Ration feeding: Many farmers are in two minds as to what level of ration to feed right now. Keeping ration feeding rates low now will increase herd appetite and should result in better clean outs and less grass wastage. At the same time, milk yields have dropped back considerably and so, some farmers may be tempted to increase ration to arrest the decline in performance. Most research studies show that the best milk response to ration for spring calving cows is during autumn. Currently, however, we have a lot of grass on farms and higher ration feeding rates will slow progress to get enough area grazed off.

Feeding higher levels of ration just doesn’t pay at current milk prices. An additional 1kg of ration usually results in 55g of additional milk solids. Currently, the additional 1kg of ration costs 33 cents while the additional MS is worth 30 cents. Dairy farmers have to be pragmatic and feed bills are already too big for 2026. At 2-3kg ration per cow per day, cow intakes are well supported right now while the appetite of the herd should be good enough to clean out paddocks and set the farm up for spring.

Johne’s Disease: This week, AHI has launched its new Johne’s Disease (JD) Control Programme. While the visible signs of Johne’s often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, the hidden costs can be significant at farm level. As an exporting dairy industry, we need to be in control of this on our farms. There were approximately 2,300 herds within the previous JD control programme and the last study in Ireland looking at JD in 2016 estimated that 28% of herds were affected. By current estimates, UK and EU dairy farms have incidence rates of 50-80% and have therefore implemented robust control programmes. For an infected herd, even without obvious signs of disease, the cost of JD is estimated to be €33 per cow per year in lost milk revenue and reduced livestock sales. That’s why ongoing prevention is so important and the new programme is welcome.

Research shows that farms that consistently follow JD control programmes see better long-term results. The programme will cost approximately €3/cow for initial milk recording testing and a free vet consultation is provided.

Detailed reports are also provided via ICBF to help farmers reduce the risk of JD on their farms. To register for the programme, follow the link or contact the AHI office on 071 9671928 or by email at jd@animalhealthireland.ie.

Dairy Day 2026: Dairy Day 2026 will take place on Saturday 14 November in UL Sports Arena, Limerick. We have a packed line up of leading farmers and industry experts from Ireland and overseas who will deal with the opportunities on Irish dairy farms and for the wider dairy industry. Save the date. See www.ifj.ie/dairyday for more information. For ticket information, see here.