Hopefully everyone’s Single Farm Payment applications are all safely logged in Portlaoise at this stage. As every farmer knows, getting that form sent in is the most important task of the year. This is the last time for the SFP as we know it. We’ll have to wait and see how the finer details of the new scheme will operate from 2015 on.

Grazing conditions were more difficult over the past few weeks as the heavy downpours got more and more frequent. A combination of tender ground and decent grass covers after the excellent growth in April has hit utilisation a bit on some paddocks but it’s nothing that can’t be remedied on the next rotation if ground conditions allow.

The changeable weather is also having a negative effect on stock. Some of the calves are beginning to look a little miserable and are at risk of chills – which, if unattended, can quickly lead to pneumonia. Last weekend, one calf started to show some signs but thankfully he responded well to treatment and was back on track quickly.

Tetany

Grass tetany is always a threat for the cows, especially the ones that are rearing stronger calves. To help reduce the risk, we have put high-magnesium bucket licks out with the cows. While this is not the perfect solution, it should be a help. Adding magnesium to the water is also an option but as wet grass reduces water intakes, it is just too unreliable. I also spotted a few cows drinking from a puddle that had formed after heavy rain – maybe a combination of the two would be the answer.

Another problem that has reappeared is the parasite coccidiosis. Only one calf has shown symptoms so far but it’s unlikely to be the only one. The calf was treated with a dose containing Diclazuril and is getting better. A coccidiosis scour if left untreated leads to what is often referred as a blood scour. It’s caused by a parasite that has to be ingested by the calf and incubated for a while so it mostly appears in calves over a month old. While most healthy calves fight off the infection and build immunity to it, calves under stress can succumb.

The first symptoms are a watery scour that only lasts a couple of days. That leads you into a false sense of security as all looks to be fine but the parasite has just multiplied in the gut and the hatching of the second batch of eggs causes a severe inflammation of the intestines and bleeding – hence the name blood scour. Animal Health Ireland (AHI) has an information leaflet that explains it in more detail and describes the most effective methods of control.

While there is no doubt that most farmers enjoy nothing more than spending time out on the farm, it’s good to have an off-farm diversion, especially during a busy spring. Last February I got coerced and cajoled into participating in a Strictly Come Dancing-style fundraiser in aid of three local organisations: Macra, the GAA and Little Angels, the local playschool. The many evenings spent practising proved great craic and a refreshing break from the farm.

It was also a great opportunity to meet new friends as there was a diverse mix of dancers, from teenagers to pensioners, from a range of backgrounds. Although it was daunting thinking about going up on stage, it was an experience I’d recommend to anyone, and all in aid of good causes. The night was a huge success and brought the whole parish together, proving that this rural community is indeed alive and well.