This week, our Focus supplement looks at reseeding. Stephen Connolly highlights the potential that exists from reseeding old permanent pasture with high-perennial ryegrass swards – an extra €300/ha through increased yields and a 25% better response to fertilisers.
It is therefore understandable that reseeding is often identified as the first step to driving profitability of an underperforming farm. While this is correct, the financial dividend will only materialise if the stocking rate is adjusted to ensure the extra grass grown is converted into milk or meat.
When it comes to reseeding, the process of preparing the seedbed often receives more attention than:
The importance of getting soil fertility right. Selecting the right seed variety/mixture.While there are a host of methods as to how new grass seeds can be incorporated into existing swards, the reality is that unless any deficiencies in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) indices and/or pH levels are identified and corrected, the potential from any reseeding programme will be limited – regardless of how you prepare the seedbed.
When it comes to seed mixtures, the importance of selecting the right varieties to suit both land type and grazing management practices has to be the key focus for farmers.
When it comes to seed mixtures, selecting the right varieties to suit both land type and grazing management practices has to be the key focus
Aidan Brennan looks at the Pasture Profit Index for 2019. The PPI allocates an economic value to the performance of varieties on the Department of Agriculture recommended list. It is based on a range of sub-indices including seasonal growth, sward quality and silage.
Given the information now available, we need to move beyond a one-cap-fits-all approach to seed mixes. The PPI allows farmers maximise the value of reseeding by letting them formulate every seed mix based on the intended use of the established sward.
Varieties with a high index for early season growth can be front-loaded in to a mix that is to be sown into dry paddocks around the yard.
Similarly, varieties with a high index for silage yield can be front-loaded when reseeding land traditionally used for silage.
Of course, it is a case of balancing growth rates with sward quality. While achieving this balance is easier with tetraploid varieties, which tend to have larger leaves and grow taller, the more open nature of a full tetraploid sward makes them less suitable on heavy soils. However, farm roadways, fencing and good management can overcome some of the deficiencies of heavy soils.
Given the close correlation between the tonnage of grass utilised on Irish farms over the grazing season and farm profitability, it is encouraging to see Teagasc research continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved. Michael O’Donovan and Tomas Tubritt update us on research work being carried out in Moorepark to identify varieties with good grazing efficiency.
Again, the research is pointing to tetraploid varieties having superior grazing efficiency, albeit that in some varieties over-grazing may be impacting on overall dry-matter yield. The research clearly shows that the presence of some varieties in swards may make topping an inevitability in order to achieve a suitable post-grazing height.
Meanwhile, there is no doubt that we are going to see interest in multi-species swards continue to grow in the years ahead. Diverse swards with different root structures can obviously adjust better to climatic conditions and draw on nutrients at points in the soil profile.
As Aidan Brennan suggests, while more systems research on the role of multi-species swards is required, the first step would be to focus on increasing the prevalence of perennial ryegrass and clover swards at farm level.
It is important that advice to farmers develops in line the latest research findings and utilises tools such as the PPI to ensure the benefits are maximised.
Beef: do all factories want suckler bred animals?
Elsewhere this week, Phelim O’Neill reviews the national grading profile for steers and heifers from 2014-2018.
There are significant outliers with two factories operated by Dawn Meats showing an 18-20% decline in the number of steers meeting the carcase range required for the 12c/kg in-spec bonus over the five-year period. ABP Bandon recorded a decline of 12.1%.
Four factories now have less than 50% of steers meeting the carcase spec to achieve the in-spec bonus. The figures indicate that 30-45% of steer throughput in many factories are O- or worse on conformation.
While factory location clearly has an influence, farmers in the west will be surprised to see that just 51.2% of steers slaughtered in Dawn Ballyhaunis, located in a suckler county, fell within the eligible carcase spec. The review raises question as to the low level of reliance that some processors have on suckler-bred stock to meet their customer requirements.
Meanwhile, just weeks after announcing that it would no longer give farmers contracts for good quality beef heifers, Kepak is to partner with Glanbia on an integrated dairy-beef supply chain. While the transparency is welcomed, as Adam Woods reports, the economic viability of the model would indicate Kepak will need to return a price to farmers for these dairy-bred animals that is superior to what it is currently offering farmers for suckler-bred stock.
