I farm: ”Between owned and leased, around 195ac of good, dry land here in Co Wexford. All the land is around the house, which makes it ideal for milking cows. I started milking in 2019. In my first year, I milked 56 cows and at the moment, I am milking 72.”
This week: ”I am about three weeks into breeding season, so far it’s going very well. Apart from that, I would be getting the yard ready for silage.”
Breeding: ”100% AI is used for breeding, alongside a vasectomised bull. I have been using the MooCall heat system, which I am finding very good. The first cows will be served with Friesian and anything that repeats or ones I missed will be served with Hereford or Angus.”
Cows: ”When I started the herd, I went with the Holstein Friesian breed, but leaning more towards the British Friesian at the end of it. Replacement heifers are kept and Angus calves are reared until they are 18 months old or sold as forward stores, generally through the mart. All stock are outwintered on fodder rape for the first winter.”
Diversification: ”My father was dairying and he got out of it in 2009. We would have had a herd of 50 to 60 sucklers here then. I came home because I wanted to milk cows. The place was already set up for milking, so I had a great start.”
Milk price: ”Milk price has taken a hit. The March milk cheque was back 2c/l and we will probably be taking another hit for our April price, I would imagine. It’s going to be a tough year on everyone.”
Silage 2020: ”I would generally go for around two cuts of silage and try to cut early for quality. Weather depending, the first cut will be done around the 20 May. All silage is Fusion-baled by local contractor Tom Horan.”
Quotable quote: ”Every farm is different and everyone’s system is different. You just have to do the best with what you have.”
Read more
My farming week: Eoin Purfield, Ballymagarvey, Balrath, Navan, Co Meath
My Farming Week: Michael Grace, Ballavarra, The Rower, Co Kilkenny
My Farming Week: Neville Berry, Billberry Hill, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan
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