, Solohead with 97 cows and Herd B, Kilworth observed at sample day 5 with 166 cows). All cows were spring calving and mean calving date corresponded with an advanced stage of lactation within the milk was 20th of February. Two ready-to-use teat disinfectant products production season. The proportion (recommended by the manufacturers for pre-milking application) of quarters with SCC < 100×103 were applied to cow teats pre-milking (using foaming cups), over a complete lactation. The disinfectant treatment products used on Farms cells/mL were similar across the different disinfectant treatments A and B were Deosan teatfoam (Chlorhexidine, polyhexamethylene within herds and also across herds biguanide, Johnson Diversey) and Supercow teatfoam (Polymoric biguanide hydrochloride/Eucalyptus oil, Milk solutions Ltd,), respectively. for sampling dates 1, 2, 3 and 4 The left front (LF) and right hind (RH) teats of all cows in each herd (Herd A range= 0.77 to 0.90 and Herd B range= 0.81 to 0.92). The received pre-milking teat disinfectant (PTD). The disinfectant was 3 applied to teats when cows were stalled for milking, without any pre- proportion of quarters with SCC > 401×10 cells/mL were also similar (Herd A range =0.05 to 0.07 and Herd B range= 0.02 to 0.07). cleaning of teats. Approximately 30 seconds after disinfection, teats The number of clinical cases observed throughout the lactation were dry wiped using disposable paper towels, before cluster tended to be lower with PTD teats (n=18) compared to NPTD teats attachment. On both farms, the right front (RF) and left hind (LH) teats received no pre-milking teat disinfectant treatment (NPTD) but (n=26). However, the number of sub-clinical cases recorded was did receive a pre-milking cleaning treatment (teats washed and dried higher for PTD quarters (n=18) compared to NPTD quarters (n=14). with paper) if teats had a high hygiene score (> 30 % dirt). The number Therefore, total infections (clinical and sub-clinical) were similar for disinfected (n=36) and non- disinfected teats (n=40). As expected, S. of teats washed and dried per milking occasion was approximately

THE STUDY

“This study showed no benefit in pre-milking teat disinfection from either a milk SCC perspective or a mastitis (clinical or sub-clinical) perspective”

2%. Teat disinfectant was applied post-milking to all four teats using the same products used for pre-milking teat disinfection on the respective farms. A high standard of cow and environmental hygiene was maintained throughout the study. Collecting yards and parlour approach yards were cleaned daily and roadways were maintained in good condition. Cow tails were clipped post calving, during midlactation and in late lactation. Milk liners were changed every 2,000 cow milkings. Measurements: Individual quarter foremilk milk samples were taken in an aseptic manner on 5 occasions during a complete lactation: postcalving (7 to 14 days post calving, sample 1), May (average DIM =75, sample 2), July (average DIM =131, sample 3), August (average DIM =194, sample 4), October (average DIM =242, sample 5) and tested for somatic cell count (SCC). When an individual quarter SCC was >500×103 per mL and pathogens were isolated, the quarter was considered to have a new sub-clinical infection. Sub-clinical infections, which subsequently became clinical, were excluded from the subclinical data set. Quarters were considered clinically infected if the milk was visibly abnormal or if quarters had signs of inflammation.

PRE-MILKING TEAT DISINFECTION HAD NO IMPACT ON INDIVIDUAL QUARTER MILK SCC OR TOTAL (CLINICAL AND SUBCLINICAL) INTRA-MAMMARY MASTITIS INFECTIONS

There were no significant differences in the median SCC observed in quarter foremilk samples between herds (A =161×103 cells/mL, CI = 127-205×103 cells/mL; B =169×103 cells/mL, CI = 144-198×103 cells/mL) over the complete lactation (P>0.05). The median SCC was 169×103 cells/mL, CI = 144-198×103 cells/mL and 170×103 cells/mL, CI =145-199×103 cells/mL for PTD teats (LF+RH) and NPTD teats (RF+LH), respectively, over the complete lactation. There was no interaction between pre-milking treatment and herd.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 32

MASTITIS TREATMENT

aureus was the predominant bacteria identified (n=44) in quarter foremilk samples with either clinical or sub-clinical infections.

Similarly, in a New Zealand study where herds were randomly allocated to pre-milking disinfectant treatments post-calving, no reduction in the incidence of new intra-mammary mastitis infections DISCUSSION (caused by any pathogens, including S. aureus and Streptococcus Overall geometric herd bulk milk SCC in early lactation (March) uberis) was observed. The majority of clinical and sub-clinical for herds A and B was 126×103 cells/mL and 141×103 cells/mL, infections in this current study were associated with S. aureus followed respectively, thus indicating a low initial infection level for both by Streptococcus uberis. In a previous US study it was postulated herds at the beginning of the lactation. The low initial herd SCC and that pre-milking disinfection could have associated benefits such as the low level of new intra-mammary infections overall may contribute faster milk let down; however the authors concluded that the cost of this to the similar milk SCC levels observed for the pre-milking disinfected treatment could not be justified as a similar effect may be obtained and pre-milking non-disinfected teats over the lactation. The absence with a simple teat preparation treatment of washing with water followed of evidence of any additional benefit associated with pre-milking teat by drying. Increased levels of supervision for the research herds and a disinfection (as measured by the number of total mastitis infections) high standard of parlour, environment and cow hygiene, in addition to is in agreement with a number of studies where herds were managed both herds having a low average parity (2.3 lactations), may have contributed under similar conditions to this study. The authors of an Australian to the low infection levels. Lower milk SCC would generally be expected study concluded that pre-milking disinfection is unlikely to reduce from herds with lower parity and herds with better hygiene. clinical mastitis incidence or new infection rates compared to when no teat preparation is carried out in pasture based commercial herds. CONCLUSIONS THAT COULD BE DRAWN FROM THIS STUDY The authors suggested that pre-milking teat disinfection may be of This study showed no benefit in pre-milking teat disinfection from benefit if teats were heavily soiled when presented for milking. either a milk SCC perspective or a mastitis (clinical or sub-clinical) perspective. The low initial herd milk SCC indicating a low level of herd infection, combined with a low herd parity, a high standard of parlour and environment hygiene, post-milking teat disinfection, regular liner changes, and regular cow tail clipping may all have contributed to maintaining low infection levels overall, so any additional potential benefit of pre-milking teat disinfection could not be observed. Also, the majority of clinical and sub-clinical infections in this current study were associated with S. aureus, whereas most benefits associated with pre-milking teat disinfection have previously been observed when environmental bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Streptococcus uberis were involved. In situations where herd infection levels are considered high and where the risk of spread of infection is greater, then there may be benefit in pre-milking teat disinfection of clean teats, followed by teat drying. However, the routine application of pre-milking teat disinfectant in pasture-grazed herds is unlikely to be of benefit where herd SCC is below 200×103 cells/mL.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 33

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

AINSWORTHS A

insworths have advised and supplied beef and dairy farmers with homoeopathic remedies for over three decades, priding themselves on providing advice to support their natural effective homoeopathic remedies. The 3000+ farmers they supply in the UK, continue to enjoy success and also benefit from savings in production, from the use of residue-free treatments, with no side effects – unlike antibiotics there is no resistance to the medicines. Truly a win-win formula for the farmer. Homoeopathy can be used to prevent a very wide range of common bovine problems – surprisingly, even those for which there is no conventional approach available. For example, homeopathic medicines can be used to reduce the susceptibility of a herd to soil-based organisms, where these cannot be eradicated. When they are used in conjunction with good hygiene and efficient husbandry the results continue to speak for themselves. Ainsworths manufacture a range of remedies for prevention and treatment. These are designed for simple administration to either the herd, via water troughs or sprayed on the nose or vulva for individual treatment. Their Technical Director, Tony Pinkus, has had many years of advising farmers about which remedies to use and this has allowed him to discover what works in practice. He now shares this accumulated experience with a Self-Help Book for Herdsmen If you need remedies for the prevention of common diseases and a 42 remedy Bovine Kit which covers a wide spectrum of (like TB, Cryptosporidium, Leptospirosis, Ringworm, Scours, and common bovine problems with advised homoeopathic treatments. Pneumonias) or treatment for mastitis and foot problems – consider Tony Pinkus also provides a one day training course for farmers homoeopathy and call Ainsworths for a chat. to assist with the principles and practice of herd treatment. Visit www.ainsworths.com

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 34

FINANCIAL PLANNING

FINANCIAL PLANNING NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER – THE CASHFLOW CRISIS Look for ways to conserve cash for difficult times, writes Philip O’Connor, B.A.gr.Sc., MBUIS, IFAC Accountants Agri-Support Manager.

