FARM WALK 10 September 2014 Chris Mccarthy, Crookedwood Co Westmeath Business, Environment Technology Through Training Extension Research

PHASE 2 – FARM WALK 10 September 2014 Chris McCarthy, Crookedwood Co Westmeath Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research

A Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal initiative, supported by industry sponsors Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research CONTENTS

The Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal Â Welcome note ...... 3 BETTER Farm Phase 2 management team (clockwise, Â Farmer system ...... 4 from top left): Adam Woods, Paul Crosson and Paul Maher, Teagasc, Â Farm layout ...... 5 Darren Carty and Kieran Mailey, Irish Farmers Journal, and pro- Â Profi t Monitor ...... 6 gramme advisers Catherine Egan, Peter Lawrence and Alan Dillon. Â Labour effi ciency ...... 8

Â Herd health ...... 10 Exclusive content in the Â Paddock management ...... 11 Irish Farmers Journal in print and online at Â Grassland management ...... 12 www.farmersjournal.ie Â Animal performance...... 14

Â Farm safety A-Z ...... 16

A Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal initiative, supported by industry sponsors

Edited by: Darren Carty. Copy supplied by: Alan Dillon, David Trent and Paul Crosson - Teagasc. Production/artwork: Brian Murphy. Printer: Johnswood Press ([email protected]) 2 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 10 September 2014 Welcome note WELCOME NOTE would like to welcome every- n behalf of the man- one to our farm today. Since agement team of the joining the Teagasc/Irish Teagasc/Irish Farmers Farmers Journal BETTER Journal Better Farm farm programme in 2012, my beef programme, I would Ifarming enterprise has undergone Olike to welcome you to today’s many changes. These changes event. Teagasc and the Irish Farm- were all simple steps but have ers Journal have worked closely proved to be very beneficial. Com- together over the last five years to pleting a three-year plan was the make the programme a success. first major step. It was clear that This would not have been possible there was huge scope for improve- without the commitment and ment in the suckler enterprise. drive of the participants. I feel the work that has been Chris has been very open to new done so far has been worthwhile ideas and advice and we commend when I see the benefits it has him for this and the improve- brought. Finally, I would like to ments he has already put in place. thank the team of advisers Paul With his management ability and Fox, Adam Woods and Catherine commitment, we have no doubt Egan. I especially acknowledge that he will continue to push his the support from my wife Philo- business forward and we look for- mena and children Sinead and ward to helping him achieve his Brendan. potential. CHRIS MCCARTHY ADAM WOODS, PROGRAMME MANAGER PHYSICAL SYSTEM Measure 2011 2014 (projected) Suckler to weanling Suckler to weanling Stocking rate (LU/ha) 2.0 2.3 Land base (adj ha) 29 28 PURCHASES Purchases 6-8 replacements 6-8 replacements LIVEWEIGHT OUTPUT Liveweight output (kg/ha) 525 735 FINANCIAL SYSTEM Output value (€/ha) 1,100 1,595 Variable costs (% of output) €451 (41%) €735 (41%) Gross margin (€/ha) 649 860

10 September 2014 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 3 Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research Increasing farm output

hris McCarthy operates in late January and concluding in a suckling-to-weanling early April. system on his farm, which Chris sources his replacement is located a short distance breeding stock from known herds

FOCUS FARMER from Crookedwood, Co and purchases them just prior to Westmeath.C calving. Chris farms 28 hectares (70 This further simplifies his acres) of relatively free-draining system, as it eliminates another land, which is situated entirely in group of stock from the farm. one block. With full-time employ- Cows are served with one of ment off-farm, Chris is focused on two Charolais stock bulls, which making all time spent on farm as are sired by Balthazar and CF52. productive as possible. Bull weanlings are sold at 10 Over the years, Chris operated months of age at a typical weight a mixed farming system, con- of 375kg liveweight, while heifers sisting of cattle, sheep and are sold at an average liveweight some tillage crops. As the of 345kg. time constraints from off- Over the past number of years, farm employment became Chris has significantly increased more demanding, the deci- the amount of liveweight pro- sion was taken to make duced per hectare of land on the system much simpler farm. to operate. The focus is now This has been achieved through solely on the spring-calving increased cow numbers, calv- suckler herd, targeting the ing earlier and a more com- weanling market. pact calving season, better The suckler herd has grassland management, increased from 30 to purchasing quality re- 55 cows. Cow type placement heifers and is predominantly investing in five-star Limousin cross terminal stock with a small bulls. number of Cha- This increase in rolais cross output, combined and Simmen- with improved tal cross. technical ef- All cows ficiency, has led calve within to a significant a 12-week pe- improvement riod, com- in farm gross mencing margin.

