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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE Nutrition Matters
04
PAGE Farm Discussions In The
15 ASSAP Programme
PAGE Grass Matters
18
PAGE Sustainable Diary
26 Assurance Scheme (SDAS)
ISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019 www.dairygoldagri.ie
Welcome to the September edition of
MILK MATTERS
DAIRYGOLD’S DAIRY ADVISORY BULLETIN
Dear Milk Matters Reader,
CONTENTS
Within this month’s Nutrition Matters, The Year To Date .............................. 03
we explore how much concentrate
Nutrition Matters ............................... 04
will need to be fed for the month of
September to allow your farm to grow Are Your Heifers On Target? ......... 06
enough grass to meet its demand for Dry Cow Minerals.............................. 07
the month. Milk lactose is lower this The Health Of Our Soils.................. 10
year than it has been for the past Hi=Pro ECO LAC Dairy....................... 13
few years. It is important that we are
Farm Discussions In
mindful of this and keep a feeding
The ASSAP Programme................... 15
plan in place to maintain lactose as high as possible for as
long as possible. Hi-pro Ecolac should be your feed of choice What Is The Ideal Paddock
now. It is formulated to maintain autumn milk production Size For My Herd................................ 17
while being environmentally responsible. Grass Matters....................................... 18
Fertility and Breeding........................ 22
In Grass Matters, John Maher will discuss the importance of
Sustainable Dairy Assurance
keeping grass in spring calved cows diet as long as possible.
Scheme (SDAS)................................... 26
He also discusses which fertiliser we should be using right
now. CHFC Matters...................................... 28
Dairygold / Teagasc Joint
In Fertility and Breeding Matters, Doreen Corridan looks at Programme 2018-2020.................... 30
our priorities for the months. Right now we need to: AHI Notes.............................................. 31
- Plan for what kind of herd we will have in 2020,
LeanFarm.............................................. 32
- Plan how we will manage 2019 dry off
- Vaccinate for salmonella
- Ensure our 2019 born calves are on target
Yours Sincerely,
Liam Stack M.Agr.Sc
RUMINANT TECHNICAL MANAGER,
DAIRYGOLD AGRIBUSINESS
To contact the editor of
MILK
MATTERS
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE Nutrition Matters
04
PAGE Farm Discussion
15 ASSAP Programm
s In The
e
PAGE Grass Matters
18
PAGE Sustainable Diary
26 Assurance Scheme
(SDAS)
ISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER
2019
www.dairygoldag
ri.ie
email: lstack@dairygold.ie
2 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
THE YEAR TO DATE
By LIAM STACK, M.Agr.Sc, Ruminant Technical Manager
THE YEAR TO DATE
By LIAM STACK, M.Agr.Sc, Ruminant Technical Manager
Grass
Grass Growth:Growth
Milk Protein % (weeks 1-33)
Protein %
Protein %
2016 2017
2018 2019
3.60
3.55
3.50
3.45
3.40
3.35
3.30
3.25
3.20
3.15
3.10
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
Milk production to week 33 (figures based on ICBF cow numbers):
Milk Butterfat % (weeks 1-33)
Protein
Milk production to week %
33 (figures
2016 based
2016
2017 on
2017 ICBF
2018 2019 cow numbers):
2018YTD 2019
3.60
Total annual milk Yield per cow in dairygold (kg)
3.55
Total annual Milk Solids per cow (kg)
3864
287
3981
296
3805
282
4076
305
2016 2017 Butterfat2018
% 2019
3.50
YTD Average Protein % 3.40 3.42 3.36 3.46 YTD 2016 2017
3.45
YTD Average Fat % 4.02 4.00 4.04 4.02 4.55 2018 2019
YTD
Total annual Milk Yield per cow in Dairygold (kg)
3.40
Average Lactose % 4.92 4.91 4.82 4.81
3864
4.45 3981 3805 4076
3.35
Total
Protein %annual
Milk3.30 (weeks 1-33)Milk Solids per cow (kg) 2874.35 296 282 305
3.25
YTD Average Protein %
3.20 3.404.25 3.42 3.36 3.46
3.15 4.15
YTD Average Fat %
3.10 4.02 4.00 4.04 4.02
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 4.05
YTD Average Lactose % 4.92 4.91 4.82 4.81
3.95
Milk Butterfat % (weeks 1-33) 3.85
3.75
Milk Butterfat % (weeks Butterfat % 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33
1-33) Milk Lactose % (weeks 1-33)
2016 2017
4.55 Butterfat % 2018 2019
5.10
Lactose
Lactose %%
5.05
4.45
5.00
4.35 Milk
4.95 Lactose % (weeks 1-33)
4.25 4.90
4.15 4.85
4.80
4.05
4.75 2016
3.95 2017
4.70
2018
3.85 4.65
WITH COMPLIMENTS
3.75 4.60
1 2 3to:4 West
Reply 5 6 7End,
8 9 Mallow,
10 11 12 13Co.
14 15Cork,
16 17 P51
18 19 R593,
20 21 22 Ireland.
23 24 25 26 27T28+353
29 30 (0)22
31 32 3321592 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 www.dairygold.ie
info@dairygold.ie 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Milk Lactose % (weeks 1-33)
3
Without concentrates your cows will ea
higher demand of c.25%). At a stocking
NUTRITION MATTERS demand of 34kg DM daily, at a stocking
Every 3 kg of concentrates you feed dro
By LIAM STACK, M.Agr.Sc, Ruminant
month of September, we generally nee
Technical Manager
FEEDING SPRING CALVED COWS IN LATE LACTATION
What is the role for concentrates?
1. Prolong the Grazing Season
As we reach September and beyond we need to
extend our rotation lengths and build a wedge of Grass covers built over 15 days in early
Grass covers built over 15 days in early September:
grass to carry us through to housing. We need to
spread fertiliser to encourage maximum grass growth Predicted September
45
growth rate (kg/DM/Ha)
and lower our farms demand for grass. This will allow
cover to build appropriately. Across the month of Stocking rate 2.5 3 3.5 4
August we should have increased our farm covers G
rass growth required per day to meet
to c.1000kgDM/ha from 500-600kgDM/ha. We need your herds demand (kg/DM/Ha)
to continue building covers to mid-September. From Feeding 0kg in the parlour 43 51 60 68
there, if we’ve planned correctly we should have a Cover built per month (kg/DM/Ha) 38 -90 -218 -345
nice wedge of grass to carry us to housing. Across the
early month of September, we generally need to build Feeding 3kg in the parlour 36 43 50 58
a further 100-200kg grass DM per Ha depending on Cover built per month (kg/DM/Ha) 134 26 -82 -190
our farms stocking rate.
