The national final of the 2009 Macra na Feirme Dairy Stockjudging competition, kindly sponsored by the Irish Dairy Board, took place last week at the Irish Holstein Friesian Association Open Day in Drogheda Co. Louth.
First prize in the senior competition went to Patrick Deasy from Carbery , while the Under-23 competition was won by John O’Connor from Avondhu . Runners-up were Michael Murphy from Wexford (Senior event) and Ann Buckley from Carbery (Under-23 event).
The dairy stockjudging competition takes the form of an academic test followed by the score-marking in order of merit of a pen of heifers and a pen of cows. Competitors are also interviewed on their overall grading of the animals and must answer questions on the technical aspects of dairy farming.
Speaking at the event, Macra na Feirme, National President, Michael Gowing, thanked the Irish Dairy Board for their continued support, and congratulated both competitors and judges for their part in the outstanding competition. He also emphasised the importance of the competition and said:
“The dairy stockjudging competition offers a great opportunity for young farmers to become skilled at assessing livestock and prepares them for the actual job of buying and selling farm animals. Stockjudging also broadens the young farmers’ knowledge of new developments in stock breeding, husbandry and disease control.”
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
IGA Beef Conference
THE Irish Grassland Association (IGA) last week announced the details of its annual Beef Farm Walk and Conference, which will take place on Tuesday 30 June.
The award-winning farm of John Kennedy near Nenagh, Co Tipperary will be visited in the morning and the conference will be held in the afternoon in the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh.
On the day, visitors to his farm will learn and see how he manages to breed all of his cows to AI, the progeny of some of the best-known high-index beef sires in the country, the extensive herd health plan that has been put in place, and how he is using paddocks, white clover, reseeding and grass budgeting to maximise his performance at grass.
Commenting on the farm, Robin Talbot of the IGA said: “This is a great opportunity for farmers to visit one of the best-run suckler beef farms in the country. Farmers will get to see top-class calves, replacement heifers and grassland management all on the one farm. The profitability of John’s bull beef system will also be of a huge interest to many farmers on the day.”
Pearse Kelly, president of the IGA, said that their conference this year is focusing very much on what is within the control of farmers themselves to lift their profits. The afternoon session will focus on using the latest technologies to increase beef farm profit.
Speakers at the conference will include Dr Mark McGee, Teagasc Grange, who will show what the latest thinking on feed efficiency can offer to improve suckler cow profit margins, and Dr Ross Evans, ICBF, who will show the differences that exist within an actual suckler herd between high and low genetic merit cows and how farmers can identify these cows within their own herd to increase their profit.
Cost for the day, including full conference proceedings, lunch and buses to and from the farm, is .40 for members of the IGA and .60 for non-members. In addition, the IGA are doing a special conference deal of .80, which includes conference registration and a year’s membership of the association.
For more information on registration, including group offers, please contact the conference secretary on 1890 843442 and you can now also book online at www.irishgrassland.com.
The award-winning farm of John Kennedy near Nenagh, Co Tipperary will be visited in the morning and the conference will be held in the afternoon in the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh.
On the day, visitors to his farm will learn and see how he manages to breed all of his cows to AI, the progeny of some of the best-known high-index beef sires in the country, the extensive herd health plan that has been put in place, and how he is using paddocks, white clover, reseeding and grass budgeting to maximise his performance at grass.
Commenting on the farm, Robin Talbot of the IGA said: “This is a great opportunity for farmers to visit one of the best-run suckler beef farms in the country. Farmers will get to see top-class calves, replacement heifers and grassland management all on the one farm. The profitability of John’s bull beef system will also be of a huge interest to many farmers on the day.”
Pearse Kelly, president of the IGA, said that their conference this year is focusing very much on what is within the control of farmers themselves to lift their profits. The afternoon session will focus on using the latest technologies to increase beef farm profit.
Speakers at the conference will include Dr Mark McGee, Teagasc Grange, who will show what the latest thinking on feed efficiency can offer to improve suckler cow profit margins, and Dr Ross Evans, ICBF, who will show the differences that exist within an actual suckler herd between high and low genetic merit cows and how farmers can identify these cows within their own herd to increase their profit.
Cost for the day, including full conference proceedings, lunch and buses to and from the farm, is .40 for members of the IGA and .60 for non-members. In addition, the IGA are doing a special conference deal of .80, which includes conference registration and a year’s membership of the association.