ABP Food Group has been doing this for the past number of years.
Factories have always maintained an inability to provide forward price contracts on the basis that they cannot be secured further up the supply chain. It is interesting to see that they are now prepared to do so for plainer dairy-bred animals. The concern for suckler farmers, based on past comments by factories that the pot of money available to pay for stock is only so big, is that the base price will be adjusted to reflect the premium prices paid for dairy-bred stock.
Land Price Report: who is buying farmland in your county?
Your free copy of the Agricultural Land Price Report 2018 is included with this week’s edition and it makes for very interesting reading.
In many respects, 2018 was a very unusual weather year, especially in the east, so to see land prices holding steady at around €9,000 per acre is testament to the strength and endurance of the agri industry.
Similarly, despite Brexit uncertainty, the price of land in Northern Ireland went up by £430 per acre to £10,180 per acre.
Obviously, given the income disparity between dairy and the other main agri sectors, those milking cows have an advantage when it comes to spending and borrowing capacity.
We should not forget the nature of the production system is that milking cows need to walk to grass, which makes land adjoining the milking parlour more valuable to that particular farmer. Often, land away from the farm is sold to consolidate. So while dairy farmers only represent 14% of all farmers, to see them account for 23% of land purchases is not a surprise.
We should be very grateful to auctioneers, land agents and our own Irish Farmers Journal team members for once again bringing this unique piece or work together. It allows for more informed decision-making and that helicopter view of where land was sold. Also this year, it gives an innovative insight into who is buying land.
Brexit: short extension prolongs uncertainty
British prime minister Theresa May. \ REUTERS/Mark Schiefelbein
Manoeuvring by UK prime minister Theresa May on a Brexit extension is of no benefit to Irish farmers. It simply means the uncertainty that has built since the referendum in June 2016 continues, and a short-term extension serves to just prolong the agony. Even this involves assuming that the EU will grant a UK request for an extension. If they don’t, then the disaster of a no-deal Brexit is now just eight days away.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan have given assurances that they are ready for whatever happens. All farmers can do at this point is hope that they are – and also hope that we’ll never have to judge what they have planned.
This week, our Focus supplement looks at reseeding. Stephen Connolly highlights the potential that exists from reseeding old permanent pasture with high-perennial ryegrass swards – an extra €300/ha through increased yields and a 25% better response to fertilisers.
It is therefore understandable that reseeding is often identified as the first step to driving profitability of an underperforming farm. While this is correct, the financial dividend will only materialise if the stocking rate is adjusted to ensure the extra grass grown is converted into milk or meat.
When it comes to reseeding, the process of preparing the seedbed often receives more attention than:
The importance of getting soil fertility right. Selecting the right seed variety/mixture.While there are a host of methods as to how new grass seeds can be incorporated into existing swards, the reality is that unless any deficiencies in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) indices and/or pH levels are identified and corrected, the potential from any reseeding programme will be limited – regardless of how you prepare the seedbed.
When it comes to seed mixtures, the importance of selecting the right varieties to suit both land type and grazing management practices has to be the key focus for farmers.
When it comes to seed mixtures, selecting the right varieties to suit both land type and grazing management practices has to be the key focus
Aidan Brennan looks at the Pasture Profit Index for 2019. The PPI allocates an economic value to the performance of varieties on the Department of Agriculture recommended list. It is based on a range of sub-indices including seasonal growth, sward quality and silage.
Given the information now available, we need to move beyond a one-cap-fits-all approach to seed mixes. The PPI allows farmers maximise the value of reseeding by letting them formulate every seed mix based on the intended use of the established sward.
Varieties with a high index for early season growth can be front-loaded in to a mix that is to be sown into dry paddocks around the yard.
Similarly, varieties with a high index for silage yield can be front-loaded when reseeding land traditionally used for silage.
Of course, it is a case of balancing growth rates with sward quality. While achieving this balance is easier with tetraploid varieties, which tend to have larger leaves and grow taller, the more open nature of a full tetraploid sward makes them less suitable on heavy soils. However, farm roadways, fencing and good management can overcome some of the deficiencies of heavy soils.