Feeding 6kg in the parlour 30 36 41 47
Without concentrates your cows will eat 17kg DM of
Cover built per month (kg/DM/Ha) 231 142 53 -35
grass daily (higher yielding cows will have a higher
demand of c.25%). At a stocking rate of 2 cows per Ha
on the milking platform that’s a grass demand of 34kg At stocking rates of 2.5+ a minimum of 3 kg of
DM daily, at a stocking rate of 3 cows per Ha that’s a concentrates is required to allow grass covers to build.
demand of 51kg DM daily. Every 3 kg of concentrates At higher stocking rates up to 6 kg and/or grass silage
you feed drops grass demand by 2.5kgDM/day per may be required.
cow.
4 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
Reasons for low lactose - Low energy intake:
Autumn grass is generally lower in DM, sugar and
UFL than summer grass. As we move into the autumn
more concentrates are required for the same level of
production as is required by summer grass. Higher
levels of concentrate feeding alone is no guarantee of
high levels of energy intake or milk lactose %. Higher
levels of concentrates must come in conjunction with
an overall higher daily intake.
For example:
Congratulations to John O’ Donoghue from Nenagh, Co Farmer B below is feeding 2kg more concentrates to
Tipperary who won 2 tickets to the All-Ireland Hurling inal
his cows than Farmer A but he is allocating 4kg DM
plus a luxury two night stay in a 5 star hotel with Zurich
Farm Insurance. Pictured is John with Bill Meaney, Zurich less grass daily. His cows total daily intake is 15% lower
Farm Business Development Executive collecting his prize.
(15.4kg DM daily vs 13.2 kg DM daily) and energy intake
is 12% lower (14.6 UFL vs 12.9 UFL) than farmer A.
2. Magnesium, trace elements and vitamins
needed
a. L
eafy autumn grass is high in potash, therefore Farmer A Farmer B
Mg is required to guard against tetany Grass Allowance (kgDM) 12 8
b. Autumn grass is low in Se, Cu, I, Zn Concentrate feeding (kg Fresh) 4 6
Overall intake 15.4 13.2
3. Manage BCS
UFL intake 14.6 12.9
Milking cows gain condition more efficiently than dry
cows. Some spend now could save in the long term.
What to do if lactose is low
Take action now to ensure cow BCS is on target. A
As with all milk constituents your bulk tank is the best
failure to correct BCS now will leave cows with a BCS
place to assess your cow’s diet. If your lactose is lower
of 2.75 or less in October requiring special attention.
than it should be or falling faster than it should be
These cows will need high feeding rates at grass or an
you need to allocate more feed (total) to your cows.
extended dry period.
If farmer B above allocates 2kg DM more grass to his
cows, or feeds 2kg of extra concentrates to his cows
4. Maintain milk lactose
he will make up the energy difference. Which option
Milk lactose is affected by stage of lactation and energy
is available to you this year will depend on the overall
nutrition. Every effort must be taken to keep lactose
covers of grass on your farm?
percentages as high as possible now to prevent milk
price deductions and forced early drying off.
Lactose levels of less than 4.45% affect your monthly
balance score card, if your lactose levels are less than
4.2% it will affect both your balance score card and
monthly base price. With the correct management
these figures should be a long way off.
5
ARE YOUR HEIFERS ON TARGET?
By early September your weanling will be approaching the 6-month mark with your yearlings approaching the
18-month mark.
Target weight for age for replacement heifers:
6-month Weanling (kg) 18-month Yearlings (kg)
% mature bodyweight 30% 70%
Breed
Holstein Friesian 175 405
British Friesian 165 385
X bred 150 365
To ensure that your heifers hit the target, take the following steps:
• Weigh heifers
• S
eparate underweight heifers from those at or above target weight.
• G
ive priority grazing and meals to the underweight group;
• F
eed 1-2kg/head/day to the underweight heifers
• R
e-weigh in six weeks - some heifers will be heavy enough to join the heavy group and some of the heavier
heifers may have to join the light group.
• A
t this stage, all heifers may need 1-2kg/day of feed to keep them growing prior to housing.
2019 PRE-CALVER GOLD
MINERAL OFFER
BUY 10 AND GET 1 BAG FREE
PRE-CALVER IMPROVED, IMMUNOBOOST
5% DISCOUNT WHEN BUYING 1 TONNE
Please contact your local Agri Branch Lead,
your local Area Sales Manager or Inside
Sales on 022-31644 for more details
6 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
DRY COW MINERALS
By KARL SKEHAN, B.Agr.Sc,
Area Sales Manager, Mob: 085 8001089
If you’re buying your dry cow minerals now be cautious • Less retained placenta
that your minerals are going to meet the requirements • Reduced calf mortality
of the cow. • Enhanced immunity and thrive
• Improved cow fertility
Element What It Effects Comment
Mg Milk Fever pre-calver mineral
A
should contain 30+
grms per day
Cu (Copper) Fertility, immune A pre-calver mineral
status, production should contain
c.400mg/day. To limit
losses and maximise
cow availability
c.25-30% of this Cu
should be in the
bioplex form
Zn (Zinc) Lameness, SCC, A pre-calver mineral
Mastitis, Production should contain
c.500mg/day. To limit
losses and maximise
Mineral Feeding Pre-Calving cow availability
The main objectives of a Dry Cow Management c.25-30% of this Zn
Program are for cows to calve; should be in the
bioplex form
1. In an optimum calcium status; this is a function Se (Selenium) Retained Cleansings, A pre-calver mineral
of the silage mineral status and the level mineral Colostrum Quality, should contain
Afterbirth, SCC, c.5mg/day. To limit
of Magnesium and Vitamin D3 in the pre-calving Mastitis losses and maximise
mineral. cow availability
2. With reduced metabolic disorders; this is influenced c.25-30% of this Se
should be Selpex
by the mineral Magnesium, Iodine, Selenium and
Vitamin E & A levels. Iodine Weak Calves, A pre-calver mineral
3. In an optimum immune status; this is influenced by Embryonic Deaths should contain, but
not exceed 60mg/
the mineral Vitamins and trace elements (Selenium day.
and Vitamins A & E).
4. Producing high quality colostrum; this is influenced Vitamin A Retained Placenta A pre-calver mineral
should contain
by the mineral and vitamin supplementation. >60,000 iu/day.
Mineral must haves: Vitamin D Milk Fever A pre-calver mineral
should contain
A mineral that is formulated to meet the must haves in >12,000 iu/day.
the accompanying tables will result in (assuming BCS,
energy and protein nutrition and calving management Vitamin E Retained Cleansings, A pre-calver mineral
Colostrum Quality, should contain >500
are correct): Afterbirth, SCC, iu/day.
• Reduction in sub-clinical milk fever Mastitis
7
Have you had an issue with
Metabolic Disorders on your farm ?
In a recent survey of 155 Irish Farms, a dramatic decrease was
shown in the incidences of metabolic disorders following the
use of the correct Pre-calver mineral. This can give annual
savings of up to €810 per farm.