018 will live long in the memory of farmers. Having enjoyed an early spring, rising milk prices and reasonable beef prices in 2017, this year they endured The Beast from the East and Hurricane Ophelia in one of the worst springs in living memory only to have them followed by the longest drought in more than forty years resulting in potential fodder shortages for the coming winter.

As you may need immediate access to cash for fodder, it is advisable to create a fodder budget setting out how you plan to address fodder deficits and how you will fund your plan. Now is also the time to assess your cashflow needs for the rest of the year. If your credit with merchants is maxed out, you may need to seek an increase in credit facilities from your bankers and/or creditors.

CASHFLOW MANAGEMENT

TAX PLANNING

Typically, farmers rely on cash banked over the spring, summer and autumn to carry them through the winter period. However, in 2018, the high cost spring and fodder crisis together with depressed sales and volatile prices will put pressure on cashflow. IFAC figures released at the height of the drought indicated that dairy farmers were carrying costs of up to €3.80 per day per cow as farmers affected by drought had to replace low-cost grazing with high-cost feed. A major worry for livestock farmers is how to meet fodder demands over the coming winter with potential shortfalls of up to 28 percent predicted in a July 2018 Teagasc survey. Farmers will need to prioritise planning in order to fund the purchase of fodder and day-to-day farm expenses as well as family living expenses, capital loan repayments and taxes.Two key questions in this regard are:

Tax will be an important consideration this year. Tax bills for 2017 are paid in October/November 2018 so now is the time to determine your final 2017 liability and prepare to make any balancing payment that may be due. You then need to estimate your farm income for 2018 and your likely tax liability for the year. Tax should be treated like any other expense on the farm. Areas where it may be possible to make savings inside the farm gate include family wages, farm repairs, add backs and stock relief. From a tax perspective, it can be advantageous to pay wages to children who make a commercial contribution to the farm however, it is important that proper procedures are followed. Where children work on the farm part-time no Employer PRSI or Employee PRSI is due. If you incur expense making farm repairs, this can be claimed against tax however the VAT on these expenses cannot be reclaimed. Remember when reviewing your Adjusted Profit Computation to check that add backs for the personal element of motor, electricity and telephone expenses are not too high.

• What cash is available in your current account, overdraft and savings? • What credit terms are available?

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 35

FINANCIAL PLANNING Pension contributions should be considered keeping in mind that, subject to certain limits, payments from a farmer’s taxable profits to an approved pension scheme are fully allowable against tax although some types of income (for example rental income and deposit interest) are excluded when calculating taxable farm profits. Farmers taking early retirement should note that, since 2002, it is no longer necessary for earned taxable profits to continue in order to receive a tax allowance for pension contributions. Depending on your business, the Employment Incentive and Investment (EII) scheme may also be worth considering. This is a euro for euro tax relief for investment in certain companies. The maximum investment which qualifies for the relief in any one year is €150,000. Under the EIIS, individual investors can obtain tax relief of up to 40% on investments made in each tax year up to 2020. The investor might be a farmer investing in their own farm, or it could be family members or friends investing in the farm. There is no need to go to the general public. The investor buys shares in the company which means that the farm needs to be a You will also need to check that you are availing of any relevant limited company. For family members who work off-farm, the EIIS tax credits and reliefs. A full list is available on the Revenue website, can be an attractive way to invest in the family farm and receive a tax rebate. However, as is always the case with incentives, there www.revenue.ie. These include reliefs in respect of incapacitated persons, deductions for maintenance payments and certain medical are terms and conditions and Revenue approval is needed. and dental expenses. Another important consideration is whether any new capital expenditure is required. Practical questions to ask in this regard include whether any new investments within the farm would contribute to future farm profits and, if so, what effect would this capital expenditure have on your tax bill. Can you afford it and how do you plan to fund it? Once you have reviewed your capital expenditure plans and tax saving opportunities inside the farm gate, the next step is to look off-farm.

INCOME AVERAGING Several years ago, Revenue introduced an income averaging mechanism whereby farmers can opt to be taxed on their average aggregate farming profits and losses over a five-year period rather than have their trading profits taxed based on a 12-month period as would otherwise be the case. Income averaging is only available to individual, full time farmers. Companies are not eligible to apply. When you opt in to income averaging, your profits for the current tax year are aggregated with profits for the previous four years and

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 36

FINANCIAL PLANNING

then divided by 5. This gives your ‘average’ annual profit and is the basis on which your income tax is assessed. You are taxed under the income averaging rules for the year you elect to avail of income averaging and the next four years, assuming all qualifying conditions continue to be met.The minimum duration is 5 years after which you can revert to the normal basis of assessment by giving a notice to this effect on your income tax return for the year in question.

re-examine your loan repayments when looking at your existing financial commitments such as living expenses, mortgages and tax. One potential solution could be to repay loans over a longer period so as to free up cash to run the farm. If your farm is carrying too much debt or the structure of your loans is placing too much pressure on cashflow, you will need to approach your bank and come up with a solution. While this is easier said than done, ignoring the problem will not make it go away.

STEPPING OUT OF INCOME AVERAGING

When reviewing your financials with your accountant, you will need to examine all of your borrowing commitments, asking • Are they structured correctly or do you need to look at restructuring? • Do you have the capacity after drawings and tax to meet your repayments

Averaging works well when incomes are rising as it can temporarily release funds for use elsewhere in your business. However, in a year where your income decreases, as is likely to be the case for many farmers this year, averaging can work against you because your average tax liability may be greater than the tax that would

“Farmers will need to prioritise planning in order to fund the purchase of fodder and day-to-day farm expenses” otherwise be due. If you have opted for income averaging, 2018 may be a good time to avail of a new measure introduced last year which allows farmers to temporarily ‘step out’ of income averaging for one year once every five years. When you ‘step out’, you pay the tax due on the actual profits of the year in question rather than the average of the five-year aggregate amount that would be due under income averaging rules. This results in a deferred tax liability which is payable in installments over the following 4 years. It is advisable to talk to your accountant before making any tax planning decisions this year and remember when reviewing your tax affairs, you will need to work out whether you can finance your tax liability from available resources or will need to approach your bank to seek working capital facilities.

• Could interest only repayment be an option in a high cost, low income year? If you anticipate a cash shortfall, it is important to communicate this to your bank and explain the implications. By taking timely action to arrange loan facilities, you will reinforce the bank’s confidence in your ability to manage. Keep in mind that shortfalls arising from the fodder crisis will not reflect badly on your ability as a manager.

MEETING THE BANK When preparing for your bank meeting, it is important to be clear about what you are looking for. This could be an increased overdraft, credit facilities or partial/temporary restructuring of loans.

