The conference was addressed by Donal Patton, Ballyhaise Farm Manager, who discussed how farmers are going to operate in the Cavan area and further afield post milk quota.

Key points made by Donal:

  • Milk produced in Ireland from grain will become less profitable – we are competing with farmer in France and Germany and the only way we can compete is on grass production and converting it to milk.
  • Main message from Ballyhaise trials is that we have a shorter growing season but have a higher peak grass growth. Most farms around here can grow 14 tonnes/ha and utilise 12 tonnes.
  • Use EBI to select your cows and sires. Simple to use but massive data set in the background.
  • Crossbreeding – take another look at it – International research good and less time input required per cow.
  • Best breeds for crossbreeding are Jersey and Norwegian Red – most data available for these breeds but you must use the best bulls from these breeds. Cross your best cows, not a late born calf from a poor cow.
  • Speaking today from the Virginia Dairy Show, IFA National Dairy Chairman Sean O’Leary said that, with weaker dairy markets just months before the end of the quota regime, it was crucial that farmers intending to enter dairying or expand their enterprise would plan based on realistic assumptions on profitability.

    He added that while farming and breeding skills were vital to the sector, dairy farmers in the post quota era would need support to become better businessmen and financial planners than pre-quota.