I’m all set for the start of AI in the autumn herd. This is the first year since the start of the GENE Ireland program that I will not be using test bulls. It was not my decision, the program has been cancelled.

I am a great believer in the need to test new bloodlines and keep improving the national herd. Internationally, farmers are jealous of what has been achieved in Ireland by the science of genomics and EBI. This science is useless, however, if not tested and proved in practice.

It is a big advantage to Irish farmers to have that testing in Irish conditions. For too long, we relied on imported semen and figures converted to match the few Irish bred bulls. The feed available, the products made with the milk and the climatic conditions all have a bearing on the type of animal that suits.

Winter milk

I know the majority of herds here are seasonally spring calving. There is however, also a need for off-season milk for fresh use and to spread the workload in processing plants. This is more than just a niche market. In a country capable of increasing production of a quality food product, it is unacceptable to only target making the cheapest powders and commodities. If we all followed that, there would be no yoghurt for the breakfast next Thursday or cream for the Christmas pudding.

Many winter milk farmers I have spoken to have said the bulls available in previous programs were unsuitable. Primarily the milk volume has been cited. The complaint about too much volume has also been made by some spring milk farmers.

Five bulls is the minimum needed to be viable. Whether it is semen held from the spring crop or someone with a cottage acre rearing those five, that should surely be possible.

Within herds it is easier to manage if cows are broadly similar in production and I don’t have separate genetics in my autumn and spring groups. There is however a need for a diverse population of bulls nationally to serve different requirements.

The focus of EBI is production and fertility from functional cows. It is not only a spring calving concept. Therefore the mission, which the AI companies and ICBF must choose to accept, is to ensure an autumn GENE Ireland program for 2015. Winter milk needs it. It is not mission impossible.