The first farm walks to be held as part of phase two of the Dairylink Ireland programme take place this week.

John Oliver is hosting the first event on his farm on the Terrydoo Road near Limavady, Co Derry, on Tuesday 16 April.

The second event takes place on Frank Goodman’s farm in Ballingarry near Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, on Thursday 18 April.

Both events are free to attend and run from 11am to 1pm.

Plans

The events on John and Frank’s farms will focus on three-year plans which have been developed by Dairylink adviser Conail Keown to optimise the resources that are available on each farm.

This includes developing herd genetics through sire selection and culling of problem cows, plus addressing soil fertility issues through soil sampling and fertiliser plans.

Heifer rearing and the development of an animal health plan will be discussed at the farm walks and the final topic at the events will be the financial plan and projections for each business over the next three years.

Directions

To John Oliver’s farm, from Coleraine, turn left off the main Ringsend to Limavady road around 4.5 miles from Ringsend. From Dungiven, turn right off the Ballyquin Road on to the Ballyleagry Road, then turn left at the road end and take the next right on to the Terrydoo Road.

Frank Goodman’s farm is located on the L4610, off the main Carrickmacross to Dundalk road (R178). Coming from Carrickmacross, turn left off the R178 after 5.5km.

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