€3734
16,750
€2,551
155 FARMS SURVEYED
ANIMALS
€1,942
€1804
€1,306
€1,215
€879
€641
€606
€545
€458
€354
DIFFICULT RETAINED MILK LDA’s KETOSIS OTHER
CALVINGS PLACENTA FEVER
KEY = COST BEFORE = COST AFTER
Inside Sales
Inside sales 022-31644
022 31644
Denis McCarthy
Alan Ryan 086-2461647
086 2621952
Susan
Tom MeeCasey 087-0671246
086 8098582
John Vallence 087-3457063
Rachel
Kieran McCarthy
Creed 086 2461648
086-1728335
John FrielO Riordan
Diarmuid 086-2461648
086 2461821
EdmundSmith
Michael Curtin 086-2441369
086 2470403
Ivan Vallence 086-7930237
If you would like free independent Denis McCarthy
Diarmuid O’ Riordan 086 2461647
086-2461821
advice from a highly experienced team Karl Skehan
Sean Ryan 085-8001089
086 2461639
Sean Ryan
Kieran Creed 086-2461639
086 1728335
Michael Smith
Amie Coonan 086-2470403
085 8001089
in Branch or by contacting your local Amie Coonan 087-6308417
Edmond Curtin
Alan Coughlan 086 2441369
087-1027124
Dairygold representative. AlanVallance
Ivan Ryan 086-2621952
086 7930237
8 www.dairygoldagri.ie
ISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
MEET OUR JP Aherne, our dedicated
Dairygold local expert in
FARM INSURANCE
the Munster region, is
happy to visit you at your
farm to talk about the cover
EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD. you need - he can even put
it in place straight away.
Zurich exclusive farm
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preferential pricing for
dairygold members.
TO REGISTER YOUR
INTEREST, CALL JP ON
086 411 3797.
Zurich Insurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Terms, conditions and standard underwriting criteria apply.
9
THE HEALTH OF OUR SOILS
By LIAM STACK, M.Agr.Sc,
Ruminant Technical Manager
The proportion of soils in index 1 and 2 for P and K has
dropped. Of concern here however is the increased
proportion of soils index 4 for P. Soils are like a vault
when it comes to P. The depth of the vault varies with
As an industry we are striving to grow more grass in soil type. However, once the ‘vault’ is full, any additional
a sustainable manor. Grass is a cheap, high energy P is at a greater risk of ending up in our watercourses.
feed stuff. Milk produced from it has enhanced human As you fix your soil pH you should release more of the
health benefits and a lower carbon footprint when vaulted P, making it available for growth. If your soils
compared to milk produced from grain. are index 4 you should not be spreading chemical P.
KEY POINT: The annual cost of soil KEY POINT: By soil testing, you can
sampling is roughly 50 cents/acre/year. save €23/acre on fertiliser. This is on
This is the same cost as 0.5 units/acre of land with high P and K levels (Index 4)
P fertiliser and stocked at 2 dairy cows/ha (0.8cows/
acre) *smartfarming.ie
The foundation
The health of our soils: to growing this grass sustainably is
The health of our soils:
good soil wefertility.
As an industry are striving Correcting
to grow more grasssoil pH is manor.
in a sustainable the This same grass isasa cheap, high
As an industry wethat
are produces
striving tomilk
grow more grass
thatin a sustainable manor.health
This grass is a and
cheap, high
spreading
energy
energy
feedstuff
carbon feedstuff
2.5
footprint that
bags
whenproduces
compared
of
milk
CAN/acre/year.
products
to products
has
that has
milk products
It
enhanced human
enhanced
produced
unlocks
fromhuman
soil
benefits
P a lower
grain. health benefits and a lower
For accurate results when taking soil samples:
and
carbonKfootprint
and it whenleads
compared totoamilk
better
productsgrass
producedgrowth
from grain. response - Do Ciara
notDonovan
Ciara
Comment
sample
Donovan [1]:16/8/2019
within
16/8/2019 16:22
This is a very16:22
long,
12 weeks of spreading slurry
toKeyfreshly applied N, P and K.
point: The annual cost of soil sampling is roughly 50 cents/acre/year. This is the same cost as
2
or chemical
convoluted
Commentsentence. P
[1]: This
‘Grass is a cheap,
Consider
is a very rephrasing
highConsider
energy feed
long, to
stuff with
convoluted sentence. rephrasing to
Key units/acre
0.5 point: Theof annual cost of soil sampling is roughly 50 cents/acre/year. This is the same cost as - T
P fertilizer
2
ake
whichaishealth
‘Grass soil
to a cheap,sample
produce milk. It has every
enhanced
high energy feed stuff with 4 ha /10 ac at a minimum
human benefits and has
which to produce milk. It has enhanced a lower
0.5 units/acre of P fertilizer
Since the introduction of Dairygold’s soil sampling - Sample
carbon thebenefits
human footprint
health
from grain.’
area
compared and toinmilk
has aa W pattern, taking a minimum
produced
lower
carbon footprint compared to milk produced
and fertiliser
The foundation program
to growing this grassin 2016,is our
sustainably soils
good soil health
fertility. status
Correcting soil pH is the same of 20 from cores
grain.’ per sample area
has
The
shown
foundation
as spreading
an
2.5tobags improvement.
growing
2.5 bags
this grass sustainably
of CAN/acre/year,
of CAN/acre/year,
From
is good
it unlocks 2015 and until
soilP fertility.
soil K and it2018
Correcting towe
leadssoil apHbetter
is the grass
same
- E
nsure the sample
Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:27 depth is 10cm
as spreading
growth response to recently applied N, Pitand
unlocks
K. soil P and K and it leads to a better grass
have
growth more
response thanto recently doubled
applied N, Pthe
and K.proportion of our soil - TakeCiara
different
Comment Donovan
full-stop
Comment
samples
[2]:16/8/2019
here[2]:
Again consider
ie ……year.
16:27
from areas that are different
butting in
It unlocks….
Again consider butting in
Since the introduction of Dairygolds soil sampling and fertiliser programme in 2016, our soils
sampled
Since the
health in the
introduction
status has shown optimum
of an
Dairygolds range.
soil sampling
improvement. However,
and fertiliser
From 2015 we
to 2018programme are
we have more still
in 2016,
than our soils
doubled soil types,
full-stop
Ciara here iecropping
Donovan ……year.
16/8/2019 16:28history, slope drainage etc
It unlocks….
Ciara Donovan [3]:16/8/2019
Capitalize 16:28
only atstatus
c.40% in soil
the optimum in the range 2015i.eto a pH weof greater only at- Avoid any[3]:unusual
Capitalize 16:29spots like old fences, ditches,
Comment
health
the proportion hasofshown
our an samples
improvement. From
optimum range. 2018 have
However, more
we arethan
stilldoubled Comment
Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019
the proportion of ourrange.
soil samples in the optimum range. However, we are still only at
than
c.40%
6.3 + a
in the optimum
P
c.40% in the optimum range.
& K index 3 (for grassland). dungCiara
or
Comment
‘newly’
Comment
urine
Donovan
patches,
[4]:16/8/2019
or ‘freshly’ as the next
[4]: Consider
16:29 to
Consider changing
sentence
changing
drinking troughs etc.
to uses
‘Recently’
‘newly’ or again.
