OPEN SOURCE SUSTAINABILITY AND QUALITY ASSURANCE CODE
2014 OBJECTIVE
Traceability, transparency and trust are key issues of importance to Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited’s (GIIL) international customers.
Our ambition is that milk suppliers are recognised as professional producers of the highest quality milk, using safe and sustainable farming practices. HOW TO USE THIS CODE
The GIIL Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code (Open Source Code) is designed to be a user-friendly source of practical information for milk suppliers, who will be participating in the Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Programme (Open Source Programme).
The information is divided clearly into sections which Section Four provides information to milk suppliers on focus on the key elements of the Open Source Programme sustainable and environmental best practices on-farm. and the Bord Bia Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS). Section Five provides information on carbon footprint measurement and the use of the carbon navigator tool. Each section has a full listing of the content. This will help with locating a particular topic. In addition, at the start of The reference information section at the back of the each section there is an introduction. This outlines the Code is a valuable tool for directing milk suppliers towards relevance and importance of the content to both milk important websites and regulatory publications. suppliers and our global customers. Readers who wish to discuss topics raised in the Section One explains the importance of sustainability Open Source Code should contact their local GIIL and quality assurance to GIIL, our milk suppliers and Sustainability Advisor or the GIIL Farm Sustainability global customers. Manager, Anne Browne.
Section Two contains an explanation of how the scheme operates at farm level and at certification level. It explains the role of the Bord Bia independent auditor and the GIIL Sustainability Advisor.
Section Three is a critical section as it is based on legislative requirements. It contains all the assessment areas which are essential to the GIIL Open Source Programme and the Bord Bia Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS). It is important for milk suppliers to be very familiar with this content. The parameters where compliance is required are colour coded. Please see below:
• Red – Critical and relates to areas of high significance • Blue – General and will be assessed against a standard • Black – Advisory and provides further explanation on the relevance of standards. PREAMBLE
“Our objective is to establish an internationally recognised sustainability standard that leverages Jim Bergin, Chief Executive Officer Ireland’s natural and green brand in global Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited dairy markets.”
Dear Milk Supplier, Global food companies are seeking high levels of quality assurance based Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited on visibility and integrity across the is proud to introduce the Open whole dairy supply chain. These global Source Sustainability and Quality food companies, many of whom Assurance Programme, GIIL’s on- are our leading customers, are also farm sustainability programme which looking for sources of supply that can provides a blueprint for high quality, demonstrate efficient and sustainable sustainable milk production. production, aligned to their own sustainability commitments. They Our vision as a business is to be recognise the value that sustainability the dairy-based solutions offers to their brand proposition, as partner-of-choice for leading a more sustainable brand is a more organisations globally. Our vision as desirable brand. a sustainability leader is to become a global reference point for best Consumer demands are changing practice in dairy sustainability. as well. There is a growing cohort of Together, I believe, we can achieve informed consumers who are focused these visions. on health and wellness and clean product labelling. Dairy with its natural The structure of the international dairy goodness and nutritional value is an market has changed over the last ideal fit. decade and with it the environment within which milk suppliers and We have the opportunity to distinguish processors alike must operate. ourselves in this arena through There is a growing and powerful the launch of the Open Source global sustainability agenda that is Programme. Our objective is to market driven, customer-led and establish an internationally recognised consumer-focused. sustainability standard that leverages Ireland’s natural and green brand in Markets are looking for security of global dairy markets. supply as global demand for dairy continues to increase. The Open Source Programme is a At GIIL, we are deeply committed to significant step-up in the existing milk sustainable production and are putting quality scheme and complements the considerable personnel and financial national Sustainable Dairy Assurance resources behind the Open Source Scheme (SDAS). Good farming practice Programme to assist our milk suppliers increases farm efficiency, ultimately adding in achieving real farm value from efficient value for the farmer and his / her family. and sustainable milk production. The Open Milk suppliers also have an important role Source Programme complements the major as custodians of the natural environment. strides we have made, and continue to This can impact positively on the make, in operational efficiency in our large- rural community. scale processing facilities.
The Open Source Programme is based on an Open Source Code which the GIIL team has created in consultation with an advisory group of industry and sustainability Jim Bergin representatives and experts. During the Chief Executive Officer development phase, the Code was piloted Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited with 300 farmers and reviewed by some of our leading customers. It has been approved by your Board and welcomed by the Society’s Council members.
Application of the Code will be independently assured by a Bord Bia control audit. The rationale for this is that we need a transparent mechanism to measure on-farm sustainability and provide the basis for continuous improvement. Auditing also provides us with independent assured information to demonstrate our suppliers’ commitment to sustainability and provides a clear basis for GIIL’s brand messaging and articulation with our customers. 4CowsGlanbia grazing Ingredients in November Ireland Limited Openon aSource GIIL Sustainability milk supplier and Quality Assurance farm in Code Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny Contents
1 Introduction 2
2 Scheme regulations 5
3 Producer requirements 13
4 On-farm sustainability assessment 65
5 Carbon footprint measurement 85
6 Conclusion 92
7 Reference information 95
8 Glossary of terms 100
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 1 1. INTRODUCTION
“Sustainability, both on-farm and at processor-level, is a key growth platform for Seán Molloy Director of Strategy and Supplier Relations GIIL. This approach will underpin our joint Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited success into the future.”
At Glanbia Ingredients Ireland This approach is paramount to Limited (GIIL), we are proud to be ensuring the sustained expansion international leaders in the area of of milk production post-2015 and sustainability and quality assurance. will drive the success of the major investment by GIIL in the new state- We regard sustainability as a core part of-the art greenfield processing of business strategy. We are focused facility at Belview. on working with our suppliers and customers to ensure that the GIIL Challenges and responsibilities come approach delivers value to all our with these growth opportunities and stakeholders. we embrace them. GIIL is committed to investing in our resources, Sustainability, both on-farm and operations and suppliers to develop at processor-level, is a key growth further our sustainability culture and platform for GIIL. This approach our Open Source Programme. will underpin our joint success into the future. Trends within the market place will evolve and these trends will Continuing to drive on-farm be reflected over time in what is sustainability and global leadership demanded in the area of sustainability. in quality assurance, that is independently assured, is critical to the long-term competitiveness of GIIL.
2 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Some of what is regarded as At GIIL we will ensure that these paramount today may in time be constants remain centre stage as elapsed with increasing knowledge we strive to maintain a position of and new environmental, health and international leadership in the area of consumer insights. sustainability and quality assurance.
However, regardless of emerging I look forward to working proactively trends a number of constants at farm with all our suppliers. Your active level will remain. These include an participation in the Open Source on-going and absolute demand for Programme is crucial, as we continue quality assurance; the requirement for on our sustainable journey. milk suppliers to engage in careful and prudent financial and operational planning; a non-compromising dedication to safety on the farm and importantly the need to ensure that as a result of all this effort a sustainable Seán Molloy economic return is achieved by Director of Strategy and milk suppliers. Supplier Relations Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited
We welcome your feedback on our Open Source Programme. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 3 Seán Smith, GIIL Milk Quality Manager with Gerard Heery, GIIL milk supplier, Oldcastle, Co. Meath 2. SCHEME REGULATIONS
Contents
2.1 The role of Bord Bia 6
2.2 The GIIL sustainability team 7
2.3 How the audit will be measured 7
2.4 Audit score 7
2.5 Bord Bia audit flow 8
2.6 Understanding audit results 9
2.7 Recommendations 10
2.8 Sustainability best practices 10
2.9 Participation 10
2.10 Pre-assessment by the GIIL Sustainability Advisor 10
2.11 Certification and renewal audit 11
2.12 Certification 11
2.13 Appeals and complaints 11
2.14 Updates and changes 11
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 5 2. SCHEME REGULATIONS
Richard and Noric Guilfoyle, GIIL milk suppliers, Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny
Introduction 2.1 The role of Bord Bia This section contains important general information for milk suppliers. It contains an explanation of how Bord Bia records all relevant and applicable data from the the scheme operates at farm level and at certification farm audits. It will also record other additional information level. It explains the role of the Bord Bia independent relating to the sustainability of the farm during the visit auditor and the GIIL Sustainability Advisor. It is crucial of the auditor. All data is maintained on a confidential that milk suppliers take sufficient time to read and fully basis on the database in accordance with the Data understand this section of the Standard. Protection Act.
The scheme details are explained in full in Chapter 2 of The Bord Bia database performs a number of functions: the Bord Bia Scope. Every participant will get a Bord Bia • Recording details of the farm that permits the milk pack after they apply for the Bord Bia Audit. supplier to be contacted for audit purposes (name, address, phone numbers, directions to the farm) This Standard applies to milk produced from bovines on • Recording the enterprises that are present on GIIL milk supplier farms only. Membership of the Scheme the farm (main production types / systems, is voluntary and open to all dairy milk suppliers who other enterprises present (e.g. tillage, have valid herd registration with the competent authority presence of an outside farm), size of the family Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM). enterprise etc.) as relevant to the audit or to the sustainability assessment It is envisaged that over the next 18 months all of the • Recording and collating data collected as part of 4,300 milk suppliers will become members of this the farm surveys for the purpose of calculating the scheme. As a business, GIIL will be encouraging this carbon footprint of the farm and for the purpose of level of participation. establishing the performance of the farm against the sustainability criteria or survey, etc. A GIIL register indicating the status of all participant milk suppliers in the Scheme will be maintained by the Scheme Manager.
6 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code • Recording the results of the audits carried out by Breeders Federation (ICBF) and the Animal Identification Bord Bia appointed auditing personnel and and Movement System (AIMS) is necessary for the Bord communicating those results as needed to the milk Bia Audit to proceed. supplier and the GIIL Scheme Manager.
The Bord Bia database is linked to the Bord Bia public 2.3 How the audit will be measured website: www.bordbia.ie, through which various links are available (e.g. checking herd certification status and The parameters where compliance with the Standard is downloading documentation relating to the Schemes, required (text on clear background in Section 3 Producer Standards and templates). Requirements) are classified as Critical and General.
The Bord Bia database is accessible directly by applicants or members for application purposes. In addition, it can be accessed for the purposes of providing information Critical: These parameters are in a red box, on close out of audit non-compliances. Full details marked with a symbol. These relate to regarding access to the database are provided on an areas of high significance (e.g. food safety as-required basis by Bord Bia through the audit feedback and traceability) and to scheme rules. documentation. In each case, the member will need a username and password to access the information. General: These parameters are printed in coloured type in GIIL is registered on the database and their the text (in Section 3 Producer Requirements). They relate representatives, Farm Development Advisors and to core best practice issues including issues affecting Sustainability Advisors are trained by Bord Bia to milk hygiene. provide assistance to milk suppliers with applications for participation and with providing close out evidence where required. The Milk Purchaser and its representatives are 2.4 Audit score also permitted (with the milk supplier’s consent) to access the database to view audit results and to access Bord Bia During audit, the auditor will identify the compliance documentation that can be used by the milk supplier e.g. or non-compliance with the requirement as follows: farm book records. • Compliance: There is full compliance. The performance is rated as 2. • Minor non-compliance: The requirement is being 2.2 The GIIL sustainability team met in some respects, but not in other respects (e.g. there is a record, but several entries are The role of the GIIL sustainability advisory team is to incorrect or missing). There is partial compliance and provide support to milk suppliers to prepare for the Bord this is rated as 1. Bia Audit. This is called a preparation assessment. This • Major non-compliance: There is a complete failure team will be fully trained in the audit requirements; in how to meet the requirement (e.g. there is no record of to advise milk suppliers to achieve certification and, in the the activity). There is no compliance and this is rated case of non-compliance, how to address them and close as 0. them out. The GIIL Sustainability Advisor will arrange a The overall % performance of the farm is calculated using visit prior to the Bord Bia Audit. He / she will take the milk these parameters only when the audit is completed. supplier through the scope of the audit and address areas that need remedial action prior to the audit. Critical: Where a critical non-compliance is identified
during audit, the milk supplier is advised at the audit and At this visit, the GIIL Sustainability Advisor will request the the Milk Purchaser is advised immediately. A response milk supplier to complete an application form for the must be recorded on the Bord Bia database within 48 Bord Bia Audit. This application will then be submitted to hours of the completion of the audit setting out the Bord Bia for the audit process to begin at an agreed time. corrective action proposed. Where the non-compliance is Bord Bia will forward the Bord Bia pack to the milk supplier. then closed out, a re-audit can be scheduled. Authorisation for the release of data from the Irish Cattle Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 7 2. SCHEME REGULATIONS
2.5 Bord Bia audit flow
A schematic representation of the audit process and its findings is presented in the audit flow.
Application form STEP 1 • The milk supplier must submit a signed formal application form to Bord Bia to become a participant in the scheme. His / her action will be supported by the GIIL Sustainability Advisor, who will prepare the milk supplier for the visit.
Schedule for audit STEP 2 • The milk supplier details are recorded onto Bord Bia’s database. This farm is activated as a farm that is ready for a visit.
Auditor contacts milk supplier STEP 3 • The Board Bia auditor contacts the milk supplier by telephone to arrange a date and time for a visit. He / she will clarify what is required for the audit.
Audit STEP 4 • The audit visit takes place at the appointed time. Details of the farm are loaded directly onto a handheld device and the milk supplier electronically signs the GIIL declaration. The auditor continues with the audit, details of which are recorded on the handheld device. At the close out the auditor clearly agree with the supplier the areas of non-conformance and areas for improvement.
Review process STEP 5 • The audit goes forward to the review process. This is the 2 stage review. • Firstly the audit is double checked for completeness and then it undergoes an independent review. At the end of this process a recommendation (on whether the farm should be certified or not) is put forward to a certification committee.
Certification step STEP 6 • A certification committee makes the final decision regarding certification. This committee consists of independent experts with a deep knowledge of agricultural practices.
Notification to milk supplier • Bord Bia notifies the milk supplier and GIIL of the certification status. If the milk supplier is successful, the next visit is in 18 months. STEP 7 • If it is unsuccessful the milk supplier is not certified. The milk supplier may close out minor non-compliance and provide evidence of this and re-apply for certification or in the case of major non-compliances request a re-audit. • The GIIL Sustainability Manager will follow up with the milk supplier to implement improvements and to prepare the uncertified milk supplier to apply again.
INAB accreditation of Bord Bia scheme STEP 8 • The Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme is subject to ongoing accreditation by INAB, the Irish National Accreditation Board.
8 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 2.6 Understanding audit results
Address within 48 hours ! Yes - If not, certification is withdrawn or denied Critical Non-Compliance Certification granted No if no general non- compliance identified
General No Certification is granted Non-Compliance
<60% Yes >60%
Close out non-compliance within agreed timeframe Close out non-compliance with auditor within agreed timeframe with auditor and Re-audit with auditor to certification will be granted ensure non-compliance fully addressed If not, certification withdrawn and will be re-audited when remedial action is complete
No Certification is granted
Minor Non-Compliance Certification is Yes granted with a commitment to close minor non-compliance before next audit
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 9 2. SCHEME REGULATIONS
Close out process 2.8 Sustainability best practices Where non-compliances are identified during audit, the GIIL Sustainability Advisor will be informed so as to ensure There are a number of sustainability best practices that assistance with addressing the non-compliances included in this standard in Sections 4 and 5. Compliance can be offered to the milk supplier. However it is the milk with these recommendations is not mandatory for supplier’s responsibility to ensure that the non-compliances certification. However, during audit these issues may are addressed as agreed with the auditor. In all cases, the be evaluated and the result recorded. milk supplier will receive a written report from Bord Bia outlining all the non-compliances and identifying the close out process. 2.9 Participation
Non-compliances must be addressed through the Bord Participation in the Scheme will be scheduled by the GIIL Bia database. If this is not possible, the milk supplier or Sustainability Advisor. He / she will assist the milk supplier the GIIL Sustainability Advisor may obtain permission from in preparing for the audit. Alternatively, the milk supplier Bord Bia to supply the information through another route. can obtain an application form from the Bord Bia website www.bordbia.ie or by telephoning 01 668 5155. It is important to respond within the required time. Failure to close out the non-compliance in the required period will An application form must be completed which includes result in the herd being suspended from the Scheme. a commitment to becoming certified under the Scheme within 18 months of application. The application form Where non-compliances are identified, the Bord Bia also contains consent forms permitting the release of auditor will advise the milk supplier of each non- relevant AIM, ICBF and Milk Purchaser data to Bord Bia compliance and will brief the milk supplier on the type of for sustainability evaluation purposes only. On receipt of evidence that could be submitted in close out and how the completed application form and commitment, the milk this evidence can be supplied. The milk supplier must supplier’s herd will be deemed to be a participant under understand however that the auditor is precluded from the Scheme. providing advice on what action to take to close out the non-compliance. In these cases the GIIL Sustainability Milk suppliers who commence milk production after the Advisor will advise where practicable. commencement date can also apply for participation as above. Until the close out is completed, the herd remains a participant. 2.10 Pre-assessment by the GIIL Sustainability Advisor 2.7 Recommendations After application, the participant will be offered a There are a number of recommendations for best preparation audit against the Dairy Standard during which practice included in this standard. Compliance with these the GIIL Sustainability Advisor will create a report listing recommendations is not mandatory for certification. any issues that would need to be addressed in order to be However, during audit, these issues may be evaluated and eligible for certification. the result recorded. However, if during the Bord Bia audit the participant does not demonstrate compliance in a number of areas the audit can be treated as a pre-audit. The milk supplier can then re-apply when he has a number of improvements carried out. Until the close out is completed, the herd remains a participant in the Scheme.
10 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 2.11 Certification and renewal audit 2.13 Appeals and complaints
The certification is normally issued for an 18-month The milk supplier may appeal decisions in relation to period. Existing members will be notified for the next audit certification status by writing to the Bord Bia Appeals approximately 14 months after the last certificate issue Committee, Bord Bia, Clanwilliam Court, Lower Mount date to allow time for a close out process. This will be Street, Dublin 2 within two weeks of the date of issue of notified by Bord Bia in advance of the audit. the certification decision communication.
The request to appeal will be acknowledged and followed 2.12 Certification up by Bord Bia. However, the decision of Bord Bia’s Appeals Committee in relation to the appeal will be final. The decision to grant, extend, withdraw or suspend certification to / from a milk supplier is made by the The milk supplier may take issue with regard to the audit Bord Bia Certification Committee. This decision is made results or any other aspect of the operation of the Scheme. primarily on the basis of the audit findings, but other All such queries must be submitted in writing and be factors which may be recorded by the auditor or may come addressed to the GIIL Farm Sustainability Manager, who in to light after the audit (such as failure to meet regulatory turn may decide to proceed to Bord Bia with the issue. All compliance), may be taken into consideration in arriving at such issues will be acknowledged and investigated. the certification decision.
The decision is published on the Bord Bia database and 2.14 Updates and changes the current status of the herd can be verified by entering the herd number at the following link The milk supplier should note that only the current edition www.bit.ly/bbqualitysystem. now applies. When future changes occur, updates will be issued in whole or in part to all applicants. Participants are All certification decisions are notified in writing to the milk responsible for ensuring that the obsolete sections are supplier and a certificate is made available online. This replaced, by an updated version. certificate can be used as evidence of certification under the SDQAS, but may not be used for any other purpose In the event that the status of the certified milk supplier without the permission of Bord Bia. In the event that changes e.g. change of ownership, change of herd number certification is withdrawn, the certificate must be returned or change of scope of operation, GIIL and Bord Bia and the milk supplier will be removed from the register of must be immediately informed. They will decide upon the certified milk suppliers. appropriate actions required e.g. re-audit.
Certificates are issued under the following conditions: • That milk suppliers may make claims regarding certification only in respect of the scope for which the herd has been certified • That certification is not used in such a manner as to bring Bord Bia into disrepute and milk suppliers must not make any statement regarding the herd certification which Bord Bia may consider misleading or unauthorised • That no certificate, report, or any part thereof is used in a misleading manner • That milk suppliers comply with the requirements of Bord Bia where reference is made to Bord Bia certification in any communication media such as documents, brochures or advertising.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 11 Cows going in for milking on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm, near Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny 3. PRODUCER REQUIREMENTS
Contents
3.1 Overview and retention of records 15
3.2 Milk supplier capability and competence 15
3.3 Identification and traceability 17
3.4 Animal remedies 18
3.5 Animal feeds and water 21
3.6 Land management 27
3.7 Specified management tasks: dairy animals 29
3.8 Animal health and welfare 31
3.9 Biosecurity and pest control 38
3.10 Housing 40
3.11 Transport 43
3.12 Environment 44
3.13 Farm personnel health and safety 47
3.14 Dairy – general 49
3.15 Dairy 51
3.16 Milking parlour 53
3.17 Milk storage and collection 57
3.18 Milking equipment 58
3.19 Milking – general hygiene 60
3.20 Chemicals, pesticides and herbicides 61
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 13 3. PRODUCER REQUIREMENTS
GIIL milk supplier Willie Costigan’s farm, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny
Introduction The Open Source Programme builds on GIIL’s existing GIIL has also worked closely with its customers to milk quality scheme and complements the National ensure that the implementation of the Code will improve Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS). market value for its milk suppliers and the business.
GIIL has developed an on-farm sustainability code as one of its key growth platforms. Three hundred farms have been involved in a pilot project to inform the development of the Code and to ensure it is practical and workable.
14 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Tommy Costigan, GIIL milk supplier, Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny 3.1 Overview and retention of records
Background information The retention of farm records is extremely important. It is a vital pre-requisite to eligibility for certification under the Open Source Programme. Records provide a historical picture of on-farm activities and can contribute to current performances.
During the audit the auditor will seek to establish that the milk supplier meets the requirements of the Open Source Programme and the National Standard. This will be done through observation, questioning and the assessment of relevant records.
The retention of good records is an important means 3.2 Milk supplier capability and for demonstrating on-going compliance and provides competence identification of areas for improvement. A Background information All records required under this scheme must be Planning for the future is very important. Milk suppliers retained for a minimum of 3 years. need to assess current performance, identify potential opportunities, investigate training requirements and B Prescriptions and animal remedy records (both prioritise expenditure to ensure the economic efficiency purchase and usage) must be retained for 5 years. and viability of the farm is secure. GIIL Farm Development Advisors provide support by means of valuable information C Records must be available at audit and must be and guidelines on best practice on the farm. complete (i.e. without unexplained gaps) as in 3.1 A and B (above) or since joining the Scheme A The milk supplier must be able to demonstrate (whichever is the shorter). competence in stockmanship through on-farm working with an experienced person; having a minimum of 5 years relevant on-farm experience in milk production or be able to demonstrate that training was received in at least one of the following: • Teagasc courses / seminars / public events (both national and local) • Agricultural college certificate / diploma / degree • Work experience on master farms.
