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Navigating change: Bord Bia’s strategic approach to the challenges of 2020

A HARVEST TO FORGET: BOBBY MILLER DISCUSSES WINTER FINISHING PROSPECTS: DES THE STRAIN ON IRELAND’S GRAIN PRODUCERS AND MORRISON TALKS CATTLE PRICES, THE CALLS FOR IRISH GRAIN TO BE USED EXCLUSIVELY IMPORTANCE OF THE SUCKLER HERD AND THE IN IRISH WHISKEY PRODUCTION. ICMSA’S ATTITUDE TO THE PROPOSED BEEF PGI. SILAGE FEEDER & OCTOBER 2020 STRAW BLOWER CALL TODAY www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Contents RANGE Finance* & Special Offers Available

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Offers It is dicult to reconcile the confidence being displayed by purchasers of cattle in livestock marts Available with the uncertainties surrounding the sector. Unless unforeseeable and extremely fortuitous circumstances Navigating change: Bord Bia’s strategic approach to deliver unexpectedly high beef prices next spring, it is the challenges of 2020

A HARVEST TO FORGET: BOBBY MILLER DISCUSSES WINTER FINISHING PROSPECTS: DES hard to see how a reasonable profit can be made from THE STRAIN ON IRELAND’S GRAIN PRODUCERS AND MORRISON TALKS CATTLE PRICES, THE CALLS FOR IRISH GRAIN TO BE USED EXCLUSIVELY IMPORTANCE OF THE SUCKLER HERD AND THE finishing cattle this winter. If even the mildest prospects IN IRISH WHISKEY PRODUCTION. ICMSA’S ATTITUDE TO THE PROPOSED BEEF PGI. for Brexit and Covid turn into realities then the sums 4 Upfront do not add up. That is a dismal prediction for everyone involved. It would be easier to blandly declare that €4.50 per kilo is needed to make a profit 8 Business from winter finishing and let people make up their own minds and sums as to whether they can profitably invest in filling sheds in the weeks ahead. 12 Interview: Even if a basic trade deal is cobbled together between the EU and the UK Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO in the weeks ahead, it is unlikely to herald a golden age or price for beef next spring. Right now, and we can only hope for a reprieve, there is every 15 Interview: indication that, over the winter months, Covid will continue to impact Colm Markey, MEP negatively on the demand for beef in food service outlets especially. As Up to farmers, many of us build misguided confidence on silver bullets. This time 18 Feature: ICMSA on there may be a belief that a Covid vaccine is imminent. It could well be the winter finished prospects case. However, there is no possibility that any vaccination programme will restore global ‘normality’ in the next six months. Even if viable vaccines 20 Feature: A harvest to forget 40%** were available right now the logistics of inoculating billions of people 24 Education: UCD release Straw Savings worldwide mean that many months would be needed to provide sucient results from Covid-19 Food population protection to allow us to return to societal norms, including eating out regularly and being able to a‡ord to do so as national debts rise Survey and individual employment circumstances remain precarious. * Offer Available in Ireland Only. There are contra entries to be made in beef accounting. Finishers find it 45 Management Hints Terms and Conditions Apply. For Full Details Contact McHale. dicult to make a margin, while the store and weanling producers are not 52 Machinery making profits either. The days when a twenty-cow suckler farmer could make a living for his or her family are long gone. No matter what the price 66 Farm Safety of a suckler weanling, there can be no aspiration for an average industrial wage for the average suckler farmer. That suggests the only viable solution 68 Rural Life Designed to Blow Straw & is a far higher beef price, which is not a realistic prospect, at least not in the medium term. Without the Basic Payment Scheme and other financial 70 Very End supports, most cattle farms, of whatever type or size, would be hopelessly loss-making. If the current EU aim of fully converging the BPS across the Feed Wet Silage & Haylage Union in the next CAP iteration goes ahead, the situation will become even more problematic. There is no political will to bring payments up, Animal Health Focus only to rob Peter to pay Paul. For Irish cattle farmers, especially, that is a frightening prospect. The financial facts are daunting. Ask any beef finisher 26 Prevention is better than cure presenting a business plan to their bank manager to facilitate a stocking 28 Planning ahead for antimicrobial AS STANDARD Self Loading Tailgate loan. It is a dicult exercise to convince an objective number cruncher that AS STANDARD AS STANDARD + restrictions the business case is sound. Many finishers are delaying purchasing cattle. Joystick Chute Control The big force factor pushing them towards buying in cattle at all is the fear 31 Tips for an effective cattle + of a tax penalty for destocking. worming strategy Twin Speed Gearbox Retail beef prices do not reflect the costs of production and as long as 36 Leptospirosis and the health of + for Different Crops there are ample supplies of cattle coming o‡ Irish farms there will be little your farm change either in the price to the primary producer or the proportion of the + External Loading Controls consumer price which is passed back to that primary producer. 40 Pre calving mineral requirements

56 Blade Feed Rotor 300 Degree Independent Control Console + Editor: Matt O’Kee e Editorial Director: Miriam Atkins Tillage Editor: Jim O’Mahony Swivel Chute Rotor with Joystick Chute Control Machinery: Noel Dunne Motoring: Bernard Potter Journalist: Bernie Commins Design: Niall O’Brien Production: Ciaran Brougham Martin Whelan Barry Sheehan Advertising Manager: John Sheehan Commercial and Advertising Manager: Anna Douglas Accounts: Tricia Murtagh Administration & Subscriptions: Sue Nolan Chief Executive: Rebecca Markey Printing: W&G Baird Publishers: IFP Media Subscription: €40 per annum CALL TODAY Irish Farmers Monthly, Castlecourt, Glenageary, Co. Dublin. Irish Sales Rep.- James Heanue- 087 247 2399 Tel: +353 1 7096900 • e-mail: [email protected] • www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Copyright IFP Media 2020. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form without the express written permission of the publishers. Superior Forage Solutions **Based On User Experience www.mchale.net OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Upfront www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Category

Milk price differentials

Picking a particular point in time to make milk pricing comparisons can result in skewed outcomes. The ICMSA Dairy Chairman Ger Quain makes that very point in highlighting the dierential in milk prices paid to milk producers in recent months. There is the potential for some Coops to make up the dierence by paying higher prices at other times of the year. Nevertheless, Ger’s comparison is stark. By his estimates, the average dairy herd (now touching 100 cows) financial return for milk produced in August would be €1,250 higher if supplied to the highest paying milk processor compared to the lowest paying processor. The ICMSA representative also made the argument that bonuses – in whatever form – should be just that: a bonus on top of the best possible price. Some Coops have alternative sources of income, other than the returns from manufacturing dairy products. Glanbia, for instance, has an income stream from its shareholding in Glanbia Plc. The Coop puts this to good use by providing support payments to its dairy farmer members through milk price bonuses. Ger Quain’s argument, presumably, is that this payment is not and should not be an integral part of the milk price. Not that Glanbia Coop has ever argued otherwise.

Billy gives Commission both barrels

Billy Kelleher, MEP, has blasted the European Commission’s proposal Why are Centra, SuperValu to ban lead shot use in designated wetlands. The proposal is based on a and Tesco so big on locally belief that some of the lead shot can Devenish chickens deliver be ingested by birds and other wildlife sourced and packaged milk with possible poisonous e‡ects. The health benefits Ireland South MEP’s objection, which he has lodged as a member of the We previously highlighted the research carried out by Devenish into with the NDC trademark? Parliament’s Committee on Environment, the human health benefits of omega-3-rich chicken and eggs. There Climate Action and Public Health, is is a growing body of evidence from trials that the benefits are real and based on two main arguments. The substantial, most especially in providing protection from heart attacks, first is that Irish shotgun owners will be strokes, dementia and depression. Hypertension is recognised as a major It’s a question of commitment. disproportionately a‡ected, given the factor in heart disease. The addition of omega-3 to chicken feed has been high area of wetlands in the country. The proven to transfer into the meat and eggs consumed by humans. The fact second point he makes is that the lead that the omega-3 additive, called Omegapro, used in the feed is sourced ban proposal places an unfair and high from algae is an added bonus, as there is no reliance on a fish source which With the NDC trademark – proof of locally sourced milk from farm to fridge – cost on gun owners as the alternative would be less sustainable. The clinical trials have proven to deliver a 15 per steel ammunition would require either cent reduction in cardiovascular deaths as well as other health challenges. you can ensure you’re getting fresh, locally farmed and packaged milk. major alterations to existing shotguns Research work is ongoing to extend the potential use of the OmegaPro or complete replacement. Shotgun additive to pork and other food products. The use of feed additives or ownership is widespread among the supplements to protect and enhance health is not new. Folic acid can be To show your support for local Irish communities, jobs and fresh produce, you farming community to deal with vermin taken directly as a supplement by women before and during pregnancy. It and crop damaging pests. The cost to a can also be delivered in bread through adding it to flour. Providing health know where to go and what to look out for on pack – the NDC Trademark. 4 shotgun owner could run to €2,000. enhancing benefits from eating nutritious, a‡ordable food products o‡ers huge potential human health improvements on a global scale. www.ndc.ie OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Upfront www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Category

Why are Centra, SuperValu and Tesco so big on locally sourced and packaged milk with the NDC trademark?

It’s a question of commitment.

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To show your support for local Irish communities, jobs and fresh produce, you know where to go and what to look out for on pack – the NDC Trademark.

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Macra seek new board member

Macra na Feirme, which have close to 8,000 members, celebrated its 75th anniversary last year. Denis Duggan, Macra’s CEO, appointed four years ago, has given the organisation a new focus on who they represent and what they stand for. Meanwhile, Macra President Thomas Du‡y is into the last eight months of his tenure. He has performed very well since his appointment in 2019 and his particularly 90th Anniversary strong environmental and communication skillsets are proving invaluable in negotiations and policy making both at of NPA in 2021 home and in Brussels through CEJA, the The NPA was founded in 1931, is good news. It’s a great honour European Young Farmers Group. 89 years ago. The Ploughing is for Ireland to host the World Macra recently ran a campaign on an event we all look forward to Ploughing Championships and Linkedin, seeking a new board member. each year. If it had gone ahead o‡ers our industry the opportunity Over the past 24 months, the organisation this year, it would have been to showcase the best of what we has moved from an unincorporated my 42nd Ploughing. As Noel do. In 2022, the event moves to association, to Company Limited by Dunne alludes to in his column, Estonia and the organisers have Guarantee structure with charitable it’s an opportunity to meet old already selected countries up status. The current board is made up of friends and make new ones. The to Kenya in 2035.Anna May was 10 member directors and 3 independent announcement by Anna May made an honorary member of directors. Macra are looking for one McHugh last month, that next the NPA in 2018. She continues new independent board member with a year’s event, which will take place to amaze us as her energy and background in Finance, Strategy and Legal in Ratheniska, Co Laois, will host enthusiastic approach to her work & Governance. the 68th World Ploughing Contest has not changed in six decades.

6 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Upfront www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Upfront

RDS to Sound leadership and sound judgement

appoint new Is it really 10 years since the late Pearse Lyons put $10 million into sponsorship CEO of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky? Those of us involved will remember the pride the Irishman took in hosting the WEG. Pearse o‡ered to White smoke should be coming bring the games to Ireland in 2014, but government finances in 2011 were in free early this month from the RDS fall and the o‡er was not accepted. That sense of leadership by Pearse Lyons is signalling the appointment surely needed at the moment in Ireland and the USA. The pandemic has taken its of a new CEO to replace the toll on the world, and sound leadership is needed both sides of the Atlantic. Next retiring Michael Du‡y, who has month, we will see a presidential election in the USA and there may be a new face overseen huge changes at the in the White House. Regardless of this, Brexit is upon us and while there is delight Ballsbridge-based philanthropic with the nomination of Mairead McGuinness as the EU’s new Commissioner for organisation. Michael left the Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union, there is equal RDS in August and while there satisfaction that Minister Simon Coveney is staying in Ireland and heading up is strong interest in the post, the Ireland’s representation in the Brexit trade negotiations. organisation has taken its time in announcing his successor. The new CEO will have to hit the ground running, as the RDS, like many other organisations, has been a‡ected by the financial implications of Covid. Established in 1731, the Royal Bord na Móna requires 500,000 tonnes of biomass Dublin Society has 3,500 annually to co-fuel its power plant at Edenderry, members. It has served Ireland Co. Offaly. The company is now offering long term well over those years, having created the Spring Show and sustainable contracts for the supply of: the Horse show. Its remit today is to help Ireland thrive • Sawdust culturally and economically. We wish the new CEO the • Wood Chip Sawdust best of luck. Other looming • Forestry Thinnings agri-related appointments include a new CEO for Horse & Residues Sport Ireland to replace Ronan • Pulp Wood Wood Chip Murphy who resigned to move on to new career opportunities after three years in the role. Stan Lalor has returned to Forestry Teagasc to take over from the Thinnings & retiring Tom Kelly as Director Residues of Knowledge Transfer. That still leaves one of the three major positions under Director Pulp Wood Gerry Boyle to be filled as For further details please contact: Tom Doherty is also due to Donal McGuinness retire as Chief Operations T 086 342 6933 Ocer. Meanwhile, IFA’s recent E [email protected] Joseph Spollen appointments are being well T 087 965 4645 received by members. E [email protected] Luring Tadhg Buckley to the Ciara Wynne T 087 185 3647 role of Director of Policy/Chief E [email protected] Economist was a real coup. He brings strong credentials to the job, worthy of previous incumbents including 7 Con Lucey and, latterly, Rowena Dwyer. OCTOBER 2020 Business www.irishfarmersmonthly.com A new way to trade livestock and forestry Planning to arrive at Launched in June 2020, Tradeforus is a new company aimed at providing an online marketplace for agricultural produce your destination including cattle, sheep and forestry. The company is currently focused on providing sustainable, supply-chain solutions to Cathal Bohane, the disconnect that exists between primary producers and Head of InTouch Nutrition meat processors. This will be achieved by enabling farmers While it is a strange year for most due to the restrictions, and processors to buy and sell livestock in a transparent, farming goes on as usual for the majority. The Ploughing real-time, online marketplace – a trade that should ultimately signified the ‘line in the sand’ where farmers began to forget result in more value and improved prices for the farmer and about the long summer evenings and started to think about more sourcing eciency for the processor. The platform the winter ahead and how they should prepare for it. While also facilitates the trading of cattle for live export – along the Ploughing will not happen this year, preparations should with direct farm-to-farm sales. For trading slaughter-fit be made nonetheless for the impending winter season. livestock, Tradeforus is securely synced with the Department Replenishing of feedstocks is almost at an end for the year, of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Animal Identification and and now the attention needs to turn to replenishing the Movements (AIM) database. With AIM profiles uploaded, farmers animals. Weather and extending rotation lengths requires – either individually or collectively – o‡er their animals for the inclusion of some supplement at this time of the year. sale at a set asking price. On the other side of the transaction, For a lot of farms, we are two months from drying o‡ and purchasers submit a buying order for an animal type of a now is the time to start judging the body condition score specific age, breed, conformation, fat score or weight. Then, (BCS) of the cows. The goal is to make sure they are in an independent trader – either a member of the Tradeforus team or a representative of a producer organisation – connects calving condition at the point of drying o‡ (3–3.25). Cows farmers to purchasers, facilitating a price negotiation and, will be more ecient at using the extra energy required ultimately, a sale. Once the price is agreed (base price), while they are lactating and also increased solids and milk communication can begin with transport arranged between price can justify this additional feed. If we look after their the two parties. With the Tradeforus platform, farmers and intake at this time of year, then generally everything else purchasers bypass unnecessary supply chain fees and instead will look after itself. Quantity will be more important than pay a fee in some cases as low as €2.00/animal. quality, and so beyond 0.1–0.15 kg of concentrate per litre of milk, we need to introduce silage. We should also use this opportunity to add minerals to the diet as, even though we are thinking their yield does not require minerals again, Better hygiene with we need to replenish the reserves we have borrowed over the summer. While some minerals are not stored, facing We are early risers, less labour... into a dry period and using a top spec mineral might not be enough to undo a deficiency. Dry cattle are also being housed on many farms, especially we are tax advisors, if you are feeding bulls or animals to be finished early. Weather and grass availability will determine housing dates we are tillers, planters, for the rest. It is important to assess the performance of last year and identify the ‘bottle-necks’ in the system that would bakers, makers, we are have caused an issue or reduced performance. This is no di‡erent to a plan for young replacement stock as well. The financial planners, we main areas you should focus on are: • Health/vaccination plan • Nutrition — feed analysis and diet balanced by a are wet weather scanners, nutritionist Call us • Housing — feed space, pen numbers, ventilation we are accountants, farmers, today to get • Water availability, positioning, and hygiene a quote for • Rumen health — avoid acidosis through a balanced diet foresters and forecasters. ✔ Built to last your delivered consistently. The use of the correct additives ✔ Helps to reduce the risk of mastitis building will alleviate issues and drive performance when the diet is powerful We are ifac. ✔ Helps to reduce the risk of lameness • Feed hygiene — avoid moulds and heating ✔ Easy to operate and control As always, preparation is key, and results will reflect this and cannot be changed afterward. Start by analysing your ✔ Virtually maintenance free silage both for nutrition and minerals and follow this up Find out how our National Team of Advisors can ✔ Economical to run by condition scoring your animals. If you know where you Email: [email protected] are and where you want to go, then the plan will show you help your farm business to plan for the future. www.dairymaster.com how to get there. Call 1890-500-24-7 8 www.dairymaster.com Call us on 1800 33 44 22 or visit www.ifac.ie DISTRIBUTORS NATIONWIDE 100% IRISH Milking - Feeding - Cooling - Manure Scrapers - Health & Fertility Monitoring OCTOBER 2020 Business www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