‘freshly’ as the next sentence uses
The proportion of soils ‘Recently’
in index 1 andagain.
2 for P and K has dropped. Of concern here however is the
Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:30
increased proportion of soils index 4 for P. Soils are like a vault when it comes to P. The depth of Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:36
Ciara
Comment
the vault varies with soil Donovan
type however, 16/8/2019
[5]:any
once Either
‘vault’ is full,16:30
drop theadditional
any ‘dash’ or P is at a greater risk of Comment [9]: …for P and K, has dropped?
KEY POINT: Soils with P Index 3 will
ending up in our watercourses. Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:37
the ‘to’Asand
Comment
you fix your soilcorrectly
respace
[5]:
pH you should release more of the vault P,
Either drop thenot‘dash’ or chemical P. Comment [10]:
making it available for growth. If your soils are index 4 you should be spreading
the ‘to’Donovan
Ciara and respace correctly16:32
16/8/2019 Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:40
Key point: By soil testing, you can save €23/acre on fertilizer.
yield more grass DM than a soil in P Index
Comment [11]: Capitalize all
This is on land with highCiara
P and KDonovan
Comment 16/8/2019
[6]:4)
levels (Index Sampled
and stocked(?) 16:32
at 2 dairy cows/ha (0.8cows/acre) Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:44
Comment [12]: ..applying any chemical P
Comment
Ciara Donovan Sampled (?)
[6]:16/8/2019 16:32
1. [7]:
Approximately 0.6t/acre (or 1.5t/ha) This
For accurate results when taking soil samples: to these soils
- Ciara
CommentDonovan 16/8/2019
Should you16:32
explain
Do not sample within 12 weeks of spreading slurry or chemical P Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:46
Comment [13]: This figure is calculated
optimum range here (ie. A pH greater than 6.3be worth approximately
extra grass could
- Take a soil sample every 4 ha (10 acres) at a minimum
optimum range here (ie. Ayou
pH explain
greater than 6.3
Comment [7]: Should using many assumptions – more of which
- Sample the area in a W pattern, taking a minimum of 20 cores per sample area
for grassland)? need to be added for it to make sense. Do you
mean this is ‘the average savings farmers have
- Ensure the sample depth is 10cm
€180/acre (assuming all other nutrients
for grassland)? made presuming their soils test in Index 4 for
- Take different samples from areas that are different soil types, cropping history, slope P and K and with a SR of 170, when comparing
WeWeare now
are now usingusing
more limemore lime soil
and our overall and ourareoverall
pH levels soilWepH
reflecting this. now have 64% drainage etc previous fertilizer usage with adjusted? This
are 16/8/2019
optimum). *smartfarming.ie
needs a bit of tinkering/clarifying. Could the
- Avoid any unusual spots like old fences, ditches, dung or urine patches, drinking troughs etc
of We
soilsare now using
sampled abovemore lime and our
6.3 compared overall
to 38% soil pH levels are reflecting this. We now have 64%
in 2015. Ciara Donovan 16:35 key point simply be ‘Target soils to index 3
levels are reflecting this.to 38% in 2015.
and not index 4. Index 4 soils are more likely
of soils sampled above 6.3 compared Ciara Donovan
Comment [8]:16/8/2019 16:35 what
I don’t understand to leach nutrients losing costly nutrients’ (I
don’t think we can put a figure on this)
relevance
Comment
Key Point: Soils with P Index pHmore
3 will yield Water
[8]:grasshas
I don’t on soil
a soilfertility?
understand
DM than what
in P Index IsApproximately
1. this Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:51
needed?
0.6t/acre (or 1.5t/ha) This extra grass could be worth approximately €180/acre (assuming all other
relevance pH Water has on soil fertility? Is this Comment [14]: Could just simplify this to
nutrients are optimum). ‘For accurate results when taking soil samples:
needed? Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:52
Comment [15]: Is this true? Two years –
you sure?
Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 16:53
Comment [16]: every 4 Ha/10 Ac at a
minimum
Ciara Donovan 16/8/2019 17:01
Comment [17]: This assumes that all other
nutrients incl pH are optimum – should that
be added?
10 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
Soil Sampling Service
& Fertiliser Plan
SOIL
SAMPLES
.............................................
Taken from your
Farm and Analysed
by Dairygold
Agri Services
Laboratory
.............................................
€16 .50+ VAT*
per sample
.............................................
Targeted Fertiliser 3 Point Action Plan
Plan included FREE!!! to Improve your Soil Indexes:
1. TAKE A SOIL SAMPLE
90% of Irish soils have Soil corers are available from all Dairygold branches.
sub-optimal levels of soil pH.
With the right soil fertility 2. DO A FERTILISER PROGRAMME FOR YOUR FARM
and pH, Dairygold have designed a fertiliser planning tool which
formulates a customised farm specific fertiliser plan for your farm
based on your stocking rates, your slurry application and your
an average soils indexes
35ha grassland 3. PUT YOUR PROGRAMME INTO ACTION BY USING
dairy farm could THE FERTILISERS YOUR PLAN RECOMMENDS
generate over
€40,000
in additional farm income over a
five-year period.
For more information please contact
your Dairygold Area Sales Manager
or Inside Sales Team on 022-31644
11Soil Sampling Service
& Fertiliser Plan
Complete your details below to avail of our soil sampling
service and hand it to a Dairygold Representative
or
Post in to Inside Sales
Dairygold Agribusiness, Lombardstown, Co. Cork
or
Sign up on our website www.dairygoldagri.ie/soil
Name Account Number
....................................................................
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contact Number
....................................................................
....................................................................
x Number of Samples
....................................................................
....................................................................
Samples to be taken by:
Date. __ / __ / __
I authorise Dairygold to update their records using the contact details If YES
please
provided above and forward these details to relevant third parties to tick here
complete the sampling process
For more information please contact your Dairygold Area Sales
Manager or Inside Sales Team on 022-31644
12 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
Hi-Pro ECO LAC Dairy
By SUSAN CASEY, B.Agr.Sc,
Area Sales Manager
Hi-Pro ECO LAC is designed around the core values
that extend right throughout the Dairygold quality
feeds range. It is:
- High in UFL, energy is the first limiting factor in
One cow can produce
n
betwee a
animal nutrition.
between 500 and 600 u c e
pro d f
- Has a high inclusion of maize meal and digestible
n e c ow can pereday
litres of methane
q u i valent o
fibres, to complement grazed grass, maintaining O
The equivalent to T he
almost
rumen function and maximise the levels of milk 1000 pints of beer
protein produced. With autumn grass being
low in sugars, a high level of maize meal is very
important for driving on milk protein %. y
per da
o f m ethane
- Has a good PDI balance to maximise milk litres
5 0 0 a nd 600 ts of beer!
production n pin
d u c e betwee almost 1000
o
pr vitamins
w can and t of How it works:
- Has a high inclusion of trace minerals
One co uivalen
The eq
included pro-rata with the calmag Energy lost as methane can account for up to 8% of
- Contains Agolin, a natural rumen modifier that the gross energy you feed your cows. Preventing or
increases yield. lowering this loss makes more of this potential feed
energy available for your cows. Your cow can then
Agolin use this extra energy to:
Agolin is a blend of high quality plant active ingredients - produce more milk,
that alters the rumen bacterial population to lower - maintain body condition score,
methane emission, increase milk yield and improve - go back in calf.
cow fertility.