Students from Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 15 3. PRODUCER REQUIREMENTS
Key personnel should have regular access to relevant up- GIIL farm business development tools to-date technical information. This can be from any of the The milk supplier should be aware of and make use of the following sources: following farm development tools as appropriate for their • Attendance at GIIL information meetings e.g. herd farm business needs: health or financial planning workshops • GIIL financial planner • Participation in a GIIL / Teagasc discussion group • GIIL milk forecasting planner • Attendance at GIIL / Teagasc monitor farms or the • GIIL bulk milk disease screening service Greenfield Dairy Programme open days • GIIL farm development advisory team • Receipt of a relevant farming journal or publication • GIIL greenfield and monitor farm projects • Attendance at courses, seminars, shows, technical • Discussion group programme events or farming industry meetings • Profit monitors. • Membership of a farming organisation or union • Attendance at GIIL advisory meetings These farm development tools will be especially important • Other training courses e.g. health and safety training. for milk suppliers who are intending to increase milk production through herd expansion. The milk supplier is encouraged to attend local GIIL information meetings or workshops regularly. Attendance The milk supplier should avail of the services of qualified at two GIIL meetings or workshops per year is desirable. advisors / professional agricultural consultants as required: • Veterinary practitioners • Nutritionists • Financial advisors • Teagasc advisory services / other farm consultants • Other specialised technicians e.g. foot trimmer, agronomists, breeding advisors etc.
B To demonstrate his / her understanding of animal welfare issues, the milk supplier must be conversant with the Animal Welfare Guidelines / Codes of Practice1 which are available from www.fawac.ie or by telephoning 01 607 2049.
Milk suppliers attending a GIIL / Teagasc Farm Walk at Pierce and Adrian Casey’s farm, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford
1 The publications available from FAWAC include: • Animal Welfare Guidelines for Dairy Farmers • Animal Welfare Guidelines for Managing Acutely Injured Livestock on Farm • Best Practice for the Welfare of Animals during Transport.
16 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Correct tagging on a GIIL milk supplier’s cow Stockpersons should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of good animal welfare as laid down in the ‘Five Freedoms’.
The ‘Five Freedoms’ of good animal welfare are: • Freedom from hunger and thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour • Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area • Freedom from pain, injury and disease by prevention, rapid diagnosis and treatment • Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and the company of the animals’ own kind • Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring 3.3 Identification and traceability conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering. Background information Global food companies, many of whom are GIIL’s leading customers, are seeking high levels of quality assurance, based on visibility and integrity across the whole dairy supply chain. Milk suppliers will therefore be aware of the importance of being able to establish full traceability for all dairy cattle on their farm(s). The central system for ensuring identification and traceability of livestock on farms is the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) Animal Identification and Movement system (AIM), on which all movements are finally recorded.
A Critical parameter: Each milk supplier must have a valid Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) herd number and a current valid herd register.
2The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) website: www.agfood.ie can be used for online registrations and for animal movements.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 17 3. PRODUCER REQUIREMENTS
Locked animal remedies cabinet Each milk supplier must have a system for recording bovine movements that meets the regulatory requirements and that includes:
B The current listing of all bovines on the holding.
C All AIM animal movements compliance certificates and animal data.
D Records of all bovine births and deaths.
All cattle on the farm must:
E Be tagged with two (matching) official ear tags by 20 days of age
F Be registered with the Department of Agriculture, 3.4 Animal remedies Food & the Marine (DAFM) AIM within 7 days of tagging using the calf registration form or other Background information approved means All animal remedies approved for use in food producing animals in Ireland are currently authorised by the Irish G Have a valid passport (or approved alternative) for Medicines Board (IMB) or by the European Medicines each animal by 40 days old Evaluation Agency (EMEA). They must carry a Veterinary Product Approval (VPA) or EU approval number. Some H The disposal of dead cattle must be done in purchased outside the state or over the internet may not compliance with the current Department of be approved for usage in Ireland. Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) requirements and the required disposal evidence must be available Under Irish and EU law, there is a requirement to keep (e.g. receipt for collection / AIM record). separate records of all animal remedies, both prescription and non-prescription, purchased / received and remedies administered. Correct storage and disposal of unused / empty / expired animal medicines and veterinary waste materials are an essential part of good farming practice.
18 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Purchase, administration and records • Identity of animal to which the remedy was administered including ear tag number if appropriate or for group administrations, the identity of the group of animals treated A Critical parameter: Only authorised • Date on which the withdrawal period ends remedies, purchased from an approved • Name of person administering remedy source and carrying a VPA, EMEA or other • Name of prescribing veterinarian (if applicable). official approval number are permitted. All those who administer veterinary medicines should do B To ensure that all animal remedies purchased are so under the direction of a responsible person or veterinary clearly and readily traceable, all the purchasing practitioner. information, (including name and address of milk supplier, date of purchase / receipt, authorised name F Clear measures must be in place to ensure that milk of the animal remedy, quantity), must be recorded in is not sold before the date of end of the remedy one of the following ways: withdrawal period. • Retention of all invoices / purchase records provided they contain ALL the necessary detail above All withdrawal periods for meat and milk must be strictly adhered to. In addition, animals should not be sold for • Computer-based records containing the above details slaughter before the date of expiry of any animal remedy clearly accessible to inspection withdrawal period. In the event of sale of livestock through • Details entered in the Bord Bia Farm Book, Animal marts, or directly from farm to farm, the milk supplier Remedies Purchases Record. should be aware of their responsibility to advise purchasers of any recent treatments and consequent withdrawal C Label instructions / prescriptions with respect periods. Regular checks should be made of manufacturers’ to target species, dosage rates, treatment duration instructions to ensure that the withdrawal periods for and withdrawal periods, must be observed and this products have not changed. will be subject to verification via the Animal Remedy Records.
D An up-to-date register of remedy usage, on an individual animal or group basis must be maintained in one of the following formats: • The ARR section of the Bovine Herd Register • The Bord Bia Remedies Usage Record in the Bord Bia Farm Book • Animal Remedies Usage Records • Computer-based records provided these are easily accessible for inspection • Other means satisfying legal requirements.
E For each administration, the following information must be recorded: • Date of administration • Authorised name and quantity of the animal remedy administered
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Broken needle policy Where a hypodermic needle breakage (i.e. the needle remains in the tissue of the animal during injection) is known or suspected, the animal’s tag number must be recorded and this information passed on to the abattoir or other purchaser at sale.
All animal remedies, including antibiotic and anthelmintic products, must be approved for use in the class of stock they are administered to. Only products approved for use in milking cows must be used in lactating animals. This is particularly important when using certain anthelmintic and antibiotic products that may be licensed for use in non- lactating animals, but not allowed in animals producing milk for human consumption.
Correct disposal of sharps, unused medicines and empty Animal remedies – storage and disposal animal remedy containers G A medicine store must be provided. It must be K All used needles and syringes must be controlled secured so that it is accessible only to the person(s) pending safe disposal in suitable labelled receptacles, responsible for the herd. boxes or containers.
The medicine storage facility may be a cupboard, safe or Sharps, unused medicines and empty animal remedies chest, or within a room with restricted access. The storage containers comprise a hazardous waste and should be facility should be kept locked at all times when not in use. disposed of responsibly, without risk to human or animal This storage facility should be separate from the milking health or the environment. Disposal normally involves parlour and dairy. Only medicines that are required for collecting and storing all hazardous waste in suitable immediate use should be available in the parlour. and clearly labelled containers that are kept away from household waste and disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner such as by: H All expired animal remedies must be removed from • Disposal at a designated hazardous waste facility the medicines store or segregated and clearly provided by the local authority identified within the store and controlled pending • Obtaining the services of a licensed private safe disposal, and any quantity of unused / expired hazardous waste collection service medicines returned to the supplier for disposal must be recorded in the Animal Remedy Records. • The milk supplier’s veterinary surgeon or veterinary pharmacy / licensed merchant may provide a disposal service to clients for expired / unused medicines (as I All animal remedies (including pour-ons etc.) must distinct from empty containers). be retained in their original labelled container and stored in isolation from other products such as farm chemicals. Remedies which need to be refrigerated The milk supplier should contact the relevant local (e.g. vaccines and other remedies) must be stored in authority for information on safe disposal of hazardous a suitable fridge. waste in their local area.
J All veterinary equipment must be stored separately from farm chemicals and other hazardous products and maintained in a safe and clean environment.
20 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Cows grazing on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm near Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny Antibiotics and anthelmintics should be carefully chosen and used prudently with the aim of treatment success, while minimising the development of antimicrobial resistance. In conjunction with the prescribing veterinary practitioner, all stockpersons should be aware of the principles of appropriate and safe animal remedy use, including: • Selection of an appropriate product following the manufacturers’ or veterinary instructions • Using clean equipment and hygienic administration techniques • Administration of the correct dose for the weight of the animal observing all product withdrawal times and use-by-dates.
In modern farming animal remedies, whether used for prevention or treatment, play an important role in herd 3.5 Animal feeds and water health and quality milk production. In recent years, antimicrobial resistance has increased and the build-up of Background information multi-drug resistant bacteria poses a challenge to animal Correct nutrition of the animal is vital to animal health health and welfare management and also to human health. and food safety. In Ireland, dairy animals spend a lot of time outdoors and derive most of their nutritional Any misuse of antibiotics, including use when not requirements from pasture. However, it is common practice absolutely necessary, under-dosing or over-dosing will to supplement this with purchased feedstuffs, particularly increase the likelihood of the build-up of the number of during the winter period. Where purchased feeds are used, strains of resistant bacteria. Experts suggest that this could the importance of the quality and traceability of these lead to some medical treatments in humans becoming outsourced feeds is paramount, to ensure the quality and ineffective. safety of the milk produced.
Certain antibiotic products should not be used as a first- The milk supplier should also provide dairy animals with choice treatment, but only as a last resort. Examples of ready access to clean water at all times. It is important to these are any antibiotic products (including intramammary ensure that the feed regime of all animals is maintained in rd th treatments) containing fluoroquinolones or 3 / 4 the event of unexpected events or unplanned absences. generation cephalosporins. These are closely related to Likewise, feed planning and nutrition monitoring to ensure antibiotic treatments relied upon in human medicine. animals’ nutritional needs are met throughout the year is key to ensuring good animal health, welfare and levels of production at all times.
A There must be sufficient feed or fodder (grass, forage, roots, etc.) and clean water available to maintain the health and welfare status of the animals.
B Dairy animals must derive the bulk of their feed throughout their lifetime from grass and grass-based forage. The milking herd should have access to sufficient pasture for grazing for at least 200 days per year.
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All dairy cattle should be offered a wholesome diet that is All mineral and vitamin mixes must be suitable feedstuffs designed to provide sufficient nutrients (i.e. energy, protein, for the type of animal, and be independently assured as roughage and minerals) to meet their daily demands for suitable for feeding to milk producing animals. When a maintenance and production. new feed material is purchased from any source, the milk • Outdoor pasture grazing is one of the most healthy supplier should perform all necessary checks to ensure and natural environments for dairy cows. the feed is safe and suitable. Particular care should be • Grass is the most natural and healthy feed for exercised when using additional and supplementary dairy cattle. therapies of trace elements e.g. iodine in the animals’ diet. The milk supplier should comply with the maximum daily intake for trace elements contained in these products. In recognition of these facts, it should be the aim of all milk suppliers to ensure that cows are given as much opportunity to live in this natural environment, so long as weather, grass and ground conditions allow.
Where feed intake (from grass) is inadequate, supplementary feeding should be practised to maintain animal health and production.
Animals should not be fed any feed ingredients that have been treated with chemicals e.g. insecticides, fungicides or herbicides etc., without taking into account the legal waiting times before use.
Example of a feed delivery docket
F Feed delivery documentation / label information must C Critical parameter: Only animal proteins be retained for examination for all feed deliveries. derived from milk, egg and non-ruminant gelatine may be used in dairy feeds. While this is the feed supplier’s responsibility primarily, the milk supplier is responsible to ensure that the information D Critical parameter: Feedstuffs, other than is provided and that the feed label or accompanying farm to farm cereal / fodder purchases, must documentation contains the following information: only be sourced from suppliers approved by the competent authority and in accordance • The species of animal for which the feed is intended with the Bord Bia Feed Quality Assurance Scheme or equivalent. • A list of ingredients or category in descending order of inclusion • The name, address and licence number (Department Under the legislation, the use of all unlicensed medicinal of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) or feed additives, including antibiotic growth promoters for non- equivalent approval number) of the manufacturer therapeutic purposes is prohibited. All feed ingredients used • A declaration of nutritional composition. to feed dairy stock must be approved for use by Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM). G For farm to farm cereal / fodder purchases details of the purchase (which could include name of The use of all unlicensed feed additives is prohibited on supplier, herd / tillage number, date of purchase, GIIL supplying farms. product purchased, quantity, and any other relevant information) must be recorded. E Dairy feeds must be manufactured without the incorporation of tallow. This can be determined from the feed labels (compositional detail). This can be recorded in the Feed Purchases Record. Other recording systems, which capture the same information, will be acceptable. 22 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code H The types of feeds produced on the farm and fed to K Chemicals and oils and other potentially toxic the dairy animals must be identified. substances (including paints, preservatives, detergents, disinfectants, etc.) must be kept isolated I Milk suppliers who carry out on-farm mixing and are from animal feeding-stuffs to prevent any accidental incorporating specific ingredients (e.g. anthelmintics contamination of the feeds. or other additives specified by Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM)) must have L The milk supplier must ensure that all feeding a current licence for this activity from Department of equipment (including receptacles, feed troughs, bins, Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM), and must be mixing equipment, areas where mixing occurs) and approved under the Bord Bia Feed Quality Assurance vehicles are maintained in a manner that minimises Scheme or equivalent. cross-contamination (e.g. from chemicals, oils, other farm wastes and manures). Where milk suppliers carry out home mixing, this activity may need to be certified under the Feed Quality Assurance Bins, augers and animal feeding systems should be Scheme (details of the relevant sections of the FQAS are designed and constructed in a way that facilitates easy and available from Bord Bia). regular cleaning.
On-farm mixing is deemed to occur when either: M Watering devices, including drinkers and storage • Straights are mixed on-farm to form a ‘home facilities, must be kept clean and regularly inspected produced’ concentrate, or, to ensure they are in good working order, and sited • A mineral / vitamin premix, protein concentrate so as to minimise the risk of fouling, and freezing in or other approved product is ‘mixed’ with other cold weather. ingredients.
The formation of a ‘Total Mixed Ration’ (TMR) diet from home produced forage and purchased concentrate feeds in a feed wagon is not deemed to be home mixing.
Water trough on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm in Kells, Co. Meath
Water should be available to all stock in such a way that animals can drink without unnecessary competition. The water supply should have a sufficient flow rate to cover times of peak demand. A lactating dairy cow can consume Feed silo on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm near Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny 20 litres (4.5 gallons) of water per minute. A cow requires approximately four to five litres (1 gallon) of water for every J The milk supplier must be able to identify the litre of milk produced. feed storage areas and facilities and these must be maintained in a clean, dry state and protected to minimise contamination from sources such as rodents, birds, cats, insects, moulds and dampness. Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 23 3. PRODUCER REQUIREMENTS
At milking times, cows could be away from their normal • Good grass silage and other conserved forage will water supply for up to three hours. Drinkers should support animal performance over the winter and therefore be present in the collection and / or dispersal could reduce concentrate costs. yards, so that animal welfare and milk production are not • The harvesting of grass, maize and other crops for affected by thirst. An adequate water supply must be silage should be timed to achieve the best balance maintained during periods of very cold weather. between crop yield and dry matter digestibility (DMD). • Good preservation techniques should be employed to There must be a suitable number of adequately sized water ensure minimal losses in feed value of silage. Poorly troughs available to lactating cows at pasture. Cows will preserved silage could lose up to 5 units of DMD and be reluctant to walk further than 250 metres for water. have low intake characteristics. Drinkers should be sited to allow 10% of animals to drink simultaneously. • The milk supplier should decide on the amount of silage needed to feed all the animals over the average winter period, and ensure that enough is harvested to meet these requirements. • The milk supplier should be aware of the value N Critical parameter: Dairy animals must not of silage quality testing, and the relevance of this be fed non-ruminant feeds and feed storage information when formulating animal diets containing facilities must be managed so as to prevent these ingredients. cross contamination of the dairy animals’ rations with feed rations intended for other species. Grassland management The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of practices that will optimise farm performance and grassland management and minimise parasite risk. Good O Where feeds for animals of different species are grassland management will optimise grass growth rates handled, separate feed handling equipment must be and the efficient utilisation of this cost-effective and used. Otherwise the handling equipment must be nutrient-rich feed source for dairy cows. thoroughly cleaned between each use. There are many factors involved in good pasture P The milk supplier must ensure that contaminated management including: or mouldy feed e.g. spoiled silage and / or other • Regular grass measurement and a suitable grazing unsuitable feed is not fed to stock. rotation plan throughout the grass-growing season • Paddock grazing system, easily accessed by good Mouldy feeds can contain toxins that may affect animal quality farm roadways and cow tracks health and / or milk quality. • Regular soil testing and appropriate fertilisation to ensure optimal growth rates Q All records of home mixing of feed must be retained • Selection of appropriate stocking rates and the and available for inspection for a minimum of 2 avoidance of poaching years, to show the ingredients used, batch number(s), • Regular re-seeding plan, with suitable grass and quantities used, dates of mixing and categories of clover varieties as required. livestock fed.
The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of having sufficient quantities of good quality silage for feeding animals through the winter. This awareness should extend to the variances in the feeding value of silage due to harvesting and preservation methods.
24 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Nutrition monitoring The body condition scores of animals in the herd should be regularly examined, and where required, steps should be put in place to implement a feeding regime to remediate any problems that may be identified.
It is recommended that the herd should be regularly inspected and measures should be in place to ensure that no cow in the herd is allowed to have a body condition score of 2.0 or less.
To ensure optimal animal health and production, it is important that animal nutrition is regularly monitored.
The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of setting targets for the following: Measuring grass growth in April on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm • Cow body condition score at the various stages of lactation The milk supplier should have procedures in place for • Milk volume and solids production at different stages the control of internal animal parasites through grassland of lactation management and / or the use of anthelmintics. • Levels of production diseases in the herd (e.g. milk fever, retained cleansings, displaced abomasum, Steps should be taken to ensure that foliage from ketosis) poisonous plants does not become incorporated into • Growth rates and target weights for calves and conserved forage. Stock should not be allowed access to replacement heifers. ragwort, water hemlock, deadly nightshade, bracken, yew or other poisonous plants at pasture. Once targets have been set in these areas, herd It is recommended that supplying farms have effective performance can be monitored and changes made to diets procedures in place to control noxious weeds (ragwort, to improve performance if required. dock, etc.) and to prevent the encroachment of invasive species (e.g. gorse, briars). Other tests may also be useful for monitoring nutrition in the herd: Feed plan • Milk urea tests to indicate the balance between The milk supplier should be aware of the importance energy and protein in the herd’s diet and value of maintaining a written feed plan for his / her • Blood or milk mineral and trace element analyses, to herd, e.g. as per the template contained in the GIIL Milk identify any deficiencies Suppliers Calendar. • Rumen / gut fill scoring to monitor dry matter intakes • Blood testing for NEFAs and BHB levels around The plan should take into account the age, weight, live calving (to indicate excessive body condition loss or weight change and / or milk output for each category of negative energy balance) animal on the farm and provide details of the amounts of • Faecal consistency scoring and milk fat monitoring to feeds required and to be fed. monitor intakes of roughage in the cow’s diet. The feed plan should be reviewed and updated throughout the year to take account of the changing demands of herd size, weather, grazing and housing systems.
The assistance of a nutritionist or other competent advisor will be beneficial in the completion of the animal feed plan.
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All calves should have access to a source of long fibre, (e.g. hay or straw) and to calf starter concentrates.
Access to a source of long fibre e.g. hay or straw, will encourage rumen development in the calf from an early age. Likewise, access by young calves to starter concentrates will encourage intakes of solid feed which will increase growth rates.
Milk feeds should be given to calves at regular intervals. Young calves should be fed milk twice daily until they are at least three weeks of age.
All calves should be provided with a sufficient quantity of fresh, clean water. Where self-filling drinkers are not being used, fresh water must be provided daily. Cow with new born calf on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm Optimum nutrition of the young calf will promote good Calf nutrition health and early weight gain, leading to improved lifetime The milk supplier should ensure that new born calves milk production. Replacement heifer calves will usually receive an adequate volume of good quality colostrum have the highest genetic potential in the herd and are the during the first 6 hours and ideally within two hours future milk suppliers. Young calves (up to 6 months of of birth. age) are also the most vulnerable animals in a herd. Along with good hygiene, nutrition is a key factor affecting calf Colostrum management survival. 1. Feed the first milking from the mother. 2. The calf should receive it within two hours of birth. Good heifer rearing practices will result in a calving down 3. Feed three litres of colostrum. heifer that: Source: Animal Health Ireland Guidelines • Calves at 22-24 months old • Delivers a healthy calf Biosecurity risk – bringing in colostrum from other farms • Weighs 90% of mature cow weight after calving • Feeding calves colostrum sourced from other herds • Has optimal resistance to infectious diseases could expose calves to diseases, including Johne’s • Is a good milk supplier throughout her lifetime, by disease, which are present in the source herd. remaining in the herd for many lactations. • To eliminate this, it is recommended that milk suppliers do not bring in colostrum from other herds. For more detailed information on calves and their nutrition, • If it is necessary to import colostrum, it is important the milk supplier should refer to the Animal Health Ireland to consider the health of the source herd so that the Information Leaflets: disease risk is minimised. • Early Nutrition and Weaning of the Dairy Calf • Colostrum Management.
26 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Elevated view of a GIIL milk supplier’s farm in Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny Ireland’s nitrates action programme includes: • County specific closed periods that prevent the spreading of manures and slurries i.e. nutrients can only be spread at certain times of the year, under certain weather and known soil conditions
“Are you aware of the closed period for your location?”
• A site-specific, risk-based approach for setback distances from drinking water extraction points • A prohibition on the application of chemical fertiliser within 2 metres of a watercourse; previously this was 1.5 metres 3.6 Land management • New controls on storage of baled silage • Minimum storage capacity for manures. Background information The legislation in place to enforce good practice for the spreading of manures, slurries and fertilisers is ‘The European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the A Critical parameter: Raw or treated sewage Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010 – SI No. 610 of sludge is prohibited from being used on 2010’ – commonly known as the Nitrates Regulations. The the farm. Nitrates Regulations are in law to protect our water quality arising from the EU Water Framework Directive. Sewage sludge On 23 October 2000, the ‘Directive 2000 / 60 / EC of Raw or treated sewage sludges are prohibited from the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a being spread on or used GIIL / Bord Bia certified farms. framework for the Community action in the field of water This applies to all forms of sewage sludge that arise policy’ or, in short, the EU Water Framework Directive (or from sewage treatment plants either in slurry, cake even shorter the WFD) was adopted. Further information or dried forms. on the WFD can be found at: www.bit.ly/EUWFD or provided by GIIL. Dairy sludge Only the use of GIIL organically certified dairy sludge Overview of the nitrates regulations is permitted i.e. sludge arising from milk processing The nitrates regulations provide strengthened statutory waste water treatment plants. The organically certified support for the protection of waters against pollution from dairy sludge must be spread in accordance with best agricultural sources e.g. by phosphorus or nitrogen. These practice Nutrient Management Plans and in accordance regulations require the avoidance of practices by farmers with a Nitrates Action Programme. Under the Nitrates which create a risk of causing pollution to water courses Regulations dairy sludge is classified as farmyard manure. and provide for strengthened enforcement provisions and inspections by local authorities. They also provide for better farmyard management.
