More grass, more milk and more profit describes the model of production David Brady is working towards on his farm outside Stradone, Co Cavan. Similar to a lot of Cavan farms, it’s taking on farm investment in drainage, reseeding, etc, to deliver.

During 2017, milk output was up each month on 2016 levels. Purchased concentrate for 2017 was similar to that in 2016. However, more feed was put in from September onwards which resulted in slightly higher feed rates and costs in 2017.

Total farm output has been pushed up with higher milk volumes and a better milk price received. On the cost side, more chemical fertiliser was purchased to improve soil fertility.

Land improvement work which has been ongoing over the last two years has added to the cost base. This improvement work has been funded from cash reserves and some borrowed funds. The improved land will allow the farm to carry more stock and subsequently increasing farm output which will help recover the capital cost.

The farm has a grazing block of 40ha and this is considered the most critical resource. Maximising its performance in terms of grass growth and stocking rate ultimately determines profitability. The cow type on the farm is black and white Holstein Friesian, with the breeding policy focused on holding herd milk output, while at the same time increasing milk solids and improving the fertility performance of the herd.

High-EBI sires have been selected, with a sexed sire FJM used on heifers, and FR2032 and FR4242 mainly used on the cows. All the sires are predicted to deliver 29kg+ of milk solids and have positive milk sub index values. The fertility sub index for all sires averages €99. Average EBI for the herd is €72, with first-lactation cows averaging €106 EBI. Heifers coming into the herd this year will improve this with an average EBI for the group of 22 own heifers at €125.

The next generation of heifers which will calve into the herd in 2019 have an EBI of €159, with the difference in EBIs coming from higher milk and fertility sub index. This highlights the direction the herd is going in.

Total farm output during 2017 was €201,041 from milk sales and stock sales, excluding Single Farm Payment. Milk sales are up for 2017, with more litres sold and a higher milk price received. Farm cash expenses for 2017 totalled €114,368 plus €35,000 personal drawing, taking the total to €149,368.

A total of €26,136 was spent during 2017 on drainage, roadways, fencing, and building improvement work. This left David with €25,537 available in 2017 for loan repayments, taxation and additional personal drawings.

What’s next for David Brady?

Stocking rate on the platform currently is 2.02 cows/ha, with an out-block used for replacement heifers, some beef animals and silage. With the improvement work and reseeding, the plan is to push this to around 2.5 cows/ha next year using replacements to grow the herd.

Eight heifers were recently purchased and are due to calve this month. Maximising grass growth on this farm is key. Yes, weather conditions play a major role in grass utilisation but soil fertility must be correct, or at least attempt made to correct it in order to capitalise on the grass growth.

Soil analysis revealed significant shortfalls for key nutrients on the farm back in 2015. The primary problem area is soil phosphorus (P), with 80% of the farm highlighted low for P. Based on 2017 soil analysis results, soil fertility has improved. However, P deficiency is still holding the farm back. We spread just over 30kg/ha of phosphate during 2017, with this targeted at low-index paddocks on the grazing block.

Higher stocking rate

While I am cautious about pushing stocking rate, I am also confident the grazing platform can manage the higher stocking rate taking milk solids per ha closer to 1,200kg/ha on the platform.

We have invested heavily in drainage, roadways and fencing and we need to see a return on this investment. Calving starts on the farm this week. We have six cows calved before the planned calving start date (7 February).

We plan to milk 100 cows on the grazing block during 2018. Between cows and heifers, this is what will calve on the farm. Depending on losses around calving we may have to source a few additional heifers to reach the 100 milking target.

Continued focus for this farm will be on soil fertility, herd fertility and optimising the stocking rate on the grazing block. We will continue to go on with compound fertiliser and lime as we see the benefits in grass growth. The herd EBI is improving each year and we need to continue on this path to target the best genetics to deliver maximum milk solids on this farm.