KEY POINT: Agolin® Ruminant has KEY POINT: Reduced Methane losses
been certified by the carbon trust to is a positive from an environmental and
reduce enteric methane emissions in
a production standpoint.
cattle by 10% per day (± 4%) and by
14.4% per litre fat corrected milk.
Results from the Meta-analysis of 20+ animal trials
Methane: Fertility:
- 9.6% per/cow per day - Increase Backfat 21%
- 12.7% per kg of milk - Increase Fertility of 9%
- 13.6% per kg DMI
Food Conversion Efficiency: Increased Milk Yield:
+ 5.5% 4.5%
If you have any queries on Hi pro Ecolac please contact our inside sales team on 022 31644,
If you have any queries on Hi-Pro Ecolac
your local please
area sales contact
manager ouragri
or your branch inside
lead Sales Team on 022 31644,
your local area sales manager or your branch agri lead.
13Dairygold Agribusiness
your sustainability Partner
Soil Sampling
improves improves efficient improves
pH soil fertility use of fertiliser farm profitablity
Targeted Fertiliser Plan for your Farm
We will recommend where you will get most benefit from your farm slurry
We will plan field by field, month by month, NPK application
We will advise you on how much lime each field should receive over the next 3 years
Protected Urea products – to lower ammonia and nitrous emissions
Within Dairygold, we have a range of protected urea products. These products are powered by
differing additives some coating the urea granule, some contained within the CCF.
These products:
Decrease the Decrease the nitrous
ammonia losses by oxide emissions by
84%
when compared to urea
73%
when compared to C.A.N.
Natural Feed Additives - to lower methane and greenhouse gas emission
Our Post Calver Gold and Hi Pro Ecolac ranges contain natural feed additives that have been
accredited by the Carbon Trust to reduce greenhouse gas and methane emission by kg of fat and
protein corrected milk.
For more information on these products or to discuss how we can work together to achieve greater
environmental sustainability please contact your Area sales manager, your local branch Agri lead
or our inside sales department. Inside Sales Team on 022 31644
14 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
FARM DISCUSSIONS IN THE
ASSAP PROGRAMME
By CIARA DONOVAN,
Farm Sustainability Advisor, Supply Chain Division
Farm Discussions in the ASSAP programme
We are
are now
noweight
eightmonths
monthsintointothetheAgricultural
AgriculturalSustainability
SustainabilitySupport
SupportandandAdvisory
AdvisoryProgramme
Programme(ASSAP) and good
progress
(ASSAP) andhasgood
taken place has
progress across
takentheplace
country.
acrossTo-date withinTo-date
the country. the Dairygold region,
within the a public
Dairygold meeting and a later
region,
riverside farmersand
a public meeting meeting
a later has takenfarmers
riverside place meeting
in the Caha, Allow,
has taken Mulkear,
place Deel, Allow,
in the Caha, Dead,Mulkear,
Dooglasha (Cappamore),
Cauteen,
Deel, Dead,Awbeg, and (Cappamore),
Dooglasha Farahy PriorityCauteen,
Areas for Actionand
Awbeg, (PAAS).
FarahyThe Catchment
Priority Assessment
Areas for Team has also, at this
Action (PAAS).
The Catchment Assessment Team has also, at this stage, commenced assessment of
stage, commenced assessment of these PAAs and in some cases, now completed their assessment. these PAAs and
in some cases, now completed their assessment.
Almost 500 farm
Almost 500 farmvisits
visitsacross
acrossthe thecountry have taken
country have taken place within the
place within
program and the programme
farmer engagement and hasfarmer engagement
has been
been extremely
extremely positive.
positive. OverOver
96%96% of of those farmers
those farmers contacted by advisors,
contacted by advisors, agreed to have a farm walk
agreed to have a farm walk and have
and have undertaken
undertaken to carry outtosomecarryor out
all, some
of or all, of the
actions
t advised
he actions by by
advised thetherespective
respective Teagasc or Co-op
Teagasc or Co-op ASSAP advisor. Sincere
ASSAP advisor. Sincere thanks to all who have engaged
thanks to all who have engaged
wholeheartedlyininthe
wholeheartedly theprogramme!
programme!
One of the main aspects discussed on most farm visits is how pollutants move from farms into rivers.
One
Whileofevery
the main
farmaspects discussed
is different, on mostprocesses
some general farm visits
in isnutrient
how pollutants
movement move fromsoils
through farms into rivers. While every
remain
constant
farm and if understood,
is different, some generalcan help you to identify
processes themovement
in nutrient best method to use to
through prevent
soils nutrient
remain lossand if understood,
constant
from your farm.
can help you to identify the best method to use to prevent nutrient loss from your farm.
Phosphorous
PHOSPHOROUS
Phosphorous readilybinds
Phosphorous readily binds toto soil.
soil. Usually
Usually it enters
it enters water
water through
through one one
of twoof main
two main
ways:ways:
1. Chemical or organic sources of phosphorous (slurry or farm-yard manure) are simply washed off the land
1.through
Chemical or organic
overland flowsources
and into ofwaterways
phosphorous (slurryit or
before farm-yard
gets a chance manure)
to be are simply washed
absorbed into soil or
off the land through overland flow and into waterways before it gets a chance to be
2. Phosphorous binds to soil and the soil (sediment) is washed into the waterway where it is then broken-down
absorbed
and extractedintofrom
soil or
the soil by plants and organisms in the river
2. Phosphorous binds to soil and the soil (sediment) is washed into the waterway where it is
then broken-down
Phosphorous losses are more and extracted from the
likely to occur soil by plants
in regions whereand organisms
soils in the
are heavier andriver
wetter, as absorption is slower
to occur.
Phosphorous losses are more likely to occur in regions where soils are heavier and wetter, as
absorption is slower to occur.
To avoid losing Phosphorous from your soil:
To•avoid
Onlylosing
applyPhosphorous
your chemicalfrom your soil:fertilizers to soils in dry conditions.
or organic
• Check weather forecasts and avoid spreading before heavy rain – apply little and often to heavy soil areas.
• Only apply your chemical or organic fertilizers to soils in dry conditions.
• Always avoid applying fertilizer onto land sloped towards drains or rivers.
• Check weather forecasts and avoid spreading before heavy rain – apply little and often to
• Soil sample and only apply P to soils index 3 or less
heavy soil areas.
• Always avoid applying fertilizer onto land sloped towards drains or rivers.
• Soil sample and only apply P to soils index 3 or less
15Below are two maps which outline the Nitrogen clean during the summer when vegetation will
and Phosphate concentrations as measured in Irish grow back along the bank quickly. Install a
Rivers between 2015-2017 by the EPA. (Note: blue sediment trap before cleaning.
and green dots signify high and good quality while • F encing-off buffer areas adjacent to rivers and
yellow, orange, purple and red dots signify moderate drains will help to prevent sediment and nutrient
to poor quality respectively).