DEBT MANAGEMENT Farmers tend to borrow on a short term basis. In a low profit, high cost year this can place significant pressure on cashflow and the financial well-being of the farm as a whole. If you previously borrowed to fund expansion, you may need to

Among the documents to have to hand for the meeting are: • Your original 2018 cashflow budget projections and the revised projections together with an explanation for the changes. • An up-to-date list of stock numbers.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 37

FINANCIAL PLANNING

• Your most recent merchants/suppliers statements together with should be addressed without delay. Now is the time to review your financials with your agri advisors and accountants and discuss any a list of money you owe and money owed to you. changes that may need to be made, including any potential If you anticipate any problems, it is advisable to ask your accountant changes to your business structure that may be required, such as forming a partnership, succession partnership, or incorporation. or farm advisor to attend with you. Like all businesses, farm businesses evolve over time and your NEXT STEPS structure may need to change to meet current and future needs. This year it is more important than ever to plan ahead and have a Financial solutions in low profit / high cost years are not always clear idea of your requirements both for the remainder of 2018 easy or pain free however realities must be faced head on. There and for 2019. Budgets for 2018 and 2019 should be prepared, are always options provided that you plan ahead in good time. including a fodder budget. Where cashflow problems exist, or Dealing with issues after the fact limits these options and there are insufficient profits to meet financial commitments, this introduces unnecessary additional stress.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 38

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT – FORAGE CROPS

WINTER FEEDING OPTIONS FOR REPLACEMENT DAIRY HEIFERS In a year of limited silage availability farmers may be forced to try new winter fodder options, writes Emer Kennedy, Teagasc.

o far, 2018 has proved to be an extremely challenging year given the prevailing weather conditions encountered during spring and summer. As a consequence winter feed availability issues have arisen. Seed merchants have reported a threefold increase in the amount of forage crop seed sold this year as farmers look for alternative options to fill winter feed deficits. Feeding forage crops this winter will be new to many farmers and there are a number of things to consider:

1. ESTIMATING THE DM YIELD: At this stage the crop has been sown and is established but in order to ensure it lasts for the length of the winter period it is important to yield the crop and determine how much feed is actually present.This is easily achieved by using a 1m x 1m quadrat. The entire crop inside the square should be cut and weighed. Typically the DM% of the crop is very low and is usually 12-13%. The weight of the bag with the crop (kg) is multiplied by the DM% and this in turn is multiplied by 10,000 (as there are 10,000 m2 per hectare). An example calculation is given in the figure

below- if the weight of the crop inside the quadrat was 5kg this would be multiplied by 0.13 (the DM%) and then multiplied by 10,000 giving a DM yield of 6,500 kg DM/ha. Once the yield is determined a daily allocation can be worked out to ensure the crop lasts for as long as required and the necessary supplementation provided.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 39

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT – FORAGE CROPS

2. HOW LONG WILL THE CROP LAST?

to wait until approximately midday to feed the crops, at this point the sun is highest in the sky and most likely when the plant has defrosted

Once you have determined the DM yield you can calculate how long the crop will last.This will depend on the number of animals grazing the crop, the daily allocation and the length of the winter. In general brassica/forage crops are low in fibre and will need to be supplemented with grass silage, hay or straw. Generally the ratio can be as high as 70% crop and 30% fibre source e.g. grass silage. A good idea when introducing the crop is to offer poorer quality silage or straw for the first week to allow the animals to 5. ANIMAL MINERAL STATUS: develop a ‘taste’ for the forage crop. All animals grazing forage crops require mineral Of course the type/size of animal which is put on the crop will supplementation – in particular they require iodine and copper dictate the allowance which can be offered and the length the crop before starting to graze the crop. A mineral bolus is an effective will last.Younger animals e.g. replacement heifers or weanlings are way of ensuring all animals are provided with sufficient minerals ideally suited as they are lighter and less prone to lameness. during the winter period.

3. CHOOSING WHICH WAY TO GRAZE THE CROP: FEEDING FORAGE CROPS DURING THE Maximising utilization of the crop will keep feed costs down and will FIRST WINTER

also ensure the crop lasts for as long as possible. This is achieved by grazing along the longest side of the paddock as shown in the figure on the right. By grazing the crop in this way it means that the electric fence wire can be moved into the feed face of the crop daily rather than in through the crop. Animals will then graze under the wire helping to achieve maximum utilization. Also, there is a risk when moving the fence through the crop that the electric current in the fence will be reduced; animals may be more prone to breaking through the fence and can potentially gorge on the crop (the first sign may be sudden death overnight from acute nitrate poisoning, or bloat, with 10-30% of the cattle affected).

Over the past number of years experiments have been carried out at Teagasc Moorepark to investigate the effect of offering different over–winter diets on heifer weight gain. Kale grazed in–situ ranked as the cheapest alternative to grazed grass and was considerably cheaper than grass silage in a recent Teagasc study. Kale tends to have a low neutral–detergent fibre (NDF) concentration, suggesting that feeds with a higher NDF concentration (>500 g/kg DM) – such as grass silage – may need to be offered in order to avoid acidosis.

4. DON’T FEED FROZEN BRASSICAS:

THE DIETS INVESTIGATED INCLUDED:

Frozen brassica crops should not be fed to animals. As crops are • Indoors offered ad libitum grass silage and 1 kg DM concentrate/day (S1); fed in winter there is a high likelihood of frost. Best practice is

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 40

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT – FORAGE CROPS

• Indoors offered ad libitum grass silage and 2 kg DM concentrate/day (S2); • Indoors offered ad libitum grass silage only (SO); • Outdoors on an out–wintering pad offered ad libitum grass silage and 1.5 kg DM concentrate/day (OWP); • Outdoors offered 70% kale and 30% grass silage bales (70K);

WHICH FORAGE CROP TO USE?

Table 1.

• Indoors offered grass silage and 2 kg DM concentrate/day (S2),

Effect of diet on weight gain at different periods (kg/heifer/day)

• Outdoors grazing forage kale (cv. Maris Kestral) in conjunction with grass silage bales which were offered as 30% of the diet (K),

(kg/heifer/day)

70K

Winter weight gain

0.30

0.44

0.65

0.47

Weight gain from turnout to breeding

0.86

0.68

0.89

The Moorepark experiments have shown that considerable variation exists in the weight gain achieved from different diets offered over the winter (Table 1). Kale has a high feeding value (1.05 UFL – similar to early spring grass; one UFL is defined as the energy contained in one kg of air dry standard barley); consequently heifers can achieve high levels of weight gain at a relatively low cost. Similar levels of weight gain can be achieved with grass silage and concentrate diets. Silage only diets support weight gains of approximately 0.30 kg/heifer/day.Therefore, heifers should be well ahead of target at housing if silage only is being used during the winter as 0.30 kg/day is insufficient weight gain to achieve target weight at MSD for heifers that commence the winter period at or below target weight.

Another experiment was completed to establish if there were differences in weight gains achieved from three different forage crops and more conventional diets. The diets investigated were: • Indoors offered grass silage and 1 kg DM concentrate/day (S1)

• Outdoors grazing forage rape (cv. Stego) in conjunction with grass silage bales which were offered as 30% of the diet (R), • Outdoors grazing a rape x kale hybrid (cv. Red Start) forage in conjunction with grass silage bales which were offered as 30% of the diet (H). At turnout there was no weight difference between heifers from the S2, K, R and H treatments (279 kg) but all treatments were heavier than the S1 heifers (261 kg). Thus, over–winter weight gain was least for the S1 heifers (0.38 kg/heifer/day) when compared to all other treatments which were similar (0.53 kg/heifer/day).There was no difference in the turnout body condition score (BCS) for the five winter feeding treatments.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 41

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT – FORAGE CROPS

EARLY TURNOUT Regardless of diet offered over the winter, similar weight gains are achieved when heifers are turned out to grass in spring. Weight gains achieved post–turnout are higher than that achieved during the winter. This clearly indicates that heifers should be turned out to grass as soon as possible, as they can gain up to 1 kg/heifer/day at grass compared to <0.70 kg/heifer/day while on their winter diet (Table 1). Consequently, heifers have a greater chance of attaining their target weight with early turnout.

DIET DURING THE SECOND WINTER It should be noted that in-calf animals should be taken off the crop one-month before calving and fed a grass silage diet with

• Outdoors grazing forage kale in conjunction with grass silage bales at an inclusion rate of 30% in the diet (70K). Daily weight gain was similar for the SC and 70K treatments (1.10 kg/heifer/day) over the winter period,weight gain was lower for the SO treatment (0.96 kg/heifer/day). At the end of the winter period BCS was greatest for the SO and SC animals (3.47), significantly lower for the 70K animals (3.25).There was no difference between treatments in cumulative milk yield (3656 kg) or milk solids yield (273 kg) for the first 29 weeks of lactation. Milk composition was similar between treatments; average lactation fat, protein and lactose concentrations were 4.10, 3.38 and 4.70%, respectively.

