Latest news with #Dairygold
Agriland
18 hours ago
- Agriland
Championing environmental sustainability: Meet the Walsh family
John and Brendan Walsh from Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary, were the overall winners of the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards. The awards recognise farmers who are operating sustainable, profitable farming systems while incorporating the latest scientific developments and technologies on their farms. On Tuesday, June 10, the Walshs will host an evening farm walk of learning, nature, and fun on the farm for all the family. The event, which is titled 'Dairying at Dusk', will kick off at 6.30pm and takes place at their farm in Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary, (Eircode E21 T938). What to expect? Attendees will have the opportunity to meet John and Brendan Walsh – the father-son duo who are leading the way in running a truly sustainable dairy farm. Hear inspiring talks from the Walshs on how they are making a living and looking after nature on their farm while continuing to produce high quality food profitably. There will be fun, games, and activities for kids with a sustainability corner and a farm safety workshop with Agrikids. Attendees will be provided with complimentary refreshments, courtesy of Dairygold. This is a 'not-to-be-missed' event for all the family to enjoy in the great outdoors on a summers evening. Three key sustainability pillars The Walsh Family won the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environment Sustainability Awards based on three key sustainability pillars, which were: 1. Efficiency and profitability Sustainability relies on balancing economic, environmental, and social factors. The Walshs have achieved this balance by running a highly efficient and profitable dairy operation. They milk 165 cows on a 63ha platform, with a total grassland area of 107ha. Their strong breeding policy, emphasising the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) and sexed semen, supports herd productivity and sustainability. Once replacement heifers are secured, they use high Dairy Beef Index sires to boost animal value. In 2024, the Walshs produced 524kg of milk solids per cow with 978kgs of concentrate per cow, achieving a gross margin of 60.2c/L and a carbon footprint of 0.83kg carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 eq)/kg fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) – well below average. Total emissions on the farm stood at 1,039t CO 2 eq. 2. Reduced chemical nitrogen usage The Walshs have reduced chemical nitrogen (N) usage by 40% since 2020, without compromising grass production. In 2024, they used 130kg N/ha (down from 220kg in 2020) while producing 13.7t of grass dry matter (DM)/ha. Nitrogen use efficiency on the farm was 29%. Their success stems from optimised soil fertility (64% of soils are at optimal levels for pH, phosphorus, and potassium); widespread clover incorporation (52% of the grazing platform has a high or medium clover content); targeted slurry use based on testing; and extensive use of protected urea (100% in 2024). With 15% surplus slurry storage and precise application methods, the Walshs reduce the risk of nitrogen runoff and protect water quality through extensive buffer zones and GPS-guided spreading. 3. Commitment to biodiversity Biodiversity is a long-standing priority on the Walsh farm, dating back generations. Hedges are managed to promote growth and diversity, with whitethorns allowed to flourish every 50m. Groves of trees, including a 3ha forest transitioning from spruce to native species, are scattered across the farm. The Walshs plant trees annually, and the presence of barn owls, herons, and even a curlew reflects the thriving biodiversity on their farm. Key takeaways The Walsh family exemplifies a well-planned, balanced approach to sustainable dairy farming. Their message to other farmers is: start small, seek good advice, and do not fear failure. Their success story is not just about awards but about building a resilient and environmentally responsible future for Irish farming.
Agriland
4 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Dairy Focus: Keeping breeding simple but effective in Co. Tipperary
At a recent Teagasc/Dairygold farm walk in Co. Tipperary, dairy farmer Mark Lonergan highlighted his breeding performance and how conception rates have been going so far, four weeks into the breeding season. Lonergan is milking 107 cows this year after reducing his cow numbers to bring down his stocking rate so he can match growth rates with demand during the mid-season, cutting down on silage and meal costs. The farm was also up at 250kg organic nitrogen (N)/ha and with an additional 8ac of land being rented and the reduction of cow numbers, the stocking rate last year sat at 206kg N/ha, leaving the farm comfortably stocked. Grassland management and breeding quality replacements was something that Lonergan had clearly prided himself on, as it was evident on the day how shrewd he was at keeping quality grass in front of cows which in turn helps achieve better conception rates. The herd of cows are primarily Holstein Friesian with a hint of Jersey in amongst the herd, as Lonergan used a couple of Jersey straws a couple of years ago. Performance For a primarily black-and-white herd of cows, Lonergan's percentages are very impressive as the cows produced 535kg of milk solids (MS)/cow, averaging 16.81L/cow/day with 4.64% fat and 3.81% protein. This high quality milk accumulated with a somatic cell count (SCC) of 138,000 cells/ml earned him an average milk price of 55.3c/L which is 4.2c/L over the Dairygold average. This