Given the close correlation between the tonnage of grass utilised on Irish farms over the grazing season and farm profitability, it is encouraging to see Teagasc research continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved. Michael O’Donovan and Tomas Tubritt update us on research work being carried out in Moorepark to identify varieties with good grazing efficiency.
Again, the research is pointing to tetraploid varieties having superior grazing efficiency, albeit that in some varieties over-grazing may be impacting on overall dry-matter yield. The research clearly shows that the presence of some varieties in swards may make topping an inevitability in order to achieve a suitable post-grazing height.
Meanwhile, there is no doubt that we are going to see interest in multi-species swards continue to grow in the years ahead. Diverse swards with different root structures can obviously adjust better to climatic conditions and draw on nutrients at points in the soil profile.
As Aidan Brennan suggests, while more systems research on the role of multi-species swards is required, the first step would be to focus on increasing the prevalence of perennial ryegrass and clover swards at farm level.
It is important that advice to farmers develops in line the latest research findings and utilises tools such as the PPI to ensure the benefits are maximised.
Beef: do all factories want suckler bred animals?
Elsewhere this week, Phelim O’Neill reviews the national grading profile for steers and heifers from 2014-2018.
There are significant outliers with two factories operated by Dawn Meats showing an 18-20% decline in the number of steers meeting the carcase range required for the 12c/kg in-spec bonus over the five-year period. ABP Bandon recorded a decline of 12.1%.
Four factories now have less than 50% of steers meeting the carcase spec to achieve the in-spec bonus. The figures indicate that 30-45% of steer throughput in many factories are O- or worse on conformation.
While factory location clearly has an influence, farmers in the west will be surprised to see that just 51.2% of steers slaughtered in Dawn Ballyhaunis, located in a suckler county, fell within the eligible carcase spec. The review raises question as to the low level of reliance that some processors have on suckler-bred stock to meet their customer requirements.
Meanwhile, just weeks after announcing that it would no longer give farmers contracts for good quality beef heifers, Kepak is to partner with Glanbia on an integrated dairy-beef supply chain. While the transparency is welcomed, as Adam Woods reports, the economic viability of the model would indicate Kepak will need to return a price to farmers for these dairy-bred animals that is superior to what it is currently offering farmers for suckler-bred stock.
ABP Food Group has been doing this for the past number of years.
Factories have always maintained an inability to provide forward price contracts on the basis that they cannot be secured further up the supply chain. It is interesting to see that they are now prepared to do so for plainer dairy-bred animals. The concern for suckler farmers, based on past comments by factories that the pot of money available to pay for stock is only so big, is that the base price will be adjusted to reflect the premium prices paid for dairy-bred stock.
Land Price Report: who is buying farmland in your county?
Your free copy of the Agricultural Land Price Report 2018 is included with this week’s edition and it makes for very interesting reading.
In many respects, 2018 was a very unusual weather year, especially in the east, so to see land prices holding steady at around €9,000 per acre is testament to the strength and endurance of the agri industry.
Similarly, despite Brexit uncertainty, the price of land in Northern Ireland went up by £430 per acre to £10,180 per acre.
Obviously, given the income disparity between dairy and the other main agri sectors, those milking cows have an advantage when it comes to spending and borrowing capacity.
We should not forget the nature of the production system is that milking cows need to walk to grass, which makes land adjoining the milking parlour more valuable to that particular farmer. Often, land away from the farm is sold to consolidate. So while dairy farmers only represent 14% of all farmers, to see them account for 23% of land purchases is not a surprise.
We should be very grateful to auctioneers, land agents and our own Irish Farmers Journal team members for once again bringing this unique piece or work together. It allows for more informed decision-making and that helicopter view of where land was sold. Also this year, it gives an innovative insight into who is buying land.
Brexit: short extension prolongs uncertainty
British prime minister Theresa May. \ REUTERS/Mark Schiefelbein
Manoeuvring by UK prime minister Theresa May on a Brexit extension is of no benefit to Irish farmers. It simply means the uncertainty that has built since the referendum in June 2016 continues, and a short-term extension serves to just prolong the agony. Even this involves assuming that the EU will grant a UK request for an extension. If they don’t, then the disaster of a no-deal Brexit is now just eight days away.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan have given assurances that they are ready for whatever happens. All farmers can do at this point is hope that they are – and also hope that we’ll never have to judge what they have planned.
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