“A good idea when introducing the crop is to offer poorer quality silage or straw for the first week to allow the animals to develop a ‘taste’ for the forage crop” pre-calving minerals. Many studies have shown a positive relationship between body weight at calving and first lactation milk yield. An experiment was undertaken to: investigate the effect of winter diet on pre–partum weight gain of replacement dairy heifers, and, establish the effect of pre–partum feeding treatment on post–partum milk production performance.

THE TREATMENTS WERE: • Indoors offered a silage only diet for the duration of the experiment (SO), • Indoors offered silage and 2kg concentrate/day for 46 days followed by a silage only diet (SC),

Average body weight throughout the first 29 weeks of lactation was also similar between treatments (439 kg).Average BCS of SC and SO animals (3.00) was not different to the 70K animals (2.93).

CONCLUSIONS This series of studies outlines the weight gains that can be expected from a number of winter diets offered to replacement dairy heifers. The diet offered should however ensure that heifers attain target weight at key time points, e.g. MSD and pre–calving. Thus, heifers should be regularly weighed and an appropriate diet chosen for the winter months during both the first and second winter to ensure that lifetime performance is optimised when they reach the lactating herd.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 42

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:16 Page 43

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:42 Page 44

ANIMAL HEALTH

THE DRY PERIOD IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CURE AND CORRECTION The various techniques and timing of drying off cows has become much more technical in recent years. By MSD Animal Health.

he dry period is an opportunity for cows to recover from SELECTIVE DRY COW THERAPY (DCT) IS the previous lactation and to get ready for the next. It also ONLY AN OPTION FOR HERDS MEETING allows time to address any nutritional imbalance, variation in VERY PARTICULAR CRITERIA. cow body condition or herd health issues. Hoof care, flukicide DCT offers the opportunity to cure existing infections in the administration and the administration of routine vaccinations such udder and prevent new infections. One commonly used dry cow as cow vaccination to control calf scour or Bovilis IBR Marker Live antibiotic containing cefalonium has a licence to reduce the SCC to boost herd protection against IBR can all be undertaken during in the subsequent lactation. Reducing the amount of antibiotics this time. used on farm is a real challenge farmers are facing in every aspect of health management from calf to cow. Selective DCT, as an WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL DRY PERIOD alternative to blanket DCT, is an option for reducing the amount LENGTH? of antibiotic intramammaries that are used in dairy cows but is The optimal dry period is the period of rest for the dairy cow not suitable for all herds. Veterinary consultation should be sought that will maximise milk production in the next lactation while before deciding that selective DCT is a suitable option for any maintaining metabolic stability and low Somatic Cell Count (SCC). individual farm. Selective DCT therapy may be a viable option for A minimum 60 day dry period aids in the maximisation of milk herds with the following: yield in subsequent lactations particularly in heifers entering their • consistently low SCC’s (below 200,000 cells/ml) second lactation.

WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL BCS OF COWS AT DRY-OFF? It is recommended that cows are dried off at the body condition score at which they will be at calving. The ideal body condition score (BCS) for dairy cows pre-calving is 3.0 - 3.25. Cows that are too thin can struggle to go back in calf after calving and to produce adequate quantities of milk in the ensuing lactation. Fat dry cows are predisposed to a range of metabolic disease, such as milk fever, after calving.

• individual milk recordings • attention given to the data generated by individual milk recordings • precise recording of all clinical mastitis cases • knowledge of the bacterial agents commonly associated with mastitis on the individual farm

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 45

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 46

ANIMAL HEALTH

THE DRYING-OFF TECHNIQUE

• Partly insert the tube end into the teat canal. Treat all 4 quarters • Identify those candidates for dry off and those for cull based on - the teats nearest first followed by those furthest away. BCS, SCC and milk yield. Dry off cows when yield drops to 8 – 10 • Teat sealant, used on most farms, should be deposited in the litres/day. teat rather than allowing it to enter the gland. • High yielding cows will require a reduction in the energy density of the diet, in an attempt to reduce milk production prior to the drying-off date. • Dry cows off abruptly in batches at a BCS of 3 - 3.25 and remove from the milking herd immediately. • Turn off the phone and avoid distractions. This procedure requires the farmer`s full attention and concentration. Allow sufficient time for the dry off procedure and don`t rush!

• Teat dip or spray is essential after the dry cow tube is inserted to remove any bacteria which may be a source of new infection. Apply after drying off and for 2 weeks thereafter. Apply teat dip during the 2 weeks prior to calving also. • Mark the cow with a large paint mark visible during milking and make sure she is segregated from the milking herd. • Cows should stand for a 1 hour period after drying off in an area that is clean and dry.

“A minimum 60 day dry period aids in the maximisation of milk yield in subsequent lactations particularly in heifers entering their second lactation” • Segregate cows to be dried off into one group and milk them out fully at the end of milking. • Do not undertake foot trimming at the same time. This risks bacterial transfer to the udder. • Ensure hands are clean and dry and wear disposable gloves. • Teats must be cleaned with commercial wipes and dry before the dry cow tube is inserted. The teats furthest away are cleaned first followed by the nearest.

• Record animal identity, drying off date and dry cow product used and its withdrawal period. This is critical information in case a cow calves early. • Monitor for signs of mastitis regularly during the dry period. Getting management of the dry period right is essential. Done correctly it is an opportunity to deal with current udder infections and prevent new infections establishing. Meticulous attention to detail such as DCT selection and hygiene are key to cow health as well as to the success of the next lactation.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 47

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 48

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 49

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 50

FARM DESIGN

FARM BUILDINGS – WHERE YOU STAND WITH THE REGULATIONS

The humble hay-shed has stood the test of time. However since 2014 new regulations mean it is not as simple as before…writes Paul Lyons. n the last 100 years, there have been many many advances in buildings. I will focus on the regulations and planning requirements Irish farming practices and technology. Although as a nation, we as new laws have been in place for the last few years and have often put ourselves down, we can routinely hold our head high seen significant changes to the shed building industry. I will try to internationally for our farming methods and output. Many talk of answer a question I am often asked, 'can a farmer still fabricate and the revolution of farm mechanisation and the introduction of various erect his own building and more importantly will that home-made animal breeds and crop strains but I think there has also been a structure be covered legally and be insurable?' massive leap in the very many structures we see on farms. Once large farms were distinguishable for their grand grain stores or courtyards surrounded by stables. Then a very simple structure was introduced and has stayed with us to become part of the rural landscape. It is the humble hay-shed. The round roof structures are everywhere. Initially the idea was to provide every farm in the country with a store for feed to see them through the winter and not be subject to storms and rain. Then as the materials for round roofs became abundant and available in most hardware stores, they were in due course, used for dairy parlours, garages, workshops. The simple design has stood the test of time, many are now converted for new lives as home offices, accommodation and in a nod to the classic lines of a hay-shed, many contemporary houses use round roofs. I could write a lot more and as you may have guessed I am a fan of this disappearing but historically important structure. In this article, I intend to talk about all types of metal framed farm

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 51

FARM DESIGN

Figure 1 – Round roof used for parlour.

Figure 2 – Execution class 4 workshop

Figure 3 – Typical agricultural steel frame

Figure 4 – Non destructive weld testing

THE REGULATIONS

DESIGN OF FARM BUILDINGS

All steel framed buildings or structural steel are now covered by the European standard, EN 1090, this came into force on 01 July 2014. There are a number of documents involved but essentially the standard regulates the fabrication industry (i.e. Shed builders and steel fabricators) and ensures that the structures they sell conform to standards, the materials have conformity certificates (A CE mark) and that the fabricator works from a factory in a controlled environment. The process for fabrication of structural steel is a well defined one, the customer employs a structural engineer to design the steel frame required. The Engineer then acts as a supervisor for the project and inspects and signs off the completed product. For the steel fabricator, there are two parts to the process. Firstly they must demonstrate an ability to weld to certain standards and have welding procedures for different types of connections in place. Secondly, the facility they use, i.e. their workshop must be able to carry out those procedures in such as way as to have traceability on the steel and personnel that carry out the works. They are audited on an annual basis and after the first audit they are awarded a 'Certificate of conformity of the factory production control'.There are also 4 levels of execution of the standard as follows:

In Ireland the design of farm buildings is very well covered by the Department of Agriculture farm building specifications. They are specific and set out steel sizes and connection details for all metal framed buildings. When making a steel structure for a farm building, there is only a need to involve a structural engineer when the building exceeds the spans or heights covered in the specification, see figure 5.