For more information on registration, including group offers, please contact the conference secretary on 1890 843442 and you can now also book online at www.irishgrassland.com.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Causeway Classic
To celebrate the centenary of Black and White breeding in the UK and Ireland, Holstein NI has joined forces with United Feeds and Alltech to host ‘The Causeway Classic’, a two-day event showcasing Holstein breeding in Northern Ireland.
The Causeway Classic will take place at the RUAS on Wednesday August 26th and Thursday August 27th 2009. Breeders from all over Europe will be invited to attend and take part in the festivities.
“This unique celebration will comprise a range of events, including calf handling and calf show classes featuring Holstein, Ayrshire and Jersey animals. However, the highlight of the event will be the selection of the Supreme Holstein Champion on the second day, the owner of which will be the first person to receive the ‘United Feeds: Alltech Causeway Trophy”, explained Holstein NI chairman Malcolm Mclean.
He continued, “The Causeway Classic will break new ground as an event held here in Northern Ireland. For those taking part or simply watching, it promises to be a key highlight of the dairying calendar in 2009.”
United Feeds’ Director Dr Keith Agnew highlighted the significance of the new event, “it really will be a showcase that reflects the standards being achieved by local pedigree breeders. We are delighted to be associated with an event of this significance.”
Alltech’s John Thornton said, “Northern Ireland has exceptional breeders and cows that merit international recognition. Alltech is proud to be part of this event which will offer the international Holstein community a chance to view Northern Ireland’s top pedigree herds.”
Events at Balmoral will commence on the evening of the 26th with a pedigree calf sale and barbeque. The calf handling and calf competition classes will also take place that evening.
The Causeway Classic will take place at the RUAS on Wednesday August 26th and Thursday August 27th 2009. Breeders from all over Europe will be invited to attend and take part in the festivities.
“This unique celebration will comprise a range of events, including calf handling and calf show classes featuring Holstein, Ayrshire and Jersey animals. However, the highlight of the event will be the selection of the Supreme Holstein Champion on the second day, the owner of which will be the first person to receive the ‘United Feeds: Alltech Causeway Trophy”, explained Holstein NI chairman Malcolm Mclean.
He continued, “The Causeway Classic will break new ground as an event held here in Northern Ireland. For those taking part or simply watching, it promises to be a key highlight of the dairying calendar in 2009.”
United Feeds’ Director Dr Keith Agnew highlighted the significance of the new event, “it really will be a showcase that reflects the standards being achieved by local pedigree breeders. We are delighted to be associated with an event of this significance.”
Alltech’s John Thornton said, “Northern Ireland has exceptional breeders and cows that merit international recognition. Alltech is proud to be part of this event which will offer the international Holstein community a chance to view Northern Ireland’s top pedigree herds.”
Events at Balmoral will commence on the evening of the 26th with a pedigree calf sale and barbeque. The calf handling and calf competition classes will also take place that evening.
2009 European Holstein Conference
The 28th European Holstein & Red-Holstein Conference will take place in Istanbul, Turkey at The Marmara Istanbul Hotel between June 29th - July 3rd 2009.
Cattle Breeders’ Association of Turkey (CBAT) is a non-profit organization established by the Turkish cattle breeders with the financial support of Turkish government in 1998. Its main purpose is to improve the genetic level of the cattle bred in Turkey by keeping the herdbook system and informing its members about the latest scientific and technological developments. It has 75 member provincial associations and nearly 6 million cattle recorded in its system. CBAT is member of several international organizations regarding herdbook keeping, registration, genetics and farm economics.
European Holstein & Red-Holstein Confederation (EHRC) is one of the most important organizations on Holstein breeding in the world. Nearly 30 European countries are members of the Confederation which aims to provide the cooperation and communication between European countries, to carry out researches in order to establish international standards and to create uniformity in the evaluations among member countries, and plays an active role in the establishment of European policies regarding herdbooks and cattle breeding.CBAT has become a member of the EHRC in 1999 and has been representing Turkey at the European Holstein and Red-Holstein Conferences every second year. Having run for candidacy for the Conference 2009 during European Holstein Conference 2005 hosted by the Czech Republic, Turkey was selected from among the other 3 candidate countries. CBAT which will host the 2009 European Holstein & Red-Holstein Conference has taken over the Presidency of EHRC at the General Assembly held in Denmark July 2007. The European Holstein & Red-Holstein Conference 2009 is considered as an opportunity for Turkish cattle sector and a successful step towards the European Integration for Turkey and Turkish Holstein breeders.