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Soil compaction and management of poorly Best practice guidelines for maintaining margins drained lands along watercourses The milk supplier will be aware of the need to manage • Allow vegetation to develop naturally within the land available to their farming enterprise(s) so as the margin. to optimise production from the land while maintaining • The milk supplier may mow and remove grass after and improving the environment. Healthy soils are vital August 15th in any year. to a sustainable environment. The milk supplier should • Do not apply fertiliser or pesticide within the margins also be aware of their duty to manage the margins along along watercourses. This is to prevent fertilisers or watercourses on their property. pesticides polluting the watercourse.
B Where stock is out-wintered, does the milk supplier • Noxious weeds should be controlled. These can be avoid placing livestock on poorly drained land spot-sprayed. and take appropriate action to minimise poaching • Vegetation such as alder and scrub should be particularly near watercourses and / or excessive controlled so that they do not close across the compaction of soils? channel canopy, as this could adversely affect the biodiversity of the watercourse. The milk supplier must comply with the regulatory • Suitable entry points for river maintenance and requirements or restrictions relating to areas of special fishing should be provided as necessary. conservation under their control. Further details can be found on the Department of Margins along watercourses Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) website or by It is recommended that a fenced-off margin of a set width telephoning 1890 200510. should be created and maintained along watercourses on the farm property. A watercourse is any watercourse that is shown on an Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) map.
Local man Billy White fly fishing on the river Nore, at Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny
28 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Calving facilities
Cows grazing near Portlaoise, Co. Laois
3.7 Specified management tasks: Calves comfortably housed on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm dairy animals in Kilconnor, Co. Louth
Background information B Calving facilities that permit cows to be restrained Milk suppliers realise the value of having suitable promptly and safely must be available as required. training and experience in animal husbandry, health and welfare. This includes having a knowledge of the A suitable number and type of calving facilities should following: maintaining healthy, stress free, and properly be available to suit the farming system. Where cows are nourished animals; appropriate animal feeding and calved indoors, at least one dedicated calving pen with grassland management; good animal housing; good suitable restraining facilities should be available. For animal husbandry and handling; maintaining normal animal outdoor calving systems, clean, dry and sheltered areas behaviour; a planned herd health programme; prompt should be provided. treatment of sick animals; responsible use of animal medicines. C Calves under 8 weeks may only be housed in individual pens where they have direct and visual A Where stock bulls (including vasectomised bulls) are contact with other calves. Calves over 8 weeks must housed individually, they must have sight of other only be individually penned where under veterinary farm animals or other farm activity. supervision or treatment.
Animals should be kept in appropriate social groups so as to minimise bullying and competition for space, feed and water.
On GIIL supplying farms it is recommended that where any animals are housed individually, they should have sight of other farm animals / other farm activity.
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reach 7 months of age, or earlier if behaviour dictates. All personnel carrying out veterinary related tasks, such as disbudding or castration, should be experienced and competent in performing these duties.
G Disbudding of calves must be carried out in a manner which minimises pain.
Calf disbudding should be carried out by a suitably qualified or experienced person and should take place before calves are two weeks of age. Where disbudding takes place after 2 weeks of age, local anaesthetic must be used in accordance with the current animal welfare and animal remedy legislation relating to anaesthetics. H Callum Quigley, son of GIIL milk supplier Martin Quigley, Dehorning of older dairy animals must only be with two calves at Kilconnor, Co. Louth carried out by a veterinary surgeon using appropriate anaesthesia and analgesia (pain killing drugs). Calf pens should provide a safe environment in which individual calves have sufficient space to allow them to It is recommended that where required, calves are move around freely without difficulty. Pens should provide a disbudded at a young age. Dehorning (where the horn is clean, dry lying area that does not compromise calf health cut with shears, wire or a saw), should not be routinely and that allows contact with other calves. practiced on milk supplying farms.
D Calving pens must be maintained in a hygienic and I Routine tethering of calves is prohibited. safe condition so as to minimise the risk of infection and injury during calving. The tethering or muzzling of calves in all circumstances is prohibited by law. Where calves are housed in hutches, Calving facilities should provide bedding of sufficient depth they should have a penned area at the front of the hutch. to ensure a good standard of cow cleanliness and comfort and the prevention of injury. Bedding should be clean and The tethering of all other stock is also prohibited on GIIL dry, thereby minimising the risk of infection to both cow milk supplying farms. and calf. J Siring (either by stock bulls or AI) must be managed E Where castration using a clamp (e.g. Burdizzo) is to minimise calving difficulties particularly for heifers. carried out, it must be completed before 6 months of age and ideally between 2 and 3 months of age to K Tail docking of cows and calves is prohibited. minimise stress or if the calf is older, by a veterinary surgeon. L Documentation must be available to demonstrate that synchronisation of oestrus, where practiced, was F Where castration is carried out using rubber rings, it carried out under veterinary supervision. must only be carried out in the first week of life. M Routine induction of calving is prohibited. Where male animals are kept, they should be grazed and penned separately from females once they
30 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Herd replacements – breeding policy The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of replacement breeding planning, i.e. using Economic Breeding Index (EBI) data or other animal traits, to produce replacement animals that are suited to his / her farming system.
The choice of sire at each cow / heifer mating will contribute towards half of the performance gain in dairy herds. Genetic gains from good breeding decisions will be long lasting, and can be built upon year on year. Likewise though, poor breeding decisions / direction can have long-term repercussions for the future profitability of the Cows on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm near herd, and therefore, the long term sustainability of the farm Castlelyons, Co. Cork business.
A sustainable breeding policy should ensure that home- bred replacement heifers are well suited to the particular 3.8 Animal health and welfare farming system and land-base available. Background information Dairy stock should be adapted and bred to suit the Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of animal health particular farming system being employed by the milk and welfare issues. They are looking for assurance that supplier. There is no ‘one size fits all’ here. Farm specific the food they buy is produced using the best standards factors to be considered include: and practices. Maintaining the health and welfare of dairy • Grass availability animals is an important consideration in milk quality and • Soil / land type and annual rainfall safety. By having sustainable herd health and biosecurity plans in place, the milk supplier will be prepared to act • Average date of turnout and housing quickly and decisively should a threat arise. • Stocking rate on grazing platform • Other feeds and forage available By working closely with both the local veterinary practice • Milk production targets and milk supply contracts. and other farm advisors, milk suppliers can help ensure their dairy herd thrives through good stockmanship, by When selecting sires (either stock bulls or AI), the responsible use of remedies and by providing correct importance and impact of all the heritable traits should animal nutrition and housing conditions for the herd. be considered and the decision should not be made on milk yield alone. It is best to use a team of high EBI bulls, Animal welfare which are selected only from the Irish Cattle Breeding A 2009 report by the European Food Safety Authority Federation (ICBF) active bull list. To ensure the maximum emphasised the benefits of exposure to pasture for good herd genetic gain, the average EBI of the bull team should dairy cow welfare. Smaller herds on pasture-based family farms provide GIIL dairy farms with a natural advantage. be significantly higher than the average EBI of the herd.
It is important that the milk supplier continues to be proactive in addressing any current or emerging welfare issues, if the Irish dairy industry’s welfare advantage is to be maintained. High standards of animal welfare can be achieved by focusing on ‘best practice’ in the areas of animal nutrition, housing and management.
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The standards can deliver significant financial returns C Animals must be treated and handled in accordance through: with Animal Welfare Guidelines i.e. without excessive • Increased milk production at farm level physical force, in a manner that avoids injury and • Reduction in production diseases and improved minimises stress. animal longevity • Prevention / control of diseases and associated costs Animals must be handled without tail twisting, excessive physical force or the use of electronic goads. • Improved milk quality leading to increased consumer Excitable or horned cattle should not be loose housed confidence and demand for dairy products. where there is a danger of injury or bullying. A To verify that the welfare requirements of the D Where the destruction of an animal is deemed animals are being met, the milk supplier must have necessary on humane grounds, it must be carried out a regular inspection routine (including inspection under direct veterinary supervision or by a licensed during milking) for all animals and the frequency of slaughter service (who may be a knackery employee). inspections must be increased during vulnerable The death must be recorded on the AIM database by periods including calving, adverse weather conditions the knackery and in the herd register or equivalent by and other relevant times. the milk supplier.
Stockpersons should be experienced in animal husbandry Fallen animals should be removed from their pen or field and be capable of detecting the early signs of illness as soon as possible and await collection in an area where including: loss of appetite, weakness, coughing, panting, they do not pose a contamination risk to other animals, and discharge from eyes / nostrils / mouth, lameness, swollen where domestic animals and wildlife do not have access. joints, abnormal posture, frequent lying down, loss of weight and / or separation from the herd. The milk supplier should also be aware of the requirements for the management of acutely injured livestock and the conditions for on-farm slaughter of healthy animals that have suffered a serious and acute accidental injury.
E The milk supplier must ensure that the health and welfare of the animals is provided for in the event of unplanned absences of stockmen.
There should be a designated person with overall management responsibility for the herd. This person should be able to manage the herd competently, using best practice methods in all areas of animal husbandry. Where there is to be a planned absence of the designated person for more than twelve hours, a nominated and competent deputy should be available. Animal handling facilities on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm in Clonroche, Co. Wexford F The herd must be under the routine care of a veterinary surgeon. B The milk supplier must have animal handling facilities for the management of their livestock (e.g. a pen, crush, or restraining gate where relevant). These G All bovine animals must be presented for testing facilities must be appropriate to the enterprise and in accordance with the Department of Agriculture, permit animals to be restrained to minimise risk Food & the Marine (DAFM) disease eradication and of injury and stress. They must be maintained in a control requirements. manner that ensures the safety of both the livestock and the stockperson.
32 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code H Each milk supplier must follow a documented Animal N A record of significant animal health events (e.g. Health Plan that is based on the needs of the farm, is abortions, disease incidences including pneumonia, drawn up by the milk supplier (ideally in conjunction leucosis, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, para- with his / her veterinary surgeon or agricultural tuberculosis, blackleg, etc.) must be maintained. advisor) and is equivalent to the Animal Health Plan. O The authorities must be informed in the event of incidences of Notifiable Diseases. I Boundaries and fences must be maintained in a stock-proof condition to minimise contact with P The milk supplier should use records to identify and animals of other herds and must be maintained to monitor rates of: minimise risk of injury of animals. • Animal mortality • Involuntary culling (for health reasons such J Sick animals must be treated promptly and as lameness, infertility or mastitis) segregated where required. • Any major animal health issues.
Where animals do not appear bright, alert and in good health, timely and effective treatment must be instigated. Corrective actions must be implemented where required. If required, veterinary assistance should be called upon without delay. Appropriate treatment, including pain relief The milk supplier should work in conjunction with their where required, should be given to any cow experiencing local veterinary practitioner to identify the causes of a difficult calving or other significant event e.g. surgery. any animal health problems on the farm, e.g. abortions / Treatments should be administered by or under instruction stillborn calves, cows dying on farm, excessive culling due of the farm’s veterinary practitioner. to lameness, infertility or mastitis etc., and put preventative control measures in place to correct the problem. K The milk supplier must be aware that certain diseases Q can be transmitted from animals to humans and The milk supplier should complete all sections of the familiarise themselves with these. GIIL Herd Health Plan.
Note: A blank Herd Health Plan template can also be L All purchased stock must be monitored for signs of found in the GIIL Milk Supplier Calendar. disease for a period after purchase.
Infectious diseases Where stock movements onto the farm are necessary, Infectious diseases in animals may be caused by these animals should be kept in isolation and monitored for viruses, bacteria, parasites or other micro-organisms. any signs of disease, before they are introduced into the The presence of uncontrolled infectious disease in a herd. Ideally during this period, tests would be performed to herd will have significant effects on animal health, ensure a disease-free status, thereby further reducing the welfare and production. risk of disease introduction. It is recommended that stock are only purchased from reputable sources that practise Infectious diseases can significantly affect farm good standards of animal husbandry and have known high productivity, profitability and therefore sustainability, standards of animal health. through: • Infertility and abortion M Lactating cows must normally be milked daily and the parlour routine should minimise the risk of cows • Reduced milk production and milk quality being over-milked. • Risk of disease spread to humans through direct animal contact • Increased calf mortality and decreased growth rates.
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Due to improvements in diagnostic tests, the identification Further individual animal testing, for these and other and monitoring of many infectious diseases in dairy herds diseases may be required and is recommended where has become simpler and more cost-effective in recent appropriate. In particular, with Johne’s disease, it is years. Effective control measures can now be put in place internationally recognised that animals must be tested for most infectious diseases. These control measures will individually, and often repeatedly, to identify the animals be based on many herd factors and will often be specific infected with the disease. to the particular farm. The advice of the local veterinary practitioner will be important when diagnosing and Farm dogs and cats should be managed to reduce the risk controlling these diseases at herd level. of the spread of parasites or disease to livestock and / or humans. Farm dogs and cats should be regularly treated for parasites, under the advice of the local veterinary practitioner.
For more information please refer to Animal Health Ireland (AHI) information leaflets for farmers on: • BVD • Johne’s disease • IBR • Liver fluke • Biosecurity • Parasite control • Understanding infectious disease.
GIIL Infectious Diseases Information booklet, 2013 The milk supplier should also refer to the GIIL Infectious Diseases information booklet. Bulk milk disease screening The milk supplier should be aware of the importance National disease control programmes of participating in the GIIL Bulk Milk Disease The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of Screening service. participating in National Disease Control Programmes being operated by Animal Health Ireland, including By using the results of these screening tests the milk CellCheck, BVD eradication and Johne’s disease control. supplier will be able to achieve improved control of infectious diseases in their herd. Regular screening tests The milk supplier should become participants in the AHI should cover at least the following diseases: National Control Programme for Johne’s disease at the • Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) earliest opportunity. As with other diseases, the milk • Leptospirosis supplier should work with their local veterinary practitioner • Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) to assess the risk of Johne’s disease in his / her herd and • Salmonellosis introduce the control measures necessary to reduce the risk of disease introduction and the spread of disease • Fascioliasis (Liver fluke) between animals. • Neosporosis • Ostertagiasis (Stomach worms).
The milk supplier should work in conjunction with his / her local veterinary practitioner to interpret these results and formulate effective disease control programmes for the diseases that are active in the herd.
34 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Herd health and herd health planning Herd Health Plan Infectious disease is an important factor affecting the The Herd Health Plan is a written document that outlines health of the herd, but the subject of herd health also the management procedures that are in place on the farm, includes many other areas of animal health which can which address the priority issues identified, during a review affect herd productivity: of recent animal health performance. Implementing the Herd Health Plan will lead to an improvement in animal Infertility health, performance and production.
Parasitic Nutrition Disease Performance monitoring A key step in the process is the monitoring of animal health conditions on the farm. This information forms the Infectious Production basis of the herd health reviews and will allow further Disease HERD Diseases development and improvements in future health plans. HEALTH Monitoring of performance across all areas of herd health
Biosecurity Lameness is essential.
Review Calf Health & Mastitis The health status of the herd should be reviewed at least Heifer Rearing annually by considering the incidence rate of each health condition that is occurring on the farm. These records should be compared with the data from the previous review Herd health planning is a process specific to an individual to monitor improvements. farm that is designed to maintain good animal health in individual herds in such a way as to gain maximum This information will help determine whether current economic advantage, through increased animal management controls for specific conditions are effective performance, whilst ensuring that the welfare needs and should continue or need to be further refined. of all animals are met. The review process will also identify whether there are other emerging conditions that require higher priority in The overall health planning process includes four key steps the future. Having completed the review, any proposed as part of the Herd Health Cycle: changes should be captured in the updated Herd Health Plan. 1. PLAN / SET FARM GOALS Setting targets The setting of targets within the health planning process will help with measuring actual performance. The targets should be achievable and will be best established on an individual, farm-specific basis. Aiming for realistic, 4. REVIEW 2. IMPLEMENT PROGRESS yet challenging, targets will ensure that the process of continual improvement is achieved.
3. MONITOR PERFORMANCE
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Role of the veterinary practitioner in herd The plan should contain details of routine procedures health planning involved in the prevention and control of these conditions, It is strongly recommended that the health planning including recommendations for treatment and any first aid process, including the development of the Herd Health therapies that are to be used. Plan and any reviews are conducted in conjunction with the farm’s veterinary practitioner. As well as providing an The herd health plan should be reviewed annually. This will objective overview of the individual farm situation, the allow milk suppliers to modify plans to address any new breadth of experience and technical knowledge of the problems that become evident. local vet will be extremely valuable in proposing practical, cost-effective solutions to improving the health and Production diseases welfare status of the herd. While infectious diseases in animals may be caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, other Herd Health Plan template health conditions of farmed animals exist due to the A usable blank copy of the Herd Health Plan can be found increased stresses that production places upon them. in the GIIL Milk Suppliers Calendar. It may be used Examples of such diseases include lameness, infertility, on-farm to meet the required standards. mastitis, metabolic disorders and digestive upsets. Production diseases will often be caused by problems It is not compulsory to use this template. However if an in the areas of nutrition, management or the animals’ alternative is used it should cover all elements that are environment. captured within the template document. Low, but often significant, levels of production diseases will The plan should outline the proposed preventative usually be present on most farms. Good record keeping control measures and / or treatments for common health and monitoring of animal performance will allow the levels conditions of dairy cows and young stock. Topics should of production diseases to be accurately identified, and include: where necessary, specific control measures can then be • Infectious diseases put in place to reduce the effects on animal health, welfare • Calving and calf health and production. • Infertility As well as their effects on animal health and welfare, • Nutrition production diseases can seriously affect animal productivity • Parasites and, therefore, farm profitability and sustainability. This will • Mastitis be due to many factors including: • Lameness • Reduced milk production and feed inefficiency • Production diseases • Reduced animal longevity and increased (displaced abomasum, milk fever, etc.). replacement rates • Increased costs of production, particularly due to A working herd health plan provides the assurance that animal health costs health and welfare are being addressed on the farm, with • Increased animal mortality. specific protocols for routine preventative care.
36 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Further recommended controls: • Establishment of good udder health as part of the herd health plan • Good record keeping of all clinical cases of mastitis • The use of bacteriology and sensitivity tests to identify the mastitis causing bacteria and the likely source of the problem • Milking routine practices sufficient to ensure that cows are neither over-milked nor under-milked.
It is also recommended that farms would be involved in herd milk recording to identify individual cow somatic cell counts on a regular basis. This will help identify subclinically infected animals as well as patterns of infection throughout the herd. This information is extremely Brendan Dillon, GIIL Mastitis Contol Specialist, valuable for the prevention of, but also when attempting to demonstrates the correct administration of dry cow solve mastitis / SCC problems. treatment using AHI CellCheck farm guidelines
Mastitis The milking times and intervals between milkings should The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of be constant from day to day to prevent undue stress maintaining a herd mastitis control plan. A control plan associated with distended udders. This also applies to any template is contained in the GIIL Milk Suppliers Calendar. cows in isolation, unless specifically instructed otherwise by a veterinary practitioner. The plan should be followed to ensure low somatic cell count and reduce the number of cases of mastitis. It is recommended that all milk suppliers should have a copy of ‘CellCheck Farm Guidelines for Mastitis Control’ The recommended six point Mastitis control plan involves: produced by Animal Health Ireland. This practical guide • Good milking procedure including post-milking outlines the ‘best practice’ methods to control mastitis and teat-dipping to reduce the numbers of mastitis somatic cell counts on the farm. causing bacteria • Proper maintenance and use of milking equipment, including an annual milking machine service by a competent milking machine technician and changing liners after 2,000 milkings • Effective dry cow management, including dry cow therapy for all cows at drying off • Prompt identification and treatment of clinical cases of mastitis • Maintenance of a clean, dry and comfortable environment for all cows • Identification, recording and culling of chronically Animal Health Ireland ‘CellCheck Farm Guidelines for (long-term) infected (high cell count) cows. Mastitis Control’ publication
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Lameness The milk supplier should be aware of the importance and value of maintaining a herd lameness control plan, e.g. as per the template contained in the GIIL Milk Suppliers Calendar.
Measures should be implemented to reduce the incidence of lameness in the herd. This will be best achieved by identifying the cause(s) of lameness on the farm and then implementing effective control measures of prevention and / or treatment. The milk supplier should detail their own farm-specific control measures by completing the Lameness An appropriately signed disinfection Control Plan, included in the GIIL Milk Suppliers Calendar. point on the farm of Tom Walsh, GIIL milk supplier, at Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny Control measures may include prevention, monitoring and treatments: • Lameness has been proven to have a negative effect on animal health, production and welfare. 3.9 Biosecurity and pest control • It is important that the actual cause(s) of lameness is / are identified for any particular herd, as there are Background information many possible causes and these will be different on The milk supplier will be conscious of the need to every farm. minimise the risk of diseases being brought onto the farm. Providing suitable disinfecting facilities at the farm gate, • Different causes of lameness will require different controlling access to the farm and advising visitors of their treatments and preventative control measures. Once the responsibilities are good practices in this regard. Further cause is known, effective control methods or treatment information is available in the HSA publication ‘Farm Safety plans can be put in place to control the problem. Code of Practice Risk Assessment Document, for farms • The prevention of lameness will always improve with three or less employees.’ To obtain a copy visit: animal health and productivity. www.hsa.ie or telephone 01 614 7125. • Levels of lameness in the herd can be identified, and regularly monitored, by locomotion scoring. It is important to control vermin, rodents and other pests in the farmyard to prevent disease spread, particularly by Infertility contamination of feedstuffs (including forage) and feeding The milk supplier should detail their farm-specific control surfaces (e.g. troughs). measures by completing the infertility components of the Herd Health Plan, included in the GIIL Milk Herd biosecurity Suppliers Calendar. Biosecurity involves managing the herd in a way that keeps • Infertility can have a significant effect on farm it secure from infectious diseases. It has two components: profitability due to increased culling rates and • Bioexclusion – keeping diseases out of the herd reduced milk production per cow. • Biocontainment – containing the spread of disease • It is important that the cause(s) of infertility is / are within the herd, once it is present. identified for any particular herd, as there are many possible causes and these will be different on every farm. • Different causes of infertility problems will have different solutions, but once the cause of the problem is known, the most effective solutions can be put in place to improve the herd’s fertility. • Improvements in herd fertility will increase farm outputs and profitability.
