Latest news with #Dairygold
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Paula Hynes: A-maizing maize and genetics insights
The August bank holiday weekend was quiet for us as we had no show and a nice chance to catch our breath as the farm had been busy during the week. CCS contracting were in picking up silage in perfect weather conditions. The crew always give a really efficient service and gave us a hand covering the pit before they left. It is reassuring to have all that work completed and our silage pit seems considerably bigger than last year with just enough room to fit the maize silage on the slab. Maize is really progressing well, the crop is around 9ft tall, cobs are a good length and should fill well with the warm weather at the moment. We aim to harvest the crop sometime around mid-September so we will walk the crop with Niall Canty at the beginning of September and make a better plan then. Niall has vast experience with growing maize and always offers sound realistic advice which we trust. It would also be nice to have maize in the diet for the show cows prior to the National Dairy Show in October which would also help drive milk production on them as well as the fresh autumn calvers who will soon be moving to a transition diet. We had a visitor in the yard recently and when they saw the show cows they asked 'are these the pets', a comment which really annoys me. Just because we can lead them on halters, doesn't make them pets, we have pet dogs that don't earn any money, but show cows work harder than commercial cows and essentially are top of the range commercial cows. Our second-lactation jersey cow will produce over 600kg of milk solids in 300 days this year, went in-calf first service and has stood champion jersey every day she went out this year along with having both her daughters winning at National Finals. Her sister Kali will hit 500kg of solids in her first lactation and is unbeaten as a heifer in milk and also went in-calf first service. Acclaim has produced over 11,340L in 260 days in her second-lactation and also went in-calf first service. I only wish my pet dogs could earn us as much as my so-called pet cows. A farm walk with a purpose We had a really interesting visit on the farm this week; our Dairygold water quality advisor and farm sustainability advisor Jeremiah Herlihy. When Jeremiah visited previously, we walked the entire farm together. Farmers are making huge efforts to improve water quality, and it is always handy to have a fresh pair of eyes to see where we can improve in other areas. On this visit, we were discussing the EIP water quality improvement funding. There are so many different options farmers can apply for funding, so there is something for every farm. After a good look at the options and a walk of the farm we decided we would apply for funding to increase the boundary for bovine exclusion near the main waterway which will be extended to 3m which essentially means this 3m boundary will return to wilderness allowing native species to take control and hopefully in time also allow more natural strength to the river bank. It will also help with biodiversity and allow space for wildlife near a water source. It is a big project, so hopefully we will get approval so we can crack on with the work before winter sets in. We have also applied for two areas of willow beds for water filtration. All our roadways are naturally cambered away from drains, so when it rains, the rain goes into a field from the roadway rather than into a drain. By placing willow beds in a couple of strategic areas, we will be able to filter any rainwater run-off in fields, and again, they will also have a positive benefit for wildlife. We are also looking at a number of other measures, such as slurry testing, which will most likely take place once a full tank has been agitated twice next spring so as to get the most accurate reading and we will know the exact nutrient reading of what we are spreading on fields. We already soil sample the entire farm every two years so by knowing the soil fertility and also knowing exactly what we spread, we can make more calculated decisions rather than working from averages. When it rains in Ireland now, it really seems to rain heavily due to the way weather patterns are changing. We simply cannot gather huge volumes of rain but with a bucket and brush system for the loader, we can ensure yards are tidier and rainwater will remain cleaner. We are also looking at installing a sediment settling tank which rainwater will be diverted towards and any silt will settle in it before the water leaves the tank. It was probably one of the most worthwhile farm visits we have had from an advisor in quite some time. Every farm is different, but it is great to see so many measures available to farms. We are looking forward to working further with Jeremiah and seeing how all this work progresses. International genetics conference Genetics is the roadmap to profitability on every farm. Of course, management and nutrition are the key to unlocking those genetics. In early September, the who's who of the global genetics industry will be visiting Cork for the Association of Embryo Technology in Europe for their 41st conference. From bovines to equines and small ruminants, the conference offers a dynamic program of scientific sessions, workshops and networking opportunities. Do you know who cloned the first horse, or who revolutionised the global dairy breeding industry through sexed semen? Who is working towards the de-extinction of the White Rhino through breeding? Or even who the most knowledgeable Irish people are when it comes to genetics, embryos and breeding nutrition? Well, if you do and you would like to hear more from them, or you don't and you would like to find out, have a look at AETE Conference 2025. It is fantastic that Ireland and indeed Cork attract conferences and leading experts to share knowledge, and reaffirms that Ireland too has a wealth of knowledge to share. It is certainly a conference we are looking forward to attending as the show season begins to wind down.
