Dairy4Future farmers discuss carbon and mastitis
“Dairy-4-Future pilot farmers recently met at the farm of Mark Blelock to discuss factors affecting the carbon footprint of their businesses and the opportunities presented through using on farm culturing techniques to identify mastitis causing organisms” writes Robert Patterson, Dairy Technologist, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).
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Dairy-4-Future farmers review breeding and heifer rearing policies
Dairy-4-Future pilot farmers recently had the opportunity to discuss breeding
selection and heifer rearing policy on the farm of Edward Agnew. Edward farms near
Annalong, County Down, where he milks a herd of Holstein Friesian cows in an
autumn calving pattern, seeking to maximise the efficient use of the available
resources.
Robert Patterson, CAFRE Dairy Technologist, explained that “Edward Agnew
showed how actively selecting for sires to improve butterfat percentage and fertility
index was already showing improvements in herd performance. Edward also
presented details from his herd genetic report, which was used to select a list of bulls
which would improve his herd based on PLI, Butterfat % and Protein %”.
The group of pilot farmers discussed and developed a set of sire selection criteria
they felt would best meet their needs. This included Predicted Transmitting Ability
(PTA) for Milk ≥ + 400 kg, Butterfat % ≥ +0.10 %, Protein % ≥ + 0.10 % and Fertility
Index ≥ + 5 days.
Edward outlined his calf and heifer rearing policy to the group and provided current
performance figures for the heifers. At an average age of 12 months, the heifers
weighed 331kg. Daily live weight gain (LWG) from birth to turnout was 0.86 kg
LW/day and from turnout (1st May) to present, was 0.76 kg LW/day. This gave the
heifers an overall lifetime LWG of 0.80 kg LW/day.
The group discussed performance targets including service weight, age at first
calving and weight at calving. They concluded that animals were on target to meet
service weight targets (360 kg approaching 15 months age) and would allow Edward
to maintain an average age at first calving of 24 months.
Robert continued that results on environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
including Carbon Footprint, Ammonia, Nitrogen efficiency and Phosphorus efficiency
were disseminated to the farmers, which had been generated from the analysis of
their physical farm performance data collected as part of the project
The group agreed to meet again later in the winter. CAFRE would like to express our
appreciation to all the Dairy-4-Future pilot farmers for their continued co-operation
and support with the project.
Dairy-4-Future is a €3.8 million Atlantic Interreg funded project, which aims to
improve the sustainability of dairy farming in the Atlantic region of Europe. Through a
consortium of eleven partners, from Scotland to the Azores, the Dairy-4-Future
project aims to increase the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of dairy
farms in these Atlantic regions, through the development of innovative and efficient
dairy systems.
DairyLink Ireland - Grass-based, high-output system in Down
Click here to read the full article from the Irish Farmers Journal, available in PDF.
Case Studies Synthesis
Approach of differentiation strategies on dairy farms in the Atlantic area
In the action 4.3 of Dairy for Future Interreg project, we interested in actions led by different farmers in 10 regions of the Atlantic area region that integrate the idea of differentiation strategy. Being carried out only on one farm, in a small collective of few farms or even in much bigger organizations of hundred or thousands of farms, those actions have in common the implementation of specific practices and the search of added value relying on those practices that go beyond standards and for which consumers can accept to pay more.
As only one action has been studied for each region, we don’t aim at being exhaustive about the diversity of actions led on territories. What is clear however is that dairy farmers from different horizons are looking for new strategies of competitiveness, out of the model of cost competitiveness. And it implies more or less radical changes on their farm. (...)
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Cosmetics made with bio dairy milk from Galicia (Spain)
At the heart of Galicia in “A Ulloa” County a new cosmetic brand was established in 2016. Muuhulloa is a bodymilk made with organic milk and aromatic oils harvested in the area. First steps were taken in 2014 giving shape to the idea of launching a new product based on milk, organic and local origins. Both companies involved are led by women and with strong innovative commitment.
If you would like to read the complete case study, please download the document
Summer courses: The role of livestock in a context of global change
On 1-2nd July took place the Summer Course entitled Innovative Perspectives in Agricultural Production: "The role of livestock farming in a context of global change: challenges and perspectives". The event was organised by the Animal Production Department in NEIKER in collaboration with the University of the Basque Country.
In the event, a partner from Dairy4Future presented farm strategies to mitigate greenhouse and ammonia emissions from livestock. Also, a value added case study for dairy production in the Basque Country, which was defined in the Project D4F, was invited to describe the innovations implemented in his farm. Innovations were related to various aspects (product elaboration and distribution, work organization). Around 56 people attended to the event in a virtual mode, including university students, researchers, experts and technicians.
Ty Tanglwyst Dairy - Wales (UK)
Ty Tanglwyst is a family-run business: across the farm, the processing plant and the deliveries, there are 27 people involved in the business (owners and employees). Approximately 60% of the milk goes directly to consumers through door- to-door delivery. Milk is also sold to local commercial businesses (pubs, coffees, ice cream manufacturers). Other important customers are local schools, nurseries and care homes. (...)
If you would like to read the complete case study, please download the document
Mossgiel Organic Farm - Scotland
Mossgiel’s approach to dairying and the innovations they employ on farm increases the price they receive for their milk in comparison to milk produced in a conventional manner. Mossgiel see their system as a holistic approach with no one innovation being their USP. (...)
If you would like to read the complete case study, please download the document
Production of naturally spreadable butter from grazing dairy cows - Northern Ireland
Dromona Naturally Spreadable Butter (NSB) is a unique value added product manufactured by Dale Farm Cooperative in Northern Ireland that supplies the consumer with a naturally churned butter but with softer and more easily spread characteristics. (...)
If you would like to read the complete case study, please download the document
Isigny Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) Butter and Cream - Normandy
Isigny butter and cream are recognized at the EU level as Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) products since 1986, a relatively well-known certification label now. It is one of the 3 butters and 2 creams under PDO in France. (...)
If you would like to read the complete case study, please download the document