38 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Better biosecurity Biosecurity planning • Keeps new diseases out The risk of infectious diseases coming into the herd can • Reduces the spread of disease within the herd be controlled by making a biosecurity plan. In making a plan, any activities that might allow disease to enter your • Cuts costs of disease prevention and treatment herd should be considered, and a control method put in • Improves farm efficiency place for each. It is advisable to prioritise the control of • Protects neighbours and the countryside. higher risk activities before addressing others of lower risk. The milk supplier’s local veterinary practitioner will be best Disease spreads by: suited to assist farmers in ensuring good biosecurity for • Movement of animals, between and within farms their herd. • Animal contact with neighbours’ livestock The milk supplier should be aware of the importance and • Farm visitors – people and vehicles value of maintaining a biosecurity plan for the farm. • Shared farm equipment or machinery A biosecurity plan, covering important herd biosecurity • Animals drinking from contaminated watercourses. measures should be created for each farm. A usable blank copy of the plan can also be found in the GIIL Sharing of equipment Milk Suppliers Calendar. Where equipment is shared with other livestock farms (including equipment brought onto the farm by livestock / Topics should include: slurry contracting professionals), it is recommended that it • Incoming stock is cleansed and disinfected before use. • Animal isolation and quarantine • Stock-proof fencing Examples of shared equipment that should be cleansed • Cleansing and disinfection and disinfected before use include: nose tongs and halters, cattle foot shears and knives, foot trimming crushes • Visitors. and livestock trailers, animal weighing scales, manure spreaders, slurry tankers and tractors etc. Closed herd status The biggest risk for the introduction of disease into a Potential disease spread from animal access herd is by moving animals into the herd. Maintaining a to watercourses and manure heaps completely closed herd, with no inward animal movements Measures should be taken to prevent animals drinking (including bulls), will help to ensure that disease is not from ponds, watercourses, streams or rivers (including introduced to the herd by bringing in an infected animal. floodwaters). Where it is not feasible to supply piped water for animals and no other source of drinking water is Animal quarantine available, a safe animal drinking point can be provided from Where inward stock movements are necessary, holding a clean watercourse. Such points must be fenced so as to these animals in isolation (away from all other animals in prevent animal movement up or downstream and ideally to the herd), whilst tests are performed to ensure disease- prevent animals from standing in the water. free status, will lessen the risk of disease introduction.
It is recommended that animals are not allowed to graze It is recommended that stock are only purchased from pasture within one month of a slurry application. Manure reputable sources that practice good standards of animal heaps should be appropriately sited or fenced off, so as to husbandry and have known high standards of animal health. prevent access by stock.
For more detailed information on best practice regarding herd biosecurity, please refer to the Animal Health Ireland document ‘Bioexclusion: Keeping Infectious Diseases Out of Your Herd’.
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Contact with neighbouring livestock Farm perimeter boundaries and fences should be maintained in a stock-proof condition, so as to minimise contact with animals of other herds. This may be aided by double fencing of the farm boundaries which adjoin other stock farms or by collaboration with neighbours over grazing times in adjacent fields.
A Personnel entry and traffic movement must be kept to a minimum and visitors to the farm must be made aware of their responsibilities regarding biosecurity (e.g. through a prominently displayed notice). Cows feeding indoors during January on a GIIL B The milk supplier must provide facilities for visitors to milk supplier’s farm at Inniskean, Co. Louth disinfect footwear on arrival at the farm using suitable disinfectants. 3.10 Housing C Each milk supplier must operate and maintain an effective pest control programme in the farmyard. Background information D Irish dairy cattle spend a lot of their lives outdoors. Where baiting is used, the following requirements However, during winter months it is necessary to provide apply: comfortable housed accommodation for livestock. The • A farmyard sketch identifying the locations of the bait quality of the housing provided can have a significant points must be available. impact on animal health, welfare and performance. • Baits must be placed in a manner that prevents access of non-target species and minimises the risk Particular attention is required with regard to the areas of cross-contamination of feed or water. highlighted below: • There must be a programme for the inspection and • Cow flow around the milking parlour and yards replenishment of the bait points. • Feeding and watering areas • Ventilation requirements Where baiting is used, the following are also • Safe floor surfaces recommended: • Comfortable lying areas for animals • No bait points should be placed in the parlour or • Ability to easily cleanse and disinfect all areas of animal housing areas. animal accommodation. • Records should be kept to identify the type of bait used. The milk supplier will also be aware that artificial lighting is • Bait boxes should be tamperproof. required to facilitate monitoring and inspection of housed animals after dark. E Only officially approved pest control products (i.e. that carry a PCS or other official approval number) may be Any new buildings or conversions should be constructed used on the farm. with a focus on animal comfort. Reference documents on housing design are available from the websites and offices of DAFM and Teagasc.
40 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code A Housing must be constructed, managed and Cleaning of animal housing maintained to permit effective cleaning and Regular cleaning of animal loafing areas should consist disinfection and minimise risk of injury. of a minimum of once a day scraping. All cubicles, loose housing, calving pens and calf housing should be B Sheds and other facilities must be managed thoroughly cleansed and disinfected at least once per year. and maintained to facilitate hygienic milk production. This should happen as soon as is practical after the end of the housing season. C Where bedding is provided, the bedding must Excess water, urine, dung or slurry should not be allowed be maintained in a manner that provides for a to accumulate in animal accommodation. An appropriate comfortable clean environment suitable for cleaning routine should be employed for cubicles, loose milking animals. housing, calving facilities and calf housing. Maintaining clean D housing facilities has been shown to reduce the prevalence Electrical fittings and wirings must be maintained in and spread of infectious pathogens which may otherwise a manner that is safe and inaccessible to livestock. cause mastitis, lameness etc.
E Animals must be housed in a manner that permits natural daylight to be available.
F Appropriate lighting must be provided to permit full inspection of the animals after dark particularly for calving animals.
G Ventilation must be sufficient to provide fresh air and to minimise draughts and condensation.
H Housing and facilities must facilitate emergency exit in the case of fire, flooding or other serious situations.
I The milk supplier must consider the DAFM and Cows resting in comfortable and clean accommodation Teagasc space requirements for dairy animals. Floor surfaces J Feed barriers must be designed and positioned so as All floor surfaces should be constructed to be anti-slip to allow normal feeding behaviour and to minimise and the building should be designed, constructed and injury to the animal. maintained to avoid animal or personnel injury through sharp projections, holes, and other defects. Where K Isolation unit(s), ideally one for every 40 cows necessary, surfaces should be temporarily improved by +10% margin to cover ongoing changes in the herd the application of sand, e.g. when handling in yards etc., size, must be available to isolate animals infected or where appropriate, by grooving of concrete as a more or suspected of being infected with diseases permanent solution. communicable to humans through milk. Ventilation Animal housing should be designed, ventilated and L Areas where cows for milking are handled, collecting maintained to minimise condensation and animal exposure yards passages and holding areas must be kept free to draughts, extremes of temperature and adverse weather of accumulated dung and soiled water. conditions. Air flow in animal housing should be sufficient to prevent a build-up of stagnant, humid air or significant levels of condensation.
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Stagnant, stale or humid air can allow a build-up of • There should be at least one cubicle provided airborne pathogens in animal housing. This increases per cow. the likelihood of spread of these pathogens between • The provision of extra cubicles, over and above this animals. Poor ventilation may also allow bedding to number, is desirable so that subordinate animals will become damp and cause increased growth and spread also find a cubicle space to rest. of mastitis pathogens. • Evidence has shown that, where there is an insufficient number of cubicles, the low-ranking cows Maintenance of Equipment will spend more time standing. Any mechanical, electrical or automated equipment that has the potential to cause injury or suffering to dairy cattle • Cubicles should be designed to suit the age and size should be maintained so that it functions correctly. Such of animals. equipment may include automatic scrapers, water troughs, • Inappropriate cubicle housing can reduce a cow’s automatic ventilation equipment, calving aids, automatic lying time, which can predispose to lameness and cluster removal and automated feeding equipment. may contribute to mastitis and / or teat damage.
Electric fences should cause no more than momentary Animal space requirements and loose housing discomfort. The power unit should be correctly earthed The loose housing area should have adequate floor space and should not be located in the milking parlour. It is for all animals to lie down simultaneously and rise without recommended that a competent and RECI registered causing discomfort or injury. Loose housing should provide electrician, carries out all electrical installations and clean and dry bedding of a sufficient depth and cleanliness maintenance, where equipment could impact upon the to ensure cow comfort and to minimise soiling of the teats welfare of dairy cattle. and udder.
Feed space Outdoor facilities All dairy cattle should have access to sufficient feed space Outdoor facilities for stock should be designed and that takes into account the weight and size of the animal. maintained to minimise the accumulation of water, faeces The feeding system used should not cause any injury or or mud. discomfort to animals and should minimise the likelihood • The surfaces of animal tracks, gateways, and around of competition or bullying for feed. water / feed troughs should be designed and maintained to minimise injury to animals from small Animal interaction and emergency provision stones or any sharp edges. These will increase the Unless animals are to be specifically segregated, housing risk of lameness due to bruising and penetrations of should be designed to allow all categories of stock to see the feet. and hear other animals. Facilities for emergency exit of • If cows are regularly walking through faeces or animals should be considered in the case of fire or floods. mud, there will be an increased risk of infection with organisms that can cause lameness and / or mastitis. Dairy cow facilities – lactating animals Lactating cows should have access to a non-slatted Any animals that are being out-wintered should have lying area, such as suitably bedded cubicles or yards. access to well drained lying and feeding areas with Cubicles should provide a comfortable bed with clean adequate shelter. Good shelter is also important for young dry bedding: calves which have been moved outdoors for the first time. • Materials that could be used for bedding include sawdust, sand, straw, chalk, peat, mats or mattresses. • The use of lime, or similar proprietary products, on the cubicle base may lower the incidence of mastitis by reducing wetness and bacterial load. • Cubicle stalls should be well drained, regularly scraped down and the kerbstone should not retain urine / faeces.
42 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Transporting cattle near Piltown, Co. Kilkenny B Where the milk supplier procures a haulier for the transportation of animals for journeys greater than 65 km, the milk supplier must use an approved / registered haulier. This listing is available from the DAFM website: www.agriculture.gov.ie/animaltransport/ or by telephone on 1890 200 510.
C The key requirements for the milk supplier’s own transport are: • Vehicles must be designed for ease of cleaning and a routine must be in place for maintaining the vehicle in a clean state between uses. • Vehicles must be such as to avoid risk of injuries from sharp projections, and loading ramps must be designed to prevent animals slipping or falling 3.11 Transport from the ramp, and must be equipped with battens, bridges, gangways and side protection gates that Background information are operational. For most animals, being transported is something that they • Lighting (including portable lighting) must be are not used to. Therefore it is usually stressful to them. available for loading / unloading in the dark. It is important that this stress is minimised by ensuring that • Ventilation must be available in transit at all times. their safety and welfare is considered when animals are • A visual assessment of the animals must be possible being transported. at any time during a journey. • Where vehicles are decked, they must be designed to The milk supplier will be aware that the design and minimise impact on lower deck animals. operation of the transport vehicles used to transport livestock is important in ensuring that the animals arrive clean and uninjured at their destination. The handling of Where animals are being transported, the following are animals at loading and unloading will also contribute to the also recommended: levels of animal stress during transportation. • Animals leaving a supplying farm should not travel on road journeys lasting more than eight hours without The milk supplier should refer to the DAFM leaflet entitled a rest. ‘Guidelines for Animal Welfare During Transport Within • Where necessary, partitions should be used to protect Ireland’ and the FAWAC document ‘Best Practice for the animals from injury during transit. Welfare of Animals During Transport.’ • To reduce stress, animals should be transported in their production groups or with other animals of a A The milk supplier must ensure that the animals are similar size. fit to travel and that the means of transportation is • Animals should be loaded and unloaded at their own suitable and appropriate. pace.
Unfit / injured animals must not be transported unless D The milk supplier must inform themselves regarding under the direction of a veterinary surgeon and animals the maximum and minimum loading densities for cattle. becoming unfit during transport must be delivered as soon as possible to a suitable place for unloading or slaughter.
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Milking parlour washings The parlour wastewater is nutrient rich, and therefore pollutant rich with elements of milk, manure and feed. Parlour washings will therefore contaminate ground water if not disposed of properly. To minimise the potential impact to water, waste water washings should be diverted to manure storage areas. Manual cleaning of the parlour prior to washing, to remove feed and manure, can minimise the amount of water required.
Bridge over the river Dinin, running through the GIIL milk supplier catchment area in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
3.12 Environment
Background information Milk suppliers are one of the main custodians of the environment in rural Ireland. This role involves the safe management of slurry effluent, proper care of local waterways and the safeguarding of hedgerows and natural Milking parlour on the farm of GIIL milk supplier, habitats around their farms. Richard Guilfoyle in Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny
Slurry storage and application management In carrying out a water pollution risk assessment, the following should be considered: A The milk supplier must have adequate facilities for • Pollution from nutrients collecting and storing all manures and effluents in • Pollution from agrochemicals and other chemicals order to prevent pollution and disease. • Pollution from fuels, lubricants or solvents (for example from workshops) Further information is available under Section 3.6 Land • Pollution from contaminated run-off Management re: Nitrates Directive and the EU Water • Pollution from livestock waste Framework Directive. • Pollution from human sewage Yard management • Pollution from waste water (e.g. yard or workshop To minimise the possibility of contaminants leaching into washings. Do these drain directly into ditches, or groundwater or running off to surface water such as streams or soak away?). rivers or wells, yards should be located on concrete or fine to medium textured soils and over 100 feet from water sources. Other practices such as keeping the yard clean, diverting run off to manure storage areas or collecting and re-using run off can minimise potential pollution to water sources.
44 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Slurry storage In counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim and Monaghan, the While the correct application methods of slurry are period during which the application of fertilisers to land is extremely important from an environmental perspective, the prohibited is the period from: storage of slurry is also important from an air pollution and • 15 September to 31 January in the case of the health and safety perspective. application of chemical fertiliser • 15 October to 31 January in the case of the A number of fatalities occur every year on Irish farms application of organic fertiliser (other than involving slurry agitation. Therefore in the interest of human farmyard manure) and animal health GIIL encourages milk suppliers to be • 1 November to 31 January in the case of the cognisant of the following points when agitating slurry: application of farmyard manure. • Agitation points should be located outside the building. • Always ventilate the building. Protection of the environment and chemical handling • Remove all stock and prevent people from entering the building. C Fuel storage facilities must be managed in a • Do not enter the shed during agitation, but especially manner that minimises the risk of spillage and / or not within 30 minutes after the agitation commences. contamination during refuelling. • Never enter slurry tanks. • Secure access points when spreading slurry. D Hazardous wastes (e.g. waste oils, pesticides and lubricants) must be collected and controlled pending • Manhole covers need to be kept in place and disposal through the local authority approved facility. replaced if damaged.
These are generally called hazardous waste collections. B The milk supplier must be aware of the closed A full list of local authorities is available at: periods that prevent the spreading of manures www.bit.ly/localauth or by contacting the local authority. and slurries. During the application of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides These rules are laid out in Schedule 4 of S.I. No. 610 and other materials, the milk supplier must ensure that of 2010 European Communities (Good Agricultural field margins, hedgerows and other wildlife corridors are Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010. not treated during the application to grass or crops. (More commonly known as the Nitrates Regulations). For more information visit: www.bit.ly/SINitrates or telephone 1890 200 510.
In counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow, the period during which the application of fertilisers to land is prohibited is the period from: • 15 September to 12 January in the case of the application of chemical fertiliser • 15 October to 12 January in the case of the application of organic fertiliser (other than farmyard manure) • 1 November to 12 January in the case of the application of farmyard manure. Protected river Barrow and woodland in south Carlow
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Farmyard waste control Farmyards must be maintained in a tidy, ordered fashion There are many types of wastes found on farms such especially adjacent to the parlour and dairy. This will help to as sludge, waste oils, farm plastics and domestic waste. reduce the risk of accidents and / or vermin. Each type of waste must be handled and disposed of appropriately. Appropriate waste disposal advice is F The milk supplier must control all waste plastic available from your local authority. sheeting and bags in a tidy fashion pending disposal and participate in the farm plastics scheme.
All waste plastic sheeting and bags must be collected and controlled pending safe disposal i.e. recycled. The milk supplier should also be able to provide proof with regard to his / her participation in the farm plastics scheme or equivalent.
Machinery
G All farm machinery must be stored, operated and maintained in good condition and in a manner that minimises both the biosecurity risk and the risk of injury to animals and people. Ensuring protection of Irish waterways such as the River Clodagh (Rathgormack, Co. Waterford) by proper control H of farmyard waste Farm manures and soiled water applications should take into account the Bord Bia Organic Materials All waste types must be collected by contractors who have Application matrix. waste collection permits for their vehicles or disposed of through a permitted waste facility. When spreading farm manures, organically certified dairy sludge or soiled water applications milk suppliers must The burning of domestic, hazardous or farm waste is not take into account the periods of prohibition between permitted on GIIL supplying farms. sludge spreading and grazing / harvesting. These periods vary according to the materials being spread and the E The farmyard must be maintained in a tidy and receiving crop and / or proposed use. For use on grassland orderly fashion. or forage crops (where the grassland is to be grazed or the forage crops to be harvested), farmyard manure or sludge should not be spread within three weeks of such use.
The spreading guidelines which allow non-sewage sludge to be spread under dry conditions and a closed period to grazing of 21 days must be observed.
A tidy GIIL milk supplier’s farmyard in Clonroche, Co. Wexford
46 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Appropriate farm safety notice
Risk assessment Like any activity on the farm, good health and safety requires planning and management. A Safety Statement or Risk Assessment document identifies the key dangers that may cause death or serious injury. A Risk Assessment document is the minimum legal requirement for all farms and should identify specific hazards on the farm, assess the risk of injury and specify how these risks are controlled.
In this document a commitment is made to: • Provide a safe place of work • Use safe systems of work • Provide guards on all machinery • Provide protective equipment, information, health and safety training and supervision necessary to protect those at risk. 3.13 Farm personnel health and safety The Risk Assessment document should be reviewed at least annually or when there are changes in the business. If Background information a dangerous situation arises work should stop immediately Health and safety is relevant to all farming businesses. until the hazard or danger is controlled. All those who work GIIL milk suppliers are responsible for the health, safety on the farm should be advised of the hazards. and welfare of themselves, employees and others that may be affected by what happens on their farm. This B The FSRA (Farm Safety Risk Assessment) or FSS includes contractors, casual or part time workers, trainees, (Farm Safety Statement) must be available to all neighbours, and family members. It is important that GIIL people who visit and work on the farm. milk supplying farms are safe working environments so that milk suppliers can ensure the best quality of life for Who should be made aware of potential themselves, their family and their employees. farm dangers? All people who visit and work on the farm (including In the same way as other employers, milk suppliers are family members) must be made aware of the dangers on legally required to provide a safe place of work as far as the farm. At a minimum, dangers must be brought to the is practical. The law is contained in the Safety, Health and attention of: Welfare at Work Act 2005 backed by regulations and • Family members codes of practice to improve farm safety. • Regular workers • Casual / relief workers A There must be an up-to-date Farm Safety Risk Assessment (FSRA) available that identifies specific • Contractors hazards on the farm, assesses the risk of injury and • People supplying services and goods to the farm. specifies how these risks are controlled.
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Farmyard access and visibility Personnel entry and traffic movement should be kept to a minimum and visitors to the farm must be made aware of their responsibilities regarding biosecurity (e.g. through a prominently displayed notice).
Care should be taken when entering and exiting the farm entrance. Hedging should be well maintained and timely warning should be given to road users of the work in progress.
The safe parking of vehicles and machinery should be adhered to at all times. Adequate farm yard lighting is essential in areas used after dark. First aid kit
D The milk supplier must have a basic first aid kit / supplies which includes eyewash, disinfectant etc. to deal with minor accidents that may occur on farm.
Training It is recommended that milk suppliers complete a farm safety risk assessment document each year. This is the minimum legal requirement for all milk suppliers, regardless of the size of their holding. Health and safety training is provided by Teagasc to assist in completing this assessment.
Accident reporting John Hennigan, GIIL Farm Development Manager, An accident is reportable to the Health and Safety with Martin Quigley, GIIL milk supplier at Kilconnor, Authority if an injured employee or self-employed Co. Louth person is unable to work for more than 3 consecutive C If the Farm Safety Risk Assessment (FSRA) / Farm days. Weekends and other days off are included when Safety Statement (FSS) is not immediately available, calculating days. If an employee is absent as a result of an a notice must be displayed which is visible to all accident for 3 separate days over a period of time, it is not visitors advising of its availability on request. reportable.
The types of accidents to be reported include: Safety statement • An accident causing loss of life to any employed A written safety statement is only required by milk or self-employed person in the course of their suppliers with more than three employees. The same employment commitment is given as above in the Risk Assessment document but it requires more detail to complete. • An accident to an employee or self-employed person that prevents them working for more than 3 calendar The milk supplier can complete and store his / her risk days, not including the day of the accident assessment online through an online tool that can be • An accident to any person not at work caused by found at www.farmsafely.com (correct at time of print a work activity which causes loss of life or requires February 2014). For more information telephone the medical treatment. Health and Safety Authority on 1890 289 389.
48 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code All milk supplied through a particular holding number must be produced on that holding. If dairy cattle are kept and milked on another holding, those facilities must be registered and assessed as a separate holding, with a different holding number.
Cow cleanliness
D The milk supplier must implement measures to ensure that cows’ udders, teats and adjacent areas are clean prior to milking.
Tommy Costigan, GIIL milk supplier, milking cows Water quality at Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny Potable water is water that is of suitable quality for drinking. Potable water must be routinely tested to ensure its quality and safety for human consumption or use in food production. 3.14 Dairy – general E Potable water must be readily available for hand Background information washing and washing milk contact surfaces. Milk suppliers will understand that milking activities, animal welfare and husbandry practices have a significant bearing F Where a private water supply is used for dairy on milk quality and will therefore be aware of the need to washing, the water must be tested for microbiological adhere to best practices in these areas. contamination (Enterococci and Ecoli must be absent in 100ml). All farms are required to have an Animal Health Certificate signed and dated by the milk supplier and their veterinary G practitioner annually. The Animal Health Certificate must Where the water supply is derived from well(s), the be available for inspection at the local GIIL milk office by well-head(s) must be sealed and the area around year-end. These certificates (Regulation (EC) 853 / 2004) the well-head(s) maintained to prevent water are required by the dairy processor. By signing the Animal contamination. Health Certificate, the farmer is making a legally binding declaration that milk produced on his / her holding is H Tanks for the storage of potable water must be suitable for human consumption. covered or protected to prevent contamination.
Milk traceability Hot water should be available on supplying farms to allow for appropriate washing of milking equipment and A The milk supplier must be registered by the the bulk tank. regulatory authority for milk production. A signed copy (milk supplier and vet) must be available of the There must be a sufficient supply of potable water DAFM declaration: Information Note 2012 – Animal available in the dairy and milking parlour for milking Health Requirements for Milk Yielding Animals (i.e. operations and for cleaning all equipment that comes into Dairy Health cert). New entrants to dairying must contact with milk. Potable water should be available at apply to DAFM prior to commencing milk production. each cow point in the parlour to wash udders, teats and the operators’ hands. B All milk supplied must be produced on the farm of collection.
C Milk must not come from cloned cows.
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Accessible hand-washing and drying facilities must be Milk quality provided for all farm and milk collection personnel. Any soap provided must be unscented and hot water should be clearly labelled. A basin with correct drainage (via a sealed pipe straight into a waste pipeline) is required. If a bin is present in the dairy, it should have a lid, be solely for the purpose of hand-washing paper-towel disposal and should be emptied on a daily basis.