Irish Examiner
25-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Co-ops confirm May milk prices
May milk prices have been confirmed by Dairygold, Kerry Dairy Ireland, Tirlán, and Carbery. The May quoted milk price has been reduced by 1cpl by the Dairygold board. This results in a milk price of 49cpl based on standard constituents of 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat, inclusive of Sustainability and Quality payments and VAT. This will result in an average May farm gate milk price of 53.4cpl based on the average May 2025 mil solids achieved by Dairygold milk suppliers. Based on EU standard constituents, of 3.4% protein and 4.2% butterfat, is 53.5cpl inclusive of VAT for the quoted milk price for May. A company spokesperson stated: "While dairy commodity prices remain relatively robust, the global supply and demand balance for certain products has weakened. Supply is projected to increase, and demand in some sectors is challenged, negatively impacting returns. "Additionally, geopolitical concerns and Trump tariffs pose significant challenges for buyers navigating an uncertain environment. The Dairygold Board continues to monitor markets closely and will review milk price on a monthly basis.' Kerry Dairy Kerry Dairy Ireland has announced a May milk price of 50.03cpl, including VAT, as well as quality and sustainability bonuses. At EU standard constituents 3.40% protein and 4.20% butterfat, the milk price is 54.66cpl including VAT. Based on average milk solids from Kerry Dairy Ireland suppliers, the milk price return, inclusive of VAT and bonuses, amounts to 52.75cpl. A spokesperson for Kerry said: 'Strong demand has supported relative market stability; however, rising commodity prices are beginning to filter through to retail, which may result in increased pressure on consumer demand.' Tirlán Tirlán has announced that they will reduce the base milk price by 1cpl from April's price and pay suppliers 49.08cpl, including VAT, for supplies at 3.3% protein and 3.6% butterfat. The base milk price in May for Tirlán suppliers will now be 48.58cpl (including VAT) with a 0.5cpl (including VAT) Sustainability Action payment added for qualifying suppliers. The base price and Sustainability Action Payment will be adjusted to reflect the actual constituents of milk delivered by suppliers. The actual average price paid by Tirlán for May milk supplies based on delivered constituents will be 53.62cpl (including VAT). Commenting on the May milk prices, Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy said: 'We have come through a very strong peak milk supply period, and milk volumes remain very good due to favourable weather conditions. "While dairy markets are generally stable, the price we have set today reflects the current returns. It is still shaping up to be a decent year on dairy farms.' Carbery Carbery has also reduced its May milk price by 1cpl. Assuming the decision is replicated across the four West Cork co-ops, Bandon, Barryroe, Drinagh, and Lisvard, this will result in an average milk price of 51.07cpl inclusive of VAT, the 0.5cpl SCC (Somatic Cell Count) bonus, and the FutureProof sustainability bonus, which as of this year is 1.25cpl. A spokesperson for Carbery added: "While dairy markets remain relatively stable, geopolitical developments are creating uncertainty for buyers, while demand has weakened somewhat with supply projected to increase.' Read More Stephen Cadogan: Why every dairy farmer needs a cash buffer in 2025
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Enterprise Ireland chair Michael Carey resigns from role
The chair of Enterprise Ireland has Michael Carey has resigned, with former Dairygold chief Jim Woulfe now taking the role in an interim capacity. Mr Carey had been in the spotlight over reports his company East Coast Bakehouse had made late account filings with the Companies Registration Office. Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke confirmed Mr Carey had tendered his resignation and said a process will now commence through the Public Appointments Service to appoint a new Enterprise Ireland chair. Mr Carey is also the chair of the board of the Housing Agency and he is also believed to have stepped down from this role. "I would like to thank Michael Carey for his work and dedication to Irish enterprises over the last two years as chair of Enterprise Ireland and wish him all the best in the future," said Mr Burke. "The Government and Enterprise Ireland have ambitious plans over the coming period, including to increase exports to €50bn by 2029, to establish 1,700 new Irish-owned exporters and to increase jobs in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland to 275,000. Supporting Irish SMEs, together with realising the significant potential we have in our innovative economy, remain my absolute priority. I am working closely with Jenny Melia, as CEO designate, and the board of Enterprise Ireland in this regard." Former Dairygold chief executive Jim Woulfe, a member of the board of Enterprise Ireland, has agreed to act as interim chair in advance of the formal process concluding. Mr Woulfe was Dairygold chief until December 2021 when he retired after 42 years' service.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Dramatic dashcam footage of Cork truck accident played in court
