Calving 2022 – Preparing for the new arrivals
As we fast approach the onset of calving, it is important to have an organised plan in place to achieve a successful calf rearing programme. The...
“We have cut lameness completely out of the herd”
In intensively fed animals, there is a constant challenge to juggle the balance between optimising milk and meat output in the most economical way,...
How this Longford farmer protects his herd from milk fever
How you feed and manage your herd during the dry cow period will influence subsequent yields and fertility, along with conditions which manifest...
Successful calf rearing – Getting the basics right
The ultimate goal of calf rearing is to set up a heifer to achieve target weights over her lifetime in order to maximise profitability. These...
Reducing The Risk Of Milk Fever
Research indicates a sole case of milk fever can cost circa €312 when veterinary bills and consequential production losses are accounted for, not to...
Silage Quality and Supplementation – Penny-wise For Beef Farmers
Silage quality is the cornerstone of animal performance and profitability in all beef systems, and with soaring feed costs, the need for better...
Achieving Replacement Heifer Targets
With most spring calving herds, the current focus centres around drying off the main herd and getting set up for the dry period. However, it is...
Focus Shifts To Winter Housing
After a relatively positive back end to the grazing season, the recent inclement weather has turned our attention to the winter housing period....
Selecting Cows For Drying Off
Body condition score (BCS) and milk output should be the main dictating factors when selecting cows for drying off over the next few weeks. Cows...
End of the 2021 Grazing Season
Our current grassland management advice is as follows: Continue to walk the farm weekly to monitor Average Farm Cover (AFC). By November 1st,...
Fodder Budgeting
Winter preparation often begins with assessing silage quality and stocks. With some farms experiencing soil moisture deficits and restricted levels...
The true cost of dry cow mineral provision
Prevention of metabolic issues next spring will centre around decisions made over the coming weeks. When costs associated with clinical metabolic...