Breeders and technicians from Turkey and all around Europe will be participating to the European Holstein & Red-Holstein Conference which will take place in Istanbul. It is aimed to create a platform for the cattle breeders from all around the world to meet and exchange their views and ideas about the future of the breed and dairy production since the participants of the Conference will represent 75% of the milk produced in Europe. In addition to the European participation, it is expected to have representations from the other countries such as USA and Canada. The theme of the Conference, “The future of Holstein breeding in Europe” will be consisting of 4 different panel discussions with speakers from different countries. The main goal of the European Conference is to inform the breeders and experts about technological developments regarding genetics and improvement studies, farm economics and regional approaches in animal health and Holstein breeding.
For more information, please visit www.europeanholstein2009.org
Cattle Breeders’ Association of Turkey (CBAT) is a non-profit organization established by the Turkish cattle breeders with the financial support of Turkish government in 1998. Its main purpose is to improve the genetic level of the cattle bred in Turkey by keeping the herdbook system and informing its members about the latest scientific and technological developments. It has 75 member provincial associations and nearly 6 million cattle recorded in its system. CBAT is member of several international organizations regarding herdbook keeping, registration, genetics and farm economics.
European Holstein & Red-Holstein Confederation (EHRC) is one of the most important organizations on Holstein breeding in the world. Nearly 30 European countries are members of the Confederation which aims to provide the cooperation and communication between European countries, to carry out researches in order to establish international standards and to create uniformity in the evaluations among member countries, and plays an active role in the establishment of European policies regarding herdbooks and cattle breeding.CBAT has become a member of the EHRC in 1999 and has been representing Turkey at the European Holstein and Red-Holstein Conferences every second year. Having run for candidacy for the Conference 2009 during European Holstein Conference 2005 hosted by the Czech Republic, Turkey was selected from among the other 3 candidate countries. CBAT which will host the 2009 European Holstein & Red-Holstein Conference has taken over the Presidency of EHRC at the General Assembly held in Denmark July 2007. The European Holstein & Red-Holstein Conference 2009 is considered as an opportunity for Turkish cattle sector and a successful step towards the European Integration for Turkey and Turkish Holstein breeders.
Breeders and technicians from Turkey and all around Europe will be participating to the European Holstein & Red-Holstein Conference which will take place in Istanbul. It is aimed to create a platform for the cattle breeders from all around the world to meet and exchange their views and ideas about the future of the breed and dairy production since the participants of the Conference will represent 75% of the milk produced in Europe. In addition to the European participation, it is expected to have representations from the other countries such as USA and Canada. The theme of the Conference, “The future of Holstein breeding in Europe” will be consisting of 4 different panel discussions with speakers from different countries. The main goal of the European Conference is to inform the breeders and experts about technological developments regarding genetics and improvement studies, farm economics and regional approaches in animal health and Holstein breeding.
For more information, please visit www.europeanholstein2009.org
Friday, June 5, 2009
Upcoming shows
Clonakilty Agricultural Show on Sunday, 7th June 2009
Cork Summer Show 2009 : Sat 20th & Sun 21st June - GreenFields Ballincollig
Charleville Agricultural Show : Saturday & Sunday 27th & 28th June 2009
Moorepark 09: New Thinking for Challenging Times
Details of Moorepark 09, a major Teagasc open day for the Irish dairy industry, were announced today in Fermoy, County Cork. The theme for Moorepark 09 which takes place on Thursday, 18 June is ‘New Thinking for Challenging Times’, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing dairy farmers and the dairy industry.
According to Tegasc, this open day is an ideal opportunity for all stakeholders in the Irish dairy industry to view up-to-date results from the comprehensive dairy research programme and discuss solutions to the many challenges facing dairy farmers in 2009, with Teagasc research and advisory staff.
Head of the Teagasc Dairy Production Research Centre, Moorepark, Dr Pat Dillon said: ”The 2009 milk production season is putting severe financial pressure on dairy farmers through a combination of low milk prices and poor weather conditions. This major dairy open day in Moorepark will provide farmers with clear guidelines to manage the current situation while highlighting a new direction for profitable milk production in a volatile milk price environment. Despite the current difficulties the financial outlook for dairying in the medium term is positive and there is an urgent requirement for dairy farmers to adopt some key technologies to capitalise on this potential”.