Water testing requires that Enterococci, Coliforms and E. coli bacteria are absent from a 100ml sample. Where any water source fails to pass this test, water treatments must be put in place to make the water safe for use. Where these treatments are in place, a post-treatment sample must be tested and passed, for the water to be considered as suitable for use. Irish consumers enjoying Avonmore cream, made from milk supplied by GIIL milk supplier farms
Background information Milk suppliers will understand the importance of ensuring that the milk produced meets the highest standards in the key areas including total bacteria count, somatic cell count, thermoduric bacteria, temperature, lactose, and sediment and is free from adulteration of any kind. They will be aware that while pasteurisation will address microbiological issues, other hazards (e.g. antibiotic residues) which may be present in the raw milk will not be removed prior to consumption.
As a trusted global supplier of milk and dairy ingredients, Katie Dwane, GIIL Microbiologist, testing at the GIIL’s commitment is to the highest standards of milk accredited GIIL Central Laboratory, Dungarvan, quality and food safety, whilst using safe and sustainable Co. Waterford agricultural practices, thus providing high levels of confidence to our customers and their consumers. I The milk supplier must monitor the results of bulk milk analyses and take appropriate corrective action Our goal is to ensure that all of our customers and to ensure that the milk meets legal requirements. consumers can enjoy milk and dairy ingredients that are of the highest quality, and can be traced to the dairy farm and J The milk supplier must engage with the Milk herd that produced them. Purchaser to conduct a review of the data from milk monitoring / sampling and to identify potential As a global leader in terms of product quality, we must actions to improve milk quality where necessary. continue to demonstrate to our customers that our products are produced to the highest quality and safety standards, using world leading sustainable agricultural practices.
50 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code GIIL milk purchasing policy
The milk supplier should be aware of, understand and comply with the terms and conditions for milk supply as laid out in the most recent copy of the ‘GIIL Milk Purchasing, Quality and Safety Policy’ document. All milk must be produced and supplied to GIIL according to these standards. It is recommended that milk quality test results be reviewed regularly. Where milk quality does not meet the required standards, milk suppliers should implement an improvement strategy. This will be best carried out in conjunction with the GIIL Milk Quality Advisor. Milking facilities on a GIIL milk supplier farm The milk supplier should have read a copy of the ‘GIIL Milk near Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny Purchasing, Quality and Safety Policy’, be aware of the content and aim to produce milk according to its terms and conditions. The milk supplier should monitor the results of milk collection tests and take appropriate action to ensure 3.15 Dairy that milk complies with the standards laid down in the ‘GIIL Milk Purchasing, Quality and Safety Policy’. Background information The milk supplier should be aware of the need to produce milk that meets safety and quality requirements and should implement measures to prevent any form of contamination of milk. The milk supplier should ensure that the milking parlour, milk storage area and related equipment are maintained in a hygienic condition. He / she should also put effective procedures in place to prepare the cows, to reject any unfit milk, and to clean equipment after every use.
Milking facilities A clean and tidy dairy and milking parlour with well- maintained facilities is an essential part of high quality milk production. A farmer-friendly milking parlour provides a safe and hygienic work environment for milking operators with all necessary equipment close to hand. Cow friendly parlours are designed with animal welfare in mind, with GIIL Milk Purchasing, Quality & Safety Policy booklet natural cow flow.
To ensure the highest standards of milk quality and hygiene, parlours should be regularly and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. There should be effective pest control measures in place. Maintaining equipment regularly ensures a longer useable life span and good hygiene and safety throughout this time.
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Cleaning and disinfection C The surfaces (floors, walls, ceilings, doors) of the dairy must be washable and maintained in a A The milk supplier must have a clearly established and clean condition. effective routine for washing, cleaning and tidying the dairy on a daily basis when in use. D The ceilings and roof linings must be weatherproof and together with roof beams / trusses must be The milk supplier must have an effective wash routine that maintained in a clean state. ensures that the milking equipment is fully sanitised and free of deposits. Facilities for cleaning, (e.g. water troughs, The milk supplier must have an effective routine to brushes, impervious work surfaces, racks and shelves, maintain ceilings, girders and / or beams free from where applicable) must be available in the dairy. the accumulation of cobwebs, dirt and dust in the dairy and parlour. Milking Machine and Bulk Tank Wash Routine • Please refer to the 2014 GIIL Milk Suppliers E Drains and floors, that prevent pooling and are Calendar for information on the milking machine maintained in a clean and functional state, must wash routine. be provided. • Inadequately sanitised equipment may give rise to milk quality issues, including elevated TBC and / or F Measures must be in place to prevent foul odours thermoduric bacteria. from the drainage system backing up into the dairy and to minimise the risk of rodent access. All drains must have a grid to prevent vermin access.
G Doors must be installed so as to be tight fitting and maintained closed.
The dairy must have a solid, complete and fully sealed external door, which must be kept closed at all times when not in use.
H Where the dairy is fitted with windows, they must either be equipped with fly-screens or maintained permanently shut. They must be washable and maintained clean, and any broken glass should be replaced promptly.
GIIL’s Milk Suppliers Calendar I The dairy must be adequately lit with lights that have Access to the dairy must be confined to authorised clean protective coverings or shatter-proof bulbs to personnel. minimise the risk of contamination.
B Products other than those in routine use (detergents, J The milk supplier must have measures in place to de-scalers, filters, etc.) are not permitted to be stored minimise the risk of contamination by birds, insects, in the dairy. vermin, cats, dogs or other farm animals.
The dairy must be maintained clean, tidy and free from The milk supplier should maintain the ceilings, roof linings accumulated matter including rubbish and products which and walls to minimise the risk of vermin and their entry are not in daily use. When not in daily use, all chemicals into the dairy and parlour areas. Potential points for vermin must be stored in a secure store away from the dairy and entry are around doors, drains / drain pipes, false ceilings milking parlour. or pipelines from the parlour to the dairy, around wiring.
52 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code K The dairy must not share air space with any other building and must be separated from the milking parlour by a door that is closed when not in use.
The milk storage area should be adequately separated from all major sources of contamination. The dairy must be separated from the milking parlour by a solid door that is maintained closed when not in use, and ideally, is self- closing.
L The dairy must be adequately ventilated to maintain air quality and to minimise condensation. Vents and Clean milking parlour on the farm of GIIL openings must be fly-screened. milk supplier, Richard Guilfoyle, Dunmore, Co. Kilkenny Ventilation in the dairy and the parlour is important to dissipate odours and any dampness, thereby preventing condensation and mould growth on the ceiling or 3.16 Milking parlour equipment.
M Effective measures must be in place to minimise the The parlour must have a supply of water and suitable possibility of accidental water addition to the milk means to allow washing of the entire parlour area after placed in the bulk tank. every milking and to maintain the floors and walls in a clean state and free from accumulated dirt, faecal matter and dust. Collecting yards and passages through which N Milk placed in the bulk tank must pass through cows pass to and from the milking parlour must be an effective milk filter that is maintained in a maintained in a clean condition. hygienic manner. A The parlour must have floors, walls, doors and fixtures An inline filter or a filter sock at the end of the milk line and fittings that are completed with a washable finish. should be used. These should be changed at every milking.
If gauze type filters are used they should be regularly B Parlour equipment (milk tubes, pipes, jars, clusters, checked for any cracks. Milk filtration equipment must not feeding systems, hoses) must be maintained in good change the composition of the milk and must not interfere physical condition and be kept clean internally with the verification of compliance with the quality criteria as and externally. set out in the regulations especially those relating to SCC.
C There must be an established and effective washing routine that ensures that the milking equipment is clean and free of deposits.
D Measures must be in place for the effective cleaning of the parlour as required (floors, stanchions, other equipment) during and after milking with clean water.
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Robotic milking systems Milking routine Where applicable, the milking area must be clearly A milking routine that is efficient, hygienic and focused separate from the bedding area to reduce the risk of on milk quality will help ensure that the milk presented for contamination of milk. collection meets the highest standards. By checking the milk from each cow it is possible to ensure it is visually free The animal collection area must be well drained or slatted, from abnormalities and of good quality. Having procedures and cleaned at least twice daily. in place to ensure that any unfit milk does not enter the bulk tank is imperative to ensuring the highest standards E The parlour roof structures must be maintained to of milk quality. Ensuring that the milking operator is clean, minimise the accumulation of dirt and to minimise the in good health and leaves nothing to chance by following a risk of contamination from vermin. fixed milking routine is key to high quality milk production.
F The parlour lights must be fitted with protective coverings.
Lighting levels in the parlour should be sufficient to allow the reading of tag numbers and freeze brands and the inspection of foremilk.
G Measures must be in place to minimise the risk of contamination of the parlour by cats, dogs and other animals.
H Where baiting is used, no bait points are permitted in the parlour or in any area accessed by the dairy cows. Brendan Dillon, GIIL Mastitis Specialist, demonstrating an appropriate foremilking procedure using AHI I Drains must be provided that prevent pooling and ‘CellCheck’ farm guidelines must be maintained in a clean and in a functional state. Foremilking Procedures must be in place whereby milk from each quarter is inspected before it enters the bulk tank. Ideally, J Products not required during milking must not be foremilk should not be checked on the milker’s hands, as stored in the parlour. this can lead to the spread of mastitis pathogens. Wearing clean milking gloves will reduce the risk of spreading these K Electrical installations in the parlour must be bacteria from cow to cow. inaccessible to cattle, waterproof and maintained in a safe condition. M Cows’ milk must be individually inspected / monitored for abnormalities or infection at the start of milking. Where a mains electric fencer is in use, it should be located away from the dairy / parlour / milking area and Where teat sealers have been used as part of dry cow the milking parlour should be correctly bonded. therapy, all sealant material should be cleared from the teats before the cow is milked for the first time. L The parlour must be ventilated to maintain air quality and to minimise condensation.
Where a new parlour or dairy are intended to be constructed, they should be designed, sited, constructed, maintained and managed so as to minimise the risk of contamination of milk.
54 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Unfit milk (Regulation EU 853 / 2004). In the event of Tuberculosis The milk supplier must ensure that milk from any sick / Brucellosis reactors (or inconclusive animals) being animals, those with signs of clinical mastitis and those identified on the farm, the milk supplier must notify GIIL under any milk withdrawal period from animal remedies without delay. must not enter the bulk tank. Isolation unit(s), ideally one for every 40 cows +10% margin N Where the milk from an individual cow is deemed to cover on-going changes in herd size, must be available to unfit for human consumption (due to treatment with isolate animals infected or suspected of being infected with antibiotics or other remedies, to disease, wounds, diseases communicable to humans through milk. or infections affecting milk quality or due to other abnormalities of the milk itself) the milk must be Late lactation milk segregated and prevented from entry to the bulk It is recommended that cows are dried off from lactation milk tank. before their daily milk volume drops below 9 litres (2 gallons). The milk supplier must ensure that only milk suitable for • The lactose concentration of milk reduces as cows human consumption is placed in the bulk tank. approach drying off. • Milk with concentrations of less than 4.2% lactose Where any cow’s milk is deemed unfit for human is unsuitable for processing. consumption, measures must be in place to prevent this • To avoid reducing lactose levels of the bulk milk, all milk from entering the bulk tank. These cows should be cows giving less than 9 litres (2 gallons) should be milked into a separate unit / bucket, including a separate held from the bulk tank. cluster, to avoid cross contamination. Alternatively, if no separate unit is available, they must be milked last, with The milk supplier must engage with the Milk Purchaser the transfer pipe then removed from the bulk tank or the to conduct a review of the data from milk monitoring / dump line activated, and their milk discarded. All equipment sampling and to identify potential actions to improve milk associated with unfit or suspected unfit milk must be quality where necessary. thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before further use.
Cows should be clearly identified, where their milk is unfit for human consumption. Everyone working with the herd should understand the method of identification used for cows with unfit milk. Methods of identification include: stock marker, tail tapes or tapes / bands around the lower leg.
The milk supplier should be aware that stale or aged milk must not be presented for collection.
O In the event of test positive / inconclusive Tuberculosis or Brucellosis reactors being identified in dairy animals on the farm, their milk must be segregated immediately and the Milk Purchaser notified.
The milk supplier must ensure that milk from Tuberculosis or Brucellosis reactors (and those that are inconclusive) does not enter the bulk tank. Milk from these diseased animals is deemed to be unfit for human consumption.
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Teat disinfection Manufacturers’ product information and safety data sheets must be available for each cleaning chemical in use. The milk supplier will be aware that detergents containing chlorine must be used with particular care and all residues must be thoroughly rinsed from milking equipment and storage vessels before use.
It is recommended that procedures are in place to check the temperature of the cleaning solutions before and after use, to ensure that they are being used within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer. The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of regularly calibrating any application or measuring equipment to ensure application at the recommended rate.
Brendan Dillion, GIIL Mastitis Specialist, demonstrating Q Measures must be in place to minimise the risk to how to apply teat dip correctly to all four teats milk quality associated with dust during milking. P Teat disinfection (pre and post milking), where Dust associated with dusty roadways or dust in the practised, must be carried out in a manner that atmosphere due to feeds can give rise to spore forming minimises the risks for chemical contamination of bacteria and thermoduric bacteria which cannot be killed milk and only registered products may be used (i.e. by pasteurisation and can be detrimental to milk quality. products that bear a PCS number or equivalent). R Common udder cloths must not be used when Post-milking teat disinfection is the most important factor washing cows teats. in reducing the incidence of mastitis on farms. It has been shown that effective teat disinfection at every milking will The use of common udder cloths promotes the spread of reduce the spread of mastitis bacteria by 50%. Products contagious bacteria from teat to teat and cow to cow. They that are only approved for post-milking teat disinfection can cause an increased risk of mastitis and / or elevated must not be used pre-milking. somatic cell counts.
The milk supplier must be aware that when teat dips or detergents containing iodine or chlorine are used, all residues must be thoroughly washed off the teats / rinsed from equipment before milking.
Cleaning and disinfection products All cleaning and disinfection products must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Products used must not have adverse effects on milk quality. The milk supplier must avoid the use of strong smelling cleaning, disinfection or paint products in the dairy and parlour.
56 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code An appropriate milk storage tank on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm near Clonmel, Co Tipperary C Accessible hand-washing and drying facilities must be provided for all farm and milk collection personnel.
D Where bulk tanks (including external silos) are fitted with inspection points, these must be closed when not in use.
E The cooling system must be capable of cooling the milk to below 6ºC within 2 hours of the end of milking and maintaining a storage temperature of 2 - 4°C.
Bulk tanks must be fitted with a temperature gauge to enable the milk temperature to be checked at all times. The calibrated temperature monitoring equipment on the milk collection vehicle will verify the bulk tank temperature 3.17 Milk storage and collection reading. If there is a variation of more than 1°C between the bulk milk tank reading and the tanker reading, it is Background information recommended that the equipment be serviced. Milk suppliers will understand that since milk is perishable, F the manner in which it is stored has an important Milk storage equipment must be of sufficient bearing on final milk quality particularly relating to the capacity to store all milk produced under hygienic microbiological content of the milk. Milk suppliers will and temperature controlled conditions. therefore be aware of the importance of ensuring that milk storage equipment is maintained to ensure its general G The bulk tank and any internal and external ancillary condition and efficient operation. equipment and fittings must be maintained / serviced so as to be in good physical / operational condition A clean, safe and secure dairy and milking parlour with and in a clean and hygienic state. well-maintained facilities is imperative to producing milk of the highest quality. GIIL dairy and milking parlours offer Bulk tanks (including plate coolers) should be serviced at a safe and hygienic work environment, with all equipment least once per year to ensure effective cooling, storage needed available on hand. The team of highly trained GIIL and washing functions. hauliers, using the very latest milk transport technology, are committed to ensuring that milk is collected from the farm Bulk tank cleaning and delivered for processing without delay. H The bulk tank must be washed, sanitised and A Access to bulk milk tanks must be confined to inspected after emptying to ensure that it is clean. authorised personnel only. The bulk tank must be washed and sanitised after every B Where there is an external bulk milk tank(s) / silos collection, and inspected prior to first milking to ensure the following apply: that it is clean and free from deposits. • The area around external bulk milk tanks must be maintained in a clean and hygienic state. Milk suppliers should refer to the GIIL Milk Supplier • External bulk milk tanks must be designed for Calendar for the required daily wash routine for the bulk outdoor use, fitted with agitation equipment and be tank. Inadequately sanitised equipment may cause elevated designed to facilitate inspection and sampling. levels of thermoduric bacteria and TBC.
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There should also be an effective routine in place for the cleaning of any ancillary equipment and fittings to ensure that they are kept thoroughly clean. Ancillary equipment may include the following: • Bulk tank outlet pipe and any additional pipelines for the tanker • Lids / inspection points • Caps and internal bungs and any external valves.
The dairy should be adequately sized to accommodate the bulk tank and allow access for its cleaning and servicing.
Clean clusters on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm near Tullamore, Co. Offaly
3.18 Milking equipment
Background information Milk suppliers will be aware that the cleanliness of the milk contact surfaces will directly affect milk safety and quality. Milking equipment must be designed to ensure that the parts that come into contact with the milk and colostrum are smooth, washable and made from non-toxic materials A GIIL bulk milk tanker collecting milk from John and and easy to clean / disinfect. Milk suppliers will be aware Kevin Walsh’s farm, GIIL milk suppliers, Kilnafrahane, of the routine maintenance requirement to maintain them Co. Waterford in optimum condition. I The milk collection area must be maintained in a A Milking equipment (tanks, pumps, pipes, tubes, etc.) clean and hygienic state. must be constructed / fitted and maintained so that all surfaces in contact with the raw milk can be A solid surface, e.g. concrete / tarmacadam / paving cleaned using normal dairy detergents and sanitisers. should be provided around the milk collection area. This will be easily cleaned in the case of any milk spillages and Milking machine testing and servicing will prevent mud from being carried into the dairy. The purpose of the milking machine is to remove milk from the cows’ udders and place it in the bulk tank, while The milk collection area must be maintained clean and free not injuring the cow or affecting milk quality. The milking from accumulated water, rubbish, weeds and overhanging machine does this by using vacuum, pulsation, pumps, branches. Vehicular access to the bulk milk tank for pipework and various other mechanical and electrical milk collection purposes must be unobstructed. The milk apparatus. collection area must have access lights to facilitate the safe collection of milk. As one of the most complex pieces of equipment on the J farm, the milking machine must be maintained in good Milk tanks must be dedicated to storage of milk for working order, and serviced regularly to ensure that it human consumption. functions correctly. A malfunctioning milking machine can have serious and long term effects on the cow’s teat Bulk tanks must be of food grade stainless steel, insulated health, as well as affecting milk quality. and fitted with sealed lids and butterfly valves. Only milk intended for human consumption must be stored in the bulk tank.
58 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code B The milking machine must be tested by an Maintenance of teat cup liners independently registered (e.g. IMQCS) milk Teat cup liners are a consumable item and are only technician at a frequency to be determined by designed to work correctly for 6 months or 2,000 milkings. the milk supplier based on milk quality data and After this time, the liner will lose some of its elasticity and frequency of equipment faults. will not be as effective at milking the cow. In addition, after 2,000 milkings, the inner surface of the liner will have C Records of these tests and the corrective actions become roughened due to age, milk flow and constant taken must be maintained. creasing due to pulsation during milking. This roughening of the inner (milk) surface of the liner will allow it to harbour significant numbers of bacteria which will lead to The recommendation from the Irish Milk Quality Co- an increased spread of mastitis from cow to cow in the operative Society is for an annual service of the milking milking parlour. machine. GIIL requires that milk suppliers have their milking machine tested and serviced at least once per year by F Teat cup liners should be changed at least twice per a qualified technician. Only electricians who are formally year or at 2,000 milkings, whichever comes sooner. registered (RECI or equivalent) should be used to carry out work on electrical installations, including the milking machine and parlour equipment. It is best practice where there are more than 10 cows per milking unit, to change the liners at least three times per Records of tests and servicing, including a full test report year. The milk supplier should have an effective routine to and a list of corrective actions, must be retained and all check teat-cup liners for damage. Damaged liners should faults identified must be remedied. be replaced immediately. • It is recommended that a full machine test and service be carried out twice a year. • In addition, the machine should be checked, tested and adjusted as often as necessary during lactation. • Rubberware should be checked regularly for signs of perishing, and replaced, as required.
D The milk supplier must have a routine for checking and replacing / servicing all equipment that could affect milk quality or animal health (including teat-cup liners for damage; pipework for leaks; milking pumps and pulsation system for effective operation).
E All mechanical, electrical and automatic equipment Animal Health Ireland ‘CellCheck Farm Guidelines for must be monitored daily to ensure effective operation Mastitis Control’ publication and to prevent injury to personnel or cows. For further advice on Maintenance of Milking Machines and Teat Cup Liners, please refer to the AHI document, ‘CellCheck Farm Guidelines for Mastitis Control’, available from GIIL.
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Tommy Costigan, GIIL milk supplier, milking cows on his farm at Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny ‘No Smoking’ signs should be visible in the parlour and dairy.
C Milking personnel must cover cuts and wounds with a dressing and a first aid kit must be accessible at all times.
D The milk supplier must make employees aware that, if they are suffering from infectious diseases (with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea), they should not engage in milking activities.
Milking operators should be aware of the contamination risk to milk via human infectious disease. It is the responsibility of the milk supplier / stockperson to consult their doctor if they suspect that there is a risk that they may contaminate milk with any infectious disease. 3.19 Milking – general hygiene An effective cleaning routine should be in place for Background information collecting yards and all cow passages. This routine must Milk suppliers will be aware of the importance of ensure that these areas are kept clean and free from the good hygiene around milking in terms of milk and its accumulation of dung and soiled water. microbiological safety. Clean hygienic milking practices will be implemented at all times on GIIL milk supplying farms. The wearing of milking gloves ensures a level of bacteriological cleanliness that cannot be achieved with bare hands and reduces the spread of mastitis pathogens E Critical parameter: Measures must be in from cow to cow. place to prevent all milk unfit for human consumption from entering the bulk tank. Regular hand washing should take place during the milking routine. Any faecal matter must be washed from the stockpersons’ gloves immediately. Hand-washing facilities Facilities such as a dump line, receiver jar, milking machine should be readily accessible in the parlour. bucket / churn or simply milking the affected cow last are acceptable. A notice board at the front of the parlour can Milking operators should wear suitable, clean working alert other personnel to a problematic animal. clothes. Wellington boots and milking apron / suits should be clean at the start of each milking. Where they become heavily soiled during milking, they should be washed clean.
Milking operator hygiene
A Milking personnel must ensure that their hands, arms and working clothes / aprons are maintained as clean as possible when milking and washing facilities must be readily accessible at all times. The milk supplier should be aware of the importance of hand hygiene (e.g. wearing gloves etc.) during milking. B Smoking must not be allowed in the parlour and dairy. An example of a no smoking sign on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm
60 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Only officially approved / registered disinfectants and sanitisers (i.e. with a PCS / VPA or equivalent) may be used and these must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations including thorough rinsing where this is specified. (See the PCS website: www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/) or telephone 01 6157552.
