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April 8, 2021, 6:00 am
In pasture-based systems of milk production, the three-week breeding submission rate target is 90%, which is critical in order to achieve a six-week calving rate of 90%.
Nationally only 65% of cows and heifers calve during the first six weeks of the calving season; ideally this should be at 90%. Doing so facilitates long lactations and high levels of milk production.
While nationally this has improved over the past five years, Teagasc’s analysis shows that the effect on profitability is still substantial. On average, the national cost is €206 less profit per cow per lactation.
3-week breeding submission rate
On the recent the Dairy Edge podcast, Emma-Louise Coffey was joined by Stephen Moore a researcher with Teagasc.
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New dairy entrant Darren Bermingham. Darren and his brother, who farm in partnership, are moving into dairy having previously farmed sucklers and tillage. \ Philip Doyle
The ongoing restrictions have impacted us all in different ways. For those who are currently in the planning stages of building a new milking parlour, not being able to visit other farms or have an adviser in your yard is a major disadvantage.
Virtual farmyard tours
It is always a big help to see and stand in other milking parlours before embarking on a new project.
Looking at pit depth, cluster placement and simply talking to other farmers about grazing platforms and stock choice is an important part of the design and planning process.
Have you listened to the Teagasc Beef Edge Podcast?
The Beef Edge podcast is celebrating its 1st Anniversary. In the last year over 25,000 farmers have tuned in to hear timely technical information and the latest research and advice from Teagasc and industry stakeholders. Presented by Teagasc Beef Specialist Catherine Egan, the Beef Edge podcast covers the latest news, information and advice to improve your beef farm performance.
Over the past year there have been regular updates in relation to grassland management, making quality silage and efficient fertiliser use. Key breeding tips, using AI and heat synchronisation options have also been discussed on previous podcast episodes, as well as animal health topics such as parasite control at the appropriate times. With the launch of a number of beef schemes in 2020 such as Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme suckler (BEEP-S) and the Beef Finishers Programme (BFP) Catherine asked the key questions to find out the requirements and