EXC 1

Excitation classes (EXC) Covers agricultural farm buildings and includes buildings with up to 2 floors.

So what does this all mean to a farmer wishing to erect a new building? It means: • An engineer will still be required to prepare site drawings, impact assessments etc. in order to submit a planning application. • The building must be manufactured by a company that is certified to make a building to the proper execution class needed, using materials that have traceability. • A structural engineer is not needed once the building stays within the sizes set out in Dept. Specification, S101, Minimum specification for farm buildings (2016). Figure 5 – Dept. specification for structural engineers.

EXC 2

This typically includes buildings with between 2 and 15 floors. Typically commercial and residential buildings.

EXC 3

Typical examples include buildings with more than 15 floors, pedestrian, bicycle, road and railway bridges, and crane tracks.

IS THIS ALL NEEDED? MY SHEDS ARE 80 YEARS OLD AND NEVER FELL DOWN...

Execution class 4 comprises all structural components with extreme consequences for people and/or the environment in the event of failure, Rail and road bridges over densely populated residential areas, safety tanks in nuclear power plants.

Back to my opening comments about hay-sheds, it’s true that many of the structures we already have across the countryside have stood the test of time. However we are seeing more and more extreme weather conditions and we are also demanding a lot more of our farm buildings in terms of the area that they cover.The pitch of a farm buildings roof is recommended to be between 12

EXC 4

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 52

FARM DESIGN and 15 degrees. If a wide area needs to be covered, the shed height will increase dramatically. Machinery is also a lot taller than in the past and the eaves of sheds tend to be 3.5m to 4m. All these extra dimensions mean high roof, wind and extreme weather loads on the steel frame. It is vital that these new structures are designed fit for purpose. From an insurance point of view, if a structure has been manufactured to the required standard then the matter ends. If you have built a substandard structure, you are immediately open to scrutiny when storm damage occurs.

AM I STILL ENTITLED TO BUILD MY OWN SHED? This is a question I often get asked. What follows is just my opinion. In my own company we have started from scratch, put welding procedures and factory controls in place and passed an audit of all Figure 7 – machinery storage shed. those requirements. However if a farmer wishes to make a shed, it is not for resale so in theory he/she would only have to put simple At first this may seem a case where you might be worried about welding procedures in place. Equipment would still have to be employing a structural engineer and would the costs involved calibrated and test pieces sent for destructive testing but it is justify how you would like your building to perform. possible. Is it feasible? That is for the individual to decide and However the omission of uprights is cover in the Dept's S101, see research for themselves. Figure 8.

“Regulations and planning requirements as new laws have been in place for the last few years and have seen significant changes to the shed building industry” To illustrate the various subjects I have discussed, I will do two worked examples of what needs to be taken into consideration when modifying or constructing farm buildings. Example 1 – Construction of a new cubicle shed with a parlour, robotic milking machine and offices.

Figure 8 – stanchion elimination.

The topic of steel structures for use on farms is a vast subject. The types of designs suitable are well covered in S101 but I hope I have given an insight into the regulations involved and cut through the vast swathes of material that is available if you go to research CE marking of steel. As with any large purchase for any business, the advice is to carefully research what you want to do. If it involves tricky intricate work such as roofing between several buildings, get several quotes and some expert advice and then make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing. Some helpful resources are listed below: Figure 6 – Parlour with offices

Normally, all agricultural buildings would be execution class 1 RESOURCES which, at this stage, most shed fabrication companies should be in S101 – Minimum Specification for farm buildings, Jul 2016, possession of. However as there are also offices in the proposed available online, agriculture.gov.ie building, they would be classed as a place of work and therefore a commercial building. It should not change the sizes of the material EN1090, CE marking of Structural steel. The whole standard can as long as S101 is adhered to, but the building should be made by a be purchased but a good synopsis is available on wikipedia.org company capable of execution class 2 workmanship. Paul Lyons is a Design Engineer with Bo Steel and Paul Lyons Structural Steel. www.built2last.ie stanchions/uprights are omitted to give clear openings to the front and www.plsteel.ie

Example 2 – Construction of a plant and machinery shed where

of the shed.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 53

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 54

ANIMAL BEDDING

ALTERNATIVES TO STRAW BEDDING In a year where straw is in short supply, it is necessary to look at other ways, writes Tom Fallon, Teagasc.

espite the challenges we face in terms of providing adequate is generally every 7 to 10 days but this is very dependent on the diet. Woodchip, in general is very suitable as bedding, animals stay feed and bedding we will have to provide animals and clean and there is little dust. A 100m3 load weighing approximately calves in particular with a ‘dry lie’ next winter. There are viable alternatives to the use of straw as bedding especially peat, 20 to 25 tonne will cost approximately €1,230 delivered including slats plus calf jackets for calves and rubber mats in calving pens. VAT. In the UK some farmers filter the woodchip through a sieve Please note that it is hard to match straw for baby calves in terms of so that it can be re-used in subsequent years. In this scenario buying ease of cleaning/ disinfection, dryness and its nestling effect or warmth. a ‘chunky’ woodchip costing €2,000 per load maybe attractive (delivered price, including VAT). Coarse woodchip is preferred and WOODCHIP it is better to secure a supply in the summer as it is likely to be Outdoor woodchip pads as standalone entities have gone out of drier. It is recommended to compost spent woodchip for 2 or 3 favour in Ireland. Initially cheap recycled timber was used. The use years. It can be spread directly on land but decomposition will of recycled or treated timber on woodchip pads is now illegal. consume soil nitrogen.Woodchip from outdoor woodchip pads maybe Logs have trebled in price since 2007. There were also problems contaminated with drainage stone so it will be necessary to roll with drainage on parts of the pad where there was heavy animal after spreading. Some farmers spread and plough this material in. traffic. Woodchip can be mixed with peat moss to extend the bedding The construction of woodchip pads requires planning permission. period of the latter. Where straw bedding is allowed to accumulate, There may be scope to use woodchip on an existing Class 8 woodchip can be used as a base layer to reduce straw usage and structure (as defined in S.I. No. 600/2001 - Planning and Development improve drainage. Regulations, 2001) such as a silage pit where there is adequate storage available for run-off (classified as ‘slurry’ in terms of storage Suppliers: requirement). Woodchip pads may also have a role as an outside ‘lie Macroom Haulage, David Murphy 087-4125010 back’ to an existing animal house to reduce the demand for indoor Ballynoe Agri Services Ltd. (East Cork) Suppliers and Wood bedding, provided once again runoff can be collected and stored Chipping Service, Eddie O’ Keeffe 086-2525559 and the necessary planning permission is obtained. Fergal Moran, Mountrath 087-6490853 There is scope to use woodchip for indoor bedding although there is little experience of this in Ireland. In Moorepark when PEAT BEDDING calves were reared on 25 cm woodchip the surface became moist This fibrous bedding is a highly absorbent material which keeps and the woodchip retained moisture. In the UK the recommendation is livestock warm, clean and dry with minimal labour. The bedding is to initially place 10 cm of woodchip and top up as required which cost effective, can last for months and can be immediately spread