It is important to source products from reputable product suppliers only. It is also important to ensure that thorough rinsing occurs after use of detergents and sanitisers to prevent undesirable chemicals including trichloromethane (TCM) developing in the milk.
A secure chemical storage area C The use of all strong smelling disinfection, cleaning and paint products must be avoided in the dairy, parlour, feed store(s) and animal housing. 3.20 Chemicals, pesticides and herbicides The milk supplier should be aware that the use or storage Background information of strong smelling chemical products in or near the dairy Milk suppliers should all be aware of the need to comply or parlour or the feed store, or where the cows are housed with the regulations relating to the correct use of could cause taint in the milk. chemicals and of the need for safe handling and storage of these chemicals in accordance with the manufacturer’s D When chemicals are not in use they must be stored in recommendations. a secure dry place.
All biocide chemicals (including detergents, sanitisers, E Empty chemical containers must be stored in such a disinfectants, herbicides, pesticides) used on GIIL farms manner as not to compromise the safety of milk or are subject to approval by the relevant competent authority feed for animals. (including DAFM, Pesticide Control Service (PCS), etc.). A guide entitled ‘Storing and Using Plant Protection and F Biocidal Products’ is available from DAFM and contains Manufacturers’ instructions on protection of the information relevant to milk suppliers. environment must be followed when using or handling chemicals including herbicide and pest Farm chemicals are potentially deadly. They should be control products. handled and stored in a safe manner and milk suppliers must ensure that children never have access to farm The milk supplier must retain the product safety chemicals. information (e.g. sheets / label / material safety data sheets) that is provided with the product for each cleaning A Only officially approved or registered disinfectants, chemical while in use. The milk supplier should keep teat dips, biocides and sanitisers (i.e. with a PCS / records (e.g. date, material, quantity used etc.) of all VPA or equivalent) must be used. chemicals, fungicides and biocides for a minimum of three years. B Manufacturers’ product information must be available for each cleaning chemical in use. The milk supplier must ensure that animal remedies and chemical containers are appropriately stored and controlled pending safe disposal.
At all times treat chemicals as dangerous substances and identify hazards associated with their use in the Farm Safety Statement / Risk Assessment.
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Chemicals are dangerous substances and may cause • Wash hands and exposed skin before eating death or serious injury in different ways: or drinking. • Inhalation • Thoroughly rinse all equipment used. • Ingestion • Unused chemicals should be disposed of in a safe • Absorption manner and so as not to harm personnel, animals or • Burning on contact. the environment (Contact the environmental section of your Local Authority for advice). The effects may range from irritation, allergy and poisoning, to permanent damage to internal organs and possible death.
Safe handling of farm chemicals ensures the protection of GIIL’s milk supplier catchment area. Inistioge Bridge, Co. Kilkenny
Guide to the safe handling of chemicals • Purchase only approved chemicals. • Store in designated storage facilities, which are labelled and locked and well away from food. • Do not transfer chemicals to other storage containers, especially soft drinks bottles or food containers. • Maintain only minimum stocks of chemicals (to avoid out of date chemicals). • Read the label before opening the chemical and observe all safety precautions. • Use or store chemicals in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations. • Wear the correct PPE for the chemical and operation involved. • Have a good supply of clean water for washing off splashes that may occur.
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Grassland pastures on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm at Oldcastle,64 Glanbia IngredientsCo. Meath Ireland in Limited early Open November Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 4. ON-FARM SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT
Contents
4.1 Soil and grassland management 66
4.2 Water use and conservation 68
4.3 Energy use and conservation 69
4.4 Waste management 70
4.5 Biodiversity 71
4.6 Economic sustainability 72
4.7 Social sustainability 74
4.8 Health and safety 75
4.9 Milk suppliers’ health 81
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Cows grazing on the farm of GIIL milk supplier, Eamonn Phelan near Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny
Introduction 4.1 Soil and grassland management Ireland’s grass-based dairy system greatly contributes to the positive international Background information reputation and market position enjoyed Soil provides an ecosystem critical for life on earth. It acts by milk products from Ireland. as a water filter and helps regulate the earth’s temperature and many of the important greenhouse gases. It is a Sustainability and environmental protection growing medium providing essential nutrients to our are emerging key drivers of choice for food grasslands, crops and forests. buyers, increasingly influencing the strategic thinking of international players. They are now Soil provides habitat for billions of organisms, many of key factors in long-term product sourcing. The these organisms produce beneficial antibiotics. Soil is used following points will guide Milk suppliers as a filter for rain and wastewater and acts as a platform through sustainable best practices on-farm. for human activities, landscape and acts as a provider of food, fibre and fuel.
Soil quality indicators include: • Productivity • Fertiliser response rate • Production stability.
66 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code The importance of humus for soil structure and fertility in soils It is prohibited to spread municipal Humus is the organic matter in soil. Soils that have a high sewage sludge on GIIL farms. humus content have abundant living biological activity to Farmyard manure and non-sewage convert plant residues, leaf litter, animal dung and various biomass into stable organic matter. sludge from an EPA licensed facility • Humus gives the soil the ability to absorb and retain is allowed to be incorporated in your moisture. Such soils do not dry out and require NMP e.g. the certified organic dairy significantly less irrigation. sludge from the GIIL Ballyragget • Humus provides a reservoir for the plant nutrients processing facility. available in the soil for balanced plant growth. • Humus plays a part in supporting soil bacteria, for nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilisation. • The milk supplier should ensure that the person responsible for the application of fertilisers / manures The vitality and quality of soil can be improved by: / sprays has adequate experience through either: • Careful nutrient management planning • having a minimum of 5 years relevant on-farm • Avoiding soil compaction by machinery or animals, experience in grassland management, and particularly in wet weather attended an appropriate training course or • Turning in plant material such as green crops • having received an appropriate qualification and straw • Soil testing for pH, P and K should be carried out at • Keeping soil covered with pasture, crops or mulch. least every 5 years.
Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) The purpose of a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is to allow the efficient application of nutrients to soil as and when required, to maximise production from the soil. The NMP should be calculated by a competent person in conjunction with the relevant legislation. NMPs, with up-to- date soil sampling, should be carried out at least once every 5 years to monitor levels of major nutrients in the soil.
Under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) it is a requirement of cross compliance to have a fertiliser plan in place on the farm. An appropriate NMP will ensure that applications of fertiliser follow a balanced nutrient Example of Irish clover plan that takes account of soil fertility, contribution from slurry and stocking rates. The target is to balance the The milk supplier should also be aware of the benefits of application of nutrients (slurry and fertiliser) in order to testing soil pH, phosphate and potash levels at least once avoid unnecessary residues in the soil or water causing every 5 years (or every 3 years if receiving sludge from an pollution and unnecessary costs from over application and EPA licensed facility). This information will ensure the most run-off of excess fertiliser applications. See Section 3.6 effective and efficient nutrient use when executed under a pages 27 & 28. compliant Nutrient Management Plan.
• In order to minimise the requirement for chemical nitrogen and aid nitrogen fixation, the milk supplier should strive to incorporate clover into grassland swards where possible.
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Clover has been proven to minimise the requirement for Rainwater collection point on a GIIL milk supplier’s chemical nitrogen and can aid nitrogen fixation in soils farm in Co. Tipperary which promotes soil health, increases soil fertility and can help reduce the farm’s carbon footprint. An objective of the GIIL Open Source Programme is to maintain the soil health on supplying farms in order to ensure healthy sustainable grass growth and a pasture fed milk production system into the future.
• The milk supplier should record all uses of chemical fertilisers (e.g. date, material, quantity used).
It is good practice to record all uses of chemical fertilisers e.g. date, material, quantity used. This will be useful in determining the cost-benefit of using fertilisers and whether or not the fertilisers are being used effectively.
• The milk supplier should record crop protection 4.2 Water use and conservation products when applied (application rate and units). See Section 3.20 page 61. Background information There is growing concern, among global branded companies regarding the source of water and its Crop protection products quality. They wish to ensure that their supplying farms These are chemicals that may be used to protect crops or companies will have good access to plentiful and from moulds, insects, fungi etc. For crops specifically sustainable water supplies in the future. The vast majority grown to feed the GIIL dairy herd, records should be (99%) of water used in Irish dairying comes from rainfall. retained for all, if any, of the specific crop protection Globally, greater awareness of the necessity to minimise products used on these crops, including the application the use of water and protect water as a natural resource rate used. See Section 4.8 pages 78 & 79 for details of the is required. PPE required.
Practices that will minimise water use on farm include: • Water recycling • Grey water recovery • Rainwater collection • A proportion of water used for yard washing could be subsidised by rainwater. • Water usage volumes can be reduced through the monitoring, identification and repair of leakages associated with water supply pipes; taps, drinkers, troughs and nozzles, etc. • Using a yard scraper or similar method to clean the yard will lead to reducing water use. • When washing down the yard the volume of water being used greatly depends on the water pressure and for how many minutes it is used per day on average.
68 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code The milk supplier should adopt farm management practices which protect water quality on the farm and its surrounds.
The protection of margins along watercourses could also be considered where appropriate and / or where required by law.
• Where applicable, there should be full or controlled exclusion of animals to drains / watercourses. Controlled access points for fishing and maintenance are acceptable.
John & Kevin Walshe, GIIL milk suppliers, use For further information see Margins along watercourses, a plate cooler to reduce energy usage on their Section 3.6 page 28. farm in Kilnafrahan, Co. Waterford
4.3 Energy use and conservation
Background information From 2000 to 2012 the cost of fuel in Ireland has increased by at least 400%. Fuel / energy is a major cost on dairy farms each year. The more fuel and power used, the greater the costs involved, and the more carbon emissions are emitted to the air. The Open Source Programme encourages milk suppliers to consider the amount of energy and fuel used and the associated costs of this use on an annual basis.
• The milk supplier should retain annual records of energy and power (electricity and fuel) use.
Once aware of the largest fuel costs, milk suppliers will be able to identify how or where costs can be reduced.
The milk supplier should consider the following: • Machinery running for longer than necessary • Running machinery only when necessary e.g. scrapers, security lights • Regular servicing of machinery so that it runs efficiently • The use of night rate electricity • Low energy lighting for sheds and security • The use of a plate cooler to cool milk efficiently • Heat recovery from the bulk tank compressors
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• Variable speed drive vacuum pump for the milking machine • Ensuring that fuel tanks and water storage tanks / pipes are not leaking • Efficient water heaters, which run on timers • The use of solar panels • Seeking the best value from service providers of electricity and fuel.
Variable speed drive vacuum pumps (VSDs) are now widely used to give improved vacuum control and energy savings. VSDs can be connected to induction motors which have a variable load. They are most commonly used to control A woodland in Co. Tipperary pumps and fans.
These suggestions should reduce the milk supplier’s fuel and energy costs in the long-term and also contribute to a 4.4 Waste management reduction in the farm’s carbon footprint. Background information When considering any of these options the milk supplier Due to the high level of inputs on a dairy farm, there is a lot should plan for implementation and evaluate the cost and of waste material. Waste produced on a dairy farm can be the practicality. safe and recyclable, or hazardous. If not managed properly farms become untidy and a health hazard for the people who work there. Waste can also compromise the safety and health of animals on the farm. It is essential that milk suppliers routinely dispose of all waste materials safely.
The milk supplier should safely store and control hazardous waste containers (e.g. fertiliser bags and other chemical containers). Non-hazardous wastes (e.g. domestic rubbish) and recycling waste should be removed from the farm routinely.
The waste section of your local authority website will have the most up-to-date information on the disposal and collection services in your area. See Section 3.12 pages 44 to 46 and Section 3.20 pages 61 and 62.
70 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code • The milk supplier is encouraged to continue best environmental management practices, as outlined in schemes such as REPS and AEOS and to consider future participation in Environmental Schemes, when available. • The milk supplier is encouraged to enhance the biodiversity on the farm by planting native species of trees, hedgerows and flora and promoting natural regeneration. This, in turn, will support an abundance of wildlife species.
The milk supplier should not trim hedgerows during the A vibrant hedgerow on a GIIL milk supplier’s bird nesting season from March to August inclusive. It farm near Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny is recommended that a felling licence is required for the removal of native mature trees. A felling licence can be applied for through the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine website: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/ or by 4.5 Biodiversity telephoning 053 9160 70.
Background information Flora and fauna habitat protection Biodiversity refers to the existence of a wide variety of Irish wildlife depends on farmland habitats on Irish farms. plant and animal life in the natural environment. Ireland’s biodiversity is our life support system, sustaining our • The milk supplier should consider if there are specific natural environment upon which our agricultural, forestry, wildlife habitats on the farm and whether or not their fisheries and tourism sectors depend. The retention of current farming practices disturb existing habitats existing habitats, trees and hedgerows helps to preserve such as woodland, hedges, field margins, ponds, the natural diversity of Ireland’s rural landscape, which is ditches etc. important in sustaining vital resources such as clean water, air and productive soil. • The milk supplier should be aware that ecosystems such as hedgerows, wetlands or ponds that provide The value of Ireland’s biodiversity habitats for wildlife living on the farm or for wildlife It is essential to preserve the richness of Ireland’s native that pass through the farm during migration should biodiversity for our future generations. Milk suppliers be retained or protected. who participate (or who have participated and continue the practices) in the Rural Environmental Protection Schemes (REPS) or the Agri-Environment Options Scheme (AEOS) already demonstrate their commitment to good environmental and improved biodiversity practices. As a result these milk suppliers automatically meet this aspect of the requirements of the Open Source Programme. If milk suppliers do not formally participate in an environmental scheme, the Open Source Programme is designed to encourage them to carry out best practice in biodiversity and environmental protection.
An example of Irish wildlife on a spring day on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm in Baltinglass, Co.Wicklow
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GIIL / Teagasc discussion groups Discussion groups can fulfil many needs for milk suppliers. Facilitated by the Teagasc Advisory Services, they help with the dissemination of technology and best farm management practice. Additionally, the groups help in the identification of on farm health and safety risks and provide a platform for improvement in grass management, animal nutrition, animal health and welfare, and mutual support to members.
• The milk supplier should participate in his / her local GIIL / Teagasc discussion group.
Donal Corkery, GIIL Farm Development Manager, milk suppliers and Teagasc advisors attending a financial Farm planning – physical and financial workshop in Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny Future-proofing the farm enterprise through good farm planning will mean that the family farm will survive as a sustainable business into the future. In conjunction with a qualified advisor, the milk supplier should consider 4.6 Economic sustainability and identify opportunities for improvement for future development. The previous year’s performance should be Background information reviewed to identify the areas that can be improved and The sustainability of dairy farming in Ireland depends document the changes that will be implemented in greatly on the economic viability of each farm business. the coming year to improve on the previous year’s The majority of GIIL’s milk supplying family farms have performance. been in the same family for a number of generations, a situation almost unique to Ireland. It is essential therefore The following mechanisms will help the milk supplier to ensure that the business is future-proofed so that the assess his / her current farm business performance and tradition of Irish family dairy farms being passed on from assist in planning for the future: generation to generation will continue. • Teasgasc profit monitor and the use of cash flow budgeting Ensuring a sustainable dairy business for future • GIIL farm financial planning model generations entails educated assessment of all aspects of the business, identification of challenges and opportunities, • GIIL milk forecasting model careful planning and goal setting. • Discussion group membership • Other farm business planning models GIIL has developed a number of support mechanisms to provide milk suppliers with the resources to assist in their • The milk supplier should be aware of the importance economic sustainability. See Section 3.2 pages 15, 16 & 17. of preparing an annual milk forecast plan. • The milk supplier should be aware of the availability These mechanisms include the GIIL Financial Planner, of the on-line GIIL Farm Financial planner. the GIIL Milk Forecasting Planner, GIIL Herd Health workshops, the GIIL / Teagasc Discussion Group Programme , the Greenfield Dairy Programme and GIIL / Teagasc Monitor Farm projects.
72 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Training As such, these farmers have a wealth of knowledge to Training and up-skilling is a key part of the GIIL pass on to their fellow farmers and their attendance, sustainability philosophy. There are many excellent therefore, at various GIIL organised events is encouraged. agricultural colleges and courses available to young farmers who wish up-skill themselves for a successful In order to be an effective milk supplier, it is important future in dairy farming. Many milk suppliers have formally that all milk suppliers are in receipt of, and understand, trained in these colleges and / or have availed of alternative the most up-to-date developments and technical agricultural training through Teagasc or its equivalent. information relating to dairying, animal health and customer GIIL milk suppliers and relevant staff / family members requirements. This information can be obtained through are actively encouraged to participate in GIIL and / or membership of a discussion group or other forums such as agricultural training courses / events on a regular basis. an association or farming publications. For this reason GIIL encourages milk suppliers to attend open days and animal health information meetings and utilise the dedicated GIIL Farm Development team.
Full time employees should be motivated and provided with further education / relevant training on an annual basis. Milk suppliers should ensure that employees working on the farm are kept informed of the most up-to-date methods and best practices. This could include access to farming publications, attendance at agricultural events, technical information meetings, farm walks or open days, DAFM training / courses and / or membership of relevant farming organisations.
GIIL milk suppliers attending the Greenfield Dairy Programme Open Day in Clara, Co. Kilkenny Farm events Continuous improvement is best achieved by sharing • The milk supplier should be in receipt of, and have knowledge and ensuring that the best available techniques an understanding of, relevant up-to-date technical are utilised on the farm. It is advisable that milk suppliers information through some or all of the following: attend farm open days, or other demonstrations, as • Relevant farming publications advertised by GIIL and / or Teagasc. • Membership of a farming organisation • The milk supplier should also ensure that he / she • Participation in a local GIIL / Teagasc keeps up-to-date with developments within the discussion group GIIL / Teagasc Monitor Farm Programme and the • Attendance at events of interest to farming Greenfield Dairy Programme. • Attendance at GIIL financial planning workshops • Attendance at GIIL animal health information meetings or workshops • Greenfield Dairy Programme, GIIL / Teagasc Monitor farm walks, other farm walks and open days. • Full time employees should be motivated and provided with up-skilling and with relevant training on an annual basis.
Many of GIIL’s milk suppliers have been supplying milk into the business for a long number of years, some over a number of generations. These suppliers are highly skilled Milk suppliers attending a GIIL / Teagasc Farm Walk at Tom and Norma Dineen’s farm in Ballynoe, Co. Cork operators with a deep knowledge of dairying.
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Three generations of the Phelan family, supplying milk to GIIL for over 65 years Extension services To ensure the profitability of the farm enterprise it is advised that the milk supplier avail of the extension services provided by Teagasc, private agricultural consultants, veterinary practitioners, animal nutritionists, financial advisors and other qualified professionals, where required. Milk suppliers are also reminded of the value of regular communication with the GIIL Farm Development team.
• The milk supplier should avail of qualified advisors / professional agricultural consultants’ services (Veterinary practitioners, technicians, nutritionists, Teagasc advisor services, financial advisors or equivalent etc.).
Farm organisations There are a number of relevant farm organisations that 4.7 Social sustainability milk suppliers could consider joining if they are not already a member. The Irish Farmers Association (I.F.A.), Macra Background information na Feirme, Irish Creamery Milk Supplier Association Milk suppliers are at the heart of Ireland’s local rural (I.C.M.S.A.), Irish Grassland Association (IGA) and The Irish economy. Milk suppliers are valued members of the local Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) are bodies that community in terms of giving local employment and by can provide the milk supplier with the opportunity to share the local sourcing of materials and services. Milk suppliers experiences with and learn from others. should also be aware of the care they are obliged to give to their employees including family members, while they are at work on their farm. Good relationships with the farm workforce, their dependants and the local community are vital for the long-term sustainability of an area.
• The milk supplier should contribute to and participate in the local community where possible.
Family farming in Ireland Irish dairy farming has a very unique feature, which has evolved over time, and is at the core of our agricultural heritage. The ‘Family Farm’ model is where the farm is passed on from generation to generation, down through the centuries. The farm itself is run along family lines with often both the husband and wife jointly contributing to the work effort involved in generating an income which affords the family a good standard of living and a sustainable future for the farm business.