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Bimeda announces launch of ZincoIsel Sheep Bimeda has announced the addition of a new multiple trace element bolus for sheep to their nutritional range. The ZincoIsel Sheep Bolus delivers zinc, cobalt, iodine and selenium at a controlled and constant rate, which is compatible with the COPA elects new animal’s daily requirements. president and Tim Cullinan Bimeda Ireland’s General Manager Andrew Glynn, commented: “We are pleased to announce the launch of the new ZincoIsel takes up role as first Vice- Sheep Bolus to our soluble glass bolus range. Containing no copper, the bolus will be of particular interest for use in President copper-sensitive breeds and housed sheep, where a need for supplementation of zinc, cobalt, iodine and selenium has been At the recent COPA Presidency elections diagnosed and where copper supplementation needs to be in Brussels, Christiane Lambert was elected avoided. President. Meanwhile, IFA President Tim As the body cannot store zinc, iodine or cobalt, sheep must Cullinan was elected first Vice President of the rely on a daily supply to meet nutritional requirements. The representative group of European farmers COPA. new ZincoIsel Sheep Bolus is made of a unique soluble glass, Tim Cullinan topped the poll of seven candidates which is designed to release trace elements at a controlled and in the election. He takes up the two-year constant rate, at levels that are compatible with the animal’s daily mandate as first Vice President from previous nutritional requirements.” Zinc is essential for immune function IFA President Joe Healy. Christiane Lambert, the and even marginal deficiency will a‡ect immune response. Zinc President of the National Federation of French also plays an important role in fertility and is essential for sexual farmers (FNSEA) was elected President of COPA, maturity, reproductive capacity, and more specifically, for the taking over from outgoing President Joachim onset of oestrus. Furthermore, zinc is associated with hoof, Rukwied, the current President of German udder and skin health, as well as with wound healing. Where zinc, Farmers’ Association (DBV). selenium, iodine and cobalt deficiencies have been identified, At the meeting, Tim Cullinan highlight the Bimeda’s new ZincoIsel Sheep Bolus could be an appropriate priority of achieving fair conditions for farmers form of supplementation for your flock. in order to earn a fair income. He spoke of the Andrew Glynn added: “As the new ZincoIsel bolus is made of a challenges that farmers have overcome during unique soluble glass, it is important that the bolus is brought to the COVID-19 crisis and the increasing targets body temperature before administration. Failure to ensure the and demands that are being put on farmers and boluses are warmed prior to administration may result in the farm families. The most pressing concerns were development of fine cracks which can alter the activity of the around CAP and Brexit. On CAP, Tim Cullinan bolus and increase any risk of regurgitation. To bring boluses to said he would continue to make a strong case body temperature, simply remove them from all packaging and for the highest level of funding for farmers. On place them inside your pockets close to your body for a few Brexit, the IFA President said he would be seeking minutes. Never place boluses in warm or hot water.” The inclusion support from his colleagues for Irish farmers in rate for the new ZincoIsel bolus is 1 bolus per ruminating sheep the event of a ‘no deal’ outcome. “I look forward weighing over 30kg. Always use the correct Bimeda bolus to working with Christine Lambert and the other 10 applicator to administer the bolus. As with all forms of trace members of the Presidency team who were element supplementation, ZincoIsel should only be administered elected,” he said. following on from appropriate diagnostics. OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Business www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Business

Code of Good Practice Regarding Responsible Use of Antimicrobials in Sheep launched The Minister for State in the Department of Agriculture, can only be achieved by various stakeholders taking on Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has launched leadership roles and working in partnership.” the Code of Good Practice regarding the responsible use of antimicrobials in sheep. Launching it, the Minister said: “This Code of Good Practice will serve as a useful tool for sheep farmers as they work to address the ‘One Health’ challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).” The Minister welcomed the Code, Best Wishes to the as a means of highlighting the continued global Hi Pro EcoLac Autumn Extend Lordan Family concern in relation to AMR and its potential threat to A high UFL Dairy Feed maximising milk yield for Supplying the human and animal health, as well as the challenges to response for your dairy herd food security and the environment. She commented: With autumn grass low in sugars, a high level Best Quality Milk of starch is rumen friendly and very desirable “Antibiotics need to be safeguarded for the benefit of for driving milk yield and protein to Dairygold in both humans and animals, and strategies to reduce the Agolin, a natural rumen modifier, is included 2019 delivering c.5% increase on the typical yield use of antibiotics in both the human and animal health response while reduce methane emissions sectors is seen as a key intervention.” “Actions taken to improve animal health, and prevent disease are Conception Lamenesss Milk Solids key to reducing the use of antibiotics, and e‡ectively Rate tackling AMR. The practical strategies outlined in this Methane Milk Yield Body document highlight some of the important actions Emission Condition Score that sheep farmers can take to reduce their overall use of antibiotics and to improve their flock health.” The launch coincides with Teagasc’s week-long event which has focused on communicating the latest research findings relevant to sheep farmers, with today’s focus (Friday Sept 25) being on the impact of National and EU policy and the environment on sheep production. Minister Hackett acknowledged the ongoing support and collaboration with industry stakeholders, particularly the members of the iNAP animal health sector committee, which is chaired by the chief veterinary ocer Dr Martin Blake, in producing this Code of Good Practice. In concluding, she stated: www.dairygoldagri.ie 11 “The ambitious AMR implementation plan currently in For more information contact your local Area Sales Manager, place for the animal health and environmental sector or call Inside Sales 022 31644 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Interview

Navigating change Tara McCarthy, CEO Bord Bia, discusses the swift changes that the Irish Food Board had to put into place in order to remain relevant and support the industry – from the farmer right through to the customer – since the arrival of Covid-19.

“Since March we put together a crisis management team and that team went under the heading of ‘Navigating Change’ because everything was change. Our number one priority, I think for every organisation globally, was ” We have created an evidence-based how could we make sure our staff were safe and that our tool kit, for a range of export markets, so ways of working were safe. Number two was looking at our companies can go through this as they programmes and this was all around the restructuring that look to present themselves back into retail Bord Bia needed to do in order to stay relevant.” or foodservice, to new customers.” In order to stay relevant, understanding the fast changing marketplace and consumer was key: “Things were changing so quickly, so we put a lot of effort into gathering information, reliable information that was coming from the sectors, coming from the market and from consumers. By having that information and then sharing that information back out to industry, people would be better equipped to make better decisions. So we created the Covid hub on our website which we populated regularly, four-five times a week, pushing it out to the industry so that it was available and constantly being updated.”

Support 12 The next step was to translate that understanding into supports. “We had to completely review our support OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Interview

A PGI has really strict rules and it must be built on reputation and that reputation must be proven.”

structure, we looked at reopening our grants programme some of our new buying habits. Obviously a much more because, particularly for smaller businesses, we felt that comfortable attitude to online was one of the sticky cash flow was going to be an issue. And we gave the behaviours. Also, because you are shielding yourself with opportunity to anyone who had got a grant from us to the masks and you are shielding yourself with the social change their activities, because what had been planned distancing, you also want to shield your insides; so more back in January – going to trade shows etc – was going to and more consumers are looking at their vitamins, they change.” are looking at the contents on their product, they are And then, Tara explains, the focus fell on communicating looking to eat better and eat their way healthy. That is a to the global marketplace: “What we looked to do then fantastic opportunity for Ireland because we play in the was client and customer engagement. There was a lot of ‘eat better, eat natural’ world so from that perspective it noise and we needed to make sure that our customers is great. We have created an evidence-based tool kit, for knew that Ireland’s food industry was solid, that food was a range of export markets, so companies can go through an essential business. And also getting the messaging back this as they look to present themselves back into retail or to industry of what was worrying their customers. foodservice, to new customers.” “We kept those platforms up, right to this day. We needed to be making sure that no one got left behind. What I When the fog lifts mean by that is, for example, when everyone was buying The final work stream, which Tara explains, is about toilet paper and flour, what we were concerned about understanding that this will end and that other key issues was that they were not buying their farmhouse cheese. still remain regardless of the arrival of Covid-19 to our So we would have worked really, really hard with retailers world. “The analogy I gave constantly was to treat Covid because those particular sectors would have got a double like a fog. It has come down over your world and it means whammy. They had foodservice closed to them, they had that for some things you can’t see beyond your nose food markets closed to them, which is normally where so because it is Covid, Covid, Covid. But that doesn’t mean many of them would have performed. So what we wanted that the icebergs that were there last January have gone to do was make sure that they had a retail outlet and I away, like Brexit. Sustainability – the big opportunity and have to absolutely compliment the retailers in Ireland challenge – is still there and the idea of us getting market particularly for their agility here.” differentiation as an absolute priority is still there. Talent Digital supports were also necessary as food companies and how we attract the best people to our industry is still sought to get online and speak directly to their customers. there. Innovation… I could go on. So that is why we went “We put supports in place for companies regarding their straight into ‘beyond Covid’, while we were in the early capabilities here, on how do they get digital smart, the stages of Covid.” photography they needed etc. And I guess we ourselves “We did the risk radar in March/April of this year where went digital because, when it came to our Quality Assured we talked to 128 companies about six key topics: Covid; programmes, we moved very quickly to remote auditing Brexit; Market diversification; Sustainability; Innovation and that stands to this day. So it was really industry and Talent. We asked companies what was their level coming together.” Tara notes that there was some concern of concern in priority and then what was their level of regarding moving online, particularly among the older preparedness for it. The number one from the concern generation of farmers, and so the helpline was busier perspective was Covid. But what I thought was really but overall, she says, it has been a huge success and she fascinating was what was their number two priority commends the farming community for the work that has was market diversification and then the number three been done over this time. was Brexit. How Bord Bia are interpreting that is that market diversification is the other side of the Brexit Understanding the consumer coin: they are the same coin and the solution to Brexit is Tara explains that new norms around consumer habits market diversification. I thought it was brilliant that our have formed over the lockdown period. “We had done industry is still focused on that growth mindset of market some research, which revealed that it takes 66 days to diversification.” form a new habit and we were in lockdown for longer Another interesting piece Tara points to is the 13 than 66 days so there was going to be a ‘stickiness’ to preparedness question, where those surveyed believed OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Interview

Bia. Tara is keen to stress that this is not a done deal and, there was a certain level, 40/50 per cent, of preparedness if the bid is successful, it will be a positive marketing tool for Covid. Tara believes this is due to the work done in for Irish beef in export markets. preparation for Brexit on supply chains. “It seems almost “Ireland had tried to get a PGI many years ago but it didn’t a warpedStay way of looking at life, that Brexit helpedin us go anywhere because everything was put in there, there through Covid and that Covid is going to help us through was nothing special or different in it. Brexit; but in some ways it actually did because the You can’t just pull a PGI out of your back pocket and say preparation for Brexit helped your supply chain, it was ‘I want one for Tara’s glass of water, it’s special, it’s mine, robust, you had no surprise left in your supply chain, you isn’t it lovely?’ A PGI has really strict rules and it must be had plan a, b, c, d all worked out. And I have to say the built on reputation and that reputation must be proven. positivetouch feedback that we have got from our customers with It must be for a name or an attribute that somebody else globally on Ireland’s agility and ability knows besides you, it must be known to be there for them, to not let them in the market. When you put that lens down from a supply perspective over Irish beef, what are the platforms has served us very, very well. A real you can actually define? You have to alignment of government supports that put a specification behind it – saying ‘it motivatedus people to go to workonline and is natural’, for instance, well what does be at work and to allow that essential ‘natural’ mean? So we are looking at service of food production to continue ‘grass fed’ because we can define grass that was aligned to the agility and the fed. And we had been doing a lot of preparednesswith that companies daily had put research on ‘what is food brand Ireland?’ into place. So that was a big win for The definition of the magic ingredients them.” of what Ireland’s food industry is, is clean air, clean soil, clean sea. Farmerupdates engagement And, as we spoke to consumers about While communication is always those attributes, increasingly it was at the heart of all of Bord Bia’s around our grass-fed production, it work, a consciousfrom effort to our improve was our reputation. So we were able to communication with farmers has celebrate hard work that had already been evident in recent years and been achieved, we were able to build on Tara explainsspecialists the approach here: “I & the reputation that we already had and guess about two years ago we made we felt it was the right thing to do. And the decision that we needed to I guess we also wanted to go at this with communicateresearchers much more sharply, scale because we would want as many more efficiently and more regularly farm families as possible to be able to with farmers. We had done surveys benefit from this so that Ireland can go with them where they were saying they in on a scaled perspective rather than as weren’t Openhearing from the us enough camera and on a tiny niche. we looked to address that. The message we were getting “Now there will be others that will argue that and say was thatyour the farmer phone wanted to hear & more scan from us and why wouldn’t you do suckler? I would say, go back to they wanted to hear two things. They wanted to get more that definition: is it a term that is used in the market that market information from us and a better understanding of consumers understand? No it isn’t. That is not to say it is the logicthe and the benefitQR ofcode our Quality for Assurance systems. not an attribute that we want to speak to, but if I go into To that end, we have been building our infrastructure that PGI definition – is it a term that is used in the market and continuouslymore evolving information it as we learn from both our that consumers will understand? It doesn’t get through research and our experience as to how best to get that that test.” message through. Obviously traditional forms – like “This is an application to Europe, it is not a marketing Ploughing, farmer meetings, etc – they are not available campaign. And what we are presenting in that application to us right now. But we are writing to them directly: with is one of the fantastic advantages of Ireland… that animals GDPR we need their permission to do that, so those who in general don’t have to travel more than two hours to get have opted in we write to directly, we text directly. And to an abattoir because we are small and we have a lot of we are also putting this information on our website. It is a abattoirs. Some viewed that as if we were insisting that an constant for us and we take it very seriously.” animal couldn’t travel more than two hours. There were misunderstandings. That was us celebrating what we have, The journey to PGI rather than dictating, so there is absolutely no new ask of The journey to getting PGI for Irish grass-fed beef anybody. This is us pulling out the differentiation that we 14 is ongoing and has been a topic of some debate and have in the system, to really call out what is unique, what controversyVisit between www.teagasc.ie/dailythe farming community and Bord we in Ireland do as food producers.”

Teagasc Daily 210x297.indd 1 25/09/2020 12:23:16 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Interview Stay in Louth man steps touch with into MEP role Matt O’KeŠe talks to Colm Markey, MEP for Ireland Midlands-North-West and ex Macra president, about the key issues he wishes to address in his new role as an Irish us online representative in the European parliament.

The ‘domino effect’ was clearly demonstrated in Irish agri-related politics last month. The forced resignation with daily of Phil Hogan from the Commissionership for Trade allowed Mairead McGuinness to be nominated as a replacement, in this case taking on the Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union updates portfolio. While not quite of the same status as Trade, Mairead’s role will encompass areas of responsibility of considerable importance to both the EU and Ireland from our specifically. That domino effect also allowed Colm Markey to step up into Mairead’s previous role as MEP for Ireland Midlands-North-West. While Colm specialists & would be no stranger to people intimately involved in agricultural circles, his profile would have been less recognisable to the general public. Having served researchers as Macra na Feirme President from 2005 to 2007, Colm has considerable experience of negotiating with both the Irish government and the various EU institutions. The fact that Macra’s role as a rural youth Open the camera on organisation extends far beyond agricultural matters – encompassing many of the issues challenging rural your phone & scan young people, ranging from car insurance to education to mental health – meant that Colm gained invaluable experience during his Macra involvement. He will now the QR code for have an opportunity to put that experience to good use more information as an Irish representative in the European parliament. Commitment to agriculture The Louth-based County Councillor and dairy farmer intends to do just that: “It’s perhaps not the ideal situation to come into a representative role but that can’t be helped at this stage. With my farming background and Macra experience as well as my role as a local representative I feel I can make a worthwhile contribution, particularly on agricultural and rural development issues. My intention is to take on Mairead’s role on the Parliament’s Agriculture Committee. Most people recognise the importance of agriculture in the European Union. With a lot of 15 Visit www.teagasc.ie/daily negotiation still to be completed around the next CAP,

Teagasc Daily 210x297.indd 1 25/09/2020 12:23:16 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

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ICMSA on winter finishing prospects

Winter finishing has always been a hazardous undertaking. In a conversation with Des Morrison, ICMSA Beef Committee Chairman, Matt O’ KeeŠe discusses cattle prices and the ICMSA’s attitude to the proposed Beef PGI

Beef prices had softened somewhat in early September as Des explained: “Finished cattle were making €4/kg when you added in all the bonuses but now most cattle would be coming in at €3.80/€3.90, easing off a bit the last 3 or 4 weeks.” “Anybody that is going to fill a shed with cattle needs plenty of money because store cattle are very expensive relative to beef prices at the moment. Looking forward with your shed of cattle, there are two things that you always look for and they are supply and demand. If we look at the supply to the back end of the year, cattle numbers should be down 1 per cent or more going for slaughter. There are other factors at play that could affect the supply of stock. One is exports to Northern Ireland, which are over a thousand head higher than this time last year, and the second thing is live exports to European and North African countries. Our calf exports were down about 52,000 head last spring, but our other exports of cattle are up about 20,000 on year to date. That could rectify itself with the way live exports are going, so that could have a bearing on the supply of stock going forward. And if we look at the European market, while beef prices are not rising rapidly, the supply of stock across Europe should be a bit tighter as well.” “On the demand side, it is trickier to predict. The first 18 unknown is Brexit, which is fluid and impossible to predict so you would have to sound a word of caution around it. The second thing is Covid-19 and that is OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Interview

The primary producer has to make a profit too, because if we don’t get back into a profit situation, as livestock producers and beef producers, how are we going to have any regeneration, how are we going to encourage new people into the industry?

worldwide. Are we going to have a second or third wave enterprise. Sires are taken off the ICBF dairy sire list for across Europe or across the world? Nobody can predict both Friesian and Holstein replacement stock and we use it. That could have a huge bearing, particularly on the food Aberdeen Angus beef sires with a few Limousin, as we find service end of the market. With schools back now, food the Angus cattle can finish at two years when bred from services could be a real test of the demand for beef. One dairy cows. The Holstein type steers take longer to finish, way or another, this will have an affect on price. Buying though they can get into good weights. The processor stock right, farmers need to do their sums. You would I supply has good supermarket customers for cattle want a major increase in beef prices, above the cost of finishing at 320kg to 340kg deadweight and the Angus production, which is €4.17 per kilo, according to Teagasc. cattle fit into that weight range.” To make a reasonable profit you’d need beef cattle making €4.50/kg next spring.” Supporting livestock production The ICMSA Beef spokesman prioritises the role of the Buying choices suckler cow: “The suckler herd is needed. Across the “Continental type stock are making serious money. The western seaboard, from Kerry to Donegal, and in other more traditional Hereford and Angus stock are in good parts of the country, there is land that is only suitable demand in the factories for the supermarket trade and for suckler farming. They need support. But the suckler they would be bought in at 3.20/3.40/3.50 per kilo. So, herd must be profitable, because if it is not profitable people would want to ponder what they are buying. At the it’s very hard to get regeneration on those farms. To end of the day the primary producer has to make a profit make it profitable, we need a good export trade. That is too, because if we don’t get back into a profit situation, as most important. During my ICMSA chairmanship, I have livestock producers and beef producers, how are we going brought out a dairy calf-to-beef scheme proposal, so that to have any regeneration, how are we going to encourage some of those exiting sucklers have an alternative option new people into the industry? If you look back over the of rearing calves, receiving financial support of €75 at last 20 years, it has been a very low margin enterprise 6-10 months and the same support at slaughter. This is for the producer. Not so for the retailers. In summary, justifiable because suckler producers have stock rearing then, fancy cattle are making fancy prices. Whether those skills and haven’t many options for land use. fancy prices will be justified in a few months when the “The other option is forestry, which would take the land animal goes to the factory, I don’t know. They would need out of livestock altogether. ICMSA policy is to keep these to be, because the beef producer, especially the winter farmers as livestock producers because they are the finishers, cannot bear another winter of losing money. heartbeat of rural Ireland.” Some of them are already going out of the business and are not buying in stock this year.” Des adds that the Protected Geographical Indication for beef Beef Support Scheme monies need to be paid out quickly. Des is keen to note that PGI is a positive story and an ICMSA has called on the Minister of Agriculture to make important development by Bord Bia. It is important, he a prompt payment to finishers, which will work out at stresses, that PGI (if our application is successful) adds approximately €100 per head. “Any financial help that they value for the primary producer. “We are selling a quality get for their losses is badly needed.” product and the PGI can give us an opportunity to exploit that quality.” Beef and dairy farm “I don’t think the grazing days criteria will be a major Farming in Sligo, Des Morrison has both beef and dairy problem but the grading may be slightly harder. You enterprises: “We milk 65 cows all year round, supplying need to have some definition and some grading standard manufacturing and liquid milk, and we finish all stock. In because if every animal can qualify then we won’t achieve addition to rearing our own stock, we sometimes buy PGI status. There needs to be debate about where the in more depending on circumstances. The cow type is standard and the cut-off should be. Every animal will Holstein/British Friesian, 50/50. It’s a balance between not qualify. The genetic merit of the beef herd must be keeping a fair bit of Holstein in the herd, to deliver improved and that should help more animals to quality 19 higher yields for the liquid contract and having well for the PGI standard. The ultimate test for PGI will be if it framed animals that can provide progeny for the beef adds value and delivers a higher price for the producer.” OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Interview