At the open day, key technologies requiring adoption at farm level will be highlighted which include earlier and more compact calving patterns, higher grass utilisation, increased numbers of high EBI replacements, dairy herd disease control, enhanced perennial ryegrass pastures, low cost labour efficient farm infrastructures and the importance of financial planning.
A new grassland manual will be launched at the Open Day to help dairy farmers gain better skills in grazing management. Visitors will be addressed by leading dairy farmers in a unique conference entitled ‘Surviving 2009 and Beyond’, while an extensive display of practical demonstrations, products and services has also been organised. The new ‘Dairy Business Degree’ a joint collaboration between UCD and Teagasc will also feature on the day.
The open day is supported by FBD Trust, the overall sponsor of Moorepark 09. The event runs from 10.00am - 5.00pm. A comprehensive booklet will be provided. Admission and parking is free.
According to Tegasc, this open day is an ideal opportunity for all stakeholders in the Irish dairy industry to view up-to-date results from the comprehensive dairy research programme and discuss solutions to the many challenges facing dairy farmers in 2009, with Teagasc research and advisory staff.
Head of the Teagasc Dairy Production Research Centre, Moorepark, Dr Pat Dillon said: ”The 2009 milk production season is putting severe financial pressure on dairy farmers through a combination of low milk prices and poor weather conditions. This major dairy open day in Moorepark will provide farmers with clear guidelines to manage the current situation while highlighting a new direction for profitable milk production in a volatile milk price environment. Despite the current difficulties the financial outlook for dairying in the medium term is positive and there is an urgent requirement for dairy farmers to adopt some key technologies to capitalise on this potential”.
At the open day, key technologies requiring adoption at farm level will be highlighted which include earlier and more compact calving patterns, higher grass utilisation, increased numbers of high EBI replacements, dairy herd disease control, enhanced perennial ryegrass pastures, low cost labour efficient farm infrastructures and the importance of financial planning.
A new grassland manual will be launched at the Open Day to help dairy farmers gain better skills in grazing management. Visitors will be addressed by leading dairy farmers in a unique conference entitled ‘Surviving 2009 and Beyond’, while an extensive display of practical demonstrations, products and services has also been organised. The new ‘Dairy Business Degree’ a joint collaboration between UCD and Teagasc will also feature on the day.
The open day is supported by FBD Trust, the overall sponsor of Moorepark 09. The event runs from 10.00am - 5.00pm. A comprehensive booklet will be provided. Admission and parking is free.
IFA Map First Step to Dairy Recovery
Irish Farmers' Association National Dairy Committee Chairman Richard Kennedy said that the announcement today (Thursday) by the EU Commission of export refund increases of €100/t for butter and €20/t for SMP was a good first step to speed up an upturn in dairy markets.
He added that, in the face of the most severe farm income crisis in decades, the EU Commission must be prepared to do more to hasten the recovery of milk prices. Mr Kennedy said that, by re-activating the animal feed processing aid, widening its scope beyond calf milk replacer, the EU Commission could help stimulate market demand, thereby speeding up market recovery and ensuring that milk prices paid to farmers can soon once again at least cover their costs.
“The increased export refunds will help exporters retain and even improve their competitiveness in the face of the weaker US $. It will help move more product out of the EU, which will speed up the rebalancing of the European dairy market and improve price prospects. However, the EU Commission must be prepared to increase refunds further if markets and exchange rates require it,” Richard Kennedy said.
“In addition to this, there is scope to use all available market instruments more creatively to stimulate demand. A good example is the scheme that aids skimmed milk powder for incorporation into calf milk replacer. I believe the Commission should be creative about widening the scope of this scheme to other animal feed sectors,” he said.
“It is simply unacceptable to wait for time and attrition alone to rebalance dairy markets, bankrupting some of our most efficient and committed dairy farmers in the process. There is a strong political onus on the EU Commission to be proactive and creative in finding ways to alleviate urgently the very severe income crisis being faced by dairy farm families,” he concluded.
He added that, in the face of the most severe farm income crisis in decades, the EU Commission must be prepared to do more to hasten the recovery of milk prices. Mr Kennedy said that, by re-activating the animal feed processing aid, widening its scope beyond calf milk replacer, the EU Commission could help stimulate market demand, thereby speeding up market recovery and ensuring that milk prices paid to farmers can soon once again at least cover their costs.