4 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 10 September 2014 FARMERFOCUS 3 Delvin 4 5 6 2 Tyrellspass 1 7 17 Mullingar 8 Castlepollard CO WESTMEATH CO 9 16 10 15 Athlone 11 14 12 13 Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 5 10 September 2014 | Teagasc/Irish Chris McCarthy’s farm Chris McCarthy’s Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research Physical and financial performance

he use of accurate infor-

MONITOR PROFIT mation, in terms of financial and physical data, is crucial, not only in high- lighting the strengths and Tweaknesses of a farming system, but in laying down targets and keeping a focus. The profit monitor is a valuable tool allowing farmers to examine costs in 2012. It will also allow how the farm is performing and Chris to identify areas of weak- to measure physical and financial ness that need improvement. performance under a number of Insufficient output is one of the key headings such as: main reasons for poor profitabil- Â Gross output/ha ity on suckler-to-weanling farms. Â Gross margin/ha If gross margin is to be improved, Â Variable costs/ha the level of output needs to be ad- Â Stocking rate dressed. Â kg liveweight/ha Output can be targeted in terms Chris has been completing of kilogrammes of liveweight Chris’s profit profit monitors since 2010. This monitor results produced per livestock unit or on gives him a better overall picture have shown a a per hectare basis. of how his farm is performing, steady increase in Chris’s profit monitor results rather than focussing on one year output value since have shown a steady increase in where individual circumstances joining the BETTER output value since joining the may give a distorted picture, for farm programme BETTER farm programme in 2012. example increased production “in 2012 The farm has increased the

Table 1: Profit monitor yearly comparison on Chris McCarthy’s farm Year Area farmed (ha) Stocking rate LU/ha Lwt output kg/ha Value of output €/ha Feed Fert/lime Vet Contractor Other Gross margin 2011 28.2 2.00 525 1,100 92 146 69 89 44 649 2012 28.2 2.01 642 1,331 158 207 94 66 77 721 2013 28.2 2.20 628 1,394 384 286 75 137 99 410 2014* 28.2 2.30 735 1,595 161 223 104 147 100 860 *Predicted physical and financial performance for 2014

6 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 10 September 2014 PROFIT MONITOR

stocking rate by 15% since 2010, in very good condition, saving on while the value of output has silage costs. increased by 40% over the same Recent investment in reseed- period. ing ensures that cows and calves Farm gross margin increased are turned out to grass early in from €494/ha in 2010 to €721/ha spring, but it also extends the in 2012. The fodder crisis of 2013 autumn grazing season. Veteri- reduced gross margin to €410/ha, nary costs per livestock unit have but provisional figures for 2014 remained steady over the years. indicate that gross margin will re- Grassland costs, such as fertil- cover significantly to a projected izer and lime, have increased €860/ha. throughout the programme, During the programme, Chris largely due to correcting soil pH has reduced his spending on and building soil P and K levels. purchased concentrates, while However, the investment in grass- maintaining animal performance. land is already paying off, with Earlier weaning of his suckler increased grass growth, yields cows ensures that they are housed and animal performance.

10 September 2014 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 7 Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research

EFFICIENCY LABOUR Farmyard layout

ff-farm employment Â A purpose-built slatted unit prioritises time manage- with an adjoining calf creep and ment, so the farmyard calving pens. Calving gates are is well designed and laid used to maximum effect. The feed- out. Chris is continuing ing barrier between the slats and Oto upgrade facilities in keeping the feed passage is self-locking to with his target of optimising la- prevent calves from escaping from bour efficiency. the pens and soiling the silage. Work is currently on-going to Water troughs and bowls are install up to seven calving pens in strategically located, with a num- the loose shed (number 1) on the ber of creep gates between the yard map, to facilitate the high slats and the creep area. A CCTV numbers of cows during the peak camera is used to good effect in of the 12-week calving period. the calving pens and is connected This shed is ideally located in to Chris’s mobile phone. The loose the yard, being close to the slat- area is easily accessible for clean- ted shed where the dry cows are ing out and disinfecting. housed. Â An isolation box for sick/casu- Calved cows and their calves alty animals (no. 5 on yard map). can then be easily moved to the Â A locked chemical store (no. 4a) slatted pens with creep areas until to comply with cross compliance conditions allow turnout to grass. regulations and participation in The main features of the farm- the Quality Assurance scheme. yard are as follows: Â A storage area for farmyard Â A five-bay slatted house with manure, with channels, adjoins two rows of pens separated by a the walled silo. 4.6m feeding passage. This gives Â A good-sized cattle assembly ample room for feeding silage and yard and cattle crush between the concentrates to cattle. slatted shed and the walled silo.

