In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to protect our customers and members of staff we would ask that you follow the following protocol. 1. If you, a member of your family or farm staff are experiencing symptoms potentially linked to Covid-19, please follow the advice from the Public Health Agency (www.publichealth.hscni.net) and […]
News & Events
Mineral needs in modern dairy diets
Most dairy research tends to focus on protein and energy needs, while mineral requirements are often overlooked. Yet, when we fail to consider the role of minerals, problems can arise, including interference or interactions with minerals in feed and water. Important trace minerals such as Zinc, and Selenium play an important role in antioxidant status, […]
Feeding for milk quality
It is agreed by everyone that the margin in milk production currently is small at best given the current base prices on offer, however this base price cannot be changed at farm level. Bonuses achieved for milk butterfat, protein and somatic cell count (SCC) levels however can be influenced at farm level and will have […]
Farming in a low emissions environment
Farmers across Northern Ireland are continually striving for improvements in production and economic efficiency in order to remain financially viable. On top of this there is ever increasing demands placed on them to produce our food in an environmentally sustainable manner whilst at a low cost to the consumer. This pressure is unrelenting as the […]
Effective grassland management is now a year-round commitment
By Alan Boyd – Ruminant Nutrition Adviser For the most part, autumn calving cows were dried off in good condition this year. This meant that milk producers had little trouble in making sure cows were holding at a body condition score of between 2.75 and 3.0 prior to calving. Post calving, however, a significant number […]
Maximising milk from forage must be a priority for dairy farmers this winter.
Silage analyses carried out by United Feeds is confirming a mainly positive story, regarding winter forage quality on dairy farms across Northern Ireland. Company nutritionist Bobby Irwin takes up the story: “Many farmers have built up ample quantities of silage over the past number of months and generally quality is quite good and above average. […]
Management and feeding of today’s calves affects your herd’s future performance
By Jenny Hamilton – Ruminant Nutritionist I believe the genetic ceiling of many herds is higher than performance achieved, and I think nutrition plays the biggest role in filling that gap, not just dry cow and milking cow diets which clearly influence production, but also in growing youngstock correctly to take full advantage of their […]
Preparing for a new period of autumn calving
Antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance are key concerns at the present time. With good pre-calving management, I believe we can significantly reduce the need for antibiotics this winter in both the milking herd, particularly in the first 100 days of lactation, and in the rearing of their calves. Before we start we need to analyse […]
The five freedoms are equally relevant for both dairy and beef cattle
The last number of years have seen dairy farmers invest heavily in improved management and housing systems, all dedicated to better meeting the welfare and behavioural needs of their cows. Can we say the same about the beef industry in Northern Ireland?
New entrants avail of the opportunities that a switch to milk production can create
Father and son team – Victor and Robert Morrison from Ballyroney in Co Down are thoroughly enjoying their new life as dairy farmers. They switched from suckler production in August 2018 and are currently milking 93 Holstein & Fleckvieh with milk being supplied to Dale Farm.
Spring has sprung
The 2019 grazing season is now well under way in many parts of the country. Grazed grass still represents the cheapest feed source on farm and with the correct management can drastically improve milk produced from forage and overall feed efficiency and profitability.
Silage fever advice
There are many important factors that need to come together in order to achieve the aim of making first class silage in Northern Ireland.