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 55

ANIMAL BEDDING on the land after use, adding nutrients and conditioning your soil without depleting nitrogen levels the way straw and wood chips do. Peat is acidic so it inhibits the growth of pathogens. Sphagnum moss, a component of peat is a natural antiseptic. Gurteen Agricultural College have used peat for bedding dry cows and weanlings for a number of years. They have found a deep layer works best, 76 cm (2.5 feet) is placed in the back of the pen and it slopes down to 25 cm (10 inches) near the slats where the animals feed. A double slat is used to prevent the peat spilling into the slatted tank. When the top layer becomes wet the whole lot is dug up, placed out into the yard, mixed up and put back in. 350 m3 (14 silage trailer loads) was used in the winter of 2017/2018 to bed 50 dry cows and 140 weanlings for 5 months. The experience of other farmers is that bedding with a 15 cm layer is simpler in that it can be topped up or cleaned out as required. Calves can appear very dirty on peat moss and it will be necessary to regularly clean off the top layer. Cleaning out used peat moss is more labour demanding than straw – in the busy spring period farmers can clean out a straw bedded calving pen with one grab of the loader. Farmers have successfully used peat in a group calving facility. Bulk peat is more available in the midlands (depots for collection from Tullamore to Thurles to Clane and Kilcullen in Co. Kildare) with an artic load (93 m3 or 27 tonne) costing €1,581, including VAT delivered about 70 km. Suppliers: Agri Knives Direct, James Geoghegan 086 2616018 Harte Peat, Aidan O' Harte 047 51557 Bord na Mona, Brendan Howell 087-9183716 Distributors: Meath-Premium Irish Peat, Joe Doran 086-8939899 Wicklow/East Coast Landscape Providers, John Hourigan 0879171187 Hauliers: Dermot Kinsella 086-8118955, Pat McCarthy 087-2553134 Macroom Haulage (South of country)

RUSHES Rushes are a bulky bedding material that are not as absorbent as straw. It is important that rushes are allowed to dry out for a few

SUMMARY OF BEDDING MATERIALS

NOTES ON BEDDING COST PER WEEK 1 Farm example where 42 August born calves from Limousin X Friesian dams are bedded on a 4 bay by 6.7 m ‘lie-back’ (3m2 per calf) and they can suckle and eat on slats, straw use is based on previous winter.The use of other bedding materials are an estimate. 2 Woodchip: initially spreading a 10 cm layer and topping up with 2.5 cm each week for 15 weeks so there will be 48 cm (1.5 feet) of bedding used over 16 weeks. 3 Peat: a 15 cm layer will last 9 weeks (6 weeks is the general bedding interval but the weanlings here have 45% more space than the standard recommendation).

CALF REARING Timber, plastic slats or concrete slats with a rubber mat and calf jackets Suppliers of plastic slats: JFC 1.2 m X 0.9 m X 120 mm high at €105 each Easyfix: 2 m X 0.9 m X150 mm high at €130 each (treated timber with rubber on top and bottom) Durapak:1.51 m X 0.7 m X 89 mm high at €105 each Other suppliers include: Comfort Slat Mats Irish Recycled Products, Birr

“Woodchip, in general is very suitable as bedding, animals stay clean and there is little dust” weeks after cutting. Drying will also help to break down the wax coating. They can be dusty and there is some evidence that lice can be a bigger problem with old rushes that haven’t been cut for a few years. Rush bedding is readily broken down when spread back on land. Spreading this material on productive silage ground will reduce the risk of establishing a new stand of rushes. A good ‘crop’ of rushes will yield about 8 bales per acre. At current prices of about €10 per bale, the use of rushes as bedding is viable.

Murrays Recycled Plastic Co. Mayo O’Donnell Engineering Emily, Co Tipperary. Above prices exclude VAT but this can be reclaimed on slats and mats. It is important that the fall in the floor is adequate to drain away urine to avoid problems with ammonia gas. Good ventilation

WOOD SHAVINGS OR SAWDUST Sawdust mixed with straw that came from horse stables has worked well for cattle bedding. Sawdust can be dusty and is not suitable for calves unless cleaned out and replaced regularly. Calves may also tend to eat sawdust and shavings.

MISCANTHUS Miscanthus is clean, dust free excellent bedding. Unfortunately it is generally not available and like straw it is also not available to import. (There may be a limited supply from Quinns of Baltinglass). Paper commands a price of €160 per tonne for recycling and is generally not available for bedding.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 56

ANIMAL BEDDING

and regular cleaning are critical with this system. Calves reared on slats are also more prone to draughts. Timber slats made from hardwood may also be constructed (20 to 28 mm gaps and 22 to 50 mm ribs, See Department of Agriculture Specification S124).

CALF JACKETS Calf jackets can be used to keep calves warm for the first 3 weeks of life. Cost approximately €35 per jacket. This is not expensive compared to using one round bale of straw to rear a calf. Each jacket could rear about 3 calves per year. It is necessary to separate the calf from its faeces and urine so slats are the preferred complimentary housing option. Research would indicate no scientific benefit to using calf jackets although farmer feedback would suggest ‘a nice shine’ after removal of the jackets on calves for sale. The use of calf jackets on outdoor reared calves has been trialled in Grange for the first six weeks of life – there was no advantage in terms of calf performance and ectoparasites proved more troublesome. Calf jackets need to be washable.

CALVING FACILITY Using rubber mats on the floor. The mat must be soft and have sufficient grip especially for the calf that is learning to stand. Providing the facility to wash out and collect the waste from the calving area is important. A number of companies make mats specifically for this purpose: ‘Bama’ mat from Mayo Mats, ‘Kraiburg’ (main agent Condon Engineering) etc. Four mats in a calving pen will cost approximately €200. This option will be attractive on a cost basis versus straw. Some farmers use a roofed holding yard or empty silage pit for calving. They may consider using pre-cast cubicles with an appropriate mat in this type of group calving area. The area adjacent to these cubicles would also be matted. The cubicles will reduce the area to be washed clean. It may be possible to use plastic cubicles without the precast bed to achieve the same objective.

CASE STUDY-REPLACING ALL STRAW WITH MATS IN CALVING AREA AND REARING CALVES ON SLATS 90 spring calving dairy herd currently using 80 round bales of straw for calving and calf rearing. He rears 25 replacement heifer calves and sells 87 calves at four weeks of age. He currently has excellent facilities and he plans to build an extra slurry tank this year so storing extra wash water will not be a problem.

COST OF CONVERSION OF CALF HOUSE TO PLASTIC SLATS: 6 calf pens 4.8 x 4.26 metres Using 10 JFC calf slats per pen =

€6,000

COST OF RUBBER MATS FOR CALVING AREA: 4 calving pens 4.5 x 4.5 metres Using 6 ‘Bama’ Mayo mats/ pen = €1,152 40 Calf Jackets X €35 each = €1,400 Total cost €8,552 This cost excludes labour and the extension of wash down facilities to calving area. Return if no straw purchased: 80 bales X €25 =€2,000/8,552 x 100 = 23%. Buying the straw this year and feeding ad lib with concentrates to 90 dry cows will save 95 tonne of silage or 20 days feed for these animals. Restricting straw intake will extend this feed by about 3 days. A high standard of management is needed for all alternatives to straw bedding. No endorsement of the above products or product suppliers is intended nor is any criticism implied of person(s) or companies or their products that are not mentioned.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 57

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 58

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS B

BIOCEL LTD HOOFCARE HYGIENE RANGE iocel Ltd the leading Irish owned company in the supply of Dairy Hygiene & Teat Care products, have identified lameness in Dairy Cows as a key challenge in optimising production going forward, seeing it very much as the “new mastitis”. Current industry data has shown that up to 20-25% of cows in some herds can be lame at any given time. Problems with hoof health is a key cause of forced culling from Irish dairy farms with Teagasc figures of a cost up to €300 per animal now being accepted in the industry where a serious lameness problem exists. A dairy cow with a high mobility score (2 to 3) will deliver a reduced milk yield combined with fertility and potentially mastitis problems. The issue may not be apparent until the infection has taken hold within the herd and the use of routine foot bathing is accepted as a key component of a good dairy farm lameness management plan. Aldehydes, Copper, Zinc based treatments have been widely used for many years and although successful under certain conditions the ongoing use of these materials is under review due to potential health hazards for the user and negative effect from waste solution to the environment. Biocel Ltd with over 50 years expertise in dairy hygiene have developed a 2 pronged approach to the challenge being faced currently and potentially set to increase with extra cow numbers/ longer lactations on farms. OPTI - HEEL is a blend of organics acid, surfactants & eucalyptus oil that is very effective at maintaining Hooves where a good routine & lameness management plan is in place. OPTI – HEEL is

effective at low usage rates and the product is soil tolerant up 500 cow passes where soil levels entering the bath are low or a pre bath/ wash is used. OPTI – HEEL Plus is a unique blend of Peracetic Acid with surfactant and foaming agent that can be used in conjunction with OPTI - HEEL to give the Hooves a deep disinfection, further reducing the infection level with the herd. OPTI-HEEL Plus may also be used as standalone disinfectant in the footbath or may be added to other footbath solutions to deliver increased disinfection where a high challenge level exists. Both OPTI-HEEL & OPTI-HEEL Plus are safe to use and are both environmentally friendly and break down readily in the environment. OPTI – HEEL & OPTI-HEEL Plus hoof bathing program is designed to be extremely cost effective versus conventional treatments & offers the user a safe antibiotic free solution to herd lameness as part of an overall control plan. OPTI – HEEL & OPTIHEEL Plus is available in 10lt, 20lt, 200lt packs at your local stockists & watch out for lameness workshops that will be taking place nationwide.