8 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 10 September 2014 Figure 1 LABOUR EFFICIENCY Chris McCarthy’s yard

11 11 5

10 4 1 6

13 12 4a

8 7 3

9 15

1 Loose shed 8 Walled silo 2 Clean yard 9 Silage apron 3 Slatted shed 10 Hay and straw shed 4 Store 11 Calving area 4a Chemical store 12 Slatted pens 5 Isolation box 13 Calf creep area 6 Stores 14 FYM store 7 Assembly yard and crush 15 Efﬂuent tank

10 September 2014 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 9 Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research Pro-active health planning HERD HEA LTH erd health plays a key role in optimising the output and profitabil- ity on livestock farms. The consequences of poorH herd health include reduced thrive, higher mortality, additional labour and increased veteri- nary costs. As part of his farm plan, Chris consulted with the BETTER farm management team and his local vet to draw up a herd health plan. This plan identified the key ar- Chris puts a lot of emphasis on eas where his herd is susceptible having a clean environment at health-wise and sets out measures calving time. Hygiene plays a key to address potential risks. role in minimising a calf ’s expo- Cows are vaccinated with a sure to disease. scour vaccine before calving to Calving pens are disinfected prevent the spread of rotavirus and bedded with clean straw regu- and coronavirus in calves. All larly. Calf navels are dipped with cows can be vaccinated on the iodine and Chris ensures that same day as the calving spread is calves get adequate colostrum as so compact. soon as possible after birth. Before the breeding season Cows and calves are turned out starts, cows are vaccinated to grass as soon as weather condi- against Leptospirosis and BVD to tions permit and Chris feels that help reduce the risk of any fertil- this is important in reducing the ity issues in the herd. risk of calf scour. At turnout, and again in au- During the grazing season, tumn, cows are supplemented calves are treated for roundworm with magnesium to prevent grass and hoose on three occasions, Tetany. with the first dose in early June, Around eight weeks after hous- the second in mid-July and the ing, cows are treated for liver third dose given in early Septem- fluke. Dry cow minerals are fed ber, two weeks prior to the com- from six weeks prior to calving. mencement of weaning.

10 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 10 September 2014 What size paddock? PADDOCK MAN AG efore joining the BET- TER farm programme, the farm consisted of eight large fields. In order to increase output and improveB grass utilisation on the farm, Chris divided the farm up into smaller, more manageable paddocks. Fields were divided by install- EMENT ing additional permanent and temporary fencing. Farm road- ways allowed stock to be easily moved to and from the farmyard, which suits the one-man system. Water troughs were positioned in locations where they were opti- mised by multiple paddocks rather than being placed in the corner of the field. The aim on the farm is to grow grass in three weeks and graze it in three days. Hence, three-day paddocks were set up. A common question arises regard- Table 2: Grazing area relative to stock numbers ing correct size of paddocks when dividing up fields. An example 10 cows and 10 weanlings 0.50Ha (1.25 acre) of calculating the grazing area is 20 cows and 20 weanlings 1Ha (2.5 acres) outlined in Table 1 below and this 30 cows and 30 weanlings 1.5Ha (3.75 acres) assumes a group of 10 cows and 10 weanlings grazing on free-drain- 40 cows and 40 weanlings 2Ha (5 acres) ing, productive ground. Table 1: Calculating grazing area of paddocks Stock numbers Liveweight Days Total kg liveweight 10 cows 650Kg 3 19,500kg 10 weanlings 200Kg 3 6,000kg Total 25,000kg @ 2% body weight Intake per day 510kg Target cover per 1,200kg grazing cover 510/1200 = 0.50Ha (1.25 acre)

10 September 2014 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 11 Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research Maximising grass utilisation

EMENT Table 1: Autumn grazing for Chris McCarthy’s farm ver the past number of years, the number of Grazing area Actual area grazing divisions on the Week per day per week grazed per farm has increased from (ha) (ha) week eight large fields to 17 10-17 Oct 0.6 4.2 Oindividual grazing paddocks. Pad- 17-24 Oct 0.6 4.2 docks are grazed in three days and are typically allowed to recover 24-31 Oct 0.6 4.2 over a three-week period. 31 Oct-7 Nov 0.6 4.2 Paddocks allow for better 7-14 Nov 0.53 3.73 control of grass, increased grass 14-21 Nov 0.53 3.73 growth and improved animal per- 21-28 Nov 0.53 3.73 formance.