milk price was highlighted in detail, as farmers often glance over how much above or beneath the average they are, but the significance of a few cent over was a major topic of discussion on the day. From 2018 to 2024, on average, Lonergan was over the average milk price by 3.3c/L which would have accumulated to €164,759 extra over the average Dairygold milk price throughout the seven years. With an aim of producing an extra 30kg/MS/cow this year with less volume, the projected cumulative value over the eight years is €184,759, which highlights how much a few cents over the average price can accumulate to over a number of years. Currently cows are producing 26L/cow/day at 4.34% fat and 3.68% protein, equating to 2.15kg MS/cow/day off 18kg of grass DM and 2kg of an 11% crude protein (CP) nut. Mark Lonergan's cows out grazing The farm grew 12.6t of grass last year and Lonergan fed 1.4t of meal/cow last year due to the poor grass growing last year as he usually tries feed between 700-800kg of meal cow each year. This growth and production was driven through applying 185kg N/ha -of which 98% was protected urea – applying 63t of lime. All slurry was spread through low emission slurry spreading (LESS), and 35% of the milking platform was in grass-white clover swards. 58% of the soil on the farm has a pH between 6.2 and 6.7, with 79% in index three or four for phosphorus (P) and 78% index three or four for potassium. Lonergan still goes with the 'little but often' approach for lime, as Teagasc dairy specialist, Stuart Childs highlighted that 0.5t/ha of lime will be washed away each year. For clover paddocks, Lonergan hopes to cut back on N application in the next number of weeks, as he is still applying 16-17 units of N/ac on low quantity clover paddocks and just soiled water on higher clover content paddocks. The farmer reseeds about 10% of the farm each year in which all his reseeds include clover and said that he used to over-sow clover but the results were 'hit and miss'. These efficient measures of turning grass into milk solids means that the farm's carbon footprint sits at 0.88kg CO 2 eq per kg of fat and protein corrected milk and nitrogen use efficiency of 29% and a N surplus of 184kg N/ha. Breeding Lonergan expressed that he has been breeding for percentages over the last couple of years while going for a higher maintenance figure, which currently sits at €14. Over the last seven years, the herd's fat % PTA went from 0.13 to 0.18 while the protein % PTA went from 0.08 to 0.13. The bulls that Lonergan has been using over the last few year are generally around 0kg of milk or plus or minus 100kg of milk with 0.2% protein and 0.30% fat. His herd has an average economic breeding index (EBI) of €253 with the 2026 calves predicted to be €292 and the weighted average of his bull team this year is €332. The bull team average 31.3kg of milk solids with -25kg of milk and 0.36% fat and 0.22% protein. Lonergan's collecting yard and drafting system coming from the parlour The calving interval last year was 371 days and Lonergan achieved an 89% six-week calving rate, with all of his heifers calving down within 26 months. Lonergan uses all dairy artificial insemination (AI) in the first 3-3.5 weeks with no over complications as straws are not matched up to each individual cow due to the similarity in bulls used. All the heifers were inseminated on May 8 after a fixed time AI programme and all received sexed semen straws. Lonergan achieved a 67% conception rate with sexed semen on heifers last year and 65% conception rate on cows last year. The Co. Tipperary farmer said he would never go back after using fixed timed AI on heifers for the last couple of years as he said they will all calve around February 9, before the peak of calving season which takes the pressure off. Breeding season for the cows starts on May 1 and only six cows were selected for sexed semen this year. Any cow that comes into heat in the first three weeks will get a conventional dairy straw as this year with over 90% submitted after three weeks. On the farm this year, 47 heifer calves were born, of which Lonergan kept 23 and sold 24, as he wants to ensure that he has an 18% replacement rate in two year's time. The first round of repeats will all receive conventional dairy straws and then Lonergan will use Aberdeen Angus for the rest of the breeding season. Lonergan is happy the way his breeding season works as it is not over complicated and he has repeat customers for Friesian bull calves and his surplus heifer calves. He is waiting for the calves' genomic results to pick the best calves for himself and sells the rest. Lonergan discussing farm performance with Teagasc dairy adviser, Darragh Kelly It is evident that the cows in the herd are well-fed as energy intakes are always maximised through grass utilisation and a small bit of meal which helps with fertility and conception. However, Lonergan highlighted that the Smaxtec bolus has helped immensely with his heat detection and conception rates. He is in his thrid year of having the Smaxtec bolus, which gives data straight from the reticulum, providing information on inner body temperature, rumination, water intake, heat detection, and calving detection, amongst other data. He has found the bolus a great aid in getting cows served at the right times and not missing heats, as well as detecting cows that are sick or have mastitis early before it becomes a problem. Lonergan runs a simple breeding season and overall system which proves very effective, as through doing the basics to a very high standard, he is reaping the rewards through milk production, grass utilisation and fertility performance.
