The risk posed from infertile or sub-fertile stock bulls really hit home in the Tullamore Farm herd scanning results last week (see page 37). About 18 culls were planned for in total, but an additional 13 culls means the cost is going to be far higher than expected.

Realistically, the short-term cost to the business will be in the order of €200 to €300 per head, or €10,000 when cull values are taken into account. Having less animals to sell in 2019 will also hit cashflow.

In addition the medium- to long-term cost is the fact that we will be replacing the herd with younger animals, so milk yield will be lower in initial years – and subsequent calf weight output will be affected too.

The value of AI rather than depending on stock bulls is a clear message. When investment has been made in roadways and fencing to allow us move stock during the breeding season and good AI sires are available, the question must be asked: why not go more down this route?

The alternative would be for the business to go back to the bull sales this autumn, buy three more stock bulls and potentially end up with a situation similar to what has played out this year. That’s not where we need to go.