MAN AG GRASSLAND Cattle get used to being moved Total 28Ha on a regular basis and this helps when animals have to be brought into the yard over the course of TER farm programme or local the grazing season. region. When Chris was setting up his Chris aims to move cattle into paddocks, he placed the electric paddocks at the ideal pre-grazing fence wire high to allow calves to grass height of 10cm to 12cm and forward creep graze ahead of the grazing down to 3.5cm before mov- cows. This ensures that calves ing cows onto the next paddock. always have access to the most Utilisation of grass is key in digestible grass available. this system, with a target utilisa- Since 2009, Chris has been mea- tion of 80%. This is undoubtedly suring grass growth using a plate reliant on weather conditions. meter on a weekly basis. He uses Maintaining high levels of this information to establish the grass growth throughout the sea- number of grazing days ahead for son is dependent on factors such livestock. as correcting soil pH, addressing He can decide if he needs to P and K deficits and continuing take out surplus grass as baled with his reseeding programme. silage or spread extra fertilizer if he identifies a possible deficit. Earlier this year, AUTUMN GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT Earlier this year, Chris started Chris started to There is plenty of potential on to use the online PastureBase use the online Irish livestock farms to make bet- Ireland programme, developed by PastureBase ter use of grass in autumn time. Teagasc. Ireland Every additional tonne of grass The programme allows him to programme, dry matter utilised is worth €90/ developed by compare grass growth on his farm “ ha. Teagasc against other farms in the BET- Utilising the extra grass pro-

12 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 10 September 2014 GRASSLAND MAN AG EMENT

duced and prolonging the grazing Â On heavy farms, start closing season should be the key objective paddocks from 1 October on livestock farms this autumn. Â Aim to have 60% grazed four The focus of autumn grazing weeks later. management is to increase the Â Target best-quality swards for number of days at grass and ani- priority stock. mal performance, but also to set Â Aim for an average grass cover the farm up during the final rota- of 7cm to 8cm in late September. tion to grow grass over winter and Â Increase rotation length from 30 provide early grass the following days in early September to 40 days spring. by October. Â Graze driest paddocks first near TOP TIPS FOR AUTUMN GRAZING the sheds and do not re-graze after Â On dry farms, start closing pad- closing. docks from 10 October.

10 September 2014 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 13 Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research Calf performance RMANCE

hris McCarthy is achiev- of the national average perfor- ing excellent growth rates mance for bull and heifer calves, with the calves in his which currently stands at 1.15kg herd. This can be attrib- per day and 1kg per day, respec- uted to: tively. This extra liveweight gain CÂ Good herd health and stock has lead to heavier sale weight of management throughout all weanlings in early winter. stages of the year. Compared to the national Â Selecting stock bulls with good average liveweight gain, Chris’s ANIMAL PER FO terminal traits leading to heavier weanlings would be generating weaning weights. an additional €7,600 in terms of Â Selecting replacements bred farm sales from his herd of 55 from cows with good maternal cows. Considering that most of traits, with an emphasis on good this weight gain is achieved from milk yield to drive weaning a grass-only diet, the actual mar- weight. gins are more than likely higher. Â Excellent grassland management to ensure that cows are pro- ACHIEVING WINTER TARGET GAINS ducing milk so that calves meet The cost of maintaining wean- their full growth potential. Compared to the lings over winter can quickly The average daily liveweight national average become very expensive if they are liveweight gain of calves from birth to wean- not achieving an adequate level of gain, Chris’s ing on the farm over the past five weanlings would performance. years is outlined in Table 1. be generating an The target on the BETTER Bull calves have gained 1.36kg “additional €7,600 farms is to have weanlings gain- per day on average, while heifers in terms of farm ing a minimum of 0.6kg of live- averaged 1.20kg per day. sales from his herd weight gain per day throughout This performance is well ahead of 55 cows the winter period.