Bobby Miller and his daughter Maisy A harvest to forget A look back at this year’s harvest is not a particularly exciting or positive experience for most grain producers, as Bobby Miller, chairman of the Grain Growers Group explained to Matt O’ KeeŠe recently. “There was a smooth finish to the harvest with good it was the same across the country. That has had severe weather to complete operations. It was a month too late financial repercussions for grain producers.” and our struggles started this time last year just after the Bobby’s experience with straw production and sales Ploughing when the weather broke and it was a constant mirrors that of other growers: “I had no surplus straw to catch-up since then. Our plans for sowing winter crops sell. That’s typical of growers everywhere. I was able to were badly disrupted and a lot of ground had to be left look after my long-term customers but that was it. There over to spring barley. Even then, after the very wet will be a shortage of straw for the winter, including for weather right into February, the winter sown crops had livestock bedding.” suffered badly and many of the spring crops were sown late in less than ideal soil conditions.” Long term challenges Following that, the dry weather during May and June also This was a particularly difficult season for grain producers. hit crops, especially spring barley, reducing tillering and However, on top of that there are long-term challenges for shortening plants, Bobby explains. “The rain at the end of the sector: “One obvious problem is that the area under June did help fill the grain so that improved yields a little. tillage in Ireland has been falling over the past 15 years. The harvest itself was difficult with two hurricanes right That’s the opposite direction to where the sector should in the middle of harvesting and only for the dry spell in be going when you look at CAP reform and the challenges September it would have been a total disaster.” facing Irish agriculture to reduce carbon emissions, expand biodiversity and improve the environment. The Deficit of premium priced grains tillage sector’s figures for greenhouse gas emissions and Many of the premium crops were badly affected according fertiliser use efficiency are well in line with what is being 20 to the Stradbally tillage farmer: “One local intake got only demanded by the EU and tillage also meets the new push 40 per cent of the malting standard barley it required and towards more plant-based diets.” OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Interview www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Interview

In the technical files for Irish cream liqueurs there is an insistence that cream from Irish milk must be exclusively used in its production. However, in the production of Irish whiskey and spirits there is no mention as to where the grain comes from.

More protein needed future to become more self-sufficient in grain and straw. To what extent could Irish tillage farmers produce enough Right now, that option is not financially viable.” protein crops to supply the home market? “Europe recognises the need to increase indigenous protein Resilient growers supplies and supports bean and pea crop production. Tillage farmers, despite the tribulations of the last season, Soya may be an option in the future as research develops are planning ahead: “The loss of Redigo Deter, an aphicide suitable varieties for growing in Ireland. We have doubled seed dressing, has hindered early sowing options. We the area under beans, but protein self-sufficiency is a long are advised, because of the risk to early sown crops of way off. We need increased financial support to improve BYDV (Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus), not to sow until the viability of growing these crops and the Grain Growers the 10th of October for winter barley and wheat crops. Group has requested a base support of €350 per hectare On my farm I will sow winter barley, weather and soil for protein crops.” conditions allowing, in mid-October followed by oats a couple of weeks later. A lot of field-work preparation has Produce Irish whiskey from Irish grain already been completed around the country so hopefully Bobby Miller has a particular issue with PGI (Protected we will get to sow at the optimum times. The range of Geographical Indication) as it relates to Irish whiskey and systems helps, including ploughing, min-till and eco-till spirits products: “There is a lot of discussion about the options depending on soil and ground conditions. With Beef PGI and one positive aspect is that a couple of beef the equipment available it’s almost a sprint not a jog as producers groups now only want to use Irish grain in regards getting work done in either spring or autumn.” their cattle’s feed. In relation to Irish whiskey production “We have lost 30 per cent of farmers across all sectors in there is a safeguard to ensure that the distilling process the last 20 years, so there are fewer farmers to get work cannot be copied abroad and marketed as Irish whiskey. done and the Irish family farm is, in my view, slowly dying. In the technical files for Irish cream liqueurs there is an Higher mechanisation is needed to get the work done and insistence that cream from Irish milk must be exclusively some of the new technologies are exciting and helping to used in its production. However, in the production of manage farms and increase productivity.” Irish whiskey and spirits there is no mention as to where the grain comes from. That, in my belief, is illogical and Brexit will increase bread costs ludicrous. Minister McConalogue knows how we feel Bobby acknowledges the fact that we have no indigenous about this and raised the issue in the Dáil previously. We wheat flour production: “We import most of our needs want the technical files reviewed to acknowledge the need from the UK and Brexit may present problems for those to have Irish grain used in Irish spirits products. If Irish imports. If tariffs are placed on products such as bread ingredients are necessary in one product, it should be the flour we will have to import from even further away, case across the board.” making it more expensive, increasing our food miles. The fact is that the raw material, the grain, has a small impact Higher margins needed on the end price of bread or confectionary products. The bottom line is that tillage farming needs to be more “The use of Irish wheat for the flour industry shouldn’t profitable to increase the acreage, as Bobby argues: “We have been lost. There is scope to relaunch our Irish flour are competing with the dairy sector for land availability. industry and respond to changing consumer preferences That’s a challenge. We import two-thirds of our livestock around bread consumption. With some research and feed requirements so there is plenty of potential to development, and with new wheat varieties, it should increase the ground under tillage to supply not only be with in our sights. One positive from Covid is that the cattle and sheep feed requirements but also the people are becoming more aware of what they are eating pig and poultry sectors. The consumer has a big role to from baking their own bread. They are looking at where play in this. A recent Tillage Report confirms the high products and ingredients are sourced and the standards environmental cost of importing grain products. If of production involved. We have far higher husbandry consumers insist on native grain being used, the amount standards in Europe compared to other regions from of land under tillage could triple. It would be good to see which we import grain products. If demand rises for Irish 21 cattle farmers devoting some acreage to tillage in the flour then grain growers can meet that demand.” OCTOBER 2020 DAFMMOLASSES: MORE www.irishfarmersmonthly.comTHAN JUST A LIQUID FEED Moving towards a Circular Bioeconomy MOLASSES: MORE THAN The current pandemic has forced us all to re-imagine our world and to rethink our economy. In future, our economy must ensure farmers, foresters, industry and citizens JUST A LIQUID FEED prosper in harmony with nature. As Bioeconomy Ireland Week approaches, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine addresses the issue.

The bioeconomy idea has emerged across EU and Irish the Irish Rural Development Programme (Biorefinery Glas) policy and governance as a way to resolve unsustainable and through the EU LIFE Programme (Farm4More) are resource use and resulting environmental and climate now demonstrating that grass can be transformed into degradation. In the agri- food sector, the bioeconomy is a new generation of sustainable and circular bio-based based on producing sustainable biomass from agriculture products (feed, food, fertilizer) with a lower carbon and and forestry and using the biomass and its residues environmental footprint. more eciently including replacing fossil-based, non- Additionally and as important as o‡ering ways to address renewable resources with biological alternatives for significant environment and climate challenges, the circular food, feed, chemicals, materials and energy. Examples bioeconomy has important advantages that o‡er the of this include opportunities to replace fossil fuel based opportunity to ensure inclusive rural prosperity. The way plastics in food & beverage packaging or the opportunities biological resources are produced, owned, distributed and to replace fossil fuel based chemicals and detergents managed o‡ers high potential to develop innovative and with bio-based alternatives The high-level vision for the valuable biobased products and to distribute incomes, circular bioeconomy is to generate economic growth, job jobs and infrastructures in rural areas. For example, creation, and value addition from everyday agriculture and agriculture and forests in Ireland occupy more than 80 forest related resources including its waste. This marks a per cent of the land and there are 136,000 family farms move away from a linear, economic model and promotes and about 22,000 private forest owners. The agri-food principles of renewable energy, circularity, and prioritising sector includes around 1,715 companies, mostly small the use of biomass for socially preferable products, notably enterprises, and provides more than 173,000 jobs or 7.7 food, materials and chemicals over its eventual use for per cent of the total employment. This is a very valuable energy. A circular bioeconomy also o‡ers an opportunity social structure that needs to be further nurtured to to recognize the value of nature to sustainably manage explore circular bioeconomy development as a basis for our land, food, health and agri-food and industrial systems attracting investments, employment and innovation to the with the goal of achieving sustainable wellbeing. A rural economy and to generate welfare and prosperity. circular bioeconomy needs advanced technology, such The opportunity that circular bioeconomy development as biorefining, and innovation such as agri-digitalisation represents requires a new relationship between ecology as well as traditional farming knowledge to succeed but and economy, the urban and rural environment, and ultimately relies on biodiversity as its true engine. This is technology and nature. This new thinking will allow us because biodiversity determines the capacity of our farming re-imagine our world. To address this opportunity, the and forest systems to adapt and evolve in a changing Irish Government has established a cross-government • Unique ability to carry minerals and vitamins in the TMR environment and climate, and is crucial for ensuring the implementation group, co-chaired by the Department resilience and sustainability of the biological resources that of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, to build collective • Enhances rumen activity underpin our agriculture and forest systems. The circular leadership to implement the vision set out in the national bioeconomy aims to• acknowledge UNIQUE theABILITY fundamental TO CARRYrole of MINERALSpolicy statement AND on the VITAMINS bioeconomy. IN The THE Government TMR • Increases animal’s dry matter intake biodiversity, not only• through ENHANCES nature conservation RUMEN policies, ACTIVITY has also invested significantly in the BiOrbic Bioeconomy but also through public and market-based supports that Research Centre and the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation • Helps negate energy deficits in freshly calved cows provide incentives for• farmers, INCREASES forest owners ANIMAL’S and biobased DRY MATTERto build transformative INTAKE coalitions and public-private companies to invest in biodiversity at farm and forest partnerships for co-investment with leading innovative • Complements all grass and forage based diets level. A Circular Bioeconomy• HELPS is also NEGATE an opportunity ENERGY to DEFICITScompanies. IN ItFRESHLY is now required CALVED to further COWS steer development modernize and make• industries COMPLEMENTS carbon neutral ALLand circular. GRASS ANDby integrating FORAGE the Agri-Food BASED Sector DIETS including farmers and This is because agriculture and forest resources are, if foresters in the development of the circular bioeconomy managed sustainably, circular and renewable by nature. and through encouraging technological and non- Several important sectors like chemicals, textiles, plastics or technological innovation. If you wish to learn more about Contact us or your local Co-op/merchant today: construction will need new value chains to become circular the development of the circular bioeconomy in Ireland 22 and carbon neutral industries. The circular bioeconomy you can engage with Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2020 and and biological resources such as grass can be a catalyst for its events which can be viewed at http://irishbioeconomy. Premier Molasses Co. Ltd. t: 069-65311 such developments. For example, projects funded through com/ Harbour Road, Foynes, Co. Limerick. f: 069-65537 Deepwater Berth, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. e: [email protected] www.premiermolasses.ie OCTOBER 2020 DAFMMOLASSES: MORE www.irishfarmersmonthly.comTHAN JUST A LIQUID FEED MOLASSES: MORE THAN JUST A LIQUID FEED

• Unique ability to carry minerals and vitamins in the TMR • Enhances rumen activity • UNIQUE ABILITY TO CARRY MINERALS AND VITAMINS IN THE TMR • Increases animal’s dry matter intake • ENHANCES RUMEN ACTIVITY • Helps negate energy deficits in freshly calved cows • INCREASES ANIMAL’S DRY MATTER INTAKE • Complements all grass and forage based diets • HELPS NEGATE ENERGY DEFICITS IN FRESHLY CALVED COWS • COMPLEMENTS ALL GRASS AND FORAGE BASED DIETS

Contact us or your local Co-op/merchant today:

Premier Molasses Co. Ltd. t: 069-65311 Harbour Road, Foynes, Co. Limerick. f: 069-65537 Deepwater Berth, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. e: [email protected] www.premiermolasses.ie OCTOBER 2020 Education www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

Survey stats 42% said they were eating more snacks

72% said they were doing more home baking A recent survey conducted by University College Dublin (UCD) 20% Institute of Food and Health, in reported being concerning about collaboration with Dublin City not having enough food University (DCU) has revealed some 44% startling insights into how our reported that their weight gain food intake has been shaped by the stayed the same aŠects of tackling Covid-19 in the community. Here, we talk to Dr Emma 64% Feeney, UCD, about the key findings. reported consumed less takeaways than before Covid-19 Covid-19 Food survey As the country went into lockdown in March, the of weight gain or activity or income levels, day-to-day beginning of a ‘new normal’ had arrived and the way in life wasn’t as impacted. However we didn’t pick up on the which consumers were shopping and eating was one of social isolation that this group was experiencing through the immediate areas of change. As Emma explains, with the stats; we got that message through the advocacy future waves of Covid-19 likely, and continued restrictions groups interviewed.” Alcohol intake was also shown to ongoing, it is crucial that we understand how the initial have increased among the middle age group, with people restrictions impacted food choice and eating behaviours, in reporting drinking more and more often. And, on a more order to inform future public health strategies. wholesome note, 72 per cent of those surveyed reported The survey was conducted from April 20th to May 25th and that they were baking more. “I think there was a perception a total of 4,358 participants consented to take part in the at the beginning of this that it would be a short-term study, with a subset (1,033) of volunteers who agreed to situation and so people snacked more and drank more, take part in further longitudinal questionnaires, and 272 which contributed to weight gain.” Emma also highlights the who agreed to complete a more detailed dietary intake fact that the study showed that some people experienced assessment. A series of key informant interviews were also a mild form of food insecurity. “They worried that they conducted to explore the impact of Covid-19 on more would not be able to get access to foods that they normally vulnerable members of the community. “These interviews,” would – there were perceptions around supply chain issues. Emma explains “sought to give a voice to vulnerable groups Panic buying and images on social media of empty shelves within society who will typically be underrepresented in contributed to these perception. As a country, we are lucky online surveys.” that we produce so much good quality food here, and it will be important to make consumers aware that these things Key findings are close by and that we have relatively short supply chains “One of the key things we saw was that a third of people for these foods in the future.” surveyed reported weight gain. That covered a 6-8 week Concluding, Emma states: “Understanding how people period so it was quite stark – a considerable number of respond to a public health emergency is important and people in a very short period of time. People were snacking the National Covid-19 Food Study showed us that one- more often at home. This is concerning when already 6 size does not fit all when it comes to Irish people. Future out of 10 Irish people are already living with overweight emergency responses need to support vulnerable groups or obesity. Another interesting insight was that the people and consider the impact that lockdown has on longer term reporting the weight gain were in the 25-44 age group – health.” that middle age bracket of people, who were more than likely juggling full-time jobs with young kids at home. This was also more evident among women. The younger group Advocacy Group interviews showed concern at: missing reported less weight gain and were exercising more. They school meal scheme; increased pressure on social provision, mental health impacts across vulnerable 24 had more time to spend on health and fitness.” Surprisingly, Emma says that the older group (65+ in age) groups; increased cost of staying at home, exacerbation weren’t as a‡ected looking at these measures. “In terms of social stressors; and social isolation. OCTOBER 2020 Education www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

Herd Health Focus OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science

Prevention is better than cure - maintaining herd health Tackling Global Challenges: Safe and sustainable food is produced by healthy animals. Animal health and welfare is greatly influenced by the way animals are managed. It is an old adage and well known among farmers that ‘prevention is better than cure’ and it is also a key enabling principle of the Department of Research, Innovation and Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) National Farmed Animal Health Strategy. Impact Farmers are main custodians of the health and welfare of evidence of any sub optimal performance, and monitors their livestock. Herd health planning is a key element in progress as the issue is resolved. enabling farmers to improve and maintain the health of As well as individual issues specific to individual herds there their herds. Herd health planning is simply adopting an are a number of seasonal issues, particularly parasites, approach of identifying areas of sub-optimal performance which farmers need to be aware of and manage. Some in the herd or flock and putting in strategies to mitigate of these are weather and temperature related and vary these issues. In cattle herds and sheep flocks, key from year to year depending on temperature and rainfall performance indicators (KPIs) revolve around reproductive amounts and the timing of the rainfall. DAFM knows that performance (calving interval, calved within 6 weeks rate, this is important information to relay to farmers and their calves per 100 per year for beef herds and similar for sheep veterinary practitioners, and the communication of such flocks) and productivity (calf and lamb mortality, weaning disease surveillance information is a key recommendation rate, milk production and somatic cell count). The factors of DAFM’s current animal health surveillance strategy. that impinge on farm performance are often farm specific DAFM has developed a website to communicate this type and so it is important that a herd health plan is tailored of topical information e‡ectively to farmers and their specific to the issues on a particular farm. Your own veterinary practitioners (www.animalhealthsurveillance. veterinary practitioner will be familiar with your farm and its agriculture.gov.ie) One of the recent updates has been on issues and is best placed to formulate this plan with you. an increasing prevalence of gut worm and lungworm, and 1st in Ireland Achieving optimal performance in these key performance this is a reminder to farmers who have not already done indicators (KPIs) adds to the economic and environmental something about worm infestations in their livestock to 5th in Europe sustainability of the herd or flock, as well as maintaining increase vigilance. Liver fluke can lead to significant losses good health. In the One Health concept, improved for livestock especially sheep in Ireland. In recent years, 19th globally animal health improves human health, as it means less DAFM has monitored fluke antibody levels in lambs from 1 antimicrobial usage in livestock, which will lead to less August onwards to determine the exposure to fluke in the in Agricultural Sciences antimicrobial resistant bacteria in the overall ecosystem. population. Monthly reports are published in the current You can only improve what you can measure, so the news section of the website to plot the progress of fluke (US news and World Report analysis of production records plays a major role in the infestation over the season. Alerts relating to outbreaks of implementing a herd health plan. This is a hugely important exotic diseases such as African Swine fever, Blutongue and Subject Rankings 2018) aspect of herd health planning, and it needs accurate avian influenza are regularly posted on the website. 26 record keeping. Cattle farmers are fortunate in that the All this information is provided to farmers and their ICBF databases provide a readily accessible production veterinary practitioners to help them manage the health of records. Analysis of these records provide objective their livestock. ucdagfood

UCD School of Ag Climate Change Supplement A4.indd 1 03/07/2019 10:21 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science

Tackling Global Challenges: Research, Innovation and Impact

1st in Ireland 5th in Europe 19th globally in Agricultural Sciences 1 (US news and World Report Subject Rankings 2018)

ucdagfood

UCD School of Ag Climate Change Supplement A4.indd 1 03/07/2019 10:21 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Did you know you can vaccinate for mastitis?