“The increased export refunds will help exporters retain and even improve their competitiveness in the face of the weaker US $. It will help move more product out of the EU, which will speed up the rebalancing of the European dairy market and improve price prospects. However, the EU Commission must be prepared to increase refunds further if markets and exchange rates require it,” Richard Kennedy said.
“In addition to this, there is scope to use all available market instruments more creatively to stimulate demand. A good example is the scheme that aids skimmed milk powder for incorporation into calf milk replacer. I believe the Commission should be creative about widening the scope of this scheme to other animal feed sectors,” he said.
“It is simply unacceptable to wait for time and attrition alone to rebalance dairy markets, bankrupting some of our most efficient and committed dairy farmers in the process. There is a strong political onus on the EU Commission to be proactive and creative in finding ways to alleviate urgently the very severe income crisis being faced by dairy farm families,” he concluded.
Killua Sale
Some outstanding animals go through the sales ring on Saturday to be sold by Michael Taaffe at the Killua dispersal.
http://taaffeauctions.com/pdf/june03/KILLUA%20SALE%2009%20PROOF%202.pdf
Click above link for catalogue.
http://taaffeauctions.com/pdf/june03/KILLUA%20SALE%2009%20PROOF%202.pdf
Click above link for catalogue.
Royal Ulster Balmoral Show
The Grand Champion of this year's Royal Ulster Show is the McLeans' Relough Goldwyn Danna VG89 3yr who headed an 11 strong class of second calvers, one of the best ever seen in the UK.Reserve went to the Junior Heifer Ridgefield Sara Rampage Red from the Patton/Truesdale/Dunn partnership with Sam McCormick's Hilltara Jordan Tury as Honourable Mention.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Vets warning
We've recently seen several cases of tyre wire disease.We believe the recent cluster of cases may be due to tyres now starting to deteriorate.
Tyre wire disease expresses itself in many different ways: One cow was found dead and on post-mortem a wire was found penetrating the heart. Other cases can be treated successfully when the wire is removed before complications arise.
Inspection of tyres before silage-making is important to reduce the risk of tyre wire disease. Magnets on feeder wagons are useful, and farms that have experienced problems should consider dosing all cows with magnetic boluses.
Tyre wire disease expresses itself in many different ways: One cow was found dead and on post-mortem a wire was found penetrating the heart. Other cases can be treated successfully when the wire is removed before complications arise.
Inspection of tyres before silage-making is important to reduce the risk of tyre wire disease. Magnets on feeder wagons are useful, and farms that have experienced problems should consider dosing all cows with magnetic boluses.
Ban on Tail Docking: Who Cares?
A bill to ban the process of docking tails on dairy cattle was passed by the California state Senate last week.
Supporters of the measure say the bill's passage is a significant victory for animal welfare. Dairy industry officials said the matter wasn't very important because very few dairies still employ the practice.
The legislation has been a priority for the Humane Society of the United States. According to a legislative analysis of the bill, tail docking involves removing one third to two thirds of a cow's tail. It has been done to make it easier for people to work around dairy cows, to help keep cows' udders clean and to improve milk quality. But the Humane Society claims that there really aren't significant advantages to the practice.
"Docking cows' tails causes them acute pain and leaves them unable to swat away insects," Humane Society said in a statement. "Docking is normally done by rubber-band constriction when the cows are very young."
So far, there hasn't been any formal opposition to the bill.
Supporters of the measure say the bill's passage is a significant victory for animal welfare. Dairy industry officials said the matter wasn't very important because very few dairies still employ the practice.
The legislation has been a priority for the Humane Society of the United States. According to a legislative analysis of the bill, tail docking involves removing one third to two thirds of a cow's tail. It has been done to make it easier for people to work around dairy cows, to help keep cows' udders clean and to improve milk quality. But the Humane Society claims that there really aren't significant advantages to the practice.
"Docking cows' tails causes them acute pain and leaves them unable to swat away insects," Humane Society said in a statement. "Docking is normally done by rubber-band constriction when the cows are very young."
So far, there hasn't been any formal opposition to the bill.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Gibor- opinion from the Ground.
"He is one of those bulls that breed the "commercial" type of cow: much milk, low fat-%, average protein-%, very positive for cell score (126), longevity (125) and maternal fertility (110). Daughters tend to be smaller, round and frail, but they have excellent feet&legs. Udders are average: not too well attached and front teats tend to be a bit wider. Milking speed is an issue: 88 (average is 100). " - German Farmer
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