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Elite cow herd needs a home
The search has begun for a new home for the next generation herd of elite cows that Teagasc is starting to assemble.
Calf numbers rise by 16,000
January dairy and beef calf registrations jumped by more than 16,000 (23pc) compared to last year's figures.
Low uptake sparks TAMS revamp callsFears grow that up to €20m of total fund could go unclaimed
The Targeted Agricultural Measures Scheme (TAMS) needs to be urgently revamped to prevent millions of euro in EU funds being left unclaimed, the IFA has warned.
Forestry grants safe
The threatened closures of the Broadleaf Thinning Scheme and Forest Roads Grants Scheme have been reversed by the Department of Agriculture.
Sugar quota row upsets Irish plans
Opposition to the proposed scrapping of sugar quotas is building across Europe, with farmer bodies and some EU member states calling for the current regime to continue.
Inside Farming
Create an enduring power of attorney
There's hardly a family in Ireland untouched by Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Aside from the trauma of dealing with these diseases, the situation can be made even more stressful in the case of farm families if this situation has not been catered for legally by creating an enduring power of attorney (EPA). In the absence of this, where a farmer is proven to be of unsound mind, they will be made a ward of court, where a judge has the power to make decisions on the farmer's behalf. Both property and money is brought under the control of the court.
The challenges of a difficult calving
The spring calving is well upon us here in the north east and with it comes the usual difficult cases. We had a cow with twins presented last week with four legs and no head in the birth canal. These can be quite difficult to rectify, especially in small heifers with a very narrow opening.
Boost profits by making efficient use of fertilisers
On farm, this year's most significant difference compared to 12 months ago, and 2010 for that matter, is the amount of pasture cover farmers have on the milking block.
- Consider scanning cows 14-20 days after calving for breeding season boost
- New guidelines to ensure that colostrum counts this spring
- Prepare a strategy to tackle milk fever in the weeks prior to the cows calving
- Keep on top of your cows' heat cycling
- Focus on body condition for 22-month in-calf heifers
Keep a close eye on ewe pre-lambing feed needs
Our ewes were scanned two weeks ago and it's fair to say we were disappointed with the results. In the mature ewes, conception rate to first service was 80pc and for the ewe lambs it stood at 60pc.
Results prove regular soil sampling is essential
Sustainable intensification could be the future of tillage farming, according to Professor Ian Crute who spoke at the National Tillage Conference in Kilkenny last Wednesday.
Rahara holding with 77ac of good land sells to a local farmer for €725,000
In one of the last auctions of 2011, Roscommon auctioneer John Earley sold a 77ac non-residential holding for €725,000, or close to €9,500/ac.
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