ASK YOUR VET TODAY Planning ahead for antimicrobial restrictions We return to an issue that was explored in last month’s IFM by Michelle McGrath, Assistant CellCheck Programme Manager, Animal Health Ireland - blanket dry cow therapy, where all cows are treated with dry cow antibiotic tubes, will no longer be allowed from January 2022. So, in a little over a year’s time, EU regulations will severely restrict the use of antimicrobial use in livestock care. Only targeted use of antibiotics will be allowed where it cow. Teagasc data also shows, based on historical figures can be shown that there is a veterinary necessity based on gleaned from milk recorded herds, that somatic cell counts appropriate mammary health status data. E‡ectively, that (SCC) reduce by almost 40,000 SCC’s through ongoing means that herd owners must be able to identify clearly milk recording and active intervention based on the where antimicrobial dry cow therapy is an appropriate information provided on each cow in the herd. curative response in individual cows. For this reason, milk recording, providing data not only on yield and milk solids Bottom of the recording class (MS) production, but also on milk quality across a range of Despite the benefits and advantages in herd and cow parameters will be an absolute necessity. The Irish herd is health, improved output and profitability from adopting not in a positive position in this regard, with only months a milk recording regime, the numbers recording are still available for many milk producers to prepare adequately for low by international comparisons. Up to the end of last the new regime of dry cow care. year, only 44 per cent of Irish dairy herds were being recorded with around 51 per cent of dairy cows included A suite of benefits in that proportion. That, as ICBF confirms, compares badly HIPRA UK AND IRELAND LIMITED. Foxhall Business Centre The benefits of milk recording are well publicised in terms to German milk recording figures which show that 85 Foxhall Lodge of increased profitability as well as improved mammary per cent of cows are milk recorded in that country. The Foxhall Road Nottingham health benefits in terms of economic performance and disruption of Covid 19 this year has interrupted an upward NG7 6LH animal health. Teagasc estimates that milk recording milk recording trend, though, even allowing for that fact, United Kingdom 28 € increases gross profit margins by 42 per cow with an there is a considerable distance to go before we reach a TEL: (+44) 0115 845 6486 additional improvement over time of over 400 litres per critical percentage of herds being recorded annually. While [email protected] www.hipra.com OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Did you know you can vaccinate for mastitis?

ASK YOUR VET TODAY

HIPRA UK AND IRELAND LIMITED. Foxhall Business Centre Foxhall Lodge Foxhall Road Nottingham NG7 6LH United Kingdom

TEL: (+44) 0115 845 6486 [email protected] www.hipra.com OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Herd Health Focus

one might assume that having the entire national dairy penalties related to low milk quality, especially where high herd milk recorded would be a logical target, the reality somatic cell count levels are detected in herds. The bare is that the national target up to 2030 as set out in the minimum for a milk recording regime to deliver accurate Ag-Climatise Roadmap is to have 75 per cent of Irish dairy and actionable responses on the part of the herd manager herds milk recorded in a decade’s time. That figure would is four recordings spread out across the lactation. correspond to having in excess of 85 per cent of all dairy cows milk recorded at that time. This is because of the Worth the eŠort preponderance of milk recording in larger herds compared Some farmers are of the opinion that the only advantage to smaller herds. accruing from milk recording is the identification of high somatic cell count (SCC) cows, when, in fact, it is useful for EBI benefits much more than that. It is not as if the benefits of milk recording stop at yield New analytical technology which estimates the expected and health improvements. Data collected also allows the profit potential of individual cows over their lifetime, Economic Breeding Index of each cow in a herd to be developed by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), is estimated. That in turn allows herd managers to make vital only available for milk recorded herds because recording long-term decisions around breeding and culling allowing data is required to facilitate the estimation of a ‘cow’s own herd production performance and animal health to be worth’ (COW). positioned on a continuous upward trajectory. Another As we enter an era where much more emphasis is being benefit is that early detection of increases in an individual placed on breeding for purpose where only the cows with cow’s SCC can facilitate early intervention, allowing high production and reproduction genetics are used for treatment that should prevent a potentially chronic breeding replacements with the remainder of the herd bred problem from arising. In many instances, detection through to beef-type bulls, a comprehensive recording system is analysing milk recording data comes before there is any necessary. This will become increasingly important as the physical evidence of a mastitis problem. expansion in the national herd slows down. Pregnancy diagnosis is another analysis that can be gleaned from A negative mindset to recording milk recording, in the absence of a scanning programme. There are still prejudices around milk recording, including Testing for Johnes disease and Neospora can also be the perception that it takes a lot of time and is disruptive facilitated through milk recording. There will be an to the milking routine. While it may add some time to increasing reliance on these diagnostic tools as livestock the milking process at two milkings during a month health and welfare moves increasingly away from curative or whatever milk recording interval period is chosen, to preventative veterinary intervention. the benefits are clearly enormous and the cost is not prohibitive. At around €12 per cow per year, with six Gearing up for anticipated recording surge recordings during the lactation, the payback is multiples Progressive Genetics, one of the main service providers of that figure. It is not for lack of advice and direction from of milk recording, is anticipating an increase in the use of AHI, Teagasc and ICBF as well as encouragement from milk recording next year. The challenge for milk recording many of the milk processors. service providers will be significant before the critical drying 30 As yet, there has been no move to make milk recording o‡ period at the end of 2022 approaches. In reality, any a mandatory practice, though some Coops are providing decisions made to engage in the practice of milk recording financial inducements for recording as well as increasing need to be taken sooner rather than later. OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Herd Health Focus

Tips for an effective cattle worming strategy

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health Ireland is encouraging cattle producers to be responsible in their use of anti-parasitics due to increasing concerns about development of resistant parasites, cattle wellbeing, the environment and biodiversity.

Leon Du‡y, the company’s Ruminant Veterinary Adviser says: “An outbreak of lungworm or parasitic gastroenteritis caused by gutworms can have a huge e‡ect on both the health and performance of all cattle, in particular, first-season grazers and yearlings. “Gutworms can reduce cattle thrive, suppress feed intake, and alter feed conversion eciency, which will inevitably a‡ect cattle’s daily live weight gain and ability to meet growth targets. “However, the threat of anthelmintic resistance (the ability of worms to survive a dose of wormer that is designed to kill it) is ever-increasing and requires a change in our worming habits.” Best practice for anthelmintic usage needs to be integrated into farm health plans to help protect the herd’s health and productivity, while protecting long-term sustainability in parasite control on farm. Leon shares some considerations to bear in mind when you are planning your worming strategy.

Tools to assess parasite challenge and inform treatment and control strategies Without identifying the presence of worms, it is impossible to make a sound decision regarding control strategies. You can identify worms by:

 Testing Faecal Samples - Faecal egg counts performed six to eight weeks after turnout of first season grazers can provide an indicator of worm burden and assess pasture contamination. A Baermann test can identify lungworm larvae in faecal samples.  MOO Testing – detects high antibody levels to the gutworm Ostertagia ostertagi in milk.  Weight Assessment – can identify animals not reaching targets - when nutrition and health status are otherwise good poor thrive is likely to be a result of a worm burden, a gutworm challenge.  Observation – vigilant stockmanship can detect signs of parasitic infection, such as illthrift, scouring and coughing, early in the course 31 of disease allowing prompt action. OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

 Blood Pepsinogen Levels – provide an indicator of the tissue damage caused by gutworm. Testing youngstock strategically if faecal egg counts performed six to eight at the end of the season can be used to assess the weeks after turnout are high. Alternatively, individual parasite challenge faced, and the e‡ectiveness of animals within a group that are failing to meet growth control strategies. targets could be treated selectively.  Grazing management can also have an impact. Identifying the animals to treat Rotational grazing is preferable to set stocking and avoid When cattle are grazing, some are more susceptible than grazing bare pastures since 80 per cent of worms are others to worms. Your worming strategy will depend on concentrated in the first 5 cm of grass2. their age and level of immunity. Research shows that it  Lowering stocking rates will reduce the need for cattle takes approximately eight months of exposure to parasites to graze close to dung pats, decreasing the risk of for cattle to develop e‡ective immunity against gutworm. ingesting worms. This means that animals may remain susceptible into  Incorporating break crops into grassland rotation and their second season at grass. However, whilst immunity graze the most susceptible animals on low risk pastures renders cattle more resistant to infection, they may still e.g. after-grass, re-seeding. harbour worm burdens that lead to production losses, so monitoring is important in all ages1. Use wormers correctly It is good practice to monitor cattle regularly to identify Select an appropriate product with ecacy against the if worm challenge has overcome immunity leading parasites and parasite stages that you are targeting. to disease. First season grazing (FSG) cattle are naïve Dose accurately. Assess animals’ weights as accurately as to worms and are susceptible to infection, which can possible, using scales a‡ect animal performance and lead to disease. Strategic or a weigh tape, and use an appropriate, well-maintained treatment during the grazing season is usually necessary for application device and calibrate before use. FSG cattle. With second grazing season cattle, diagnostics Monitor product ecacy by performing regular post- should be done to determine if worming is required. treatment faecal egg counts and engage with your vet to ensure any incidences of suspected lack of ecacy Grassland Management are investigated further and reported to the product While 95 per cent of worms are estimated to be located on manufacturer. This approach is key to understanding the grassland, only 5 per cent are present in cattle2. A holistic reasons why an anthelmintic treatment may not have approach to control should minimise exposure to pasture been e‡ective and determining whether resistance may challenge, whilst reducing practices that may select for be an issue on your farm; and report any suspected lack of resistant worms. ecacy to the product manufacturer. There are a number of approaches that can be taken and it is important to implement treatment strategies that reduce References selection for resistance and preserve a genetically diverse 1. Ravinet, N. (2014) Change in milk production after population of worms on your farm. treatment against gastrointestinal nematodes according  When implementing strategic group treatments leave to grazing history, parasitological and production-based 10 per cent of the fittest animals untreated or, use a indicators in adult dairy cows. Veterinary Parasitology. 32 targeted approach to treatment based on an assessment of parasite risk. 2. Herd, R. (1985) Strategies for Nematode Control in  Animals in their first grazing season can be treated Cattle. Modern Veterinary Practice. 66:10, 741-744 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Herd Health Focus

LiverThe liver fluke parasite, Fasciola Fluke Hepatica, is a parasite which aŠects cattle, sheep and goats. Enda McLoughlin of Teagasc outlines the life cycle of the Fluke and how its harmful influence on livestock health can be minimised.

Liver Fluke is caused by a flat leaf-like worm called Fasciola There are a huge number of products e‡ective at killing Hepatica. An intermediate host, the mud snail is also them, farmers are aware of the parasites for decades and involved in the life cycle. Infection with liver fluke occurs most treat their cattle at housing for them. However, when pasture that is contaminated with fluke is eaten every year we still see a high percentage of livers in meat by the animal. Once eaten fluke starts to feed and grow processing factories from housed cattle that have live and it takes approximately twelve weeks to grow to adult adult liver fluke in them. Why is this? There are a number stage when they start to lay eggs. These eggs pass out in of possible reasons, including: using a control product the faeces of the animal and when conditions are suitable that only kills a proportion of the fluke in the animal; (when temperatures go above 10 degrees) they hatch and underestimating the weight of the animal and not giving use the mud snail to continue the life cycle. During this enough product; incorrect treatment procedure; and using twelve-week period the fluke are classified according to a product that the fluke are resistant to. their stage of development:  First 5-6 weeks – early immature fluke Controlling Liver Fluke  Weeks 6-10/11 – Immature fluke The following guidelines are useful in control of Liver Fluke  Week 11 + - Adult fluke on the farm:  If possible, try to improve drainage on the farm and Due to the dry weather conditions experienced in many fence o‡ any muddy areas during risk periods (areas parts of the country this summer, there is a moderate where rushes may be growing). risk of liver fluke-related disease this winter for the north,  Any bought in animals should be quarantined for at least west, south-west and midlands, with a lower disease risk 4 weeks after arriving on the farm. 34 expected for the east and parts of the south. However,  Faecal Egg Counts – to determine if the product you are farmers in these lower risk areas should still remain vigilant using is being e‡ective. for signs of disease.  Dose animals, if possible, at housing and if needed 4-6 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Herd Health Focus

weeks after housing.  Look out for the annual Department of Agriculture months will help you to have a plan in place when treating Food and the Marine (DAFM) Liver Fluke forecast which fluke on your farm. Suckler farmers participating in the Beef advises farmers of the predicted risk of disease by Liver Environmental Eciency Programme-Suckler may have Fluke infection in livestock. This will be released in early chosen action three Faecal Egg Testing of the cow which November. was an Optional action within the programme. Cows should be placed in a clean pen and collect faecal Which product to use? samples from at least 10 di‡erent fresh faecal deposits and When purchasing a product to kill liver fluke, the most place them in 10 separate containers. The fresh samples important question to ask is: “When should I use this must be submitted to an approved laboratory on or before product so that it is most e‡ective”? Most of the flukicide 01st November 2020 as part of the scheme. that are for sale only control older immature liver flukes The samples are checked for liver and rumen fluke and and/or adult fluke. This means that any fluke that have been results should be discussed with your vet to e‡ectively picked up over the previous six to eight weeks or so will control fluke in your herd. not be killed. A second treatment for fluke will then be necessary. Triclabendazole-based products will kill all stages LIVER FLUKE COSTS IRISH FARMING of fluke, but there are 1 reports that resistance €90 MILLION+ PER YEAR to them appears quite widespread in Ireland. Anthelmintic resistance INCREASED IMPAIRED DECREASED 2 Fertility2 is becoming more of an Milk Yield2 Mortality issue on Irish farms due to overuse of certain products and not using best practice when 2 administering these POOR THRIVE products. To help slow down resistance farmers should follow proper administration of products, only use when necessary, DECREASED Feed Conversion use the most appropriate Ratio3 product, and avoid bringing resistance onto IMPAIRED DECREASED Immune System3 the farm by treating stock Growth Rate2 on arrival. When dosing try to accurately estimate the weight of the animals you are treating to decide on the correct dose rate as Protect your profits with you do not want to under or over dose animals, ENDOFLUKE and have equipment in Triclabendazole 100mg/ml good working order and calibrated before use. If  Kills all stages of liver fluke, from early immature through to adult fluke you want to make sure  Licensed for use in sheep and beef cattle that the product you are  Licensed for use in dairy cattle in the dry period at least 45 days from calving+ using is being e‡ective,  1 litre, 2.5 litre, 5 litre and 6 litre packs available it would be a good idea to send o‡ dung samples For more information call Bimeda on Lo Call 1850 51 52 53 www.bimeda.ie Use Medicines Responsibly for testing. It is also important to be aware Global Excellence in Animal Health of withdrawal periods in Use medicines responsibly. Only purchase the quantity of flukicide that you require to treat your animals. If in doubt, consult your vet or animal health advisor. Date graphic particular when animals created: July 2019. Endofluke is a LM medicine containing triclabendazole 100mg/ml. Full product details including the contra-indications can be found on the SPC which is hosted on the HPRA website. Withdrawal Periods: Meat and offal: Cattle and sheep 56 days. +Milk: Cattle milk for human consumption may only be taken from 48 hours after are to be slaughtered. calving. Not intended for use within 45 days of calving. Should a cow calve earlier than 45 days after the last treatment, milk for human consumption may only be taken from 45 days + 48 hours (47 days) after the last treatment. Sheep: Not authorised for use in ewes producing milk for human consumption including during the dry period. Do not use within 35 Keeping these guidelines 1 year prior to the first lambing in ewes intended to produce milk for human consumption. Sources: 1. K.M. Cooper et al. / Trends in Food Science & Technology 44 (2015) 21-35 2. https://www.teagasc.ie/search/?q=fluke 3. https://www.cattleparasites.org.uk/liver-fluke-and-rumen-fluke/ in mind over the winter OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Herd Health Focus

Your cows, your profit and you – just how severe is leptospirosis to the health of your farm?

Prevalence of leptospirosis in Irish cattle It has been found that exposure to leptospiral infection is widespread in non-vaccinated Irish dairy herds.2 Research has shown that unvaccinated herds are very likely to have John Heslin at MSD Animal been exposed to Leptospira hardjo (L.hardjo) as 86 per cent Health, addresses the issue of herds in the Republic of Ireland were antibody positive of leptospirosis and then for L.hardjo, demonstrated via positive bulk tank milk.4 importance of control Further indication that the disease is both widespread and endemic in this country, research has shown that over 82 per cent of beef herds are classified as “infected” with the Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that has been identified disease.3 in humans, livestock, domestic animals and wildlife worldwide. Variations between di‡erent species of the Why is leptospirosis a problem in Ireland? Leptospira bacteria (or leptospires) are known as serovars. Ireland has a higher proportion of dairy herds with evidence Over 250 disease-causing serovars of Leptospira have of exposure to infection by L.hardjo compared to some been identified. Two serovars commonly cause disease in other European countries.4 This may be due to the fact cattle in Ireland: Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo and that we have higher cattle densities than other European Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo.1 Leptospirosis has countries as well as more frequent movement of cattle 36 been recognised as a cause of disease in cattle in Ireland between herds.2 Movement of cattle onto and o‡ the farm since the 1980s.2 It is now considered endemic in Irish is recognised as a risk factor for leptospiral infection.4 cattle but what does that mean for farmers today? Increasing breeding herd size increases the likelihood OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Herd Health Focus

that a herd has been infected. It has been shown that a service or the infection can be passed from cow to calf herd containing over 14 breeding animals is 5 times more during pregnancy.7 likely to be positive for leptospiral infection than herds of under 13 breeding animals.1 Therefore, protection against leptospirosis is of particular importance for the Irish dairy Routes of Transmission herd which, according to the Central Statistics Oce data, expanded by almost 320,000 cows from 2013 to 2018.  Purchase of infected cattle  Purchase or hire of an infected bull Cost of Leptospirosis  Co-grazing with infected cattle or sheep The costs of this disease to the beef and dairy farmer  Access to contaminated water or feed include the cost of any resultant abortion, reduction in  Contact with infected post abortion uterine discharge milk yield and infertility (reduced conception rates to  Cow to calf in utero transmission first service). Exposure to L. hardjo to a previously un- infected dairy herd has been estimated to reduce farm profit by €13.72 per cow. Potentially more significantly, What signs might indicate that a in comparison to herds vaccinated against leptospirosis, herd is infected? unvaccinated herds had a 4-6 per cent lower 6-week In an acute infection in the herd a sudden drop in milk calving rate.5 Each 1 per cent change in 6-week calving rate production may be seen in up to 50 per cent of the is associated with €8.22/cow per annum for a herd average lactating cows. This drop in production can last for cow in the dairy herd.6 A 4-6 per cent greater 6-week between 7 to 14 days in individual cows. Milk is yellow, thick calving rate in a 100 cow herd is worth €3,288 - €4,932 and may contain clots. The udder is flabby and non-painful more profit to the farmer. with all four quarters a‡ected. This is in contrast to mastitis where it is swollen, hard and painful and one or more How do cattle become infected? quarters may be a‡ected. Abortions and stillbirths may Maintenance hosts keep the cycle of infection going. A occur, typically during the middle or last third of pregnancy. maintenance host is an animal that is capable of acting as Once the infection becomes established in the herd an a natural source of leptospiral infection for another animal. increase in infertility in the form of reduced conception Cattle are maintenance hosts for the bacteria belonging to rates may be observed. the L.hardjo serovar. This is relevant when considering the control of the disease on farm as it is important to reduce exposure of cattle to both if possible. Clinical signs of infection with Livestock (including cattle and sheep) become infected by Leptospira hardjo contact with pasture, water or feed which is contaminated by the urine of infected animals. This is why vaccinating Abortion cattle to reduce the shedding of the bacteria in urine is Milk drop syndrome important in the overall control of leptospirosis on farm. Infertility 37 Livestock can also become infected by contact with post Birth of weak calves abortion uterine discharge, infected cleanings, during OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

Exposure to L. hardjo to a previously un- infected dairy herd has been estimated to reduce farm profit by €13.72 per cow.