NADIN’S LIME & STONE LTD

non-burn, low dust alternative to hydrated lime for dairy cow cubicle bedding will make its Republic of Ireland Show debut at the 2018 National Ploughing Championships. Hydramix, from the UK based company Nadin’s Lime & Stone Ltd, has proven extremely popular with dairy, sheep and poultry farmers throughout the UK Mainland, and has recently been made available throughout the Republic of Ireland via Sustainable Farming Services Ltd, 70 New Street, Macroom, Co. Cork. Tel: 087 2383900. Nadins Hydramix has a unique selling point above other cubicle lime products such as Hydrated Lime, it won't burn. lt provides the rapid rise in pH necessary to be effective in aiding control of E.coli, prevention of mastitis and digital dermatitis without the risks to stock. The pH level is equal to other cubicle lime products on the market but has significantly lower dust levels in comparison, which customers find is a great benefit. lt is safe to use as a single bedding material, highly absorbent, economical, 100% natural just to name a few of its benefits. lt is a versatile product which can be used not only with cattle, goats and sheep but also with poultry as it won't burn their feet. For further information visit www.nadins.co.uk

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 59

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

KENOCOX: THE MISSING LINK IN COCCIDIOSIS AND CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS CONTROL THE INCREASING SCOURGE OF CRYPROSPORIDIA

Environmental control has been shown to be an effective management solution which can significantly reduce the parasite burden on farm and thereby the impact of disease. Thus, there is a great need for controlling calf cryptosporidiosis by combining prevention or treatment with environmental disinfection; its oocysts are extremely resistant to normal environmental conditions and to most common disinfectants. Published scientific data shows that environmental control with the right disinfectant can be an effective management tool for cryptosporidia and one which can significantly reduce the parasite reservoir in rearing pens and premises and thus lessen the outbreak of disease Prophylactic use is preferred because most damage occurs before signs appear. The goal of the disinfection procedure is to break the oro-fecal transmission (kill the exogenous stage) whereas anticoccidials act only on the endogenous stage. Proper cleaning and disinfection measures are an extra tool in the fight against coccidiosis and cryptosporidiosis. Keno™cox is a broad spectrum disinfectant effective against excreted endoparasites (e.g. Eimeria spp, Cryptosporidium parvum) and bacteria. Keno™cox helps to reduce infection pressure in animal houses. It can be applied on all kinds of surface. Kenocox is a unique formula without phenol, safe for users and animals.Ensuring the calf is born in a clean and properly disinfected environment, and with CONTROL OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS Calves should be born in a clean environment, and adequate amounts access to plenty good quality colostrum at the right time, should go a of colostrum should be fed at an early age. Currently there is no vaccine long way to controlling the outbreaks of this common disease. Contact CAHL at 059 915 1251 for more information on available and treatment options are limited and restricted to a single KenoCox. product. ryptosporidiosis is on the rise in young calves, and it causes serious problems on many farms in Ireland with lab reports in recent years now showing that C parvum is often the most common infectious cause of scour, sometimes even more frequent in occurrence than either rotavirus, corona virus or E coli. Its oocysts are extremely resistant to normal environmental conditions and to most common disinfectants there are no licensed vaccines to prevent infection. Animals are infected orally, generally within the first hours of life by the cow, the environment, or other infected calves.They then shed large numbers of C. parvum oocysts.Young immuno compromised calves are the most susceptible, and the disease is usually seen in calves between one and four weeks of age. It is spread from cow to calf, and from calf to calf, with the environment acting as a massive reservoir of infection. Calves with cryptosporidiosis usually have a mild to moderate diarrhoea that persists for several days regardless of treatment. The age of onset occurs later, and the duration of diarrhoea tends to be a few days longer than are seen in the neonatal diarrhoeas caused by rotavirus, coronavirus, or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 60

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS KINGSWOOD ON THE CLOUD K

ingswood’s two cloud-based farm programs – Kingswood Mobile for herd recording and Kingswood Grass for field/ grass recording – are now well established and continue to grow in popularity with both dairy and beef farmers. Kingswood Mobile – which back in 2012 was the first Irish phone-based app to allow calf registration and recording of animal remedies and breeding events – is now a fully-fledged dairy/beef management program, with a wide range of compliancy and management reports. It has two-way links with the ICBF National Livestock Database as well as Kingswood’s unique VetLink facility. This allows veterinary purchases to be imported directly from veterinary practice systems like Vetscope and VMS. It also has sophisticated options for managing groups of animals. Kingswood Mobile can be run equally smoothly on phones, tablets or PCs/Laptops. Its latest development is an option for EID recording. This is proving particularly popular with beef farmers for animal weighing and with dairy farmers for recording PD scanning. It’s yet another first for Kingswood, who - after 30

years in business - are obviously still capable of delivering innovative recording solutions to Irish farmers. Kingswood Grass is a combined field (sprays, fertilisers etc.) and grass recording program. On the grass side it allows a farmer to enter weekly measurements and keep a grazing diary. It produces a Feed Wedge after each measurement, allowing the farmer to make grazing decisions on the spot. It’s also able to produce Spring and Autumn Rotation Planners. Earlier this year Kingswood Grass was approved by the Dept. of Agriculture for use in the Knowledge Transfer Scheme. It’s now the only commercial alternative to the state-owned Pasturebase program. Kingswood Grass – like Kingswood Mobile on the herd side – can be used on phones, tablets or PCs. Unlike Pasturebase, it does not require a broadband signal to operate. Both Kingswood’s cloud programs are available for €100 per year each. The EID option on Kingswood Mobile is available currently on a special introductory offer of €100 (once-off charge). Further information on Kingswood and its farm software can be had by viewing www.kingswood.ie or by ringing 01-4596677.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 61

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 12:53 Page 62

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS BOBMAN LOOKS TO GROW ITS FOOTPRINT IN THE SOUTH value direct to the Dairygold customer,” says Barry Graham Managing Director Moreway Ltd. Noel O' Sullivan Agri Manager at Co-Op Superstores Mallow commented,“We’re hearing more and more farmers mention that they are struggling with farm labour and they are looking for labour saving machinery and equipment that will ease the burden of managing housed livestock over the winter months.The Bobman is certainly a significant investment but will save time and hardship for farmers who would otherwise be doing this work by hand".