Aidan Keely, 50, of Churchfield Terrace, Dromahane, Mallow, gave Gardaí a statement saying that he received 19 staples in his head following the incident on May 12, 2013, in which his truck slowly veered off the road at the N20 near Burnfort before overturning on its side. However, Defence Solicitor David O'Meara told Judge Colm Roberts that due to a misunderstanding between himself and his client, Mr Keely wasn't in court today, but was happy for the Gardaí to give evidence on the charge of careless driving. The court heard that the truck was loaded with grain when the incident occurred, which Mr Keely said he had no recollection of, telling Gardaí in a statement that his last memory was picking up a load at the Port of Cork in Ringaskiddy, having come from Skibbereen. Garda Megan Murphy, who was at the scene, said that grain had spilt across the road following the incident, and that Mr Keely had suffered a serious head injury and had to be brought in for treatment. Ms Murphy also told the court that the road had to be closed for several hours to facilitate clearing the scene. Garda Murphy, under cross-examination from Inspector Paul Aherne from Mallow Garda Station, told the court that cranes and machinery were needed to remove the truck. Two mobile phones were examined and found that Mr Keely wasn't on his phone, nor was he over the driving break limit as per his tachograph. However, in the statement, 50-year-old Mr Keely had admitted he was under physical and emotional pressure before the incident. Judge Colm Roberts had asked Garda Murphy if she had asked him whether he had been sleeping well in the lead up to the incident, which Garda Murphy said she didn't. 'Having no sleep can have the same impact as being a drunk driver. I would suggest asking people 'How much sleep have you had in the last few days?',' said the Judge. Dashcam footage was then played to the court, which showed the truck, from various angles, slowly veering into the left-hand verge, before turning over on its right-hand side. 'He just lost control. This is probably due to the exhaustion,' said Judge Roberts. ADVERTISEMENT Garda Murphy, in responding to questions from Detective Inspector Aherne, said that Mr Keely was driving a 'Dairygold truck, filled with feed,' and that the incident happened on the N20 at Burnfort, which Garda Murphy described as a 'very busy road.' 'He just missed a blue BMW that had just overtaken him beforehand,' Garda Murphy told the court. Garda Aherne told Judge Roberts that a truck driving behind Mr Keely could also be seen flashing its lights on the footage, in what Mr Aherne said was a bid to signal the driver's attention, who he believed was driving erratically in the lead up to the incident. Defence solicitor David O'Meara said his client does intend to give evidence and declined to comment in lieu of appearing for the next date with his client. Judge Colm Roberts agreed to an adjournment for determination and finalisation, for mention on June 24.
Agriland
11-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Gallery: ‘Dairying at Dusk' event explores sustainability
An award winning Co. Tipperary dairy family partnership have showcased the steps they are taking to 'protect the environment' during a 'Dairying at Dusk' farm walk. Hundreds of people attended the award winning Walsh family farm in Ballylooby, Co. Tipperary for the event organised by Teagasc, FBD and Dairygold, yesterday evening (Tuesday, June 10). John, Maria and Brendan Walsh, who were the overall winners of the 2024 Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards, hosted the walk on their 63 hectares platform, with 107 hectares of grass, farm. The Walsh family are milking 165 and are supplying Dairygold co-op. The 'Dairying at Dusk' walk on the Walsh family farm Source: O'Gorman Photography Sustainability During the 'Dairying at Dusk' farm walk members of the Walsh family highlighted what particular measures have been taken on their farm to promote sustainability. They highlighted how a careful selection of hedgerows have being planted across the farm and that it is home to over 20 pollinators – recorded in a 2022 biodiversity assessment. John Walsh also detailed how the farm provides shelter and food sources for birds and other wildlife. A section of the crowd at the 'Dairying at Dusk' Source: O'Gorman Photography He detailed the work he carries out to prune all hedges in the first three years of planting, and how he carefully manages them to ensure a wide base, eight foot tall and whitethorns flourishing every 50 meters. The Walsh's paddocks are rich in clover, with a small portion of paddocks made up of multispecies in a bid to reduce their chemical nitrogen usage. The multispecies swards contain chicory, plantain, white and red clover and ryegrass. Brendan Walsh, host addresses a group at 'Dairying at Dusk' Source: O'Gorman Photography Herd According to the Walsh family partnership their biggest treasure is their herd of cows. Brendan Walsh said it took years of careful and selective breeding using the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) to get to where they are today. The cows produce an average of 524 kilograms of milk solids per cow per year, while the carbon footprint of the milk produced is 10% lower than the national average. The carbon footprint was 0.86 kg CO2 eq/kg FPCM in 2024. Catherine Keena, Teagasc, Prof. Frank O'Mara, Teagasc, Dr Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc, Liam Herlihy, Teagasc chair and host John Walsh at 'Dairying at Dusk' Source: O'Gorman Photography The farming family also keep a keen eye on water quality protection and highlighted that they have reduced their chemical fertiliser usage greatly. Only 130 kilograms of N per hectare per year is used across the farm, with the help of clover integrated swards. The farm is still producing 13.7 tonnes of grass dry matter. According to the Walsh family all of the slurry on the farm is spread using low emission slurry spreading techniques (LESS) combined with GPS for precision on application. They have also fenced off all water courses and created buffer strips beside water bodies to maintain a high water quality.