74 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Example of the Health & Safety Auhority's 'A to Z of FARM SAFETY' poster Some characteristics of the ‘Family Farm’ model include: • Land ownership – owner occupier rather than farm 11041 Teagasc A-Z Board_Layout 1 14/07/2011 11:53 Page 1 leasing, though there is some short term land leasing A to Z of SAFETY n the M ding o in practice an R re st a A n you F r whe tracto start a EVER de it. N alongsi round tre of g igh cen ve a h r ors ha ly ove • Relatively low mobility of land within the rural er tract ve slow N mb Dri me ly. he farm. RN: Re rn easi Y on t RTU overtu SAFET OVE d can nsider vity an ut ays co gra und. hem o Alw ven gro Keep t r farm. une cals: ow the n you c chemi d foll economy mals o m r toxi abel an ni fro he l ve a stags O and ot ad the rage o A aggressi rams, DES n. Re se, st re of cows, ESTICI childre per u Bewa bulls, P ach of on pro LLS: cross the re advice BU to cull of urer’s sure nufact g Be ma l. en usin r farm. disposa t wh you rm, and y helme the fa a safet m. • A strong affinity and caring disposition of the farmer ren on wear on the ild P ys n B ch wa ildre ervise ns. kes: Al ing ch ys sup peratio AD bi id lett nd. : Alwa nery o QU e. Avo grou DREN machi ad bik rough CHIL uring a qu ly over cially d e slow espe bar of Driv rm draw g on fa towards both the land and livestock on the orkin de llow n w yone ri not a Q er whe C t an . Do ladd ever le chinery ofing S: N er ma se a ro lights. WBAR ny oth . FS: U of sky DRA or or a trailer ROO clear r tract open s. Stay you e in an shed nt ne rid Assessme anyo r lines r Risk powe te you t • An attitude and desire that the farm will be passed rhead upda nline a hted. ve R nd o lig D of o lete a leted high ware mp mp sks kill. Be TY: Co n be co n on ri Y can SAFE his ca e actio RICIT nt. T m. Tak ELECT bles. Docume fely.co ried ca armsa and bu ght www.f be cau urse on to the next generation in an improved state as a not to ing co care and train : Take ainsaw S Safety E ling ch rm ee fel end a a Fa re. and tr gs. Att Attend cent STRY and lo ING: eagasc FORE trees TRAIN local T falling t your nder urse. OW a u ing co from N n lead sustainable farm business e fell ll stock arm ca tre ve a shed ards/f y and l. Remo nter a farmy at, tid can kil ever e point T tained rm ne F ses g. N ion in rd/fa ga atin itat y ma ya Slurry re agit ose ag : Poorl ur farm GAS: s befo ted. Cl NTIDY eep yo d shed g agita U ents. K slatte is bein accid d. slurry to ntaine when . ll mai y ch use ways we r safet • A responsibility towards enhancing the local rural fter ea rous. Al or it. Wea a dange ndling rotect can be hen ha U ital – p . G ses t w s. is v ger r se ht an me ho g. helme by hor yesig in d S: So nt e. cked :Your e yes are HORSE quipme eing ki SION your e fety e ry of b VI where ear sa Be wa ggles w orses. go environment for the future generations ding h rm rn the ri your fa to wa nt on uards, rected ors uipme PTO g V ld be e "Tract H ety eq vers, shou ch as f eck sa fety co SIGNS rds su CT: Ch inery sa ts. ING or haza INSPE . mach Aid ki WARN angers ll". rly, e.g d First ic of d of Bu gula ers an publ Beware re nguish ng", " or re exti Crossi ildren • A sense of duty towards the well-being of the local fi are ch to s, re ss ar grab en the ct acce I of she W ful wh Restri des re rm. tc. m bla nsaws. extra ca mily fa ights e ay fro d chai Be the fa ble he eep aw ives an XTRA: ple on unsta WS: K ing kn rly peo tanks, JA revolv elde ponds, n to wers, erous cautio rural economy. mo Macs, dang ery pre ask Hi ev t ctors, of : Take farm nd as tra eir line AMILY every nise a such y in th X OUR F . Assess Orga J inery . Sta nd Y lthy risks. ch g . a ea r of ma workin r vest YOU and h gers o EAR y are cket o n safe ial dan d. KEEP CL en the ility ja remai otent in min e rs wh h visib ly for p safety can b ulldoze r a hig reful with which b d wea ca e tasks ctions on an ile mplet d infe .g. TB, visi ed wh co S an ns. E gloves crush SEASE to huma Wear ked or Y OTIC DI imals Coli ... nds K ing kic stock. ZOON m an ase, E. ur ha be live d fro se yo ary of with smitte eil's Di s wash Be w r fields tran sis, W Alway 4.8 Health and safetySTOCK: ards o plasmo estock. ls. y xo iv ma LIVE n pens, To dling l ith ani rking i s n han tact w Farmer / employee welfare wo guard whe in con d PTO oid r being ers an ery. Av afte ety cov chin Z L saf rm ma re fa : Ensu on all . NERY rking hinery MACHI nd wo ar mac place a ing ne are in cloth Where applicable, GIIL expects milk suppliers to manage g loose rin : wea ER MB ME IS M RE TH L Background information EA H. T Y. H AL ET WE AF their employees appropriately by ensuring that their S ! K FE HIN A T E S rights of employment and associated full entitlements are The health and well-being of our Bmilk suppliers is
afforded to all farm employees. extremely important to GIIL. It is important that milk suppliers are operating a safe working environment and These entitlements include, but are not limited to, worker minimising hazards for all who come into contact with farm. well-being and development, employment rights such as See Section 3.13 pages 47 & 48. working hours, working conditions, wages, benefits, annual leave etc. Dairy farm accident statistics Dairy farms make up 17% of all farms in Ireland, but • Farm employees should be properly managed in account for 58% of all farms accidents and fatalities. accordance with national employment legislation and full employment entitlements should be afforded to The most common reportable accidents on dairy farms are: all farm employees. • 34% struck or crushed by tractors or machinery • 27% animal incidents (57% of these are bull attacks) GIIL’s Open Source Programme aims to enhance the • 17% drowning (predominantly in slurry) environmental footprint of the milk suppliers’ farms, while • 9% collapsing objects improving milk production, farm profitability and the well- • 8% falls (ladders or loads). being of all of the people and animals involved.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 75 4. ON-FARM SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT
Avoidable hazards • Regardless of their stage of growth / production, any Approximately 20% of all farm accidents, particularly trips aggressive animals should be culled. and falls, could be eliminated without any financial cost, if • Stock proof fencing should be maintained in good work places were clean, tidy and clutter free. condition, particularly near roads or railway.
• The milk supplier should ensure that the risk of all Zoonotic diseases avoidable hazards (for both livestock and humans) Zoonoses are infections or diseases that can be are minimised. transmitted directly or indirectly between animals and humans, for instance through contact with infected Avoidable hazards include but are not confined to: animals. The severity of these diseases in humans varies • Open or unfenced lagoons from mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions. It is • Open wells important for the milk supplier to be aware of the risk of • Insecure or exposed electric wiring humans potentially acquiring Zoonotic diseases. • Poorly fenced land that allows animals to break To reduce the risk of infection: out onto nearby roads or railways • Keep stock healthy. This may include vaccination • Inadequately protected machinery where appropriate e.g. Leptospirosis. • Access to gridding of slurry tanks, agitation • Use PPE where necessary. points etc. • Practice good personal hygiene with regular hand-washing. Animal safety • Keep all cuts and abrasions covered. Around a quarter of non-fatal accidents on farms are animal related. The greatest risks are when animals are • Control rats and other vermin to reduce the risk of being moved, separated or released. disease spread.
The most common injuries are: Child safety • Crushing • Goring • Kicking
Cows and heifers with new-born calves also pose a great risk. The milk supplier should be extra cautious with such animals. Good handling facilities are extremely important to minimise the risk of injury. Pens, fencing, crushes and head-locking gates should be available and of a good standard.
Safety measures when handling bulls: • An escape pen to prevent direct contact with bulls when feeding and bedding will prevent many A mother and child watch the cows come home at the accidents. farm of milk supplier, Richard Guilfoyle in Dunmore, • Signs warning of the presence of bulls should be Co. Kilkenny visible in public places. The main responsibility for securing the safety and health • All visible defects in livestock facilities should be of children/young people on the farm rests with adults. All identified and maintenance carried out as soon as it family members and people working on farms are required is necessary and before it is too late. by law to do everything reasonably practical to ensure the • The use of a vehicle when herding animals may be safety and health of children and young people on the farm. particularly important for older farmers.
76 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code It is often believed that children brought up on farms Drowning understand the farm safety risks, but the reality is, sadly, that Children and the elderly are at particular risk of drowning most children who die in farm accidents are farm children. on farms. In the period from 2000 - 2010 30% of child fatalities on farms were caused by drowning in water or It is important to have a safe play area for children. The falling into slurry. In the same period 8% of deaths to Health and Safety Authority (HSA) strongly recommend elderly farmers were caused by drowning. designated play areas especially for children under 5 years of age.
The key risk areas to child safety are: • Lack of supervision Children require supervision at all times. Always get plenty of notice when children are bringing friends home from school so that proper supervision can be put in place. • Children driving or operating farm machinery Children under 16 years of age should not operate self-propelled machinery, or power driven machinery GIIL milk supplier Martin Quigley, with his son Callum with cutting, splitting or crushing mechanisms. Keys should be removed from vehicles and controls should The milk supplier should consider the following; be left in neutral. Lower any loaders to the ground • Slurry tanks, pits and lagoons should be safely and apply the handbrake. secured. • Carrying children on farm machinery • Children should never be in the vicinity during slurry It is important to be aware that children can interfere agitation or spreading. with controls, if left alone in a tractor cab. Many Sheep dips and water tanks should be kept covered when children have been killed by falling from the door or not in use. rear window of tractors. • Farms are not playgrounds Stacks of bales Children will often get into apparently inaccessible Children should be discouraged from playing in stacks of places. Make sure you exclude them from potentially bales, especially high stacks of round bales. It is very easy dangerous areas. Children should not be allowed in to fall from stacked bales resulting in serious injury or fall farm yards on busy days. Contractors should always between them leading to suffocation. Make sure there is be made aware of the presence of children on the no evidence of children burrowing under stacked bales. farm. Reduce the risk of fires on farm. Always keep matches in a Animal risks safe place and out of the reach of children Animals need to be considered as a safety risk to children. Due to their sheer size and strength, serious injury can be Ladders caused from crushing. Store ladders flat on the ground or on wall brackets to • Remember, 27% of farm deaths are caused by prevent children from climbing on them. Falls from heights animal incidents, with 57% of these caused by bull and loads is responsible for 8% of farm deaths. attacks. • Ladders should only be used if there is no other safer • Veterinary medicine not being securely stored away way of doing the job. from children may also cause death or serious injury. • Always have the ladder on sound footing when in use. • Children should be encouraged to always wash their • It should be at the correct angle (usually 75°). hands after being near animals or pets. • The ladder should be secured (by tying, with weights or by being held by a second person). • Extend the ladder to one metre above where work is to be carried out.
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Chemicals Ensure operators of machinery including contractors are The storage area for chemicals should be restricted from made aware of the presence of any power lines in yards / access by children or other unauthorized persons and fields and strictly adhere to the safe clearances specified by children under 16 should never be allowed to handle ESB Networks. Care should always be taken when moving chemicals. Always keep chemicals in their correctly labelled high loads. All electrical tools should be safely stored. containers and securely stored. Manual handling Manual lifting of materials should be minimised by using mechanical means where possible – loaders, jacks etc. Using ones back should be the last resort. All loads should be assessed. Heavy objects should not be lifted without help.
Safe Lifting • Assess the task, the area and the load. • Keep a broad stable base with feet flat on floor. • Bend knees. • Keep back straight. • Keep a firm palmer grip. Crystal clear water cascading over rocks near the • Keep arms in line with trunk. Commeragh Mountains, Co. Waterford • Keep weight close to centre of gravity.
Electricity • Turn feet in direction of movement before lifting Where there are domestic electrical fittings on the farm, the weight. inspections should take place on a continuous basis to make sure they are safe. Farm electricity should be Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) upgraded to industrial standards when upgrading is being The law requires PPE to be provided in the work place. The carried out. cost of such equipment cannot be levied on employees. Before using Personal Protective Equipment milk suppliers All work on electrical equipment and installations should should: only be carried out by electricians who are formally • Inspect PPE before and after use registered e.g. RECI or equivalent. All circuits should be • Fit, wear and remove PPE correctly protected by a main fuse. The correct fuses should be used • Maintain and store PPE properly. when replacements are made. The use of extension leads should be kept to a minimum. Always fully extend leads to PPE includes the following: prevent them from overheating.
Electric fences should not run parallel to and underneath Overalls Footwear overhead power lines. They should be kept at a distance of at least 20 ft. or 6 metres. Electric fences should cause no Eye protection Gloves more than momentary discomfort and minimal risk to stock. The power unit should be properly earthed and should not Ear protection Wet weather clothing be located in the milking premises. Helmets Appropriate masks
Dust and chemical protection*
* The Chemicals Business Services Division of the HSA is responsible for supporting a wide range of chemicals legislation governing the safe supply and use of chemicals in the workplace. It operates a dedicated Chemicals Helpdesk which provides a direct query service by e-mail, [email protected] or by telephone on 1890 289 389.
78 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code PPE is designed to protect vulnerable parts of the body. In noisy environments ear protection should be used, Remember though that it is the last source of protection. especially when using loud tools / machinery such as Some hazards can be eliminated while others can be chainsaws, grinders, etc. There are many types and styles reduced by the use of proper personal protection. of eye and hearing protection available.
PPE should be of the correct standard for the job in hand Machinery and should carry a Conformance European (CE) mark and EN number. Care should be taken when purchasing equipment to make sure it is adequate to give effective protection against the hazard it is protecting one from. Using substandard equipment is likely to increase your exposure to the hazard. Once suitable equipment has been chosen it should be correctly used to give maximum protection and minimise the risk of injury.
The labels of crop protection products and other chemicals will specify the types of PPE required for use when handling them. Generally, as a minimum, goggles and unlined chemical gloves should be worn when handling chemicals. A chemical- resistant apron and face shield should be worn while mixing and loading/unloading chemicals. With some chemicals, Silage harvesting in progress on a GIIL milk supplier farm a type of protective suit may need to be worn. For some chemicals a respirator may be required — a dust or mist It is important that machinery used by milk suppliers is respirator for a dry chemical, or a cartridge-type respirator suitable for the task and properly maintained with all for filtering vapours. Remember to purchase replacements dangerous parts covered. All machinery should be serviced for disposable respirators or cartridges and keep them in a and maintained on a regular basis. convenient place. Tractors and machinery should be in good working For other hazards, eye protection should be worn while order. It is important to remember that machinery cannot working in the farm workshop or whenever there is a be operated safely if operators do not have sufficient possibility that flying material could hit the face or injure eyes. information and/or training. Wear steel-toed boots to protect your feet. Use sunscreen or wide-brimmed hats to protect your skin from sun damage Many serious farm accidents often occur because guards and the long-term risk of developing skin cancer. which are required by law are damaged or removed.
Noise When buying machinery ensure that: It should be every milk supplier’s aim to reduce the risk of • Tractors and self-propelled machinery have a hearing loss caused by exposure to high levels of noise suitable cab. in the work place. This exposure may cause permanent • The tractor or machine should be easy to maintain in hearing damage. Employers, including suppliers are required the long term. to assess the risk to employees and then put control • The operator’s manual should always be provided. It measures in place to protect their workers and themselves. is just as important for second hand machinery as Remember hearing loss can be prevented but once the for new deal with a reputable dealer. damage occurs it cannot be repaired. • You deal with a reputable dealer. Noise can also be a safety hazard at work, interfering with • When purchasing or hiring machinery the law states communications and making warnings harder to hear. the farmers must provide all necessary guards. Exposure to many different sources of noise e.g. tractors, power tools etc. has a cumulative effect even though the milk supplier may be exposed to a single source for short periods of time.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 79 4. ON-FARM SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT
Maintenance of machinery Power Takeoff Shafts (PTOs) • Machinery should be inspected regularly for defects which should be rectified immediately. • Always prop up machinery when working underneath. • In the off-season machinery should be propped up or lowered to the ground when not in use.
Power tools • Only experienced people should operate power tools. • Stop or shut down equipment before making adjustments. • Use PPE as appropriate for different tools. • Keep floors tidy and clutter free. • Clean up oil and grease spills. An example of a correctly protected power • Store tools and equipment out of the reach of takeoff shaft children. The correctly protected power takeoff shaft (PTO), its Chainsaws associated shafts and universal joints are a common cause When using a chainsaw the operator should ensure the of accidents and injury in the farming industry. This is often following: with machinery that is stationary e.g. slurry agitation or • That the chainsaw is sharpened and maintained milling meal equipment. according to the manufacturer’s instructions. • When refuelling, shut off the engine, leave to cool, When a piece of clothing, which can be as small as a refuel in a well-ventilated area. single thread, touches a spinning part of the PTO shaft it can be pulled around. The clothing and the person wearing • Keep the hot exhaust away from flammable materials. it are pulled into the shaft often resulting in loss of a limb • Wear a face shield, hearing defenders, chainsaw or death. According to HSA statistics, 30% of all fatal trousers, jacket and gloves. agriculture accidents, between 2000 and 2010, were as a • Wear safety boots or wellingtons. result of PTO shaft accidents. • Never over-reach or cut above shoulder height. Hedgerow cutting • Keep by-standers out of the area. Mechanical hedge trimming is dangerous. • Clear the work area of debris or clutter before • Ensure that all machinery and equipment are in safe starting to work the chainsaw. working order (Consult operators’ manuals). • Keep safety guards in place. • Ensure operators are competent and work in a safe manner. • Watch out for bystanders. • Annual trimming of road side hedgerows may be necessary to ensure safe visibility and access on roadways. • When cutting roadside hedges ensure that both the hedge cutting operator and road users safety are at no time put at risk.
80 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Paudie Brennan, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) GIIL milk supplier, Suttonsrath, In recent years the number of serious work-related Co. Kilkenny accidents involving ATVs, in particular in agriculture and forestry, has given rise to concern. It is a legal requirement to provide adequate training under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Under this Act, an employer must provide such instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety of their employees. The same requirements apply to self-employed persons.
Before using an ATV milk suppliers should: • Keep in mind that there is no protection from a roll bar. • The operator should use his / her body weight to ensure safe operation and control. • Ensure that the driver has been appropriately trained 4.9 Milk suppliers’ health to drive the ATV. • Wear the appropriate protective gear – as a minimum, Background information helmet, goggles and gloves should be worn. Health problems caused by working on a farm can develop unnoticed and, in some cases, may not appear until much later in life. It is important that milk suppliers are aware of the health risks associated with their work and the signs or symptoms of developing ill health. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent some conditions from worsening and may even save a person’s life.
Dangerous areas including working with machinery and livestock and accessing heights should be identified and examined. Milk suppliers should be physically capable of doing the work at hand.
Occupational health and well-being Due to the complexity of the farming way of life, Appropriate protective gear for use on an ATV occupational ill health may threaten from many sources, e.g. infectious diseases from animals, dust and spores, back or neck injury, chemicals and / or noise.
The milk supplier should consider the following: • Signs of any illness should be immediately investigated. • A regular visit to the GP should be take place at least every two years. • To prevent infection, hand washing with warm soapy water is necessary at regular intervals.
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• Any cuts or abrasions should be covered. • Heavy lifting, over-reaching and twisting of the spine should be avoided, or minimised, where possible. • Suitable PPE should be worn when carrying out hazardous tasks on the farm. • Sun protection is essential for all working in agriculture.
Work related stress Stress is the reaction people have to excessive pressure placed on them. Milk suppliers often work under extreme pressure and sometimes do not have control over various aspects of their work – including the weather. The variance and intensity of work and the lack of sufficient help also contributes. Farming, by its nature, is a stressful occupation. Confidential advice and help is available from many sources and should be availed of.
Available help lines • Farm and Rural Stress Helpline 1800 742 645 A free-phone helpline open from 6.00pm to 10.00pm daily. This helpline is aimed at people who may be feeling down, suffering from stress or depression, or for those who are concerned about someone else. • Aware Helpline 1890 303 302 Aware is a voluntary group which provides support for those suffering with depression. • Samaritans Helpline 1850 60 90 90 24 hour support delivered by volunteers. • Suicide Prevention Helpline 1800 742 745 A freephone helpline open from 6.00p.m. to 10.00p.m. for people who are suicidal or for a family member or friend who is concerned about someone.
82 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code NOTES
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 83 Cows grazing on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm in Co. Waterford, with the Knockmealdown mountains in the background 5. CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASUREMENT
Contents
5.1 Carbon reporting 87
5.2 Carbon footprint 87
5.3 Certification 87
5.4 Methane emissions generated on-farm 88
5.5 Nitrous oxide emissions generated on-farm 88
5.6 Ammonia emissions generated on-farm 88
5.7 The Teagasc carbon navigator tool 88
5.7.1 Information required to calculate your farm’s carbon footprint 89
5.8 Milk production 89
5.9 Milk feeding plan for calves 89
5.10 Silage 90
5.11 On-farm energy use and conservation 90
5.12 Manure management and nitrogen fertiliser usage 90
5.13 Measures to reduce greenhouse gases generated on-farm 90
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 85 5. CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASUREMENT
A GIIL bulk milk tanker collecting milk in the Waterford region during March
Introduction The Open Source Programme will create greater Rising global temperatures have been accompanied awareness of best practice for improved breeding by changes in weather and climate. Many places have policy, sustainable extended grass-based diets, efficient seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, feed and fertiliser usage and good slurry management droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent practices. This reduces the costs and emissions by and severe heat waves. improving the overall efficiency of the farm, thus benefiting the environment and the world we live in. There is growing evidence that oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. As these and other changes may become more pronounced in the coming decades, it is likely that they will present challenges to society, the environment and farmers.
86 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 5.1 Carbon reporting carbon footprint of the manufacturing milk suppliers were predominately artificial fertilisers and urine excretion by It is important to measure what causes greenhouse grazing cattle. However, for liquid milk suppliers purchased emissions and to control them. Carbon reporting is a concentrate feed was also a key source of the carbon tool that is used to measure carbon emissions. The EU footprint, given the greater reliance on imported feedstuffs Commission has set a cap for the amount of carbon a on these farms. company or country can emit with penalties for those that exceed their limits. “More than 60% of an Irish dairy Carbon reporting is becoming very important to GIIL GGAA Special customers. Increasingly they are asking for evidence farm’s carbon footprint can be directly that we have low emissions in the production and attributed to the cows.”