Below are two maps which outline the Nitrogen and Phosphate concentrations as measured in
Irish Rivers between 2015-2017 by the EPA. (Note: blue and green dots signify high and good
losses.
quality while yellow, orange, purple and red dots signify moderate to poor quality respectively) • Avoid poaching plots close to rivers. Don’t locate
water troughs within 20 m of any watercourse
and always leave an un ploughed strip when
reseeding plots alongside a water-course.
• Direct run-off from any farm road-ways into fields
to filter out the sediment rather than directing
straight into drains
NITROGEN
While phosphorous is often the most limiting nutrient
for aquatic plants, nitrogen is the second most limiting
and a common cause of water pollution. Nitrogen is
rapidly absorbed and transported by water. It will be
SEDIMENT quickly washed into soils but unfortunately, if it is not
Sediment is the fine particles of soil that can travel taken up by plants, it can also be quickly washed
for miles along a river when soil gets washed in. This through soils and into drains, rivers and ground-water.
is a serious pollutant in Irish rivers. Again, there are Nitrogen pollution in rivers is most frequently seen is
two main ways in which sediment is destructive to an areas where soils are free-draining for this reason.
aquatic ecosystem:
1. Sediment physically covers the clean gravely floor A Teagasc study of the uptake of nitrogen across the
of rivers which is needed as spawning areas for Irish season, carried out in 2013 concluded that ‘the
many species including salmonids. amount of apparent recovery of fertilizer N after eight
2. As explained above, soil and particularly top-soil, weeks varied from low in February (21%) and March
carries P with it – the most limiting nutrient to (46%) to high from April to August (69–98%)’. In the
most plants, including aquatic plants and algae’s. early season, regardless of land trafficability, if soil
An excess of this usually very limited nutrient, temperatures are low, the majority of N applied in
can cause unnatural spurts of growth in this either chemical or organic form will be lost and will
environment. Aquatic plants photosynthesise eventually find its way into the river catchment.
by day and respire by night, extracting oxygen
by night from the water and releasing it by day. To prevent N loss from soils
When unnatural spurts of growth occur, oxygen • It is important to always match application rate
levels vary drastically, causing all other species with plant requirement and growth rate. Check
dependent on extracting oxygen from the water soil temperatures in the spring and do not apply
to struggle to survive. unless soils temperature is at least greater than 7
°C consistently.
To prevent loss of sediment into waterways • Nitrogen leached from soil will be greater when
• Do not disturb the banks. Don’t allow cattle to pH is not optimum, therefore soil sample and add
access the rivers and drains on the farm if possible. lime as necessary.
Where this is not possible, limit their access to • Use protected urea, particularly if applying nitrogen
minimise disturbances. early in the year
• A void cleaning drains if possible. If unavoidable,
16 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
WHAT’S THE IDEAL PADDOCK
SIZE FOR MY HERD?
By WILLIAM BURCHILL,What’s the ideal paddock size for my herd?
Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme
By William Burchill
Upgrading of paddock sizes is something that hasn’t
kept pace with the increase in cow numbers on many
farms. The average herd size in the Dairygold region
has increased from around 77 cows in 2015 to 91 cows in
2019. Upgrading paddocks sizes allows more flexibility
around grass management. Where paddock sizes have
become too small for herds it is often being compensated
for by increasing the pre-grazing grass cover which is
dropping milk yield and protein %. Teagasc research
has shown that having 36 hour grazing paddocks (3
grazings) and pre-grazing grass yields of 1,400 kg DM/
ha is best for cow performance during the mid-season
(April to August).
Upgrading of paddocks sizes is something that hasn’t kept pace with the increas
Working out the paddock size for your herdnumbers on many farms. The average herd size in the Dairygold region has increas
Multiplying your herd size by 0.045 will give around 77 cows insize
you a paddock 2015intoacres
91 cows
thatinwill
2019. Upgrading
have enough paddocks sizes
grass for 36allows
hour more f
around grass management. Where paddock sizes have become too small for herds i
grazing when the pre-grazing grass cover is 1,400 kg DM/ha (17kg Grass DM allocated per cow per day). For
being compensated for by increasing the pre-grazing grass cover which is dropp
example, a 36 hr grazing paddock for an 80 cow herd is 3.6 acres (80 × 0.045 = 3.6 acres). Paddock sizes for a
yield and protein %. Teagasc research has shown that having 36 hour grazing pad
range of herd sizes is displayed in the table below. This
grazings) and pre-grazing grass yields of 1,400 kg DM/ha is best for cow performanc
can be used as a guide when increasing paddocks sizes
the mid-season (April to August).
if cow numbers have increased. Removing a dividing
wire to move two paddocks into one or dividing three
paddocks into two paddocks may be sufficient in many
Working
Milk Quality Open Day
out the paddock size for your herd
cases in increase paddock size to where it needs to be. Milk Quality Open Day
Multiplying youron on size
herd
farmfarm of 2018
of by 0.045
2018 Dairygold Milk
will giveMilk
Dairygold Quality
youQuality Award
a paddock
Award Winners,
sizeWinners,
in acres that w
When increasing paddocks ensure that water troughs
enough grass for 36 hour grazing Edward
when the& Breda Donovan,
Edward & Breda Donovan,
pre-grazing grass cover is 1,400 kg DM
and paddock entrances are appropriately positioned Ballybranagh, Cloyne, Co. Cork. P25 YP20
Ballybranagh,
example, a 36 hr grazing Cloyne,
paddock for an 80 cowCo. Cork.
herd P25
is 3.6 YP20
acres (80 × 0.045 = 3.
as some many need to be adjusted. Tuesday 3rd September 2019 at 11am.
Paddock sizes for a range of herd 3
Tuesday sizes
rd is displayed on Table 1. Removing a dividing
September 2019 at 11am.
move two paddocks into one or dividing three paddocks into two paddocks
Herd Paddock size 24hr Paddock size 36hr in many cases in increase paddock size to where it needs to be. When in
sufficient
Size grazing (acres) grazing (acres)
paddocks ensure that water troughs and paddock entrances are appropriately posit
50 1.5 2.3
some many need to be adjusted.
100 3 4.5
150 4.5 6.8
200 6 9 Herd Size Paddock size 24 hr Paddock size 36 hr
250 7.5 11.3
300 9 13.5
ALL WELCOME
ALL WELCOME
17John Maher
Teagasc, Moorepark
GRASS MATTERS
By JOHN MAHER, Dairy Specialist, Teagasc Moorepark
Time to Start
Outlined Below is the Weekly PastureBase Ireland report for August 20th. It demonstrates the Grazing
the average growth Sea
rate of 60 Kg DM/ha/day which is typical for August on most farms. The grass growth rate Predictor Model
suggests growth rate will increase above 60 kg DM/ha/day. Demand of the herd is about 10 kg DM/ha lower.
