Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) deputy president Eamon Carroll is calling on the Department of Agriculture to extend the date of commencement for the 14% ration from 15 April to 15 May.
This follows a reminder from the Department on the flexibilities around the feeding of concentrates in the period 15 April to 15 May.
The Department said in the reminder that it will accept written confirmation from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist or an accredited farm advisory service adviser, stating that a higher level of crude protein is required if a farmers’ cows are not out on grass full-time.
The ICMSA deputy president said it is logical and an obvious fix to simply extend the start date of to 15 May as it would avoid farmers having to explain at an inspection later in the year that they were feeding higher protein concentrates due to bad weather.
He pointed out that a large number of farmers will have to avail of the flexibilities outlined in the legislation and that it would save the increased administrative burden on farmers, advisors and the Department if the start date is extended.
Difficult weather
“Given the very difficult weather conditions this spring, it is a logical response to the problems being experienced across the country. Farmers are to ‘the pin of their collar’ in terms of weather and field conditions before you even mention input cost and milk prices. Cows have needed increased protein in their diet and farmers have responded accordingly,” Carroll said.
“This would save time and hassle for the farmer, the farm advisor, and the Department and surely the system can facilitate this sensible approach.
“The farmer knows the weather was bad and so obviously does the Department so should we not just cut out the superfluous bureaucracy and deal with it in a sensible manner,” he stated.
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14% crude protein limit is flexible if cows are not fully outdoors - Department
Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) deputy president Eamon Carroll is calling on the Department of Agriculture to extend the date of commencement for the 14% ration from 15 April to 15 May.
This follows a reminder from the Department on the flexibilities around the feeding of concentrates in the period 15 April to 15 May.
The Department said in the reminder that it will accept written confirmation from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist or an accredited farm advisory service adviser, stating that a higher level of crude protein is required if a farmers’ cows are not out on grass full-time.
The ICMSA deputy president said it is logical and an obvious fix to simply extend the start date of to 15 May as it would avoid farmers having to explain at an inspection later in the year that they were feeding higher protein concentrates due to bad weather.
He pointed out that a large number of farmers will have to avail of the flexibilities outlined in the legislation and that it would save the increased administrative burden on farmers, advisors and the Department if the start date is extended.
Difficult weather
“Given the very difficult weather conditions this spring, it is a logical response to the problems being experienced across the country. Farmers are to ‘the pin of their collar’ in terms of weather and field conditions before you even mention input cost and milk prices. Cows have needed increased protein in their diet and farmers have responded accordingly,” Carroll said.
“This would save time and hassle for the farmer, the farm advisor, and the Department and surely the system can facilitate this sensible approach.
“The farmer knows the weather was bad and so obviously does the Department so should we not just cut out the superfluous bureaucracy and deal with it in a sensible manner,” he stated.
Read more
14% crude protein limit is flexible if cows are not fully outdoors - Department
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