manufacturing of milk products. Source: Teagasc Research Volume 8: Number 2. Summer 2013
The Open Source Programme aims to control carbon
emissions from increasing productivity. This is based on aTo platform calculate ofGHG education emissions andfrom informationon-farm sources on the how to Other Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines succeedwere followed. in lowering The major emissions GHG emissions using calculatedgrass-based, using higherthe IPCC Energy productionguidelines efficiencyincluded: systems. These will be of economic benefit• Methane to our belched milk andsuppliers, respired the by cattlelocal andeconomy methane from manure storage. Manure storage and spreading and• ofNitrous environmental oxide from soilbenefit following to thespreading planet. manure and artificial N fertilizer. Liquid • Carbon dioxide from fossil fuel, lime and fertilizer. Concentrate Creamery
5.2Off-farm Carbon GHG emissions footprint associated with the production of Urine excretion purchased inputs - such as concentrate feeds, fertilizers, detergents, by grazing cattle energy, etc. - were calculated using the Carbon Trust database and Carbon footprint is defined as the estimated total amount scientific literature. The total annual GHG emission’s quantified by Fertiliser of thegreenhouse model and associatedgases which with includemilk production carbon was dioxide, calculated by economically allocating CO -eq emission between milk and meat. methane, ammonia and nitrous2 oxide produced directly Using the PAS 2050 LCA methodology, the economic allocation was Methane from cattle andbased indirectly on culled to cows,support surplus milk calf production. and milk sales. | | | | | | The carbon footprint model developed was embedded within the 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Bord Bia Quality Assurance database. The required information was Figure 2. The percentage contribution of various sources to the carbon sourced from a combination of on-farm data collection through the footprint of creamery and liquid milk producers. The sources that comprised 5.3completion Certification of an on-farm survey by Bord Bia-certified recorders and Graphthe other Source: category Teagasc included Research lime, refrigerants, Volume 8: chemicals Number and 2. Summer detergents. 2013 national livestock population databases. page 19 To certify the Carbon Footprint model, 115 GIIL farms Certification Graphranked Title: by emissionsThe percentage per kg contribution of FPCM. For of liquidvarious producers, sources to the the range carbon wereTo evaluated certify the carbonunder footprint an in-depth model, pilot a group programme of farms were (2011- footprintbetween of the manufacturing upper and lower milk and10% liquid of suppliers’ milk suppliers. carbon The footprints sources was that 2012).evaluated. The Thesample sample comprised comprised of twotwo distinct distinct categories, categories, comprisedeven greater the atother 75% category when ranked included by emissionslime, refrigerants, per kg ofchemicals FPCM. The and detergents. namelynamely liquid liquid milk milk producersproducers and and creamery manufacturing or manufacturing milk milk comparison between the mean carbon footprint of creamery and producers. To ensure the sample was representative of the producers liquid producers showed that liquid suppliers emitted a 7% higher producers.in each category, The calculation 40 liquid suppliers and methodology and 75 creamery that producers GIIL is were carbon footprint per kilogram of FPCM. Thus, the variation in CO - Results from our pilot carbon emissions assessment of2 usingrandomly to measure selected. on-farm carbon has been developed in eq emission per kilogram FPCM between production systems was 115 GIIL dairy farms showed that while our milk suppliers, conjunctionThe Carbon with Trust Bord Certification Bia and CompanyTeagasc reviewed and has all receivedthe carbon substantially lower than the difference between farms. This finding footprint model procedures. To certify the model the Trust selected a onis consistentaverage, withdemonstrate previous research a leadership and suggests position that therethere is is the PAS 2050 certification from the Carbon Trust in the random group of farms representative of each category. Each of the significantsignificant potentialvariation for evidentboth liquid across and creamery farms. suppliersThis variation to reduce UKrandomly – who arechosen recognised farms were globally then assessed as the to checkleaders key in variables. carbon their carbon footprint. offers valuable learnings as the practices performed by the footprintSome outliers certification. in the dataset were investigated further to confirm The next step of this research is to use the certified model to whether the information collected was accurate and whether the bestquantify performing the average farms carbon can footprint provide of Irishpractical milk production. guidance This for model was operating correctly. Once this process was completed, the adoptionwill provide by a otherverifiable farms. carbon footprint for Irish milk production, TheCarbon application Trust certified of the the certified model wasCarbon consistent Footprint with the modelPAS 2050 which can be benchmarked over time to evaluate the change in the LCA methodology and suitable for evaluating Irish milk production carbon footprint of Irish milk. It will also allow for international (graph opposite) showed that the largest contributor to systems. Forcomparisons this reason with every nations GIIL who farmalso use will a certifiedundergo PAS a “Carbon2050 LCA the carbon footprint of liquid and manufacturing milk methodology. This will occur through the integration of this model Lite” exercise which assesses the key variables and suppliersModel applicationwas methane belched and respired by cows with the Teagasc National Farm Survey data recording system. The application of the certified carbon footprint model (Figure 2) produces a carbon footprint unique to each farm. (entericshowed fermentation). that the largest contributorThe remaining to the sourcescarbon footprint of the of liquid References and creamery suppliers was methane belched and respired by cows European Council. 2009. ‘Decision No 406/2009/EC of the European (enteric fermentation). The remaining sources of the carbon footprint Parliament and of the council on the effort of Member States to of the creamery suppliers were predominately artificial fertilizers reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Community’s Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 87 and urine excretion by grazing cattle. However, for liquid suppliers, greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments up to 2020’. purchased concentrate feed was also a key source of the carbon Official Journal of the European Union L140: 136-148. footprint given the greater reliance on imported feedstuffs on these PAS 2050 (2011). ‘Specification for the assessment of the life cycle farms. greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services’. British Standards The analysis showed that there was a large range in emission Institution. Retrieved from http://www.bsigroup.com/Standards-and- estimates. The results showed that the carbon footprint of creamery Publications/How-we-can-help-you/Professional-Standards-Service/ producers differed by 50% between the top and bottom 10% when PAS-2050
TResearch I 19
14th Tresearch_Summer_'13.indd 19 17/06/2013 16:51:54 5. CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASUREMENT
5.4 Methane emissions Agriculture is the main source of ammonia emissions generated on-farm (98%) in Ireland with animal manures producing about 92% of ammonia emissions. Ammonia is formed by the On dairy farms the greatest emitter of carbon is cattle. breakdown of urea in animal manures and slurries and This is generated in the form of methane gas from the chemical fertilisers. gut. Every gram of methane that a cow belches is the equivalent to 23 grams of carbon being emitted to the The amount of ammonia emissions from livestock farms air. Methane is a gas generated by a group of microbes depends on how animal waste is managed and varies in the rumen called methanogens and is mainly belched substantially depending on ammonia concentration, out by the cow. The lower the quality of the diet, the more temperature, pH, and how long the waste is stored before methane is produced. Numerous international studies have being applied to land as fertiliser. Ammonia concentrations, demonstrated that Irish dairy production has on average and therefore emissions, tend to be higher with higher one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Therefore, temperatures and higher pH. Ammonia concentrations in Ireland, we are starting from a very good base. are lower when the waste is stored longer before land application.
5.5 Nitrous oxide emissions Ammonia emissions to the atmosphere are an generated on-farm environmental concern because they can contribute to odour, eutrophication of surface water, nitrate contamination of groundwater and can cause excess This gas is released when the soil microbes convert soil soil acidity – which in turn can damage certain types of nitrogen into nitrous oxide under warm and wet conditions. vegetation. Ammonia emissions also contribute to the The main sources on dairy farms are from urine, clover and formation of fine particulates, which have a negative impact artificial nitrogen fertiliser. Nitrous oxide has an even more on animal and human health. powerful global warming potential with one gram of nitrous oxide being 296 times stronger than one gram of carbon dioxide. 5.7 The Teagasc Carbon Navigator Tool
5.6 Ammonia emissions generated The Carbon Navigator, developed by Teagasc and hosted on the Bord Bia database, is used as a management tool. on-farm It focuses on providing practical feedback and advice to milk suppliers on how they can improve their environmental performance, and at the same time, improve the efficiency of the farm.
The Carbon Navigator demonstrates in monetary terms to a milk supplier the potential financial reward for implementing strategies for reducing carbon emissions, across a number of key areas, including: • Grazing season length • EBI & breeding policies adopted • Energy efficiency • Nitrogen fertiliser usage and manure management.
Cows on the farm of Gerard Heery, GIIL milk supplier, Oldcastle, Co. Meath
88 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code The information collected on-farm by the Bord Bia Grazing season length assessors helps GIIL create a picture for the current farm Time of housing and time of turn out to grass. performance. The tool then allows the milk supplier, in conjunction with their GIIL Sustainability Advisor / Teagasc Indoor and outdoor feeding plans Advisor, to set targets for each measure to see what For all stock type - the total usage and total purchase of impact it could have on greenhouse gas emissions and the home grown grain / concentrate inputs measured in kgs / economic performance of the farm. day / animal.
The cow contributes on average more than 60% of Livestock profile the total amount of on-farm carbon. It is important to The Animal Identification and Movement database (AIM) remember that the higher the carbon number per litre data can provide a full livestock profile for each herd. of milk the less efficient your cow is, ie. the cow is not converting as much feed into milk as it could. Instead it EBI and breeding policies adopted is wasting food and energy while burping out methane. Information acquired from the Irish Cattle Breeding Keeping your cows’ rumen healthy will go a long way in Federation (ICBF) can provide the following farm decreasing your farm’s carbon footprint. performance indicators: • Number and breeds of dairy cows • Number of calves registered • Calving rate • Average calving interval • Replacement rates • Average EBI of cows and replacements • Average milk yields • Average lactation lengths. Agreeing to give access to both your AIM and ICBF data in advance of the assessment will provide valuable information and will save a significant amount of time on the day of your assessment.
Teagasc Carbon Navigator Tool
5.7.1 Information required to calculate 5.8 Milk production your farm’s carbon footprint Agreeing to give the assessor access to your GIIL milk The key variables required of the farm and the milk’s production figures will save a significant amount of time on carbon footprint are listed below. Through the assessment the day of your assessment, as the assessor will be able to of this information it should be possible to identify how populate the data in advance with respect to milk volume aspects of the carbon number could be improved, thereby per month for the previous 12 months as well as butterfat, potentially increasing your profits. protein and lactose %.
General farm details Farm holding area i.e. farm size – owned / rented / 5.9 Milk feeding plan for calves commonage / land dedicated to dairying / land dedicated to other enterprises. Information regarding the amount of milk or milk replacer fed to calves over a period of time will need to be gathered. See Section 3.5 page 26.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 89 5. CARBON FOOTPRINT MEASUREMENT
5.10 Silage Reduction strategies will assist in increasing nitrogen efficiency on farms. Nitrous oxide reduction strategies It is important to understand the DMD % of silage. See should be directed towards land spreading. However, Section 3.5 page 24. ammonia loss is continuous and equal emphasis should be placed on housing / storage and land spreading stages.
5.11 On-farm energy use and conservation 5.13.1 Managing animal diets
One of the first steps to reduce levels of ammonia is This is covered under Section 4.3. to ensure that cattle are not fed more protein than is necessary for the milk supplier’s target level of milk 5.12 Manure management and nitrogen production. This will reduce the amount of nitrogen excreted as urea in urine and faeces - which would be fertiliser usage mostly converted to ammonia. The milk urea value from the GIIL central laboratory is a good indicator. Agricultural practices, specifically slurry and nitrogen fertiliser usage, increases the amount of nitrous oxide 5.13.2 Reducing ammonia loss from slurry stores in the atmosphere. The storage, timing, amount and application of manure or fertiliser are all variables affecting a farm’s carbon footprint. These can affect the utilisation and / or associated cost of nutrients being applied.
To calculate this aspect of a farm’s carbon footprint the following data is required: • Quantity of manure exported from the farm • Quantity of manure imported onto the farm • Time of year manure is spread on farm • Number of acres manure is spread over • Manure distribution methods • Manure storage methods on the farm.
5.13 Measures to reduce greenhouse gases generated on-farm Cows grazing on the farm of Eamonn Phelan, GIIL milk Strategies to reduce ammonia emissions include supplier, near Ballyragget in Co. Kilkenny preventing the formation and volatilisation of ammonia, Ammonia loss from slurry stores can be reduced by: as well as its downwind transmission after volatilisation. • Minimizing any agitation of slurry Nearly all ammonia emissions are due to volatilisation of ammonia from wet surfaces. This is a physical process that • Using a tank with a lid is highly temperature dependent. • Allowing a crust to form.
The reduction of ammonia offers the opportunity for greater recovery of the nitrogen in manure.
90 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 5.13.3 Applying manures and slurries accurately
The method of slurry application can reduce ammonia emissions substantially. The following methods of application are listed in order of effectiveness: • Injection - most efficient, however, not all land is suitable and it can be cost prohibitive • Trailing Shoe - band spreading • Splash-plate spreading - least efficient.
The vast majority of Irish cattle slurry is spread using a splash plate application, where the slurry is pressurised against a plate and is spread in a thin uniform layer on the ground, which can volatilise quickly.
The trailing shoe is used to apply slurry in narrow bands on the soil surface and beneath the crop canopy. This reduces volatilisation as the surface area exposed is reduced and slurry is placed below the grass canopy. The adoption of trailing shoe delivers a 28% reduction in terms of ammonia emissions but does not result in significantly higher nitrous oxide emissions.
Management measures such as altered timing of slurry application result in comparable ammonia reductions to trailing shoe application. Rainfall, wind speed and air temperature all have an influence on ammonia emissions from slurries applied to land.
Slurry being spread on a GIIL milk supplier’s farm near Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 91 6. CONCLUSION
Sustainability is a team effort
The Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code was compiled through the collaborative effort of a team of employees across the business. Their dedication, creativity and input into this programme have been inspiring.
The development and promotion of the Open Source Code was led by a project team consisting of:
Anne Browne John Fitzgerald Audrey O’Shea Farm Sustainability Manager Farm Policy Manager Sustainability Manager
Shane McElroy Laura Curtin Billy O’Halloran Veterinary Practitioner Supplier Relations Milk Operations Manager Communications Manager
A special ‘thank you’ goes to:
• The 300 milk suppliers who participated in the • The Sustainability Advisory Group: Dr. Paddy Wall, development of the Open Source Sustainability and UCD (ex Head of the EU Food Safety Authority); Quality Assurance Programme. Padraig Brennan, Bord Bia; David Lawrence, Diageo; • The 150 milk suppliers who participated in the Bill O’Keefe, Farmer representative (Clara); Joe Carbon Footprint Measurement Methodology. O’Neill, Farmer representative (Baltinglass); Rogier Schulte, Teagasc; John Moloney, former • The milk suppliers who facilitated photo shoots on Group MD; Jim Bergin, CEO GIIL; Audrey O’Shea, their farms. Sustainability Manager GIIL; Seán Molloy, Director of • AHI, HSA and Teagasc for use of graphics contained Strategy and Supplier Relations GIIL. in this document. • Billy White, fly fisherman, Durrow, Co. Laois.
92 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Without the support of the following individuals and teams the Open Source Code could not have been developed:
• GIIL Milk Management Team • GIIL IT Team • Bord Bia Quality Assurance Team • DAFM Dairy Inspectorate Staff • Teagasc Advisors • Lorraine Whelan, Axis Communications • Threesixty Brand Communications.
The GIIL Farm Advisory Team
The GIIL Farm Advisory team has played an important role in promoting sustainability, quality and farm development with milk suppliers. The team consists of:
Pat Coady John Joe Collier Donal Corkery Jerry Cronin Michael Cullen
Brendan Dillon John Hennigan Joe Kehoe Michael Kirwan Fionnuala Malone
Michael Mulvihil Pat Nugent Dan O’Dwyer Emma O’Grady Eoin O’Riordan
Liam Phelan Pat Pierce Pat Ryan Seán Smith
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 93 Dairy replacement calves grazing on the farm of Richard Guilfoyle, GIIL milk supplier, Co. Kilkenny 7. REFERENCE INFORMATION
Contents
7.1 Bord Bia Sustainable Dairy Assurance 96 Scheme (SDAS) Standard reference sources
7.2 Identification and traceability 96
7.3 Animal remedies 96
7.4 Animal welfare 96
7.5 Feedstuffs 97
7.6 Hygiene 97
7.7 Sewage and sludge application 97
7.8 Environment 97
7.9 Farm safety 97
7.10 Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) 98
7.11 Useful publications 98
7.12 Useful websites 98
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 95 7. REFERENCE INFORMATION
7.1 Sustainable Dairy Assurance 7.3 Animal remedies Scheme (SDAS) • Directive (EC) 23/96 on measures to monitor certain The following documents can be found in the Bord Bia substances and residues thereof in live animals and ‘Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS) animal products Standard’ document, which milk suppliers will receive in • Regulation (EC) 2377/90 laying down a Community advance of the audit. procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of Appendix 1 – Dairy farming legislation animal origin Appendix 2 – Dairy producer application form • Regulation (EC) 1831/2003 of the European Appendix 3 – Supply and sale of animal remedies Parliament and of the Council September 2003 on Appendix 4 – Animal remedies purchase / usage Additives for use in Animal Nutrition Appendix 5 – Feed purchase / own farm feed Appendix 6 – Biosecurity guidelines • S.I. 786/2007 European Communities (Animal Appendix 7 – Animal health plan dairy Remedies) (No.2) Regulations 2007 Appendix 8 – Zoonoses and notifiable diseases • S.I. 183/2009 European Communities (Control Appendix 9 – Medicine storage guidelines of animal Residues and their residues) Appendix 10 – Dairy animal housing and space, guidelines Regulations 2009 and requirements • Diseases of Animals Act, 1966 Appendix 11 – Farm safety farm risk assessment / farm • The Animal Remedies Act, 1993. safety statement: guidelines Appendix 12 – Safe handling of chemicals: guidelines Appendix 13 – Teagasc dairy manual on energy use Appendix 14 – Organic material application: guidelines 7.4 Animal welfare
• Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965 7.2 Identification and traceability • Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purpose Act, 1984 Special attention should be given to Chapter 2 which • S.I. 14 of 2008 European Communities (Welfare outlines the rules and regulations associated with the audit. of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2008 Identification and Traceability: • DAFM Information Note 2012 - Animal Health • Regulation EC 1760/2000 The identification and Requirements for Milk Yielding Animals. registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef • S.I. 276/1999 European Communities (Identification and Registration of Bovine Animals) Regulations,1999 • S.I. 258/1999 European Communities (Supply of Information on the Origin, Identification, and Destination of Bovine Animals) • S.I. 77/2009 European Communities (Identification of Bovines) Regulations 2009 • National Beef Assurance Scheme Act 2000.
96 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 7.5 Feedstuffs 7.7 Sewage and sludge application
• S.I. 432/2009 European Communities (Food and • S.I. 148/1998 Waste Management (Use of Sewage Feed Hygiene) Regulations 2009 Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations 1998 • S.I. 88 of 1999 European Communities • FSAI Food Safety Implications of Land-spreading (Approval and Registration of Establishments and Agricultural, Municipal and Industrial Organic Intermediaries operating in the Animal Feed Sector) Materials on Agricultural Land used for Food Regulations, 1999 Production in Ireland (2008). • S.I. 335 of 1999, European Communities (Approval and Registration of Establishments and Intermediaries Operating in The Animal Feed Sector) 7.8 Environment (Amendment) • S.I. 283 of 1998, European Communities (Feeding • Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977 stuffs) (Tolerances of Undesirable. Substances and and 1990 Products) Regulations, 1998 • Waste Management Act, 1996 and 2002 • S.I. 390 of 1999, European Communities (Putting • Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 Into Circulation Of Feed Materials) Regulations, 1999 • EC Joint Research Centre: Evaluation of the livestock (Information regarding feeding meat and bonemeal sector’s contribution to the EU greenhouse gas or fishmeal) emissions (GGELS) – Final report – Administrative • Regulation EC No 1831:2003 of the European Arrangements AGRI-2008-0245 and Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 AGRI-2009-0296. on additives for use in animal nutrition.
7.9 Farm safety 7.6 Hygiene • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 • Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of The European • Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Parliament And Of The Council of 28 January 2002 Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007). laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety • Regulation (EC) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 853/2004 laying down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin • Regulation (EC) No 852/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the hygiene of foodstuffs • S.I. 432/2009 European Communities Food and Feed Hygiene Regulations 2009.
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 97 7. REFERENCE INFORMATION
7.10 The list of cross-compliance • Animal Health Ireland – various publications measures includes the following Statutory and leaflets Management Requirements (SMRs): • Teagasc: Managing Phosphorous in Farming, Nov. 1997 • SMR1 – Conservation of Wild Birds • Teagasc: Prevent Silage Pollution, Jan 1994 • SMR2 – Protection of Groundwater • EPA: Waste Catalogue and Hazardous Waste List • SMR3 – Sludge • DAFM Publication: Code of Good Farming Practice • SMR4 – Nitrates for farm mixing of ingredients • SMR5 – Conservation of Natural Habitats • HSA Guidelines on Farm Safety Statements and and of Wild Flora and Fauna Farm Safety Assessment documentation. • SMR6, – Identification and Registration of 7, 8 & 8a Animals (Bovine, Ovine, Porcine) 7.12 Useful websites • SMR9 – Plant Protection Products • Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine: (Pesticides) www.agriculture.ie • SMR10 – Hormones • Food Safety Authority of Ireland: www.fsai.ie • SMR11 – Food Hygiene • Teagasc: • SMR12 – BSE and Feed www.teagasc.ie • SMR13 – Foot and Mouth • Irish Cattle Breeding Federation: • SMR14 – Swine Vesicular Disease www.icbf.com • SMR15 – Bluetongue • Animal Health Ireland: • SMR16 – Animal Welfare (Calves) www.animalhealthireland.ie • SMR17 – Animal Welfare (Pigs) • Environmental Protection Agency: • SMR18 – Animal Welfare (General) www.epa.ie • GAEC – Good Agricultural and • Health and Safety Authority: Environmental Condition. www.hsa.ie • The Fertiliser Association of Ireland: 7.11 Useful Publications www.fertilizer-assoc.ie • Best Practice for the Welfare of Animals • Poisonous Wild Plants : During Transport www.wildflowersofireland.net • Guidelines for Animal Welfare during • FAWAC: Transport within Ireland www.agriculture.gov.ie/fawac • Animal Welfare Guidelines for Dairy Farmers 2003 • Animal Welfare Guidelines for Managing Acutely Injured Livestock on Farm • Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Water Regulations 2008 • Fertiliser Association of Ireland: Code of Good Practice for the Environment and Quality • Food Production, 2nd Ed. 1999
98 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code NOTES
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 99 8. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
A E AEOS EBI Agricultural Environmental Options Scheme Economic Breeding Index AHI EMEA Animal Health Ireland European Medicines Evaluation Agency AI EPA Artificial Insemination Environmental Protection Agency AIMS EU Animal Identification and Movement System European Union ARR Animal Remedy Records F Assessment FQAS A trained assessor will determine to what extent the milk The Bord Bia Feed Quality Assurance Scheme supplier meets the sustainability criteria set out in the FSRA Standard: Section 5 Sustainability Assessment Criteria. Farm Safety Risk Assessment ATV FSS All Terrain Vehicles Farm Safety Statement Auditor The independent assessor carrying out the farm audits G GIIL B Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited BHB Levels GIIL Register Hydroxybutyrate levels (high levels indicate Ketosis) List of all GIIL milk suppliers Bovine Herd Register GP An up-to-date list of all cattle in a holding at a particular General Practitioner time Bord Bia H Irish Food Board Herd Number BVD Unique number assigned to the herd / holding of the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea keeper of animals HSA C Health and Safety Authority Close Out The milk supplier will receive a written report from Bord I Bia outlining all the non-compliances and identifying the IBR close out process. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis CE stamp ICBF Conformance European (CE) mark indicates that a product Irish Cattle Breeding Federation adheres to safety, environmental, health and consumer ICMSA protections under European law. Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association Certification ICOS Certification is where a milk supplier is deemed to be in Irish Co-operative Organisation Society compliance with the standard. Certification is valid for an IFA 18-month period. Irish Farmers’ Association IMB D Irish Medicines Board DAFM IMQCS Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine Irish Milk Quality Co-operative Society DMD INAB Dry Matter Digestibility Irish National Accreditation Board
100 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code IPPC S Integrated Pollution Prevention Control SCC Somatic Cell Count K Scheme / Programme K The Bord Bia Sustainability Dairy Assurance Scheme Potassium (SDAS) consists of the following elements: • The SDQAS standard (this Standard) L • The process for ensuring that the requirements as LPIS set out in the Standard are met (through independent Land Parcel Identification System auditing) and the relevant details are published and the process for collecting and analysing the data M under the Sustainable Assessment Criteria. Milk Supplier • The certification process whereby all the data A producer of milk which is sent to GIIL for processing collected is evaluated for compliance with the Standard. N NEFA SDQAS Non-esterified fatty acids The Bord Bia Sustainability and Dairy Quality Assurance NMP Scheme SMRs Nutrient Management Plan Statutory Management requirements set down in EU O legislation (Directives and Regulations) on environment, OSI food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health. Sustainability Advisor Ordnance Survey Ireland Trained GIIL staff dedicated to assisting milk suppliers with P their participation in the SDQAS. P T Phosphorous Participant TB A milk supplier who has applied for membership and Tuberculosis TBC is for membership and is awaiting audit against the full requirements of the Standard. Total Bacterial Count PCS Teagasc Pesticide Control Service (found on all approved The Agriculture and Food Development Authority TMR chemicals) PPE Total Mixed Rations Personal Protective Equipment V R VDS RECI Variable Speed Drives VPA Registered Electrical Contractors of Ireland REPS Veterinary Product Approval Rural Environmental Protection Scheme W WFD Water Framework Directive W.H.O World Health Organisation
Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 101 NOTES
102 Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Code 103
For more information
To learn more about Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited’s Open Source Sustainability and Quality Assurance Programme please contact:
Milk Supplier Enquiries Anne Browne Farm Sustainability Manager Telephone: +353 (0) 58 51100 Email: [email protected]
Customer Enquiries Audrey O’Shea Sustainability Manager Telephone: +353 (0) 56 8836000 Email: [email protected]
This report is printed on Magno. Magno is FSC certified, Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) and is produced at an EMAS registered mill.