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Paula Hynes: Wrapping It Pink for breast cancer
I mentioned in my last article that we made silage bales as part of our first cut silage and we wrapped them in pink bale wrap. We try to use pink bale wrap as much as possible every year as part of the #WrapItPink campaign, which highlights breast cancer awareness. We source the pink bale wrap from Dairygold, who in turn use the campaign to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. This is the 11 th year that Dairygold have been helping farmers turn the countryside pink and raising vital funds for such an important charity. Each and every one of us knows someone who has been impacted by cancer. My mother died from cancer a number of years ago, and to this day, I still miss her so much and often think that she would have so much fun now seeing the girls out showing. I know if she were still with us, she would be the one accompanying the girls to the UK shows and sending me back lots of photos, the Irish Cancer Society are there to help and support so many. What I truly love about the Wrap It Pink campaign is the awareness it creates, we have so many people visiting the farm and they always ask about the pink bales stacked in the yard, and it is an even nicer sight to see big fields of pink bales. People often tell us they look like giant marshmallows. Awareness is crucial with breast cancer, with 3,600 cases detected in Ireland every year and over 750 deaths every year. Early detection is crucial, and the reality is that if we can create enough awareness, then early detection and treatment of breast cancer would ensure every woman survives. One in seven women in Ireland will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, 13% of whom are between the ages of 15 & 44, 26% between the ages of 45 & 54, 24% between the ages of 55 & 64, and 19% over the age of 75. Less than 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. Awareness for breast cancer is so important, we women need to know what to look out for, any changes in our breasts, lumps, thickening, redness, changes in size, shape, changes in skin such as puckering or dimpling and any discharge. If you notice any changes, it is better to be safe and consult a doctor. While we always associate breast cancer with women, it also affects men, although it is rarer, approximately 30 men a year in Ireland are diagnosed. If you are driving around the countryside and see pink bales in a field, why not stop and take a photo and use #WrapItPink to share the message on social media. Likewise, for my farmer readers, grab a roll or two the next time you are in the co-op and ask your contractor to wrap a few bales the next time you are cutting silage. We could easily see so many more fields full of pink bales, and with most of us on social media, we could see so many more photos of pink bales to highlight awareness. Praying for rain At home here on the farm, it is still like a dust bowl with a severe lack of rain, we seem to have missed any heavy showers during the week and while we are still okay for grass, the reseed we set in April is really struggling, even the weeds are slow to grow on it so we have held off on using a post emergence spray. Hopefully, we will see rain in the coming week and looking at the forecast for our area, we will want every drop of rain that is forecast. From past experience with reseeds that struggle in dry conditions, we won't panic yet, the crucial thing once it does start to grow better is to graze tight and regular and also use watery slurry in between grazings to encourage tillering and it should straighten itself out in time. With the grass struggling, it does leave more room for the clover to establish properly, and it should end up as a higher clover content sward. We had 16 acres of a reseed that struggled with dry weather a few years ago and management corrected it to become some of our best grazing paddocks. Our week has consisted of agitating slurry to be spread on silage ground. Mick Hegarty has also been busy completing all the groundwork for our building project. He does all the track machine work on the farm for us and is a master at his job. All going well, we will make a big step forward with the project next week. We are also back on the show circuit this weekend as we head to Midleton show and the Belgooly show the following Saturday. Becky is back clipping with three animals going to Midleton, including our red and white Holstein first lactation, which we purchased at the IHFA premier sale. Robin really has taken to the halter well. She gets washed twice weekly and walks to and from the milking parlour on the halter and has also had a full pre clip so she knows her job now and seems really settled. She has lifted her milk production and produces 43 litres a day. Fingers crossed, she will enjoy her day out at the show. While Robin has been preparing for the showing, we have also been making plans for an outing to a big show in the UK - flights are booked, and entries are complete. The first of our June guests arrives in a week's time, the first of our French students, Emilie, and she has her show whites packed as she knows we have a busy schedule through June. She will have ample opportunity to practice her English as we also have several guests arriving from the US later in June. With so many visitors due on the farm, we will have to stock up on some more pink bale wrap and, hopefully, make some more pink silage bales to show our visitors and get them to spread the Wrap It Pink message around the world.