Some of the key questions to ask when using leptospiral vaccines: Beware – humans can contract What is the dose volume? leptospirosis! Should the vaccine be given under the skin or into the A zoonosis is an infectious disease of animals that can be muscle? spread to humans and leptospirosis is one such disease that What is the dosing schedule for heifers and when should it is considered to pose a risk to farmers.1 Disease associated be given? with L. hardjo infection in cattle was first reported in Ireland How should the vaccine be stored? in 1982 and just two years later infection in Irish dairy farm When should the annual booster be given to cows? workers was reported.2 The illness in humans varies from Does the vaccine immunise cattle against Leptospira mild to severe and potentially fatal, depending on the interrogans serovar hardjo? person`s own immune status and the serovar with which Does the vaccine immunise cattle against Leptospira he/she is infected. Fever, headaches, chills, diarrhoea borgpetersenii serovar hardjo? and nausea are just some of the non-specific symptoms Does the vaccine reduce shedding of leptospires in cow`s that can be experienced. Worldwide, case fatality rates urine? range from 3 to > 50 per cent.7 Vaccination of cattle is a Will the vaccine improve herd fertility? responsible part of any herd health plan as it reduces the Can the vaccine be used concurrently with any other risk of infection spread to other cattle. vaccine? As a general rule both primary and booster vaccinations Leptospirosis in Sheep should be completed approximately 2 weeks prior to The prevalence of leptospirosis is lower in sheep than in turnout so that cattle immunity has been boosted prior to cattle, possibly due to the tendency of sheep to avoid the time of maximum spread of the infection at grass. contact with surface water. Stocking densities and Leptospirosis has become an endemic disease in Ireland. management practices are also generally less intensified in Strategic vaccination of cattle remains an important control the sheep sector. However, sheep can be infected by, and measure in both human as well as cattle health. transmit, leptospires. Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo can cause late term abortions and stillbirth in sheep. This References complicates control of L. hardjo infection on farms where 1 Ryan, E. et al. (2012). Herd-level risk factors associated with sheep and cattle are grazed together. Leptospira Hardjo seroprevalence in Beef/Suckler herds in the Republic of Ireland. IVJ 65:6. Control through vaccination 2 Leonard, N. et al. (2004) Prevalence of antibodies to Leptospira Given the fact that leptospirosis is endemic in Irish beef interrogans serovar hardjo in bulk tank milk from unvaccinated and dairy herds, vaccination is a key aspect to control of Irish dairy herds. IVJ 57 (4) 226-231. the disease. Beef herds, buying in breeding replacements 3 Ryan, E. et al. (2012). Seroprevalence of Leptospira Hardjo in and farms that have areas of grazing flooded each year the Irish will often vaccinate to reduce the risk of leptospirosis.1 suckler cattle population. IVJ 65:8. Limiting access to stagnant water and contact with rodent 4 O’ Doherty, E. et al. (2013). Temporal trends in bulk milk and other wildlife carriers is also important. It is important antibodies to Salmonella, Neospora caninum, and Leptospira to ensure that the vaccine used o‡ers the widest possible interrogans serovar hardjo in Irish dairy herds. Preventive cover against the leptospiral stains that a‡ect cattle. Veterinary Medicine. 109 (3–4) 343-348. Leptavoid H is an inactivated vaccine and is the only 5 O’ Doherty, E. et al. (2015). E›ect of exposure to Neospora vaccine that has proven protection against the two strains caninum, Salmonella, and Leptospira interrogans serovar commonly associated with disease in Ireland. Furthermore, Hardjo on the economic performance of Irish dairy herds. it is the only vaccine licensed to improve fertility associated Journal of Dairy Science. 98 (4) 2789-2800. with Leptospirosis caused by L. hardjo and is licensed for 6 Shalloo, L. et al. (2014). E›ect of fertility on the economics of use on the same day as Bovilis BVD. pasture-based dairy systems. Animal 8 222-231. 38 This is convenient as most leptospirosis vaccines are 7 Hartskeerl, R. A. et al. (2011). Emergence, control and re- administered ahead of breeding, which coincides with the emerging leptospirosis: dynamics of infection in the changing timing of BVD vaccination. world. CMI 17 494-501. OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com SLURRYQUIP CERBERUS TANKER RANGE The benefits of the mid mounted dribble bar

1. better visibility `````` 2. better balance , it leaves more ```` weight on tractor fo traction compared to a standard rear mounted version 3. Much reduced tail swing so reducing possible damage when turning 4. More maneuverable due to shorterwheelbase as wheel have repositioned Capable of fitting a flow meter properly on overhead macerator feed pipe 5. optional automatic or manual downhill emptying 6. Optional incab computer to calculate spreading speed and records volumes spread. Now with NEW GPS reading and mapping features for better slurry management . 7. Slurryquip only use their own design ProCut macerator that handles the silage present in Irish slurries with ultimate ease and no blockages . We also only use 50mm which provide a much more even spread with smaller pipes

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Pre-Calving Mineral Requirements

It is important to note that the mineral status of our soils and forages varies tremendously from farm to farm and Successful transition from the year to year. The simplest and most accurate way of dry period into lactation is one knowing the mineral status is testing the forages being of the most crucial moments fed to cows, whether it be grass, grass silage, maize or in a dairy cow’s lactation. It wholecrop silage. Once known, informed decisions can be will have a direct impact on made on the most e‡ective way of supplementation. milk production, cow health To date, many of this year’s silage analyses are showing a deficiency in phosphorus and an excess supply of and reproductive performance during the potassium due to a high level of soluble nitrogen caused by subsequent lactation. Eddie Phelan, regional high fertiliser and slurry application rates. manager, Alltech Ireland oŠers advice through this period. Macrominerals Magnesium is needed for the metabolism and absorption A successful transition can be achieved by getting of calcium within the cow around calving. Throughout the the management and nutrition of dry cows right. This dry period, a cow needs 40+ g magnesium/day. If a silage successful transition revolves around four key pillars: mineral analysis is 0.15 per cent magnesium, a cow eating condition, nutrition, minerals and management. 11 kg dry matter intake (DMI) during the dry period will take During the dry cow period, these four pillars will prepare in 1.65 g from silage. As a result, the mineral supplement farmers for easy, stress-free calving and set their herds will need to supply at least 35–40 g of magnesium. If the up for successful lactation by reducing metabolic issues feed rate of the mineral is 120 g/head/day, it needs to be a around calving, including milk fever, retained placenta, minimum of 25 per cent magnesium to make up the deficit. displaced abomasum and ketosis. As previously mentioned, Potassium in Irish silages is typically between 1.8–2.4 per one of the four pillars is getting mineral nutrition correct in cent. However, the dry cow requirement is only 0.52 per the dry period. Dry cows should be fed a dry cow mineral cent. Potassium interacts closely with magnesium, tying for the duration of the dry period. Ideally, between weeks it up in the rumen, which can slow down the absorption 6-8. This is to ensure there is a good reserve of minerals and mobilisation of calcium, leading to milk fever. With built up to allow the cow to calve down without any issues sucient magnesium supplementation, the typical levels and continue into the lactation to follow. of potassium can be managed. If potassium is greater than 1.8 per cent in silage, it can be managed with magnesium Silage testing by introducing Cal-Mag or sweetened Cal-Mag. Levels Most Irish silages do not supply the required amount of above 1.8 per cent need further measures as prescribed by minerals to get the cow through the dry period. As a result, a nutritionist. these minerals need to be supplemented. If you have not 40 already done so, test your silage for minerals. This will give Milk fever a good indication of the mineral status and ensure you are Research has shown that, where milk fever is relatively feeding a balanced mineral supplement. well-controlled, approximately 33 per cent of cows may OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

experience sub-clinical milk fever. levels of vitamin E, as the two work in synergy. This is While dealing with customers, I often get the question: very important on maize and silage diets, where vitamin I had a higher number of cows go down with milk fever E is very low. before calving, despite using boluses for some. What can I  Copper (Cu) plays an important role in fertility do to reduce the risk of this happening again? and immunity. Copper deficiency can cause many We recommend the following: issues, such as poor growth, reproduction problems,  Test dry cow silage for minerals: If potassium is higher impaired immunity and diarrhoea. than 1.5 per cent and magnesium less than 0.4 per cent  Another common question on farms relates to of DMI (40 g/head/day), the dry cow is at risk of milk the level of held cleanings. When the level of held fever or sub-clinical milk fever. Level of magnesium cleanings increases on-farm, the level of mineral supplementation is very important; a dry cow will need supplementation also tends to increase, but this may around 40+ g of magnesium in total. Potassium locks up not always be beneficial. See below some key points magnesium and magnesium is needed to help mobilise on the issue: calcium from the bones.  First, as always, test your forage for minerals. Choose  Check the calcium level in the dry cow diet: If greater a mineral based on your forage mineral analysis. High than 0.45 per cent of total DMI (~ 50 g), the cow will potassium and low magnesium may also be the issue become too dependent on the supplemented calcium. here, so you may need a mineral with higher levels of This may result in her not being able to mobilise calcium magnesium. from her bones, which can lead to milk fever.  Then, check the label to see what type of mineral you  The risk of milk fever is reduced if cow BCS is monitored were feeding; ask your supplier if you are not sure. If and controlled in late lactation and throughout the dry most of the elements are inorganic (i.e., zinc oxide), period. Cows should be dried o‡ between BCS 3–3.25, feeding high levels of inorganic minerals can cause and this BCS should be maintained throughout the dry mineral interactions, such as the zinc oxide interacting period. Cows with both too high and too low BCS are with copper, making it less available for absorption, shown to have an increased risk of milk fever. which may lead to more cows with retained placentas. Choose a mineral that contains organic minerals, Importance of trace minerals during the dry period such as Bioplex® Copper, Manganese, Zinc and Sel- Trace minerals, or micro minerals, play a huge role in the Plex® (organic selenium). These are proven to mimic overall immunity, fertility and production of dairy cows. the minerals found in grass and, therefore, are more Irish grass silages have been shown to be 63 per cent bioavailable with better absorption and less chance of low in copper, 69 per cent low in selenium and 29 per mineral interactions. cent low in zinc. (Rogers and Murphy, 2000). As a result, supplementation is essential. Minerals that go to work, not to waste Research has shown that feeding these trace minerals in Important trace minerals their organic form — Bioplex Copper and Zinc and Sel-Plex,  Zinc (Zn) supplementation is important at all times of an organic form of selenium — leads to better absorption, the year as it helps to keep somatic cell counts under storage and utilisation by the cow. This builds up the cow’s control, reduce incidences of mastitis and maintain the immune system and lowers the risk factors associated with hardness of the hoof. dicult calvings and retained placenta.  Selenium (Se) is a natural antioxidant and boosts the Make your dry cow mineral count by using proven 42 immunity of calves and dairy cows by playing a role in technologies as part of a dry cow nutrition programme that the resistance to viral and bacterial infection. Selenium generates greater return on investment, benefiting both supplements will only be e‡ective if fed with the correct cow performance and farm profitability. OCTOBER 2020 Herd Health Focus www.irishfarmersmonthly.com OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Partner Promotion www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Management Hints

Joe and Frank Garrett, Crossmolina, planning their T-Day for this season.

Time to Plan your T-Day

This time last year, Frank and Joe Garrett from Crossmolina area, Frank and Joe are always striving to run a productive were approached by their local merchant Liam Cawley and ecient enterprise. “This is why I approached them” to think about treating their slurry tank during the closed says Liam, “if Slurry Gold would work with them, the results season. “I had heard about these slurry additives and was would be clear”. keen to see it work locally,” explains Liam. “Yeah” says Joe, “and we were his guinea pigs”. Frank and Joe farm How Slurry Gold works a suckler enterprise with their unique Romagnola cattle Joe explains how it worked for them. “The rep kindly took outside Crossmolina, Co Mayo. Originally from Italy this the time to visit us and explain in detail how it worked and unique breed is known for its maternal cows and strong most importantly how to get the most from it. It did sound healthy calves. “We are developing a composite breed with very simple, nearly too simple to believe, however he gave Limousin, called Limnola” enthuses Joe. Well known in the us the confidence to give it a go. We simply treated the tank once the cows had come in, making sure to get it across the slats as best as possible.” Frank admits: “Throughout the season it was hard to see what it was doing, so there was a lot of anticipation when the contractor came to empty it. Usually it would take us the guts of a day to empty the tank, between drawing water, mixing and always having to lift the end slats to force it all out”. The results were clear to see. Joe says: “When the contractor started to empty it, after forty five minutes we couldn’t believe it. Everything came out easily, no need to lift any slats, and a nice fluid slurry to work with.” This factor became apparent during and after spreading. “The slurry hardly tainted the grass and within a day it was hard to see it on the ground” Joe adds: “There was definitely less smell when spreading and a strong response in the grass was clearly seen.”

Wide endorsement

Reduces Polluting Improves Minimises Crust Enriches Liam reiterates this: “We had other customers also Odours Nutrient Uptake Formation Soil Fertility try it with the same results. They say although you feel a bit daft at the time treating the tank, the results NOW IS THE TIME were more than worth it. Orders are already in for this season, so that says it all.” Joe adds: “It is not often you TO PLAN YOUR T-DAY! see something surprise you like this, in a good way. My only advice is to get your Treatment Day (T-Day) planned, otherwise it will easily pass you by.” Slurry Gold is a unique formulation of microbials designed to keep the slurry biologically active whilst in storage. This means it will naturally decompose fibre and recycle nutrients (particularly Nitrogen) into more stable forms. For more information, go to www.slurrygold.com or 44 www.slurrygold.com call Mark on 01 437 6894. Tel 01 437 6894 / 028 6634 8469 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Partner Promotion www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Management Hints

want to be seen in. MESSAGES:  Any wonder they fall into bad health and are then surprised. Define your “Wealth” and take steps to mind it.  A clean bill of health from the Doctor is very Look after your health, uplifting. Build good relationships with family and friends,  If s/he identifies small problems, then they can be Manage your financial security by having your sorted out before they become large problems. Adviser, Bank Manager Accountant on side. Take the advice and act. In particular, men aren’t good Be happy with “the assets God gave you” and at taking health advice. define your philosophy in life. Check with the Doctor if your diet is o.k. because Use the rotation planner to guide you; but do a surveys show that over 80% of farmers eat badly. grass budget.  Check if your fitness level is up to requirements Replacement heifer weights drive October because many farmers are a lot unfitter than they decisions. think. Body condition score all your cows now and take Being in good health, being fit and correctly fed will be action first steps in tackling the challenges facing you.  If you are a little stressed and/or fret over little By Matt Ryan things tell your Doctor, because stress activates lots of other problems. WEALTH; WHAT IS IT – MIND IT! Remember tiredness, stress and ill-health can cause you In these challenging times, Covid, environment etc. in to do and say unusual things to your family and people dairying – always was and always will be challenging – it you do business with. is time to redefine the things that matter. Wealth? What Mental health is equally important and most men never is it? share these thoughts with anyone.  Health,  Relationships BUILD AND PROTECT RELATIONSHIPS:  Peace of mind What is life worth to us if we do not have friends and  Financial security, good relationships with our family and others!  Jog satisfaction, One’s family is everything and we should make sure to  Personal philosophy. protect the strength of that relationship. No matter what the issues the only way to overcome  When things are challenging in life there is no one to the challenges is to: fall back on but family,  Stay positive (things always get better)  Work and social commitments can interfere with the  Stay healthy by eating, exercising and resting well. support family may need,  Deal with the problems one at a time by having a We all need contact with other human beings, hence plan. the need to be involved in our communities;  Talk to positive people, such as family, accountant,  While it is essential to be involved with our families, Adviser, doctor, clergy etc. we must also maintain contact with friends and  Stay away from ‘prophets of doom’ who are always neighbours; otherwise, life becomes boring and we complaining, carrying bad news stories etc. may become introvert.  Remember, that the power of positive thinking helps  Now-a-days this is probably one of the hardest people overcome challenges in life. tasks facing farmers – building and maintaining outside relationships. If you find yourself reluctant MIND YOUR HEALTH: to “work” on this and have difficulty maintaining We always heard “your health is your wealth” – mind it, friends mention it to your doctor. go to your Doctor!  Discussion Groups help on this front. Also sporting  Get an “MOT” done by your Doctor. and community social activities have huge merit but 45  You know, the doctor’s surgery is the last place men don’t overdo it. OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Management Hints www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Management Hints