Table 1: Comparison of daily liveweight gain Bulls (ADG Heifers (ADG from birth) from birth) Chris’s weanlings (2009-14) 1.36kg/day 1.20kg/day National average (NA) 1.15kg/day 1kg/day Weight difference in 10 months over NA +63kg +60kg Value of extra weight * €145 €132 Additional sales on 55 cows €7,614 *Assuming prices of €2.30/kg for bulls and €2.20/kg for heifers

14 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 10 September 2014 ANIMAL PER FO RMANCE

Making good-quality silage is nutritional quality (DMD). Over essential to keep weanlings thriv- a 120-day winter, feeding a 70% ing over winter without a heavy DMD silage and 1.5kg/day of meal reliance on concentrates. versus a 60% DMD silage and Table 2 outlines the amount 3.5kg/day of meal could save up to of concentrate supplementation €72 per weanling. required for silage of different

Table 2: Supplementation rates for different silage quality Forage Meal feeding per day Winter period 120 Cost (assuming (16% ration) days total meal €300/t) 76% DMD silage 0 0 0 70% DMD silage 1.5kg 180kg €54 65% DMD silage 2.5kg 300kg €90 60% DMD silage 3.5kg 420kg €126

10 September 2014 | Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm programme | 15 Business, Environment Technology through Training Extension Research 10695 Teagasc Poster A to Z Farm Safety_Layout 1 13/07/2011 16:29 Page 1 A to Z of FARM SAFETY

NEVER start a tractor when you are standing on the Always consider SAFETY on the farm. A N ground alongside it.

BULLS: Beware of aggressive animals on your farm. OVERTURN: Remember tractors have a high centre of Be sure to cull cross bulls, cows, rams, stags from gravity and can overturn easily. Drive slowly over B your farm. O uneven ground.

PESTICIDES and other toxic chemicals: Keep them out

NTS PARTICIPA PHASE2 CHILDREN: Always supervise children on the farm, of the reach of children. Read the label and follow the especially during machinery operations. manufacturer’s advice on proper use, storage C P and disposal.

DRAWBARS: Never let anyone ride on the drawbar of QUAD bikes: Always wear a safety helmet when using your tractor or any other machinery. Do not allow a quad bike. Avoid letting children on them. D anyone ride in an open trailer. Q Drive slowly over rough ground.

ELECTRICITY can kill. Beware of overhead power lines ROOFS: Use a roofing ladder when working on farm E and buried cables. R sheds. Stay clear of skylights.

FORESTRY and tree felling: Take care not to be caught SAFETY: Complete and update your Risk Assessment under falling trees and logs. Attend a chainsaw and Document. This can be completed online at F tree felling course. S www.farmsafely.com. Take action on risks highlighted.

GAS: Slurry gases can kill. Remove all stock from slatted sheds before agitating. Never enter a shed TRAINING: Attend a Farm Safety training course when slurry is being agitated. Close agitation point NOW at your local Teagasc centre. G after each use. T

HORSES: Some horses can be dangerous. Always UNTIDY: Poorly maintained farmyards/farm can lead wear safety equipment e.g. helmet when handling or to accidents. Keep your farmyard/farm neat, tidy and H riding horses. Be wary of being kicked by horses. U well maintained.

INSPECT: Check safety equipment on your farm VISION:Your eyesight is vital – protect it. Wear safety regularly, e.g. machinery safety covers, PTO guards, goggles where your eyes are in danger. I fire extinguishers and First Aid kits. V

JAWS: Keep away from blades of shear grabs, WARNING SIGNS should be erected to warn the mowers, revolving knives and chainsaws. public of dangers or hazards such as "Tractors J W Crossing", "Beware of Bull".

KEEP CLEAR of machinery such as tractors, HiMacs, XTRA: Be extra careful when there are children or bulldozers when they are working. Stay in their line of elderly people on the family farm. Restrict access to K vision and wear a high visibility jacket or vest. X dangerous ponds, tanks, unstable heights etc. YOU and YOUR FAMILY: Take every precaution to LIVESTOCK: Be wary of being kicked or crushed while remain safe and healthy. Assess every farm task working in pens, yards or fields with livestock. carefully for potential dangers or risks. Organise and L Y complete tasks with safety in mind. ZOONOTIC DISEASES and infections whi ch can be MACHINERY: En sure safety covers and PTO guards transmitted from animals to humans. E.g. TB, are in place and working on all farm machinery. Avoid Toxoplasmosis, Weil's Disease, E.Coli ... Wear gloves M wearing loose clothing near machinery. Z when handling livestock. Always wash your hands after being in contact with animals.

REMEMBER: HEALTH IS WEALTH. THINK SAFETY. BE SAFE!