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
April milk prices confirmed by co-ops
The milk price for April has been confirmed by Dairygold, Carbery, Tirlán, and Lakeland Dairies. Dairygold has maintained the April quoted milk price at 50cpl, based on standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat, inclusive of sustainability and quality payments and VAT. This price equates to an average of 54.6cpl farm gate milk price based on the average solids achieved in April by milk suppliers. The quoted price for April was based on EU Standard constituents of 3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat, and is 54.5cpl, inclusive of VAT. A spokesperson for Dairygold commented that 'global milk production continues to be relatively steady, but buyers remain cautious amid the threat of tariffs… Butter prices have maintained their strong price levels, although other dairy products have been less robust.' Carbery has maintained its milk price for the month of April. If this is carried across the four West Cork co-ops, Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh, and Lisavaird, this will result in an average milk price of 52.12cpl, inclusive of VAT, 0.5cpl somatic cell count (SCC) bonus, and the FutureProof sustainability bonus. The base milk price adjustment for SCC and the FutureProof bonus figures are quoted excluding VAT. The total FutureProof bonus available in 2025 is 1.25cpl, an increase of 0.25cpl. Similarly to the Dairygold spokesperson regarding uncertainty of tariffs, Carbery have said "wider uncertainty around the outlook for global markets in the face of potential tariffs is somewhat impacting dairy market performance'. Tirlán will pay a total of 50.08cpl, including VAT, for April milk supplies at 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein. The April milk price consists of the base milk price of 49.58 cpl (including VAT), which is unchanged from March, and the sustainability action payment of 0.5 cpl (including VAT) to all qualifying suppliers. Both payments will be adjusted based on the actual constituents of milk delivered by farmers. The actual average price paid by Tirlán for April creamery milk, based on delivered constituents, will be 54.99 cpl (including VAT). Tirlán chairperson, John Murphy, said: 'While dairy markets are relatively stable, there has been a decline in returns for some individual products. We are pleased to be able to maintain farm gate milk price at over 50 cent per litre for the high-volume month of April. "The outcome of trade discussions over the coming period is likely to impact market direction. Consumer reaction to higher prices will also need to be closely watched.' Lakeland Dairies has also left the price of milk unchanged for milk supplied in April. The base price of 48.75cpl for constituents of 3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein, a retention of last month's price. This price is inclusive of the 0.5cpl sustainability incentive payment. Lakeland Dairies has said that although there are geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding the economic performance of dairy, the supply-demand dynamic remains largely in balance, which is providing market stability.
Agriland
23-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Cork couple crowned overall winners of Dairygold awards
Taoiseach Micheál Martin crowned Dairygold milk suppliers Aileen Sheehan and Philip O'Leary from Whitechurch, Co. Cork the overall winners of the 2024 Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards. They were also named Mallow regional award winners at a ceremony in Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co. Cork. The awards acknowledge the commitment of Dairygold milk suppliers to achieving the highest standard quality of milk while adopting more sustainable farming practices. This year's awards also saw the introduction of a new category, the 'Young Dairy Farmer of the Year Award'. The purpose of the new award category is to recognise the efforts of the next generation of dairy farmers who are demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices. Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards This year's overall winners, Aileen and Philip have only been dairy farming together for four years on a fully leased holding near Whitechurch, Co. Cork, milking 138 cows on a 125ac milking block, with an additional 50ac rented for silage and calves. They have focused heavily on long-term sustainability while producing high quality milk. Their proactive approach to implementing sustainable farming practices includes reseeding over 90% of their grazing platform and using protected urea as their primary nitrogen source. The judges were particularly impressed by Aileen and Philip's enthusiasm, work ethic, and attention to detail. Their proactive approach to environmental initiatives stood out, including their early involvement in the Farming for Water EIP (European Innovation Partnership) scheme. As part of their involvement in the scheme, they implemented measures such as sediment traps, tree planting, and a bunded drainage system to protect the nearby Glashaboy stream. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, guest of honour at the event, commended the role of family farming in Ireland and the importance of supporting it for future success: 'The success we see in Irish farming today is a testament to the professionalism and resilience of our farm families. 'The dairy sector is a cornerstone of our rural economy and it is farmers, like those being honoured today, who are securing its future. 'Sustainability is central to that future and the commitment of these farmers to more sustainable farming practices is very encouraging, as they lay the groundwork for the next generation to thrive.' Speaking about the awards, Dairygold chairperson Patrick Clancy said: 'These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the hard work, dedication and consistency of our milk suppliers, who strive for excellence in milk quality. 'Their efforts are the foundation of Dairygold's success. This year, we are especially proud to introduce the Young Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, a reflection of the emerging talent within our co-op and our commitment to fostering the next generation of dairy farmers.' Congratulating the winners, Dairygold chief executive Michael Harte added: 'Aileen and Philip are a fantastic example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and a forward-thinking approach to farming. 'Their efforts show that quality milk production and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. These award winners are not only leading by example today but helping shape the future of sustainable dairy farming among our Dairygold members. 'It is also encouraging to see the widespread adoption of more sustainable farming practices across our milk supplier base, which were clearly demonstrated as part of this awards process. 'These practices not only enhance water quality and further bolster the argument for the retention of the nitrates derogation, they also go a long way towards reducing our sectoral emissions and achieving our climate action targets,' he added. The awards were based on 2024 milk quality data from Dairygold's 2,500 milk suppliers across Cork, Tipperary, Limerick, Clare, Kerry, and Waterford. 18 finalists were shortlisted from each of the six Dairygold regions and assessed by a team of expert judges.