However with 11 days left in August: Shane put in an image “2018 grazing se
- a growth surplus of 12kg/ha above demand of the herd for the rest of the month (growth rate of 62 kg/day),
The most important task any dairy farmer will undertake over the
therefore there should be a surplus of 132 kg DM/ha by September 1st. Add this 132 kg/ha to the AFC of 770 kg/
the farm is closed off properly to have an adequate supply of gra
ha and AFC will be about 900 kg DM/ha at a stocking rate of 3.2cows/ha.
Grazing conditions have been challenging during September. Rep
At this point in time, the average farm on Pasturebase is on target for September 1st in terms of grass supply!!
farms are very variable. Some farms are swamped in grass which
AFC Cover/LU Stocking Rate SomeGrowth farms have not and Demand Pre-Grazing
will not have enough grass available fo
770 kg DM/ha 240 kg DM/LU 3.2 LU/ha additional feed to keep
62 kg DM/ha cowsDM/ha
50kg fed. Irrespective
1575 of
kggrass
DM/hasupply on
next grazing season and get it right.
This is before any additional land is brought into the farm for the cows or possibly replacements removed from the
grazing platform to outfarms or additional meal/silage beingTherefed.are two objectives in autumn grazing management of
Outlined below are the targets for the autumn for different stocking
Firstly rates on
the cows thebe
must milking platform.
adequately fed using the cheapest
grass. Every day at grass is worth €1.80/cow/day additiona
AUTUMN GRAZING TARGETS
The second objective is set the farm up for spring grass. M
Date Cover/Cow the Average Farm
grazing season begins in Rotation
the autumn Length
and that autumn m
(Kg DM) Cover
the (Kg
primary DM/Ha)
factor influencing the supply of grass available
STOCKING RATE OF 2.5 LU/HA
1st September 300 750 30 Days
Mid-September 400-450 1,000-1,100 35 Days
1st October 400 1,000 40 Days
1st November 60%+ of your grazing platform should be closed for Spring at this stage
Fully Housed 600
STOCKING RATE OF 3.0 LU/HA
1st September 330 990 30 Days
Mid-September 370 1100 35 Days
1st October 380 1150 40 Days
1st November 65%+ of your grazing platform should be closed for Spring at this stage
Fully Housed 650
STOCKING RATE OF 3.5 LU/HA
1st September 280 980 30 Days
Mid-September 340 1200 35 Days
1st October 335 1175 40 Days
1st November 75% of your grazing platform should be closed for Spring at this stage
Fully Housed 700-750
18 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
There is a lot of potential to make better use of grass on dairy farms in autumn. Every extra tonne of grass eaten
per ha is worth €173/ha. Keeping grass in the diet of the dairy cow and lengthening the grazing season should
be a key objective in autumn. The focus of grazing management during September is to build up grass for later in
autumn and thereby increase the number of days at grass in October/November.
Getting Grass Supply Right
Rotation length should be about 28 to 30 days on September 1st. So if there is 90 acres on the platform you
should be grazing about 3 acres/day. If you are grazing more than that, then you would need to slow down to
3 acres/day immediately. This can be achieved by feeding more ration or silage (surplus grass made into round
bales) if you really need to slow down the rotation. The demand for grass can also be reduced by selling surplus
cows, selling the cull cows, drying off low yielders etc. or removing other stock off the cow grazing platform.
It is important to slow down the rotation as grass growth will decline rapidly during September. So act now if you
are behind on grass supply.
Having too much grass is also a challenge. Building up very large volumes of grass on the farm particularly in the
latter half of September will leave a “white butt” after grazing. Large volumes of grass are hard to graze out and
often grass is wasted or walked into the ground particularly if grazing conditions are poor. Often land is damaged
or poached where cows are forced to graze in small areas due the volume of grass being grazed being too high.
The vigour of the sward entering into winter is also reduced. So try to avoid rotation lengths greater than 40 days.
The target farm cover figure is about 400 kgDM/cow by mid-September for those who measure grass.
Giving cows access to grass is very good at keeping costs lowGiving
andcows access to grass is very good at keeping costs low and boosting milk compositio
boosting milk composition. To have this grass,
have this grass, the plan begins now.
the plan begins now.
P (Phosphorus) & Nitrogen (N)
P (Phosphorus) & Nitrogen (N)
Phosphorus (P) is essential for early spring growth. However,
it needs to be available to the plant. P levels in the soil rise
slowly compared to Potassium (K). That is why it is better to
apply P now and be “ready” for the plant to use early next
year. However, if spreading fertiliser containing Phosphorus
(P) it needs to be applied before mid-September (regulation
closing date).
Nitrogen (N) fertiliser must also be spread within the first 2
weeks of September.
Phosphorus (P) is essential for early spring growth. However, it needs to be available to t
levels in the soil rise slowly compared to Potassium (K). That is why it is better to apply
The decision to spread fertiliser nitrogen (N) on particular fields/paddocks
be “ready” for theover plant the next
to use early2 next
weeks
year. should
However,be based fertiliser
if spreading
on getting a good return on the application. The economic Phosphorus
response (P) itof fertiliser
needs nitrogen
to be applied application
before mid-September starts
(regulation to date).
closing
decline rapidly during September. The best economic response Nitrogenwill be achieved
(N) fertiliser on: silage
must also be spread within theground,
first 2 weeksreseeded
of September.
land, drier paddocks, heavily stocked farms with low grass supply.
The decision to spread fertiliser nitrogen (N) on particular fields/paddocks over the ne
should be based on getting a good return on the application. The economic response
nitrogen application starts to decline rapidly during September. The best economic respo
Finally, soiled water from the collecting yard etc. can be usedachieved
as a source of nitrogen
on: silage ground, reseeded to bedrier
land, applied
paddocks,to grassland
heavily stocked farms with
supply.
after mid-September.
Straight potassium (K) (muriate of Potash has 50 units of K perFinally,
50kgsoiled
bag) 0:0:50
water from thecan be yard
collecting spread
etc. canduring
be used asSeptember
a source of nitrogen to be
grassland after mid-September.
and October.
Straight potassium (K) (muriate of Potash has 50 units of K per 50kg bag) can be spread du
September and October.
19Dairy Farming on Diffi
John Maher, Ger Courtney & James O’Loughlin
Heavy Soils Programme, Teagasc.
DAIRY
Getting theFARMING
balance right in grassON supply between too much and too
DIFFICULT / HEAVY LAND
little grass!!!
By JOHN MAHER, Ger Courtney & James O’Loughlin
Grass growth rates during August increased dramatically on many farms
Heavy Soils Programme, Teagasc.
with heavy soils. Many of the farms in the Heavy Soils Programme have
GETTING
made additionalTHE
silageBALANCE
during August.RIGHT IN GRASS SUPPLY
BETWEEN TOO MUCH AND TOO LITTLE John
GRASS!!
