Over 130 members of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) kicked the Year of Sustainable Grassland into gear at Teagasc Moorepark today (Wednesday).
The ASA’s grassland masterclass, which was held in association with AIB and Teagasc ConnectED, aimed to up-skill members on maximising the use of grass on Irish dairy farms.
Bryan Doocey of AIB kicked off proceedings on the day saying that AIB was delighted to partner with the ASA for a very insightful workshop.
He said the day demonstrated the importance of grassland utilisation on farm and the direct link between grass utilisation and farm profitability.
Teagasc’s Professor Pat Dillon outlined the potential of grass-based dairying to deliver high profitability for Irish dairy farmers.
Currently spring calving Irish dairy farmers are utilising 7.8t of grass Dry Matter per hectare.
“We estimate that this can be increased to 10t utilised by 2025 if the technologies we’re developing at Moorepark are adopted,” he said.
Professor Finbar Mulligan of UCD focused on management of the dry and early lactation grass-based dairy cow.
“Low condition score cows will require supplementation in the last two months of pregnancy on the typical Irish silage,” he said.
Adding that it’s important to test the silage and condition score of your cows to make the correct decision for your herd.
Also speaking at the event, Teagasc’s Dr Michael O’Donovan outlined the development of the Pasture Profit Index (PPI) for grass varieties, while Micheal O’Leary discussed the lessons learnt from the three years of Pasturebase records.
Our records show that while soil type is important, on-farm management rather than region of the country is an important driver of the quantity of grass grown on Irish farms.
A practical element
The event also featured a practical element, which was delivered by Dr Michael Egan, Dr Tom O’Dwyer and ASA Council Member George Ramsbottom.
The afternoon workshops were based on the three main grazing seasons – spring, summer and autumn.
Egan discussed the importance of spring grazing management and the use of the spring rotation planner.
He said that maximising the use of spring grass is profitable as it is worth €2.70 per cow per extra day at grass and it is associated with greater grass Dry Matter production.
President’s comments
The President of the ASA, Mary Delaney said grass is Ireland’s competitive advantage adding that the event complements the Department of Agriculture’s ‘Year of Sustainable Grassland’.
“We would like to thank the team at Teagasc and in particular George Ramsbottom for putting together a very in-depth and informative grass master class for ASA members,” she said.
“I would also like to also thank AIB for their generous sponsorship of this event,” she concluded.