Farmer Focus Michael Scully 15/04/05

ALL COWS are out by day and night since Mar 23. This may seem later than average for most spring calvers. However, as an autumn calving herd, we have high demand at this time of year, with all cows in full appetite and full production.

Average farm total cover was 2800kg of DM/ha at the end of February. This is ahead of target and should comfortably get us to magic day in mid-April, when grass growth will exceed demand.

The latest EBI report for the herd arrived recently. To give a background, the average EBI in Ireland is E21 with the top 1% of herds above E45.

I am pleased with our average heifer EBI of E51. However, the EBI for animals older than four lactations is a lowly E8. At least this is a vindication of breeding policies over the past five years.

Our milk processor has recently cut bonus payments for winter milk production. I can appreciate their point of view, as their margins are being squeezed on all fronts. However, it does send out the wrong signals and will probably be the straw that broke the camel”s back with regard to my decision to exit winter milk production.

We have probably put cows in calf for the last time for next winter. The process has begun with a decision to inseminate a batch of maiden heifers to calve down next February to NZ Jersey sires.

 This is a major farm policy change and will involve careful planning to ensure a smooth transition. There may be a lot of disruption and a small short term financial hit, but the long term reward should be substantial. Simplicity, ease of management and sustainable profitability are the main driving forces.

A decision such as this should look to the future and anticipate the operating environment in 5-10 years time. I believe this will be a favourable and profitable environment, providing we play to our strengths of simple, low cost, low labour, grass-based production.