Teagasc Moorepark Host National Dairy Open Day

Moorepark 07, a major Teagasc open day for the Irish dairy industry, was launched today in Fermoy, County Cork. The theme for the Moorepark 07 Open Day on Thursday, 21 June is Irish Dairying – winning on a world stage, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing dairy farmers and the Irish food industry. The latest science and technology to assist dairy farmers along with the most innovative dairy food research being undertaken by Teagasc will be on display on 21 June.

This major dairy event is opportune as trade liberalisation continues and the phase-out of EU milk quotas by 2015 is probable. The Open Day will focus on the importance of acquiring and applying new skills and knowledge for more efficient milk production as farmers prepare for the likely phased increase in milk quota from 2009. The appliance of science, technology and innovation is critical to increasing efficiency and scale at both farm and processor level.

Speaking at the launch of Moorepark 07 in Fermoy today, Thursday, 17 May 2007, the head of Teagasc Dairy Production Research Centre, Pat Dillon, said: “New technology in relation to grassland management, the use of high EBI genetics, labour efficient practices, the production of high quality milk and increased nutrient efficiency, will be highlighted on the day. The adoption of these technologies at farm level will result in an increase in margin of up to eight cent per litre. This will allow dairy farmers to increase scale while at the same time reduce the unit cost of milk production.”

The innovative development of new blueprints for dairy farmers to expand in a non EU milk quota scenario will be another highlight on the 21 June. Results from a recent survey indicate that there is large potential for expansion in milk production on most Irish dairy farms. A number of possible alternate expansion scenarios will be discussed on the day.

The Open Day will also focus on dairy product innovation. The Teagasc dairy products research programme is pursuing new innovative product opportunities. These have arisen from new dietary demand, changes in population age profile and from increased demand for convenience, wholesomeness and variety. A number of these products will be on display on the day together with details of some of the exciting research being pursued by Moorepark Food Research Centre.

Another attraction will be a conference on ‘Irish Dairying - winning on a world stage’, addressed by key stakeholders in the Irish Dairy Industry. All this, together with an elaborate display of practical demonstrations, products and services, makes Moorepark 07 a day not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the Irish dairy industry.

The support of FBD Trust, the overall sponsor of Moorepark 07, is greatly appreciated. Significant support is also being provided by ACC Bank and the IAWS owned Origin Enterprises.

This open day is an ideal opportunity to see at first hand the results of the comprehensive dairy research programme and to meet with Teagasc research and advisory staff. The open day runs from 10.00am - 5.00pm. A comprehensive booklet will be provided. Admission and parking is free.