Maher, Ger Cour
Outlined below is the Group Report from Pasturebase for the Heavy Soils Farm for
Grass growth rates during August increased dramatically on many farms with heavy soils. Many of the farms in the
Mid-August.
Heavy Grass have
Soils Programme growth
maderate was above
additional 70 kg
silage during DM/ha/day which isHeavy
August. about Soils Programm
15%-20%
higher than normal. If growth rates remains close to this level for the remainder of
August,below
Outlined these farms
is the Groupwill have
Report froma Pasturebase
grass coverfor above 1000
the Heavy Soils kg
FarmDM/ha for September
for Mid-August. Grass growth 1strate
.
was
Simplyabove 70 kg
put, thisDM/ha/day which isgrass
is too much aboutto
15%-20% higher than
be carrying intonormal. If growth Very
September. rates remains
high30%
About close
covers toof
of milk this
produced
level for the remainder of August, these farms will have average grass cover above 1000 kgHeavy DM/ha for September
grass are difficult to graze out and the sward is yellow or white after grazing. Cows
soils add complexities
1st. Simply put, this is too much grass to be carrying into September. Very high covers of grass are difficult to graze
do not perform as well on this type of grass. The aim should be to have a green
conditions, baseto those
similar
out and the sward is yellow or white after grazing. Cows do not perform as well on this type of grass. The aim
after grazing milk production on heavy s
should be to haveand thebase
a green paddock cleaned
after grazing outpaddock
and the well ascleaned
we enter September.
out well as we enter September.
silage reserves are essential.
Surplusgrass
Surplus grass
will will
needneed to be converted
to be converted into baled
into baled silage before September
demonstration
1st. September 1 .
silage before st dairy farms l
Doonbeg.
Cover/LU Stocking Growth/ha Demand/ha Pre
Cover Farm Cover
Farm (kg Rate (kg DM (kg DM Grazing
Date (kg DM/ha)
DM/LU) (LU/ha) /ha/day) /ha/day) Yield
Farm Performance
Macroom 12/08 818 253 3.23 63 55 1600
A marked increase in costs
Doonbeg 12/08 819 265 3.09 78 49
poor milk price1700
is reflected i
Listowel 12/08 679 193 3.51 76 49 1300
Athea 06/08 729 271 2.69 74 49 1650
Castleisland 10/08 665 254 2.62 70 42 1: Heavy1600
Table Soils Program
Bohebue 14/08 835 275 3.04 64 49 1800
Rossmore 11/08 838 276 3.04 78 52 1600
Average 769 255 3.03 72 49
Herd
1607
size
Fa
With
Withhigh levels
high of growth
levels it is possible
of growth that grass
it is possible supply
that grasscan get toocan
supply far get
ahead.
tooThis
farisahead.
easily solved
This isbyeasily
making
surplus
solvedgrass into baled
by making silage.grass into baled silage.
surplus
Given the current weather predictions & soil temperatures, it looks like high grass growth rates are going to
continue. It is important though that grass is controlled on the farm to get grazing right for the September and
October period.
Closing up the farm for the winter normally begins on heavy farms at the end of September. Ground conditions
nearly always dictate when stock has to be removed from pasture and housed. Any grazing that happens in
20 www.dairygoldagri.ieISSUE 79 - SEPTEMBER 2019
November is generally bonus territory.
Outlined below is the autumn grazing targets in terms of grass supply and rotation lengths for farms with difficult
land.
There are 2 key grazing measurements that are particularly important for September.
1. Rotation Length:
Rotation length does not go beyond 35 days during September. So if you have 100 acres of grazing for the
herd, the minimum amount of land grazed to be grazed is 3 acres per day. If you are grazing only 2 acres/day,
the rotation length is about 50 days, which is far too long. This will result in very heavy covers of grass which are
difficult to graze out especially in soft grazing conditions.
2. Grass Cover Being Grazed:
The grass cover being grazed is less that 2000 kg M/ha. Growth rates during late August/September on farms
with heavy land can often be quite high. Soil temperatures are at their highest and the soil releases additional
Nitrogen. Achieving average growth rates of 50-55 kgDM/ha with a 35 day rotation will produce grass covers less
than 2000 kgDM/ha which will be easily enough grazed. Longer rotation lengths with higher growth rates result
in very high covers of grass which are very challenging to graze especially when weather conditions are poor.
Presently, it is expected that grass growth rates will remain well above normal in late August and into September.
This surplus grass must be controlled. It is important to capitalise on the extra grass growth when it arrives and
surplus grass can be made into winter feed.
AUTUMN GRAZING TARGETS
Date Cover/Cow Average Farm Rotation Length
(Kg DM) Cover (Kg DM/Ha)
STOCKING RATE OF 2.5 LU/HA
1st September 280-300 700-750 25-26 Days
Mid-September 375-400 1,000 33-35 Days
1st October 350 875 35 Days
1st November 80-90%+ of your grazing platform should be closed for
Spring at this stage
STOCKING RATE OF 3.0 LU/HA
1st September 300 750 26-27 Days
Mid-September 350 1050 33-35 Days
1st October 325 975 35 Days
1st November Most of your grazing platform should be closed for
Spring at this stage
The key message now is try to hold a 30-35 day rotation during September.
21FERTILITY & BREEDING
By DOREEN CORRIDAN, MVB MRCVS PhD, Munster Cattle Breeding
PRIORITIES FOR THE MONTH
A. Vaccination • Match the number of cows with cubicle number.
• Salmonella vaccination due this month.
HERD TO MILK 2020
B. Weigh 2019 born heifers and incalf heifers this
How many cows do I plan to milk in 2020?
month.
Decide how many cows you plan to milk in 2020.
C. Plan now which cows and heifers to milk in 2020.
• Scan cows this month How many of the current incalf heifers am I selling?
• Test for Johnes this month Am I selling the right cows?
• Genomic test incalf heifers if surplus present
• Identify under performers from the milk recording Identify cows for culling due to low Kgs or % Fat &
reports Protein.
• Identify high SCC cows unlikely to cure How many REDS have you?
Identify potential cows for culling this autumn now,
D. P
lan the Dry off Plan for 2019/2020 cows who are in the bottom 15% of the herd with their
• CMT test 4-5 cows production corrected for lactation number (1st calvers
• Power wash & disinfect cubicle shed and calving 22% extra, 2nd calvers 7% extra).
area
• Repair cubicle Beds
Identify cows for culling due to SCC. Get a scanning done now. It will give more accurate
How many REDS have you? calving dates than scanning in 2-3 months time.
Identify potential cows for culling this autumn now. Identify the empty cows and late calvers for selling.
Cows who had greater than 2 tests greater 250,000 in
2018 and who have had more than 2 tests greater than Enter the scanning dates into ICBF and if you are in
250,000 in 2019. If they did not cure last winter, they Herdplus you will receive an extremely useful COW
are unlikely to do so this winter. Cows with three teats report which ranks the cows on future profitability
and persistent cases of mastitis and cows with other for you.
issues need to be considered etc.
At your next recording consider testing for Johnes
22 www.dairygoldagri.ieYou can also read
