He decided to get involved in the Smart Farming programme to identify savings that “will make a real difference to the bottom line… and also benefit the environment.” The fuel, feed and energy bills were examined and the water, soil and silage samples analysed identifying over €5,400 of savings.

Let’s look at where the €5,455 savings were found...

SOIL FERTILITY

  • Correct pH requirement on the farm.
  • Apply lime on 12 acres.
  • Tailor fertiliser application based on soil test results.
  • GRASSLAND

  • Develop a reseeding programme for the farm.
  • Target silage ground first.
  • Consider measuring grass as a decision support tool for better grassland management.
  • Trafficability and grazing potential of some fields (3acres) should be addressed.
  • FEED

  • Silage quality should be tested each year.
  • Target to harvest whole of 1st cut silage by mid-May.
  • MACHINERY

  • An allowance should be made to replace older machinery; this is currently not in the budget.
  • Making the €1,915 soil fertility savings on Tiernan’s farm

    Feedstuff

    Cost (c/kg utilisable Dry Matter)

    Concentrates

    30+

    2nd cut silage

    17.4

    1st cut silage

    16.5

    Kale

    17

    Maize silage

    15

    Grazed grass

    8

    Table 1: Cost of Feedstuff types

    The largest savings identified on the Tiernan’s farm came from growing more grass, by getting the soil pH right. After all, as can be seen from the table opposite, feeding good quality grazed grass is almost four times cheaper than concentrates.

    Liming was recommended on the Tiernan’s farm, to address existing soil pH levels. This will have a positive impact on the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The Tiernans are aiming to move their current pH levels on some acidic grassland soils from 5.5 to a target of 6.3-6.5. Research carried out by Teagasc indicates that by hitting this target, 48-64 units of nitrogen per hectare will be released to support crop growth, each year. Éanna said, “The investment in lime on the farm is worthwhile, when I think about the extra grass growth and how I can hopefully reduce my meal bill. I also know that by addressing the soil pH there is less risk of run off, and I will be playing my part to safeguard the water quality for me, my family and the local community.

    Meet Smart Farming farmers at the Ploughing

    If you are going to the National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, Tullamore this month, why not call into the IFA stand and hear from some farmers who have benefited from the Smart Farming programme or register your interest in taking the Smart Farming cost saving challenge in 2019?

    Éanna TiernanJoe DeverellDiarmuid Hegarty
    Livestock farmer, Elphin, Co. RoscommonLivestock farmer, Geashill, Co. OffalyDairy farmer, Vivarstown, Co. Cork
    Tue 18th SeptTue 18th SeptWed 19th Sept
    George HattonRobert WatsonThomas Cooney
    Livestock farmer, Kilmeany, Co. Carlow.Livestock farmer, Stradone, Co. Cavan.Dairy farmer & Smart Farming Leader
    Wed 19th SeptThu 20th SeptThu 20th Sept

    www.smartfarming.ie