Dairy Farmers Implement New Research
21st November, 2002
Committed dairy farmers are actively implementing new research findings emanating from Teagasc, according to a Teagasc survey.
A survey by Teagasc adviser, Billy Kelleher, of farmers participating in the intensive Teagasc dairying advisory programme shows that new research findings from Moorepark Research Centre at Fermoy are being implemented on the majority of farms.
Speaking at the Teagasc National Dairy Conference in Killarney, Billy Kelleher said new grass management blueprints developed at Moorepark are already implemented by 60% of the farmers surveyed. The remaining 40% are in the process of implementation.
"The results of research at Moorepark on critical management practices for improved fertility have been applied on 55% of farms and a further 45% are currently putting these practices in place."
"Teagasc research has also shown that reseeding land with improved grass varieties has a major impact on milk output and cost. The survey reveals that over 10% of the farmers have already implemented these findings and a further 80% are planning to implement them", he said.
All farmers in the survey are participating in the dairy development programme being held by Teagasc and Dairygold Co-operative. They are active participants in dairy discussion groups and regard farm walks and group meetings as the most important sources of information.
Billy Kelleher also told the conference that the widespread use of unproven stock bulls by Irish dairy farmers will do lasting damage to the national cow herd.
"An analysis of cow pedigree on farms participating in the intensive Teagasc advisory programme shows that only one-third of cows are the progeny of recognised A.I. bulls and up to one-quarter are from stock bulls."
"Teagasc research shows that we can select A.I. bulls that will transmit good fertility to their female progeny. This can make a difference of up to €8,000 in profitability for the typical farm", he warned.
The complete proceedings from the National Dairy Conference are now available. Click here.
