What lovely autumn days we are having since Storm Amy passed through. That day, Tim’s discussion group led by Teagasc’s Adrian O’Callaghan gathered in our freshly power-washed calf shed avoiding the torrential rain.

There was robust discussion. The figures had been excellently collated by Adrian with lots of pertinent information for this time of year. One of the learning points was how the new EBI (Economic Breeding Index) figures are calculated. I found it challenging to get my head around them. Up to now, we were comparing our cows to cows born 20 years ago and that had to change. EBI figures have dropped by nearly 100 points. For our cows, the drop is 83 points, as a result of the crossbred genetics. That’s a hard concept for farmers to embrace. Still, move on we must.

Several droughts

I find it fascinating how the discussion group members know each other’s farms and plans and that makes for serious discussion. Grass growth is exceptionally good for this time of year and cows are milking well. Tim measured a growth rate of 63kgs of grass dry matter/ha on the farm last Thursday. This is more than demand, meaning we can continue to graze grass and build covers for the spring. It’s a good outcome, considering farms in this area suffered several droughts this year.

Consequently, we had to feed more ration than we’d like. Cull cows are making good money and it is prudent to move them on if you are short of grass. Adrian drew attention to the somatic cell count report urging members to look beyond the few cows that are highlighted by text after a milk recording. He said it had the effect of ignoring the rest of the herd.

We have some first lactation animals with fluctuating cell counts which might indicate an infection issue in the herd.

This year, we will use dry cow therapy and sealer to correct this. Sealer only might not be adequate, unless you are very sure that the SCC count for a cow is below 50k.

It is important to be able to forget the serious stuff sometimes. It makes for happier people in the long run

A good belly laugh

A couple of nights later, we headed off to Cork’s Art Theatre to the new Hubcap Theatre comedy play Mary’s Hopes and Dreams.

The two artists Michael Ryan and Sean Kelleher from Whitechurch, Co Cork toured the country with their original play, The Parish in 2019. They’re back with their new creation. We turned off the phones and prepared to laugh.

Just as we settled into our seats, many members of the discussion group filed into the theatre. It is important to be able to forget the serious stuff sometimes. It makes for happier people in the long run. The theme of the show was one Mary trying to find her independence from the drudgery of daily life.

Encouraged by the other outgoing, yoga-loving, tennis-playing, Mary, her mantra was: “I’m an independent woman and I can achieve all my hopes and dreams”. Couldn’t you imagine her in any kitchen when he wants the fry before he goes off to the mart?

In a state of good humour, we turned back on the phones to find a stack of calls from Philip and Colm. Diarmuid had a bad pain and Philip had dropped him and Colm into CUH. “Does it ever stop?” I asked Tim. Arriving in CUH, we decided that Colm and Tim would go home and I stayed with Diarmuid. Overnight on a chair was not ideal. Nevertheless, the staff from porter to doctor, were professional, kind and engaging.

Diarmuid was thoroughly checked and we went home the following day happy that he and his precious transplanted kidney were in good

Looking on the bright side, I made the discussion group meeting, a funny play and lots more in a busy week.