Sunny Days Ahead - Predicts Kiwi Forecaster Ken Ring

FARMERS anxiously worrying about weather for hay-making and silage can expect a dry and sunny June, according to the Kiwi weather guru, Ken Ring.

After correctly predicting extremely wet conditions across the country for May, the New Zealander expects that June weather will be 13pc drier than average overall.

The hours of sunshine will be up to 41pc above average, according to Mr Ring, whose website predictweather.co.nz has become a hit with Irish farmers over the past five years.

Statistics from Met Eireann have shown that the forecast he gave last October for March, April and May has proven accurate.

He predicted the good summer weather in 2014 and the heatwave in 2013 with uncanny accuracy.

The weather guru also forecast that more than twice the normal rainfall would land in the northern regions during May.

Lower rainfall

Mr Ring predicted farmers in the northern region of the country could fare best during this month with conditions drier by around 39pc, followed by the west enjoying an estimated 19pc less than average rainfall.

The east could be drier by 4pc, but the south will fare worst with rainfall predicted to be 9pc higher than average.

The weather man said that most days should have some hours of sunshine with the northern region the sunniest by up to 48pc.
He said farmers should make the most of the June weather, because July is likely to be slightly wetter than average in most regions of the country with the exception of the south, estimated to be drier by around 9pc.

FREE SET OF PULSE TUBES WITH EACH SET OF MILKRITE or KINGSTON MILK LINERS BOUGHT IN JUNE

FREE SET OF PULSE TUBES WITH EACH SET OF MILKRITE or KINGSTON MILK LINERS BOUGHT IN JUNE

Teagasc research shows that milk liners need to be replaced after 2500 milkings. 

After this a 5% reduction in milk yield occurs due to under milking.

It only costs approx. €200 to replace these liners.

Milkrite and Kingston milk liners are now available.

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If you're unsure about which liner would be best for you please ring the office 053 9236256 with the product code of your existing liner.

Ireland’s Average Farmer Revealed

Teagasc National Farm Survey shows that the ‘average’ farmer in Ireland is 57 years old and has 47ha (116 acres).

It also shows that the average farmer in Ireland has 70 cows, if they’re in dairying, or 27 suckler cows.

Some 23% of farmers have a household pension in place, the figures also show.

It says the average age of Irish farmers has been increasing in recent years but can be expected to decrease somewhat in the short-term as Teagasc is experiencing a huge volume of young people undertaking agricultural education.

Most importantly, according to Teagasc 51% of farm households in Ireland have off-farm employment.

The number of farm households with off-farm income peaked in 2009 at 59% and declined to 49% in 2012.

According to Teagasc, the prevalence of off-farm employment varies regionally – with the West and Midlands having 44% and 35% of farm households with off-farm employment.

The figures were revealed as part of the National Farm Survey and show that there is a wide distribution of farm incomes across the farming population.

Dairying remains the most profitable farming sector in Ireland, with average incomes of €68,8777, up 13% on 2013.

Cattle other (finishing) is the least profitable farming enterprise, the figures show, with an average income of €10,271 – up 8% on 2013.

Cattle rearing (young stock) has an average income of €13,834, which was down 12% on 2013 figures.

Sheep farmer incomes were also up, 24%, but from a significantly low base, according to Teagasc.

All You Need to Know About Applying for Young Farmer Grants

The Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme covers an array of equipment and buildings. 

It opens to applications on the May 28 and closes on August 28.

The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney said the Scheme is very important – offering eligible young farmers a special rate of aid of 60% of investment costs, compared to the standard rate of 40% which will be generally available to other farmers.

Applications must be submitted online through https://agfood.agriculture.gov.ie/ssoauthagfood/individual.jsp

Applicants who wish to apply online or through their agents must first be registered for online services (OLS) with the Department.

Instructions for registration can be found online at www.agfood.ie or you can contact agfood online services helpline in the Department’s Portlaoise office Locall 1890252118 or 0761 064424 or email agfood@agriculture.gov.ie

Save Money on Farm Veterinary Costs

Average veterinary/animal health costs on dairy farms were 1.16c/L in 2014 (€60 per cow, 5% of total costs), according to Teagasc.

It says controlling veterinary costs is not about simply cutting costs; it can also be about ensuring that you are getting a good return on your investment in animal health.

Small changes may yield big returns, Teagasc says.

Teagasc tips:

1. Firstly, you must spend money on protecting and maintaining the health of your dairy herd. 

A really useful first step would be to consult with your veterinary surgeon so as to develop an animal health plan for your farm. 

Can you work with your veterinary surgeon to improve your herd performance? Prevention will always be better than cure.

What are you doing to reduce the risk of a disease outbreak or an animal health issue on your dairy farm that requires costly treatment?

2. Apart from the annual cost associated with veterinary/animal health, disease/poor health can reduce animal/farm performance, thereby reducing your output and receipts. 

For example, reducing SCC from 200,000-300,000 cells/ml to <100 1="" 40="" a="" almost="" by="" cells="" could="" dairy="" delivered="" farm.="" from="" hectare="" increase="" kg="" milk="" ml="" o:p="" per="" solids="" year="">

3. The three elements of good animal health are:

•             Recording herd health status – including bulk milk sampling and other tests.

•             Biosecurity – keeping infectious diseases out and reducing infectious disease threats within the farm.

•             Vaccination – it is important that vaccines are administered correctly; cows should get all, but only necessary vaccinations.

    

4. Savings can be made by challenging the cost of products, the number of treatments and the cost of various services. Knowing what the disease challenges are on your farm and the health status of your animals, helps in this regard. As with other costs, all costs must be justified for your farm.

5. By having an idea of your main veterinary supplies needed for 2015 (list of all vaccines, doses, etc.), you may be able to get a better deal from your supplier (an example of bulk purchasing).

6. In the longer term, can you breed a more robust type of cow that has lower veterinary ‘running costs’?

In summary, you can either reduce costs or get better value for the same costs. Both are a ‘win’ for you. This can be achieved by seeking the best advice, planning, taking action and monitoring.

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Grass Tetany Problems?

Grass Tetany Problems? 

With increasing grass growth and some very cold nights, there is a risk of lactating cows developing tetany. 

We are continuing to hear reports of cows getting grass tetany and this is the highest risk period for it, so ensure every cow is getting covered.

There are various methods of prevention, from buckets, using a hi-mag bolus, and adding magnesium to water troughs. 

All methods have their merits and vary in success but prevention is the main objective, regardless of which option you use.

Flakes, Liquid Magnesium, Boluses and Buckets are all available to prevent Grass Tetany.  

See our full range of grass tetany prevention products here