During this visit the Smart Farming cost savings team studied Peter’s feed, electricity, fuel and fertiliser bills, soil samples and water quality results. They focused on where cost and environmental savings could be identified across the following areas: soil fertility, energy use, grassland management, water use, feed, inputs, waste, time and machinery management.
Let’s look at where the €8,400 savings were identified...
SOIL FERTILITY
Representative soil sampling required across the farm. Farm will benefit from a comprehensive nutrient management plan. Use soil test results to address pH levels. GRASSLAND
Consider introducing a paddock grazing system. Reseeding programme recommended, starting with the silage fields first. Grass measuring will provide useful decision support tool for good grassland management. FEED
Silage quality should be tested each year. Quantity of meal fed should be tailored based on silage analysis results. Savings can be generated through bulk buying and increased price checking. Target to harvest whole of 1st cut silage by mid-May. MACHINERY
An allowance must be made to replace older machinery; this is currently not in the budget. Potential to use the investment in new low-emission slurry tank by spreading slurry for neighbours.Reducing the climate impact by 13%
During the Smart Farming Cost Saving Study, a carbon reduction strategy for Peter’s farm was developed using the Carbon Navigator decision support tool developed by Teagasc and Bord Bia.
Potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13% was identified. Many of the measures, such as nitrogen efficiency and slurry spreading timing will also lead to other positive environmental outcomes and reduce risks to water quality. Let’s take a closer look at the Carbon Navigator results.
Measure |
Action |
Greenhouse Gas Changes |
|---|
Grazing season – Suckler cows |
|
Excellent grassland management on beef farms is key to profitability and sustainability. |
-1.4% |
Grazing season – yearlings/followers |
Measuring grass and effective autumn grassland management is key to having adequate closing covers which is key for spring grazing. |
-0.9% |
Calving rate |
Achieving a consistently high calving rate involves good performance across a wide variety of management practices |
-8.3% |
Live weight performance |
Set target growth rates for groups of animals and track performance by weighing. |
-0.8% |
Nitrogen efficiency |
Apply Urea early in year when weather conditions are most suitable |
-2.1% |
Total |
|
-13.4% |
The Farmer Speaks - Peter’s view
This Smart Farming study worked. After an intense year here on the farm, with weather, prices, fodder and drought, it was great to get a fresh pair of eyes to look at what I am doing and challenge me a wee bit. I now have a clear plan to focus on, to deliver changes that will benefit me and the wider environment. It’s great to get this support, at this time.
See you at the Tullamore Show
Smart Farming is heading to the Tullamore Show on Sunday, August 12th. We will be at the IFA stand. Why not drop by? Maybe even register your interest in taking the Smart Farming cost saving challenge in 2019. See you there!
www.smartfarming.ie
Email: smartfarming@ifa.ie or call 01 426 0343
During this visit the Smart Farming cost savings team studied Peter’s feed, electricity, fuel and fertiliser bills, soil samples and water quality results. They focused on where cost and environmental savings could be identified across the following areas: soil fertility, energy use, grassland management, water use, feed, inputs, waste, time and machinery management.
Let’s look at where the €8,400 savings were identified...
SOIL FERTILITY
Representative soil sampling required across the farm. Farm will benefit from a comprehensive nutrient management plan. Use soil test results to address pH levels. GRASSLAND
Consider introducing a paddock grazing system. Reseeding programme recommended, starting with the silage fields first. Grass measuring will provide useful decision support tool for good grassland management. FEED
Silage quality should be tested each year. Quantity of meal fed should be tailored based on silage analysis results. Savings can be generated through bulk buying and increased price checking. Target to harvest whole of 1st cut silage by mid-May. MACHINERY
An allowance must be made to replace older machinery; this is currently not in the budget. Potential to use the investment in new low-emission slurry tank by spreading slurry for neighbours.Reducing the climate impact by 13%
During the Smart Farming Cost Saving Study, a carbon reduction strategy for Peter’s farm was developed using the Carbon Navigator decision support tool developed by Teagasc and Bord Bia.
Potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13% was identified. Many of the measures, such as nitrogen efficiency and slurry spreading timing will also lead to other positive environmental outcomes and reduce risks to water quality. Let’s take a closer look at the Carbon Navigator results.
Measure |
Action |
Greenhouse Gas Changes |
|---|
Grazing season – Suckler cows |
|
Excellent grassland management on beef farms is key to profitability and sustainability. |
-1.4% |
Grazing season – yearlings/followers |
Measuring grass and effective autumn grassland management is key to having adequate closing covers which is key for spring grazing. |
-0.9% |
Calving rate |
Achieving a consistently high calving rate involves good performance across a wide variety of management practices |
-8.3% |
Live weight performance |
Set target growth rates for groups of animals and track performance by weighing. |
-0.8% |
Nitrogen efficiency |
Apply Urea early in year when weather conditions are most suitable |
-2.1% |
Total |
|
-13.4% |
The Farmer Speaks - Peter’s view
This Smart Farming study worked. After an intense year here on the farm, with weather, prices, fodder and drought, it was great to get a fresh pair of eyes to look at what I am doing and challenge me a wee bit. I now have a clear plan to focus on, to deliver changes that will benefit me and the wider environment. It’s great to get this support, at this time.
See you at the Tullamore Show
Smart Farming is heading to the Tullamore Show on Sunday, August 12th. We will be at the IFA stand. Why not drop by? Maybe even register your interest in taking the Smart Farming cost saving challenge in 2019. See you there!
www.smartfarming.ie
Email: smartfarming@ifa.ie or call 01 426 0343
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