Dairy market prices "have improved in recent months, reflecting a decrease in global milk supplies, but with demand continuing to be volatile, future pricing forecasts remain uncertain".
The Irish Farmers Association has said that its analysis estimates that this year s reduction to the maximum stocking rate from 250kg of organic nitrogen to 220kg "will have a cumulative sector cost of up to €60m per annum".
Every farm has a different way of rearing calves, but getting the basics right are the same for every producer, independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy gives his take.