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Through selective breeding over the past 20 years, Kevin McGrade has developed a herd of robust cows that are able to produce from grazed grass in both the spring and autumn when conditions allow.
Last year, the 146-cow autumn-calving herd averaged 6,600 litres/cow at 4.72% butterfat and 3.64% protein from 1,527kg concentrates. Cows are producing their weight in milk solids with average production in 2017 at 572kgMS/cow and calving index is 380 days.
Fertile cows
“We are batch calving, so cows have to be fertile. We want one straw producing one calf with no bother,” Kevin told visitors to his farm near Dromore, Co Tyrone, on Tuesday.
Kevin has been participating in the Dairylink Ireland programme since it began in 2014. Two other project farmers are holding farm walks during April.
Bill Brown has a farm walk at Killaughey Road South, Millisle, Co Down, on Thursday 12 April and Charles Clarke’s farm walk is on Thursday 19 April at Crocknahattina, Bailieborough, Co Cavan.
All events run from 11am to 1pm, are open to the public and are free to attend.
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