Preparations have been ongoing since Monday on Tullamore Farm, with a shelter being built for calves outdoors to shelter them from snow and wind.
A shelter was constructed along a sheltered ditch made out of straw bales, an old sliding door and some corri board. An electric fence was put around the outside and calves made their way inside to a dry lie and shelter from the wind
Preparations have been ongoing since Monday on Tullamore Farm, with a shelter being built for calves outdoors to shelter them from snow and wind.
A shelter was constructed along a sheltered ditch made out of straw bales, an old sliding door and some corri board. An electric fence was put around the outside and calves made their way inside to a dry lie and shelter from the wind
A shelter was constructed along a sheltered ditch made out of straw bales, an old sliding door and some corri board. An electric fence was put around the outside and calves made their way inside to a dry lie and shelter from the wind.
Water pipes have frozen in most of the sheds and most of the farm staff's time in the last two days has been taken up carrying water to stock in IBC tanks with the tractor and loader.
A lot of time has been spent over the past two days making sure all animals on the farm have enough water.
A lot of time has been spent over the past two days making sure all animals on the farm have enough water.
The under-16-month bulls that are on ad-lib meal are the number one priority on the farm in terms of keeping water to them. Fifty-nine bulls drank over three IBC tanks of water on Thursday – that’s just under 50 litres of water each.
Old IBC tanks that were in the yard have become very useful over the past few days when providing water for animals on Tullamore Farm.
Old IBC tanks that were in the yard have become very useful over the past few days when providing water for animals on Tullamore Farm.
These animals are on a very dry diet of straw and concentrates and any reduction in water supply would hit intakes and have a negative effect on performance. See the photo captions on the photos for more info.
The only stock out are the 59 dairy-cross heifers that were grazing kale during the winter. These heifers are well accustomed to bad weather over the winter months. They are being supplemented with baled silage, meal and water
The only stock out are the 59 dairy-cross heifers that were grazing kale during the winter. These heifers are well accustomed to bad weather over the winter months. They are being supplemented with baled silage, meal and water.
Cows and calves were rehoused on Wednesday evening due to bad forecast of blizzard conditions. This has meant some cows coming close to calving have moved back on to slats and close attention will be needed to prevent any cows calving on slats. Extra straw has been used in dry bedded sheds to provide clean dry bedding fro freshly calved cows and young calves.
Tullamore Farm yard on Thursday morning.
Tullamore Farm yard on Thursday morning.
All singles and some twins are in a paddock beside the yard being supplemented with silage and feed buckets.
All singles and some twins are in a paddock beside the yard being supplemented with silage and feed buckets.
Cows and calves outside (grazing) on Wednesday.
Cows and calves outside (grazing) on Wednesday.
Shed canopies and open areas have let in a lot of snow in the last few days. Straw bales have been placed in front of some sheds for added shelter.
Shed canopies and open areas have let in a lot of snow in the last few days. Straw bales have been placed in front of some sheds for added shelter.
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