Encourage your teenagers/young adults to get involved  Support you with independent advice, locally; Macra is a wonderful organisation for young encouragement and a listening ear. adults.  He will help you to be organised for meetings with  This is all free, you have to pay no one for it, but it is your Accountant, your Bank Manager and your Vet. the life-soul of mental health. Talk more to your Accountant about your business:  Another type of doctor – financial analyst! PEACE OF MIND:  A big concern for many farmers is the upcoming tax “Some people are never happy”. Don’t be one of these! bill.  “They never have enough”; “they are always jealous  At a recent discussion group meeting IFAC of what other people have or can do”. suggested that farmers be aware of the following  Is the guy happier when he has a million euro in in minimising one’s tax bill: Spouse’ wages; Family comparison with when he was worth half of that? wages; Repairs V Capital claims; Stock relief; My late mother always said, when she or we had some pollution control claim; leased land tax exemptions; disappointment, “maybe it is all for the better”. And as Income averaging; use all Capital allowances, tax often as not, it was! credits and pension payments; or maybe consider It is suggested we try Yoga or Pilates; give it a try! forming a limited company.  Get him to prepare you for your chat with your bank FINANCIAL SECURITY: manager: No doubt this occupies the mind of all Parents and  What facilities does he suggest your bank manager managers of farms: must provide if you are to get through the short- and  When you are a provider this will always put medium-term cash flow problems? pressure on you. The trick is... and this has and will Talk to Your Bank manager: always exert pressure on them. The trick is not to  He is another type of financial Doctor and a person let it overwhelm you beyond what you need and are you cannot do without? capable of providing.  You must look at him in that light, not as the person We all think we can do this on our own, or at least some who gives you the umbrella on a fine day and takes if men do, without family and other supports. from you on a wet day.  There are a number of outside agencies that  Some farmers are very allergic to the Bank Manager are there to help you avoid putting your family and don’t communicate well with him. at financial risk or helping to consolidate its  Be clear in your own mind what you want and how performance. you are going to pay back your loans, therefore, you  Your Agricultural Adviser, Accountant, Bank need a financial plan, plus three years accounts, done Manager, Vet, Discussion Group etc fall into this by your Adviser/Accountant. support category.  Your expectations must be achievable and realistic, Your Agricultural Adviser is another type of Doctor.  If you lose your credit worthiness with one bank the  He/she can be an objective farm manager for you. next one won’t lend to you either.  Help you solving problems.  Keep your bank manager informed at all times as to  Analysing your present situation, how things may change as you go through a farming  Guiding the development of your short- and long- year. term plans,

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JOB SATISFACTION: You must stop using the excuse of “hard work”, “too You would imagine to hear some farmers talk that they busy”, etc to do the things that matter most to you. actually “hate” being farmers: It takes a lot of time and preparation to be ready for If that is you; then you are in the wrong job, meetings with: There is no “perfect job” out there. We know farming  Your Doctor, can be very tough with no guarantee of a fair income  Your Adviser, for your days’ work. But what choices have you?  Your Accountant, Thinking positively about farming will make it easier  Your Bank Manager, etc, but prepare. and actually does make it possible to overcome the  You will get nothing out of those meetings if you are hard times. not prepared: Being positive about farming as an occupation; it is an outdoor job, you are your own boss, working with animals can be very therapeutic, a great place to rear children, there are great community friendships and it can give a reasonable income.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY: Define your own personal philosophy for yourself and your family in terms of For proven Goals. protection when If you wish to own the world, then go for it; it matters most. however, if you define wealth as per these suggestions stitch them in. Allow yourself the opportunity to enjoy life and be happy. Get dressed-up when going to town – too many farmers don’t - and it will make you feel better. When I once reminded my mother that she was talking to herself, she replied, “I like my own Internal teat seal for the company”. prevention of ascending Are you a pro-crastinator, intramammary infections like many, all talk of good throughout the dry period. intentions and never doing?  “I meant to do….”  “I should have ….”  “If only I fixed that; that would not have Please read the product data sheet and seek advice before use. The dosing programme should be established with your licenced merchant. 47 Manufactured in NI by: Norbrook Laboratories Ltd, Station Works, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6JP. Distributed in ROI by: Norbrook Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd, happened…” Rossmore Industrial Estate, Monaghan, County Monaghan. Legal Category: ROI: SureSeal® contains bismuth subnitrate | 5051-LA(C)-v1a-ROI-28/09/20 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Management Hints www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Management Hints

 Have notes made out in advance with questions,  At least 60 -70% of the grazing area must be grazed suggestions, etc because otherwise you will forget by first week of November. things in the “heat of the moment”.  If the area allocated each day doesn’t give the cows  Have as much farm data as you can available, such enough grass, indicated by post-grazing height (you as, milk statements, profit monitor, ICBF breeding must measure with a plate meter), then the farmer data, bank statement, all debtors/creditors. must supplement with meals (not more than 3kgs)  A five-year physical and financial plan will almost and/or, very good quality baled silage. certainly help your case. You must graze out well, (to 4cms) or you will have Ask yourself if you are managing your business to the reduced tillers next year, resulting in poorer grass best of your ability? growth.  Be honest! The last rotation should begin between the 1-15th  If not why not? October (depending on soil type) and end 15-26th  Too busy, too tired, lack of ability to deal with paper November. work, lack of knowledge, too old to change,  Some farmers, with wet land or who want to build  Which of these can you do something about? up high closing cover (see Table1), will have to start  Attitude is everything! the last rotation early and finish early. Paddocks or fields must be grazed out in rotation. Farmer’ sons tell me that the “old man” won’t let them  Some farmers have a habit of dropping down wires do this or that and that he is always “complaining about and letting animals graze all over the place – a how I do things”. disaster because regrowth’s will be eaten and you  Believe it or not these sons’ range in age from 18 won’t have any grass next spring. years to 50 years.  The first paddocks grazed in this rotation will be  Some fathers don’t know when to “let go the reins”. grazed first in spring; therefore, plan accordingly.  If you are “old-minded” and “conservative” you Because of good autumn growth we have a lot of high must evaluate your position. cover that require great skill to graze out:  Any friction in the “family team” won’t be conducive  In many situations, little or no meals and definitely to overcoming the present challenges. no silage should be fed, particularly where you are trying to graze off high covers. Ask yourself:  Graze animals for 2-4 hour periods, removing  Have you a farm plan? animals when grass has been eaten, otherwise they  Are you doing dairy profit monitor? do too much walking damage,  Do you know the EBI of your herd? (Member ICBF)  Don’t graze when it is raining as animals spend more  Are you milk recording? time walking, therefore, more soil compaction.  Are you availing of the services of an agricultural  Graze in square blocks, not in long narrow strips, as adviser? less poaching damage is done due to less walking,  Are you grass budgeting?  Graze from back of paddock, so that animals never,  Are you “good to” staff or family members that are ever, walk over grazed ground. Or use cow walks (3-4 working on farm? yds wide) to allow cows access to back of paddocks.  If the answer is “no” to most of these questions then  Use several gap entrances to a paddock to minimise you are a long way “off-the-pace”. dirtying the grass inside the gap.  You have to do something to help yourself.  Avoid having to graze heavy covers, over 2300kg DM/ Ha, because it means animals have to spend too long USE THE AUTUMN ROTATION PLAN: in each area of ground, also recovery is slower, and I am amazed how few farmers use this simple “aid” to there will be more decayed grass in the sward. help them have grass in the cows’ diet for 280 days per  These are simple, low cost suggestions but for some year. reason some farmers don’t practice them. Every extra day at grazing in autumn is worth €1.80/ cow/day profit! Because of the vagaries of the weather and its effect It works on a very simple principle: It spells out the on growth, it is essential to continue to measure grass 48 number of hectares you allow your cows graze each day weekly, so as to achieve the targets set out in Table 1, of the last rotation. particularly the target cover on 1st December. OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Management Hints www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Management Hints

Table 1: Target Covers per cow (kgs DM) and average farm cover (AFC) Replacement R1’s under targets weights should get 1 – 2 2.5 Cows/ha 3.0 Cows/ha 3.5Cows/ha kgs meal (pulp or barley) so as to meet target weights on 1st April. Date Cover/Cow AFC Cover/cow AFC Cover/cow AFC  For every 20kg animals are below target they will 1st Oct 400 1000 380 1150 335 1175 need to be fed an extra 100kgs meal (16%P). 15th Oct 350 880 340 1020 285 1000 R2’s under targets need 1-2 kgs meal (12-14% P).  Otherwise they will calve down too light, resulting 1st Nov 280 700 275 820 240 830 in 450 litres lower milk yields for every 50 kgs below Closing 550 - 600 600 - 700 700 - 800 target weight at calving.  For every 20kg animals are below target they will 1st Dec Target 600 - 700 700 - 800 800 - 900 need to be fed an extra 140kgs meal (12-14%P). It is obvious you must weigh replacements NOW. If you don’t hit these covers in early October, then you Essential for animals on Contract. will have to house earlier and the allocated area will not Have you injected cows and heifers for Salmonella to have near enough grass daily.  Sell off cull cows now – a financial waste feeding meals with cull cows eating grass.  Destock by drying off thin cows and heifers (at 270 days lactation or less) during the month and move them away from milking platform. We said it last month but it is essential to do a grass budget this winter because many farmers seem to have embarked on earlier calving.

REPLACEMENT WEIGHTS DRIVE MANAGEMENT: Breeding stock weights and www.grasslandagro.ie condition scores are the vital chores this month. Check them out, even if out with a contract rearer. The following are the target weights for October for the various mature weights of the breed:

Table 2: Target weights (kg) for Replacement Weanling (R1’s) and Incalf

Heifer (R2’s) for 1st October Maintenance Mature Weight R1’s R2’s Sun-index EBI (37%) (77%) €5 617 228 475 €10 592 219 456 €20 544 201 419 €30 500 185 385 49 OCTOBER 2020 Management Hints www.irishfarmersmonthly.com fendt.co.uk | Fendt is a worldwide brand of AGCO.

prevent abortions? restricted diet she will not gain any weight during  Have you injected the weanling replacements for the 1st 10 days and, as intake is reduced in late Leptospirosis? pregnancy, she will not gain any weight for the last  If any animals show symptoms of hoose (coughing), 30 days before calving. Hence the need to match the stomach worms (sticky dung on tail head) or fluke length of the dry period with cow condition. (scouring + other signs) have them treated as they What do you do with thin cows now? will not maximise weight gain.  If not in calf:  Sell off, so as to spare grass, as there seems to be CONDITION SCORE NOW: demand for them, or, This is the first and most important BCS’ing of the  If grass is plentiful, not over-stocked, feed meal ‘new’ season. and milk on.  BCS of the herd must be managed so as to maximise  If in-calf: performance next year.  Dry off early, based on calving date, or, Cows and heifers must calve down in BCS of 3.00 to  Feed low % protein meal - barley (3-4kgs). or, 3.25 and be the same at mating.  Put them on OAD milking,  Being thinner or fatter will have adverse  I favour feeding meal while cows are milking to consequences next year. put on BCS because, to put on 1 kg of liveweight, Cows that are too thin will: milking cows only require 50mj ME compared  Be more at risk to mastitis and uterine infections. with 72 mj. ME when dry (=44% more energy  Milk less; going from 2.75 to 3 increases MS/cow by required). 6kgs. What do you do with fat cows now?  Not be submitted for bulling in the first 3 weeks of  Sell if not in calf, the breeding season – particularly true for 1st and  If grass is plentiful milk on and don’t feed them 2nd calvers. meal, if possible, so as to burn off flesh.  Thin calving cows are more likely (5 %+) to have bull calves the following pregnancy. Brief Notes: Cows that are too fat at calving are also at risk because: Drying off cows: Decide on the batch to dry off in the  Their intake will be reduced after calving they will be last half of October as follows: likely to encounter metabolic disorders and milk less  January/early Feb calvers and 1st lactation heifers, as a result.  Cows with a BCS of 2.75 or less,  They will be less likely to go back in calf next year.  Cows producing less than 0.6kgs MS/cow/day  It is such a waste; to feed cows to get too fat.  Cows with an SCC of over 300,000,  British Friesian cows generally calve down too fat.  Because these dry cows can eat a lot of grass Fendt Cargo T955. The following quick guideline to BCS will be useful; regrowths, teat seal them and house in clean cubicles Backbone: Is it flat or is there a ridge? Can you see or rather than letting them back onto grass.. easily feel notches? Get some dung samples tested for Fluke infection. Long Ribs: Can you see or easily feel the ribs? If visible  Will help to confirm or otherwise the presence of All the best features in one. how many? fluke on dry land. Short ribs: Can you see them? Five! Are they sharp or I’m pretty sure you should get the Farm Relief Service Combining the benefits of a traditional telehandler rounded? to treat your herd for lameness, particularly, if you have Hip bones: Are the hip bones rounded or angular? a history of it. with the performance of a wheeled loading shovel. Rump: is the area between the pins and hip bones flat,  At the very least, walk the cows through a footbath sunken or hollow? for 3 consecutive days once or twice per month. ■ Uninterrupted fl oor to ceiling view thanks to no dashboard Pin bones: are they pointed, tap-like or pointed? Reseeds; these must be sprayed for weeds 3-5weeks ■ Fully suspended lifting cab offering a smooth ride and unrestricted 360° visibility Tailhead: Is there a hollow between tailhead and pins? after sowing, ■ Robust boom construction with a self-centering design reducing torsion Is it a deep V or shallow U shaped?  They must be grazed at covers of 700-900 rather Thigh: Is the area indented, flat or rounded? Is the than heavy cover so as to promote tillering. ■ Z-kinematics giving wheeled loader-like performance muscle structure defined?  Also soiled water would push on growth if available. ■ Small turning radius despite long wheelbase Identify cow within the various BCS ranges (1 to 5) in ■ Stepless transmission October and take appropriate action:  Every 0.5 BCS (30kg on Holstein) below target Contact your Fendt Dealer to fi nd out more. requires 115 kgs of extra meal over and above usual 50 maintenance.  Remember that after drying off, as the cow is on “Curiosity is more important than knowledge” It's Fendt. Because we understand agriculture. OCTOBER 2020 Management Hints www.irishfarmersmonthly.com fendt.co.uk | Fendt is a worldwide brand of AGCO.

Fendt Cargo T955. All the best features in one. Combining the benefits of a traditional telehandler with the performance of a wheeled loading shovel.

■ Uninterrupted fl oor to ceiling view thanks to no dashboard ■ Fully suspended lifting cab offering a smooth ride and unrestricted 360° visibility ■ Robust boom construction with a self-centering design reducing torsion ■ Z-kinematics giving wheeled loader-like performance ■ Small turning radius despite long wheelbase ■ Stepless transmission

Contact your Fendt Dealer to fi nd out more.

It's Fendt. Because we understand agriculture. OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery

The Fendt Cargo T955 The Fendt Cargo T 955 combines the best of both worlds: its ground. At a total height of 2.65 m, it is also lower than the lifting height, reach and stability of a telescopic many wheel loaders. loader, with a solid construction and enormous breakaway When it comes to moving loads up and down, Fendt’s forces otherwise only associated with wheel loaders. home-grown Fendt Cargo front loader has been a best The fundamental concept behind the Cargo T955 is seller for many years. The Cargo T955 reaches new combining maximum robustness with optimum visibility heights with its unique liftable cab which can be raised and maneuverability. The Fendt Cargo T955 is perfectly to a 4.25m viewing height, providing access to completely equipped: new perspectives. Coupled with a 360 degree panoramic view and no dashboard to obstruct the lower part of the  Unique, high-speed and vibration-dampened cab for continuous windscreen, the Cargo T offers unrestricted perfect 360° all-round visibility and a unique view of visibility for the operator. Together with the lifting cab, the working tool this gives the driver the perfect view of the attachment  Solid and durable construction for maximum reliability tool in almost every working position. Loading is even  Strong telescopic arm with centring and lateral more precise and the driver stays comfortable on long guidance working days. The cab is vibration dampened, so the  Enormous breakaway torque of wheel loader driver can enjoy the levels of driving comfort we have proportions come to expect from Fendt. The drive intelligently  Small turning radius despite long wheelbase regulates the power distribution offering variable driving  Powerful, step less transmission speeds of up to 40 km/h.  Powerful hydraulics giving around 200 l/min There is independent control of the cab, so the height  100 per cent differential lock and levelling can be set to suit which could be ideal if loading lorries or  Large diesel tank stacking, as the operators eye level is able to be at loading height. Just lifting the cab by a mere 20 to 30 cm gives you The Fendt Cargo T955 is no ordinary telehandler. It’s more the best 360° all-round view, the likes of which have only about a smart connection between the telehandler and been seen on wheel loaders and telescopic wheel loaders. wheel loader, combining the advantages of both concepts. With a lift capacity of 5.5 t and a total lifting height of 8.5 There’s the robust design, for example, with extra-large m, the Fendt Cargo T955 can meet the highest demands in components wherever you look, especially the telescopic loading work. arm. The Fendt Cargo T955 also offers a small turning Just two steps and you’re in the spacious cab of the Fendt radius of less than four meters thanks to its all-wheel Cargo T955, which sets new standards in the telehandler 52 steering. The stability against overturning is significantly class. The spacious cab of the Cargo T955 offers plenty higher in contrast to articulated vehicles and it will stand of space and is very bright, with large windows. The OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery

awards with their new purpose- built bale chaser. W.R. Shaw Ltd. has o†cially moved in to the Lyons and Burton premisis in Kilcock and Well readers, as I pen this month’s Carlow: it is business as usual in column I am looking out across at both branches. Billy Shaw bought my neighbour’s fields: the crop is out Lyons and Burton a few months saved, the bales are gone and there ago and James Carroll, who is ex is a smell from the dung that has New Holland, will be managing both just been spread across the fields. branches and brings a wealth of The hedges are neatly trimmed and knowledge to the business. the chain is around the gate closed Down south, Samco has taken on up until the plough appears over the the Kverneland dealership. The next few weeks and maybe a bit of well-known Limerick engineering sowing… the ultimate reminder that company will o£er full line one year has finished and a new Kverneland, Vicon, McConnel one is about to begin. Grain prices and Siloking products. Up in have remained positive. Malting Tipperary, Abbey retail has also barley settled at €173.73 a ton, wheat taken on Kverneland for Tipperary was coming in at €200 a ton and in both their Nenagh and Clerihan oats were around €160 a ton. Straw branches. These appointments operating armrest and joystick are installed prices varied around the country will now strengthen the presence on the standard suspension seat, so any and after a di†cult harvest they are of the Kverneland position in both looking like barley straw at €19 up to counties. suspension movements does not cause €22 possibly higher for 4x4s. 8x4x3 In the south-east, Murphy Motors any proportional movements between the bales of wheaten straw are €35 per – family owned and run for over seat and the armrest. The display elements bale and barley straw is running at 60 years with branches in both are also connected to the armrest, and are €40 per bale for the same size. Milk Glenmore and at Cillin Hill Kilkenny – arranged in a way that they are for a line of is at a top price now sitting between are celebrating 60 years in business sight with the right A-pillar which replaces 30 and 31 cent a litre, depending this year. If you are in their area the usual extensive dashboard. Use the foot where you are in the country. All check them out for ongoing o£ers pedal on the move to continuously raise the doesn’t look too bad down on the over the next few months. cab up to 4.2 m on the visual axis. This gives farm but there is a lot of accounting And, in Wexford, Farmhand – you a perfectly clear view to fill high sided to be done to see what the bottom the Irish distribution for Krone, Amazone and Quicker loaders – vehicles. The floor-to-ceiling safety glass right hand figure shows after the cost of doing business this year. have appointed Cooney Furlong windscreen also helps. Because of the slim However, the new tractor market in machinery company as a Krone Big steering column, there’s nothing to obstruct Northern Ireland is at 274 units down and Big M dealer for the southeast your view. The hydraulic cylinder which lifts from 422 for the same period in of the country. May I wish every one up the cab, is also equipped with a nitrogen 2019: this is a 35 per cent drop year well with their latest appointments. bubble. This absorbs shocks away from the cab on year. The UK market is currently Finally, I was like a child on while driving, for an ultra-comfortable ride. sitting at 6683 units to date; this is Christmas morning without any For maximum driving comfort, not only is the down from 9183 units for the same toys when mid September came cab spring-loaded with a nitrogen accumulator, time last year, which equates to a and there was no Ploughing but the telescopic arm can also be equipped 26.7 per cent drop year-on-year. Championship, no Grass & Muck with load damping, which effectively Figures released from the FTMTA in May and no Tullamore Show show that the sales of new tractors in August. The whole farming intercepts any impact even at high speeds. in the Republic of Ireland are sitting community I would say is feeling the This damping system is blocked at low speeds. at 1,626 to date (August). In August same was as me… gone the chances The boom also has Z-kinematics, which 114 were registered against 108 units to meet old friends and new ones, are employed for the headstock that gives in August last year. This leaves the to see new machines in the flesh improved performance and excellent breakout overall new tractor market back 8 and the opportunity to celebrate forces. This technology has been adapted from per cent on the same period last all things farming and rural living. the wheel loader, and promises full power year. Machinery sales in general May we live in hope for 2021. The capacity from the Cargo T955 telehandler. over the past year have been steady, World Ploughing Championships The Cargo T955 has been robustly with enquiries ongoing against are coming back to Ratheniska, Co. constructed, featuring 8-10mm thick steel a backdrop of challenging times Laois next September and plans are being put in place by the FTMTA for plates used. Its telescopic boom is self- outlook so far this year is looking promising according to various a major show in 2021, so watch this centering, which reduces any torsion forces industry sources. space… which may occur. Whatever the job, the On the business front, Malone 53 Cargo T955 is at home on the farm, in Engineering took the top spot at Until next month, farm wisely and the fields and doing transport work. the Enterprise Ireland innovation farm safely. OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association AGM The 2020 AGM of the Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) was held recently as a joint physical and virtual event with some members gathering in a physically distant fashion at the FTMTA premises near Naas and others joining by video call. In addressing the AGM of the machinery industry association, recently elected FTMTA President, Diarmuid Claridge highlighted that, while the coronavirus situation had knocked Brexit from the headlines for many months, a hard or no deal Brexit and the consequent serious implications for Irish agriculture are very much back to the fore in recent weeks. The FTMTA President stated: “As things stand, we seem to now be facing the near certainty Growth through of a hard Brexit at the end of the year and all the concerns that preoccupied us to such an extent in 2019 are now even more pressing. While a no deal scenario will bring direct operational and logistical challenges within our own sector, trusted partnership the greater threat to the machinery industry lies in the likely impact on the primary producers who are our customers”. industry has struggled for some time to attract and retain Mr. Claridge also identified that “the new Common high calibre personnel within our businesses. The service Speak to us today about flexible competitive finance Agricultural Policy for the next seven years presents area is the lifeblood of the sector; apparent from being an challenges for Irish farming with a reduced budget, a important aspect of a dealership business in its own right, move towards convergence on payments and a increased the service department is a driver of sales activity. In a wider For all your agricultural machinery focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable farming sense the service department is also the main entry path for finance needs, please contact: 1 practices. The environment and climate change driven people into the trade”. agendas seem to portray farming as the problem but in The FTMTA President also stated that the farm machinery 1. Chris Smyth 07860 367125 2 reality Irish agriculture, aided by developments in various industry must look at the problems around sta‡ recruitment 2. Jimmy Murphy 0879 059394 3 aspects of mechanisation, has already made substantial and retention and needs to look at itself to identity and 3. Martin Connaughton 0872 481740 progress in these areas in recent years”. resolve the problems in this area. “As an Association we 4 In relation to new technology, Diarmuid Claridge said: “The want to represent a professional trade. The FTMTA is a 4. Geoff O’Shea 0872 481739 ongoing rapid evolution of farm mechanisation technology symbol of service and we need to take pride in the services and the adoption of new machines by our customers we provide and not be afraid to charge appropriately. We www.agcofinance.com highlights the need for a modern, progressive and need highly skilled personnel to look after our customers’ professional industry to support farmers and contractors machines and the customers require us to provide them in their use of such machinery. This requirement highlights with a skilled and quality support.” an underlying problem that has been present for some The FTMTA President closed his first address to an AGM Part of the AGCO Family time in the sector and one which the Association has made of the Association highlighting the issue of mental health 54 attempts to address in the past but which I believe further and asked all in attendance “to be mindful of each other work is urgently needed on and which I am hoping to put and those you work with on a daily basis. And remember, a to the fore in my time as President of the Association. Our simple action or word can make all the di‡erence”.

AGCO Finance 200x283.indd197x279.indd 1 22/05/201831/07/2017 14:43 11:05 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

Growth through trusted partnership

Speak to us today about flexible competitive finance

For all your agricultural machinery finance needs, please contact: 1

1. Chris Smyth 07860 367125 2 2. Jimmy Murphy 0879 059394 3

3. Martin Connaughton 0872 481740 4 4. Geoff O’Shea 0872 481739

www.agcofinance.com

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AGCO Finance 200x283.indd197x279.indd 1 22/05/201831/07/2017 14:43 11:05 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery Pottingershowcase

With machinery events and gatherings being severely hampered by Covid-19, Pottinger Ireland decided a few weeks ago to take the opportunity, while restrictions eased in some parts of the country, to show new kit to press, farmers and contractors. Below is a selection of machines that were on display. Full details of the 20/21 ranges of equipment are available from Pottinger Ireland or from their dealer network nationwide. Images supplied by Adrian Leech Photography.

HIT ¦§.¦¨ T. High output tedder combined with intelligent technology guaranteeing the best high quality forage.

Terradisc §ªª¦ T. Consistent and even cultivation achieving Terrradisc ¦ªªª¦T. Ireland’s largest high output disc cultivator. the best working results.

Servo §.«ª Semi mounted plough. Intelligent design ensuring optimum distribution of forces and stability.

IMPRESS ¦¬«FC. Reliability and convenience for achieving the best quality forage. IMPRESS is now available with film and net binding.

Aerosem and Lion 56 Combination. Precision cultivation and planting for higher yields. OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery Right Person for the Job monumental error was made in allowing Hogan to be hounded out of oce. The rest of the world looked in disbelief as Ireland shot itself in the foot; badly. Another Tom Murphy old saying “isn’t it good enough for him” also comes to Professional Agricultural mind. It’s true Phil Hogan does not su‡er fools and shoots Contractors of Ireland from the hip and in doing so has acquired his fair share of detractors. As a young aspiring politician, I remember One would have to ask why it took our Government being told that when giving out jobs you don’t have to so long to nominate candidates for the position of EU like a person or their politics, you just have to be sure Commissioner, which became available by the resignation they are the right person to for the job. Hogan detractors of Phil Hogan. It was great to see one of our most highly unfortunately did not realise this and Ireland’s status in respected politicians in Europe, Mairead McGuinness, Europe is all the poorer for it, having gone from two eventually, included in the nominations and selected as influential positions to now only one. Enough said. Ireland’s new Commissioner. Mairead has always been a Meanwhile, the UK is edging ever nearer to crashing out supporter of agricultural contractors and, although not of Europe at the end of the year, what with Boris and his having the agricultural brief, I have no doubt she will keep attempt to rewrite the withdrawal agreement and the a watchful eye on Ireland’s interests, in all areas, in her role alleged threat that the EU will blockade Northern Ireland. as Commissioner for Financial Stability. We in PAC Ireland If Boris is right and the EU denial is also correct, why not wish her well. I must also put on record my personal thanks add an amendment to the withdrawal agreement to say a and that of PAC Ireland, to Phil Hogan. His support of blockade would never happen? If the EU and the UK don’t the agricultural contracting sector during his time as EU do this, the catastrophic consequences for Irish agriculture Commissioner for Agriculture was much appreciated as and particularly for agricultural contractors cannot be were the many kindnesses shown to me both in Ireland and overestimated. Contractors won’t automatically be in the in Brussels. I wish him and his team well for the future. pot when help is handed out but can rest assured that we There is an old saying “let the punishment fit the crime”. in PAC Ireland will continue to keep our eye on the ball to As the dust settles, I believe history will show what a ensure contractors are kept to the forefront.

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„ Innovative agricultural technology for more than 140 years „ Highest performance and productivity „ Eciency, precision and accuracy „ Lower input, higher output „ The best working results

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POETTINGER Ireland Ltd., Glenaleamy Powerstown Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91 D326 T: +353 52 6125766, [email protected]

57 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

2020 Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards winners announced From sustainable Black Soldier Fly farming to a Third Arm for farm safety, the most innovative Irish agri-tech and agri- engineering products were recently announced by Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD. This year’s overall Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards winner was Michael Malone from Malone Farm Machinery in Co. Mayo. The company’s winning entry is The Malone Express, a 16 bale trailer which can accommodate 16 round bales on a chassis that is shorter than other comparable machines on the market. This makes the implement easier to manoeuvre while accommodating a large quantity of bales.The best overall start-up award went to Shane Kiernan from AI and Robotics company Iamus Technologies based in NovaUCD Dublin which I am delighted to see such a vast range of innovative concepts “The single most is collaborating with a large poultry processor and using its and ideas being brought to fruition from entrepreneurs and farm technology to continuously gather data from birds, providing experts from all around the country. noticeable difference is feedback that could save the poultry industry billions of euros Mark Christal, Divisional Manager, Regions and Entrepreneurship, annually. For the first time in its ten-year history, the 2020 Enterprise Ireland said: “This is Enterprise Ireland’s seventh the smoother ow of crop Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards, in association with year co-hosting the Innovation Arena Awards and each year the National Ploughing Association (NPA), took place online, we see significant progress in the competition entries. Despite through the machine – I’m with shortlisted innovators pitching their groundbreaking the Covid-19 pandemic, the quality of this year’s entries are a designs to a virtual judging panel over the course of two days. clear indicator that innovative and entrepreneurial activity will convinced that makes it a Winners of this year’s awards are automatically eligible to exhibit continue to drive our country forward. Many Enterprise Ireland in the ‘2020 Winners Enclosure Section’ at the Innovation companies have adjusted and pivoted recently to help deliver Arena in 2021. More than 60 entries were received for this success and particularly in ensuring that vital food and industry good deal more efcient.” year’s Awards competition with the top 30 selected for virtual services remain open. This resilience is particularly evident in Chris Ascroft, LEXION 6900, pitching. Announcing the winners, Minister Damien English the agri community and Enterprise Ireland is committed to said: “Enterprise Ireland’s annual Innovation Arena Awards supporting the determination and ambition of our agri-sector Cambridgeshire, August 2020 represent the future of Irish agri-tech and highlight new product to succeed both at home and in overseas markets”. National development as well as the innovative agri-tech and agri- Ploughing Association Managing Director, Anna May McHugh engineering capability in the Irish agriculture sector. o‡ered her congratulations to this year’s winners.

Register online now The Proof is in at my.kverneland.com 1 YEAR EXTRA WARRANTY the Performance ON ALL PRODUCTS* *Subject to terms and conditions The NEW APS SYNFLOW STRAW WALKER 5000-6000 series

Chris Ascroft, Wilbraham Farms, Cambridgeshire, replaced his LEXION 670 for the 2020 season with the new LEXION 6900. A combination of new features on the machine including new CEMOS Automatic, new QUANTIMETER and new JET STREAM WHEN FARMING MEANS BUSINESS cleaning, together with the unique APS SYNFLOW technology, has given Chris unrivalled performance from his combine www.kverneland.ie this harvest. Finance The new LEXION APS SYNFLOW STRAW WALKER 5000-6000 series offers exceptional throughput, excellent straw quality, Available Kverneland Straw Choppers greater comfort and ease of operation, and with our widest ever model range, we have a combine to suit every requirement. Call your local CLAAS dealer today for a - the professionals choice demonstration and our 58 Early Action Finance Terms. Leonard Hovenden: 087 1475137 | John Doyle: 087 101 3053 | Allan Hetherington: 0044 7826544630 Before 30.11.20 claas.ie/products/combines/lexion-6900-5300 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

“The single most noticeable difference is the smoother ow of crop through the machine – I’m convinced that makes it a good deal more efcient.” Chris Ascroft, LEXION 6900, Cambridgeshire, August 2020

The Proof is in the Performance The NEW APS SYNFLOW STRAW WALKER 5000-6000 series

Chris Ascroft, Wilbraham Farms, Cambridgeshire, replaced his LEXION 670 for the 2020 season with the new LEXION 6900. A combination of new features on the machine including new CEMOS Automatic, new QUANTIMETER and new JET STREAM cleaning, together with the unique APS SYNFLOW technology, has given Chris unrivalled performance from his combine this harvest. The new LEXION APS SYNFLOW STRAW WALKER 5000-6000 series offers exceptional throughput, excellent straw quality, greater comfort and ease of operation, and with our widest ever model range, we have a combine to suit every requirement.

Call your local CLAAS dealer today for a demonstration and our Early Action Finance Terms. Before 30.11.20 claas.ie/products/combines/lexion-6900-5300 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery Sean O’Connor joins FCI as new National Commercial Manager The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has announced the appointment of Sean O’Connor as the Association’s new National Commercial Manager. Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role as Ireland’s sole democratic association for Farm & Forestry Contractors and member of CEETTAR, the European Organisation of Agricultural, Rural and Forestry Contractors, prepares for an expansion of its services and membership. Sean O’Connor is a graduate of the IT Tralee having completed a Diploma in Agricultural Engineering followed by a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degreefrom Warnborough College in the UK. Sean has worked closely with Farm Contractors as an agribusiness professional for more than 25 years in various roles within the agricultural sector, selling the market leading range of crop protection products and building film products to major Co-ops, Plc’, machinery dealers, buying groups and merchants in Ireland. At FCI, Sean will be working to enhance the membership and commercial o‡ers available to FCI members. He will explore a range of options to enhance the role of the Farm & Forestry Contractor in Irish farming. In welcoming Sean to FCI, the Association’s National Chairman, Richard White said: “FCI has entered a new and exciting phase in its development with the arrival of Sean O’Connor to our team. We are delighted to have the benefit of Sean’s professionalism and experience to further enhance the status of FCI as supporting Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland and to get due acknowledgement for the skills and expertise of Rural-based Contractors who provide the power behind Ireland’s world-class food and forestry industries where the annual contractor sector turnover now worth more than €700 million.” Sean O’Connor added: “This is an exciting time for the organisation and ai160104738711_QUICKE_IFM_182x135.pdf 1 25/09/2020I look 16:23:13 forward to working with contractors throughout the country, FCI is an important platform for all Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland.”

WHY CHOOSE ANYTHING ELSE “It was a no brainer to go for the Quicke, it’s a reliable loader, we’ve WHEN YOU CAN HAVE A had two other Quicke loaders for years and there hasn’t been a thing done to them. Shane Beattie Nurney Co. Kildare

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50% STRONGER than anything up to Q COMPANION The unique twin -U-beam Increase the RESALE VALUE now, QUICKE loaders are built with cast The world’s first digital structure allows for of any tractor with a Quicke and forged components making them loader weigh system. OUTSTANDING VISIBILITY. Loader. EXTREMELY DURABLE.

60 For more information contact your local dealer or speak to Ben Buckley +353 87 758 6746 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery

The increasing restrictions in chemical pest control require machinery for controlling weeds with new tool combinations, to supplement previous procedures and secure the yield in farming. For ultra-flat stubble working and digging in catch crops Lemken is introducing the Koralin hybrid cultivator with an innovative tool combination consisting of discs and a tine frame with duckfoot sweep shares. According to the company, this gives reliable control of weeds even in large areas or where straw has not been removed. They state that Koralin breaks new ground, as the tools are not fixed, but have a rolling motion, which breaks up the soil eciently. A spokesperons says: “This is because there are two rows of vertically-operating discs arranged in front of the Koralin hybrid cultivator horizontally-operating tines and these break up the soil extends the application range in and cut organic remains. In each case the cuts run in front of the point and the edges of the duckfoot sweep shares. stubble working This allows the tines to penetrate the soil more easily and work without blocking for sustained periods. The They are secured to the main frame by a sprung overload shares wear less rapidly and last three times as long. The device. At working depths of two to a maximum of ten symmetrical forward-running discs attached to secure leaf centimetres, the duckfoot sweep shares cut the roots of springs have already proved their worth as they are fitted to the weeds or the catch crop horizontally like a knife. For the Heliodor compact disc harrow. With a 510 millimetre this reason the Koralin is best suited to repeated flat cutting diameter, the disc generates an abrasive sub- soil profile, at working depths, which are slightly increased each time. which prevents the share forming a layer of compacted Shares are available with hard metal tips, which increase soil below. The discs can also be used systematically life expectancy, reduce costs and subsequently reduces to perforate the soil at the bottom of the shares and machine down time to a minimum during the high season. promote drainage of surface water. In average to heavy The depth guidance system fitted to the Koralin hybrid soil conditions the discs improve the crumb structure cultivator operates accurately by means of stabilisers within of the soil during seedbed preparation.” The tines with the device, which means that the roller can be replaced duckfoot sweep shares have a 38 centimetre cut and are by a multi-row harrow for more e‡ective weed control. arranged symmetrically in three rows with line spacing of The new LEMKEN Koralin hybrid cultivator is available in 30 centimetres and overlap each other by 2.5 centimetres. working widths of 6.6 and 8.4 metres in a limited quantity.

JUWEL EFFICIENCY TO USE AND EASE OF OPERATION

The Juwel 7 and Juwel 8 mounted ploughs set new benchmarks in soil cultiva tion. They are not only particularly operator-friendly, but at the same time e cient to use and easy to operate! Experience the latest technology and discover its many bene ts for yourself:

I OptiQuick for ploughing withithout lateral pull saves fuel and I Hydromatic for disruption-free ploughing even in stony conditions reduces wearing I Skimmer with easy adjustment options – all without tools I TurnControl for safe plough turning I large interbody and underframe clearance ensure blockage- free operation

Contact: Derek Delahunty, LEMKEN Area Sales Manager    61 [email protected] OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery FINALISTS TRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2021 The Tractor of the Year (TOTY) Competition is still going ahead as normal, albeit through digital media platforms. Below are the finalists in the 2021 competition. 26 journalists from 25 countries will deliberate over the final list of entrants and the winner of this international competition will be announced in December. For more detailed information on the competition go to www.tractoroftheyear.org

ARMATRAC 1254 LUX CRD 4 CASE IH QUADTRAC 620 CLAAS AXION 960 CEMOS

FENDT 1167 VARIO MT KUBOTA M 7173 KVT LANDINI SERIE 7 V SHIFT

62 MASSEY FERGUSON 8 S.265 NEW HOLLAND T 6.160 STEYR 6240 ABSOLUT CVT OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Machinery FINALISTS TRACTOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2021

ARMATRAC 1004 LUX CRD 4 CASE IH VESTUM 130 CVX DRIVE FENDT 211 VARIO

KUBOTA M 6142 VALTRA G 135

ANTONIO CARRARO TONY-8900 V FENDT 211 V VARIO

The winner of Sustainable TOTY 2021, will be chosen among the 63 shortlisted tractors of the three LANDINI REX 3 080 F STAGE V VALTRA F 105 main categories. OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

New Krone line-up Farmhand have introduced the new Krone line-up for 2021 season The new Big Pack generation from Krone Krone has revised and optimised many high-wear components to increase machine longevity with the aim of minimising the total cost of ownership and boosting operator comfort for BigPack balers. The result is a new generation of Big Pack models that impress as truly High Performance balers. Landmark features of the new generation balers, that still retain the 1270 and 1290 chambers, are a new and modern styling, a longer bale chamber, a heavier-duty VFS variable flow system and various operator comfort features including the new PowerClean machine cleaning system.