TIME AND MONEY

he Bobman cubicle sweeper is popular in dairy herds nationwide, but a recent agreement between Moreway Ltd (Irish Bobman Distributor) and Dairygold Agri Business will make the Bobman available through all 39 Dairygold co-op stores across Munster. The Bobman machines will be on display in Dairygold Co-Op Superstores over the coming months giving the customer the opportunity to experience the machine up close. If required on farm demonstrations can be made by appointment. “We are very excited about this agreement. For us it is about expanding our connection with the customer base in Munster while delivering

The Bobman range of cubicle sweepers can bring significant time and cost savings on the dairy farm. Dairy farming is very labour intensive and any tool that can reduce that work load and give time back to the farmer must be a worthwhile investment. A typical customer with circa 200 cubicles could save up to 2 hours per day, when compared to traditional methods of manually bedding and disinfecting the cubicle beds. A farmer utilising a BOBMAN over a 5 month housing period could deliver labour savings of up to €2800 during that time. Find out more from Moreway Ltd at www.moreway.ie or Email: info@moreway.ie and Tel: 086-152 8237 / Tel: 086-813 0876. How Dipetane Works: Dipetane uniquely addresses and solves the fundamental problem existing in standard combustion, which is that some of 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 full burning of the carbon leaves no hard unburnt carbon grating in the system and combined with its built in lubricant greatly increases lubrication thereby protecting injectors and valve stems. DPF’s-Diesel Particle Filters: Minimising regeneration, minimising fuel usage and protecting DPF’s is very efficient. As mentioned above protecting DPF’s through the use of Dipetane is critical and very costeffective. 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.

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 63

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 64

IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS SHAKING UP THE DAIRY FARM INDUSTRY

Overall winners ‘National Enterprise Awards’ 2018

erra NutriTECH is an award-winning Irish company on the cusp of launching on a global scale. Founders Tom and Padraig Hennessy are game-changers and innovators; determined to revolutionise the dairy farm industry. In designing the Terra NutriTECH Controller, an intelligent mineral dosing system, they help farms to maximise profits by developing smart technology. Innovation is at the heart of what they do. Their hard work and commitment have been rewarded this year, becoming Overall Winner at the ‘National Enterprise Awards’ 2018 and Overall Winner of ‘Google adopt a start up’ 2018. As approved exhibitors, they will compete in Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena Awards at the National Ploughing Championships taking

place on September 18th, 19th and 20th in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Using your farm’s water system is the best way to dose your dairy herd with magnesium and minerals. Terra NutriTECH provide the only fully-automated method on the market that dispenses liquid minerals into water piping systems that can guarantee 100% accuracy. The Controller provides an easy way to ensure that dairy herds receive the optimal amount of minerals. It connects to existing pipes and delivers minerals based on the animal’s water usage, whatever the weather brings. By increasing herd health and reducing the need for supplementary feed, farmers save time and money. Newly rebranded as Terra NutriTECH (formerly Terra Liquid Minerals), they have been operating since 2012 with hundreds of satisfied clients who have seen increased profits and reduced labor. They take care of everything and provide a fully-managed service; leasing out and installing controllers, providing maintenance and upgrades. Controllers allow for remote monitoring and real-time data is visible via smartphone and web app. They also offer custommade mineral mixes and are automatically alerted to replenish your minerals so you never run out. To learn more about the benefits of the Terra NutriTECH Controller and to see how it works, be sure to visit their stand at the National Ploughing Championships (Block 2, Row 4, Stand 90) and the Innovation Arena.

FLOGAS SOLVES HOT WATER DILEMMA FOR TIPPERARY FARMER

olling hills surround Mark Tobin’s dairy farm just south of Cahir in Co. Tipperary. Run by Mark and ably assisted by his father Willie, like many others, his farm was reliant on an electric water heating system for its day to day activities. He found that using hot water twice a day was becoming a push too far and, in the winter, the cold weather played havoc with the immersion. Just over two years ago, Mark and his team were building a new milking parlour and decided to start afresh with a new system. Mark had been impressed with good reviews of a nearby dairy

farm that had converted to Flogas for its hot water needs, so he got in touch with Tommy Murray, the local Flogas sales representative, to arrange a free site visit and assessment. Depending on the size of the herd, the Flogas LPG Dairy Hot Water System comprises one or more high-powered water heaters, mounted on an external or internal wall, and piped to a Flogas LPG bulk tank. It then produces hot water from 37oC - 85oC instantly, eliminating hot water storage costs completely. An easy to use wall-mounted temperature controller allows you to decide the heat level you need at the touch of a button. Tommy Murray brought along Brian Condon, the local RGI installer, to discuss the farm’s needs with Mark and in his case, they recommended a single powerful water heater piped to a 0.5 tonne Flogas bulk tank. Once the go-ahead was given, the changeover was completed in one day, with minimal disruption to the farm’s operations. A recent innovation has been the installation of an LPG powered radiant heater in the milking parlour. The overhead heater, thought to be the first used on a farm using Flogas LPG, was Mark’s idea, and was done by Brian Condon. The result is an easily controllable heater that sits above the milking parlour, providing an extra layer of comfort and warmth during the colder winter months. Mark Tobin said, “We had a lot of problems, especially in the winter time with freezing issues. Add to that the constant need to heat hot water throughout the day so the Flogas system we now have in place is far more efficient which makes life a lot easier”. For more information visit www.flogas.ie/dairy

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 65

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 66

HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY

IF YOU PUT GOOD PEOPLE IN BAD SYSTEMS, YOU GET BAD RESULTS Many accidents occur due to lack of a system of work or a failure in the system of work, writes Martina Gormley (HSA).

system of work is a set of procedures according to which work must be carried out. Safe systems of work are required where hazards cannot be eliminated and • Is a fragile roof present on farm? some risk still exists. Detail how the work must be carried out to minimise or reduce the risk of accident or injury and communicate • Are all round and square bales stacked to ensure stability? to relevant persons. Don’t keep it filed away. Irish farms are typically family homesteads with several generations Over the past 10 years (2008-2017) 37 people died on Irish co-existing. The elderly, middle-age and teenagers full of angst. farms from falls and collapses. This represented 18% of all farm But be careful who helps you. A kind neighbour may not know deaths during this period. where to stand when herding animals off a roadway into a field. An elderly relative may not be quick enough to react to moving Last year in 2017 falls from a height and falling objects occurring vehicles, a painting contractor who you forgot to tell about your mainly in September and October accounted for over 16% of farm fragile shed roof. What about man’s best friend who barks deaths. Although a farmer’s work is never done don’t forget about unexpectedly startling the animals to bolt in the direction of a the children keen to climb the bales. Some heartbreaking cases in child. The Slurry contractor – did you remember to ask to see his recent years include: safety statement and explain yours to him, so everyone is fully A 48 year old farmer killed in a field when a bale dropped out of aware of the risks and how to avoid them on your farm? If not a baler wrapper and rolled over him. A 33 year old farmer was why not? Communication is key. found dead after he was crushed between a silage bale mounted You are responsible for your workplace and have a duty to on the front loader of his tractor and a feed barrier of the slatted unit. those working in it. Again be careful who helps you. Have you Only recently a colleague informed me that two farms he visited chosen competent people? A person is deemed competent, had implemented impressive safety improvements in animal where having regard to the task he or she is required to perform handling facilities. Before the inspection concluded both farmers and taking account of the size or hazard of the undertaking or confided their motivation to act was as a result of serious accidents establishment in which he or she undertakes the work, the person occurring to family members. Farmers are urged to act now

“You are responsible for your workplace and have a duty to those working in it” possesses sufficient training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the work undertaken. Are you sure your contractor does not allow children to drive vehicles on your farm? Be sure. Safety doesn’t happen by accident. Priority should always be given to Advance planning, Operator training, Managing and control of machinery and animal movements, maintenance programmes and physical & mental health. The Health & Safety Authority are undertaking three Agriculture Inspection Campaigns in 2018 (The first on Livestock Safety in February and the second was Vehicle Safety in May). The third campaign will take place in October focusing on Working at Heights and Falling Objects.

THE MAIN AREAS BEING ADDRESSED WILL INCLUDE: • Was the farmer aware prior to this inspection of availability & use of MEWPS (mobile elevated work platforms) for work at height on farms? • Has a risk assessment been completed for work at height?

rather than when it’s too late. I think we can agree that great leaders don’t tell you what to do, they show you how it’s done. And perhaps we misguidedly look to our farm elders to show us how it’s done. Unfortunately over 66% of farm deaths in 2017 were to those aged over 60 and over. Broken roof asbestos sheeting through which a farmer suffered fatal injuries

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 67

IFB0818 ISSUE 3.qxp_Layout 1 04/09/2018 10:17 Page 68