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Having undergone a major facelift, the new Krone Big Y X 480/530/580/630 series models step out in style CM presenting the best of both worlds – tried and tested technology and innovative new features. Apart from the MY new cab, the facelift focused on the optimised crop flow CY system and the move to Stage V emission standards. Krone adds new models The updated models now have a spacious cab that was to its VariPack range CMY Our great value farm sourced from the Big X 680-1180 models and is available K in two levels of specification. The standard-fit Premium VariPack Plus is a new Krone development that sets a new cab o‡ering a terminal with 8” touchscreen and USB and standard for bale density and throughput in the high- camera ports. It also has a sun blind and wiper on the performance and professional round baler sector. The insurance just got better front window and two wipers on the side windows. Or the line-up comprises of four models – the VariPack V 165, V optional Premium Comfort cab which o‡ers a leather clad 165 XC, VariPack V 190 and V 190 XC. These feature many steering wheel, a 12” terminal with touchscreen and USB heavy-duty components that are sourced from the high- and camera ports, a cooled thermos box and sun blinds on capacity machines enabling them to cope with heavy bales the front, right and rear windows. and maximum throughputs in straw and hay. Simple by Are you sure your family farm is fully protected? Like the Big X 680-1180 series machines, these updated design, the machines appeal not only to contractors but models also have the new OptiMaxx CornConditioner with also to individual, smaller farms. Bale diameters range from teeth angled at 5°. The helical cut produces a shearing 80cm to 1.65m on the VariPack V 165 and from 80cm to Not all farm insurance is the same. FBD now o ers: e‡ect that gives intensive conditioning not only lengthwise 1.90m on the VariPack V 190 XC. Both models also have a but also transversely. Available in two versions with 105/123 cutting system as an option. The bales are formed by four • €6.5 million limit of public liability cover teeth or 123/144 teeth, the 105/123 tooth unit is ideal endless belts the pressure of which and the target bale for medium and long LOCs whereas the 123/144 tooth diameter are set on the cab-based terminal. Three soft core • Environmental liability protection for farm activities as standard* conditioner is recommended for short to medium chop setting options allow operators to quickly and easily adjust lengths. the density and bale size to individual needs. • Legal expenses protection as standard*

The new Vendro tedder series Find out more: Shortly after launching the new Highland series tedders Krone has introduced another new series of tedders badged with the name Vendro. The new range replaces the existing KW range and lines up nine models: two 4-rotor machines 01 7617 617 (Vendro 470 and Vendro 560), three 6-rotor tedders (Vendro 620, Vendro 680 and Vendro 790), two 8-rotor tedders (Vendro 820 and Vendro 900) and two *Cover is standard where public liability is active 10-rotor tedders (Vendro 1020 and Vendro 1120), covering working widths of 4.70m to 11.20m. The landmark feature of these new developments is their 64 Terms and conditions and normal underwriting criteria apply. FBD Insurance close attachment to the tractor which shifts more weight to the front axle and Group Ltd trading as FBD Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. reduces transport length and lift requirement compared with the predecessors. Farm Insurance is underwritten by FBD Insurance plc. OCTOBER 2020 Machinery www.irishfarmersmonthly.com

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CMY Our great value farm K insurance just got better Are you sure your family farm is fully protected?

Not all farm insurance is the same. FBD now o ers: • €6.5 million limit of public liability cover • Environmental liability protection for farm activities as standard* • Legal expenses protection as standard*

Find out more: 01 7617 617

*Cover is standard where public liability is active

Terms and conditions and normal underwriting criteria apply. FBD Insurance Group Ltd trading as FBD Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Farm Insurance is underwritten by FBD Insurance plc. 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IFM_April_2020_KF.indd 60 31/03/2020 11:51 57 insuranceNot all is6460 thefarm same. IFM_April_2020_KF.indd 60 31/03/2020 11:51

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Dairy Digest 210mm high by 148mm wide AC OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Farm Safety www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Pat McCormack ICMSA

The new agri-environmental scheme

the ambitions that we are told need to be acted on. That has to be a major over-arching aim and the scheme has to include the kind of practical steps that will address and incentivise the family dairy farms that will be looking at it and working out whether it can work for them. For example, the application of lime has to be encouraged and we know that this was in the Programme for Government, but it’s going to have to be pushed. The Programme also mentioned the “economic, biodiversity Pat McCormack, President, ICMSA and environmental gains to be made from improving soil health and fertility”, so we would think that the It’s likely you’ll be reading this article, a week or so scheme must involve an accessible soil sampling out from Budget 2021 Day. At the time of writing, dimension that will allow farmers to know what the national incidence of Covid infection is rising nutrients the soil requires as they step down nitrogen and measures aimed at countering that are being application. Similarly, the scheme must push the Co-ops actively considered. The final bill for the pandemic to push protected urea as an alternative to CAN. Denis has yet to calculated but two things are already Drennan, Chair of our Farm & Rural A‡airs Committee, certain: firstly, that the meter is likely to be running has repeatedly highlighted the lack of momentum well into next year and, secondly, that the final bill, around this obvious environmental gain. The Co- whenever it has to be settled, will be enormous. ops have not been actively marketing the protected In the face of those massive and still rising bills, there’s urea and there is a price di‡erential that ICMSA thinks a distinct possibility that the Government might could and should be addressed by a rebate scheme be tempted to defer the launch of flagship agri- that could, for instance, involve farmers receiving a environmental schemes. It was assumed by all that the rebate for every ton of protected fertiliser used. stated ambition to launch a new agri-environmental If Budget 2021 sees the unveiling of the new scheme scheme would happen this year and probably on then we want to see a real, practical, do-able, scheme or around Budget time. Against the background of where the ambition and scale of the challenge is Covid and the budgetary uncertainty that entails, it is matched by the realisation that you have to take understandable if the Government was to postpone farmers with you on the journey. And that means it that launch till its budgetary and macroeconomic has to make sense to them – in both the farming and ducks can be got back in a row. Because the first thing financial terms. There are obvious dangers, principally to say about the new environmental scheme is that that the scheme starts from the mistaken view that it’s actually more important to get it done right then commercial farming – and specifically commercial it is to get it done quickly. E‡ectively this is the Irish dairy farming – is a problem that has to be dealt with Government’s ‘flagship’ agriculture-related policy by shutting them out of environmental schemes and is going to be the main policy vehicle taking Irish and deliberately making the schemes unattractive farming and primary food production through the to milk suppliers. That has unfortunately been the next five years of transition towards the low-emissions approach thus far and we really hope that all elements model that we all – certainly ICMSA – realise we have in Government accept that this approach guarantees to get to. That is why we think that this is worth really failure. A secondary danger, and one that is completely investing in, and working though, in detail. It absolutely avoidable, is that the scheme is made so complex and must be as comprehensive as possible and has to avoid administration-intensive that it frightens o‡ maybe the rushed ‘bitty’ feel that, for instance, undermined the older demographic who might want to apply and GLAS, though there were very useful elements of who would be suitable but won’t be able to deal with that scheme that we should retain and build on. an over-the-top regulatory and inspection regime. The second thing that has to be grasped is that the The point here is that this has to work; this has new scheme will have to be attractive to and, to a to be the first, decisive, step on the transition degree, designed around commercial farms – including and that’s why we have to get it right. family dairy farms. The Government designers have Because if we get that first step wrong, then to recognise that environmental schemes that don’t every step after that takes us further away from include or reach out to this sector are just inadequate to where we all know we have to get to. 67 OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Rural Life www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Rural Life

Pictured at their farm in Newcestown, Bandon, Co. Cork are the ½¾¿À Dairygold Milk Quality Award Winners Cathy, Denis, Nora and Michael Lordan with Dairygold Chairman John O’ Gorman, Ger Hennessy Dairygold Milk Advisor, Richard Hinchion, Dairygold Board Member and Dairygold CEO Jim Woulfe.

Yieldingrewards The overall winner of Dairygold's Milk Quality Awards speaks to Irish Farmers Monthly about the importance of provenance and pastureland.

Dairygold recently announced the winners of its annual hard work and effort of our milk suppliers in helping us Milk Quality Awards and this year’s overall award went to maintain the excellent standards expected of us while also Denis, Nora and Michael Lordan of Newcestown, Bandon, recognising the efforts made to ensure the sustainability Co. Cork. This family farm also won the Mid Cork region of our industry. The Lordans have shown that if we work award for consistently supplying the best quality milk to together, we can achieve fantastic results.” Dairygold in 2019. The Lordan family milks 95 cows on a milking platform of The Milk Quality Awards were first introduced in April 33 hectares and rear replacements and some beef animals 2010 in recognition of the hard work and dedication on an outside block of land. Michael worked on dairy needed to yield the highest quality of milk. This year’s farms in New Zealand, having completed his two-year awards were based on the 2019 milk quality data from agriculture course in Darragh Agri College. He puts the all 3,000 Dairygold Milk Suppliers from across Cork, family farm’s high-quality milk down to its lush pastures. Limerick, Tipperary and Clare. Eighteen finalists are “The utilisation of grass is key to dairy farming. I find the narrowed down to five regional winners and from them, higher the quality of the grass you feed to the cow, the an overall winner is chosen. The award came as something higher the quality of milk you get from the cow - it has a of a surprise to the Lordan family, explains Michael. very important role. Correct use of urea, and clover makes “This is our first award and it came as a bit of a shock, to a big difference, too.” be honest! We had the first inspection and we won the Sustainability is a key consideration for the Lordans Mid-Cork regional which was a great achievement in itself on the farm and was evident through the use of low because there is a great dairy community around here. emissions slurry spreading, soil testing, milk recording It’s a massive achievement for us as a small dairy farm and selective dry cow therapy and Michael believes as there’s a very high standard in Dairygold. If we don’t introducing sustainability practises is a must to meet produce a high-quality milk, they can’t sell a high-quality changing consumer needs. product.” “Over the last five years, there has been a massive Dairygold Chairman, John O’Gorman, agrees. At the change in consumer buying: they want ‘green’ products, 68 awards, he said: “The success of our products across sustainable products, environmentally-friendly products. the world depends on our excellent quality of milk. As a producer, we have placed more importance on These awards give us an opportunity to recognise the making our farm a more sustainable environment: putting OCTOBER 2020 OCTOBER 2020 Rural Life www.irishfarmersmonthly.com www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Rural Life

in LED lights, checking rain water, grass measuring to get the most out of it. If you don’t measure it you can’t manage it.” Sustainability, he says, isn’t just an individual approach, but rather a collaborative effort. “I keep an eye on other farms, take ideas from what other people are doing and implement some of them at home. Times are changing and it’s nice to be part of it. Sustainability is a community effort, without a doubt.” Producing high-quality food is more important than ever, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. “We’re Milk Quality Award Finalists breeding for better cows, and healthier cows, to produce better quality milk. We’re doing a lot of measuring and Mid Cork Region testing: we’re dung sampling, we’re milk recording, Regional Winner Denis, Michael and Nora we’re trying to reduce our antibiotic use. We’re trying to Lordan, Farnalough, Newcestown, Bandon, Co. Cork find the problem before it happens, to get ahead of the Regional Finalist John, Sean and Eileen O’Leary, problem.” Kilbarry, Macroom, Co. Cork When asked if Covid-19 saw a renewed appreciation for Regional Finalist Tom and Shane Tanner, West View the farmer, he says customer education around food House, Aglish, Coachford, Co. Cork provenance needs to improve: “We’d be lost without the farmer, you saw it over the Covid times: a lot of places East Cork Region were shut down or closed but the farmers kept running Regional Winner + Third Overall William and Yvonne and kept the country going. In the last ten years, people Stack, Ballyedmond, Midleton, Co. Cork have fallen out of touch with farming and I think it’s Regional Finalist Ray Bryan, Park, Youghal, Co. Cork important to educate the consumer around where their Regional Finalist David, Michael and Carmel Hartnett, food comes from, where it is produced, what quantity is Ballymonis, Whitegate, Co. Cork produced and what standard it is produced at. Educating the consumer is going to be very important in the future.” Mallow Region As to the future, the issue of Brexit is still looming large. Regional Winner Conor and Liz Fitzpatrick, “It’s definitely a curveball for the dairy industry. They’re Beechmount, Mallow, Co. Cork a huge player in the market, but it gives us another Regional Finalist Liam, Hannah and Mark Sexton, challenge to work through, it’s going to be a bumpy road. Beenalaught, Bweing, Mallow, Co. Cork We need them, but I think they need us more.” Regional Finalist Margaret and Kevin Williams, Ballybrack, Doneraile, Co. Cork

Mitchelstown Regional Winner + Second Overall Ger and Caroline Hanrahan, Rahard, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork Regional Finalist +Sustainability Winner Jim and Edel Conway, Burncourt, Cahir, Co. Tipperary Regional Finalist John and James Keane, Labbamollogga, Ballylanders, Co. Limerick

Limerick Region Regional Winner Seamus and Jim Kelly, Kilmore, Granagh, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. Regional Finalist Joseph Collopy, Clouncunna, Ballysimon, Co. Limerick. Regional Finalist Denis Harty, Derk, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick.

Tipperary Region Regional Winner Stephen and PJ Keating, Tubrid, Ballylooby, Cahir, Co. Tipperary Regional Finalist Anthony, Norah and William Carroll, Pictured at their farm in Newcestown, Bandon, Co. Cork Dranganmore, Cahir, Co. Tipperary are Dairygold milk suppliers Denis, Nora, Cathy and Michael Lordan who were declared the overall winners of the ŒŽ‘’ Dairygold Milk Regional Finalist Tony Farrell, Ballinclough, Golden, 69 Quality Awards and winners of the Mid Cork region for consistently Co. Tipperary supplying the best quality milk to Dairygold in ŒŽ‘’. OCTOBER 2020 Very End www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Stay in touch with us online The unpalatable truth with daily updates about forestry delays from our The impasse over forestry planting and harvesting has been dislike of Sitka Spruce that is driving the objector campaign. going on for almost a decade. At this stage it has brought The reality is that some land is mostly or only suitable for forest planting, interim management and end harvesting Sitka while other soils are only suitable for hardwoods. The specialists & to a virtual standstill. At best, 2,000 hectares of forestry will objections range across all types of a‡orestation, both hard be planted by year end, compared to a planting target of and softwood. Some objectors to planting are going as far 8,000 hectares, which is a conservative ambition compared as the High Court to prevent trees being planted, even on researchers to what is required to increase the forestry cover in Ireland land that is deemed very suitable for forestry. to anything approaching the European average as well as It is fair to say that this situation amounts to an own goal to assist in the delivery of our climate change mitigation by the Department of Agriculture. Something needs to responsibilities. The introduction of the Habitats Directive be done quickly to ensure that planting and harvesting Open the camera on in 2012 inadvertently opened the door to a raft of objection can progress without undue delays being experienced. criteria, which has culminated in the chaos in the sector Even without the serial objectors, the application system we are currently experiencing. In addition, a new, more for forestry planting and management is overly complex. your phone & scan complex felling license protocol was introduced in 2014 Previously, for instance, a felling license was free of charge replacing a licensing system dating back to 1944. to the farmer or landowner. Even securing a felling license the QR code for Everyone seemed to know that problems were coming for a small acreage of forest can now involve a week’s work. down the line, especially the Forest Service, but little seems There are serious downstream implications from the delays to have been done to avoid a situation where planting has in forest felling. Almost everything that is exported out of more information almost ground to a halt and thinning and harvesting are Ireland is shipped on pallets. The timber supply deficit into also stymied. The two serial objectors to forestry activities, the sawmills has created a pallet shortage that has driven who are responsible for over 90 per cent of forestry related up costs for everyone involved and has also forced the objections, saw the loopholes in the legislation and used importation of timber suitable for pallet manufacture. This the opportunity to halt the forestry sector in its tracks. imported timber can carry a range of diseases and pests that Right now, there are upwards of 10,000 hectares waiting are dangerous to the health of our forests. As one industry to be planted. Applications have been made but there insider put it: “If one of these diseases comes in, we may as is almost no progression of those applications to allow well close the whole thing down.” The forestry sector, as a planting to take place. Many of these proposals are for whole, must also take some responsibility insofar as it could 70 hardwood plantations, where the land is most suited to be argued that it has not lobbied e‡ectively to ensure that these species. Last year, for instance, up to 50 per cent of there is the political will necessary to eliminate the problems the plantings in Kerry were hardwood species. It’s not just a besetting the sector. Visit www.teagasc.ie/daily

Teagasc Daily 210x297.indd 1 28/09/2020 15:52:30 OCTOBER 2020 Very End www.irishfarmersmonthly.com Stay in touch with us online with daily updates from our specialists & researchers

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Teagasc Daily 210x297.indd 1 28/09/2020 15:52:30 Leptavoid®-H

Back • 79% OF HERDS are exposed to Leptospira interrogans1 • Only Leptavoid-H is licensed to provide protection against both in Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira borgpetersenii Stock • Herds vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans generated €10 more profit per cow than unvaccinated herds2

STERE D AT T INI HE M S D AS YOUR A A ® M

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P BVD* E R L OT VACCINE P TALK TO YOUR VET TODAY E IM CTI E S 1. Leonard et al., 2004. Prevalence of antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo in bulk tank milk from ON MAD unvaccinated Irish dairy herds. Irish Veterinary Journal. 57:226-231. 2. O’Doherty et al., 2015. Effect of exposure to Neospora caninum, Salmonella, and Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo on the economic performance of Irish dairy herds. Journal of Dairy Science. 98:2789-2800. *To animals of 8 months of age or older. The 2 vaccines should be administered at separate sites.

Use Medicines Responsibly. Bovilis BVD Suspension for injection for cattle vaccine contains inactivated cytopathogenic BVD virus strain C-86. ROI: POM(E) NI: POM-V Leptavoid-H Suspension for injection for cattle vaccine contains inactivated Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo 204 organisms. ROI: LM NI: POM-VPS Withdrawal periods: zero days. Always read the package leaflet or SPC before use. For further information see SPC, contact prescriber or MSD Animal Health, Red Oak North, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, Ireland. Tel: +353(0)1 2970220. E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.msd-animal-health.ie IE-LPV-191000001. NOV 2019 NOV IE-LPV-191000001.

MSD Leptavoid FP IFM 24-9-20.indd 1 23/09/2020 15:15