Alan O'Connor

Alan O

Alan is from a farming background in Co. Meath. He has recently completed a ruminant nutrition PhD researching protein metabolism in grass-fed beef cattle, having previously studied Animal Science in UCD. He has a particular interest in the dairy, beef and sheep sectors.

ICBF and Teagasc to tackle methane emissions from cattle

Beef

ICBF and Teagasc to tackle methane emissions from cattle

Speaking at the 2018 Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) Genetics Conference, Stephan Conroy of ICBF described the research project that...
Further growth in Irish dairy production expected in 2019

Dairy

Further growth in Irish dairy production expected in 2019

According to Teagasc’s Annual Review and Outlook 2019 report for the dairy sector, Irish milk production is predicted to increase...
Dairy farmers are making an extra €110/cow due to EBI

Dairy

Dairy farmers are making an extra €110/cow due to EBI

“The average EBI of the dairy herd has increased from -€10 in 2000 to €100 in 2017.” This equates on...
Sheep trade: Factories increase quotes to secure lambs

Sheep

Sheep trade: Factories increase quotes to secure lambs

Again, for another week, most factory agents have increased their quotes for lambs by 5-10c/kg. Irish Country Meats (ICM) have...
Mart trade: Quality stock getting scarce as numbers drop back

Beef

Mart trade: Quality stock getting scarce as numbers drop back

Many mart managers across the country have noted a reduction in the numbers of cattle being presented for sale in...
Know a tillage farmer? They could help build fodder reserves on your dairy farm

Dairy

Know a tillage farmer? They could help build fodder reserves on your dairy farm

Due to the good grass growth and relatively dry weather, many dairy farmers across the country have taken full advantage...
How can I make the spring workload easier on my dairy farm?

Dairy

How can I make the spring workload easier on my dairy farm?

On many dairy farms across the country spring is naturally a busy time of the year, with many tasks occurring...
Have you considered using sexed semen on your dairy herd?

Dairy

Have you considered using sexed semen on your dairy herd?

Sexed semen straws have a 90% purity and, therefore, a 90% chance of producing a female calf. That was one...
Are the farmers who purchase your surplus dairy calves happy?

Dairy

Are the farmers who purchase your surplus dairy calves happy?

Addressing the audience attending the Teagasc National Dairy Conference in Co. Cork on Tuesday, November 27, Andrew Crombie from the...
‘Don’t ignore small deficits in a winter feed budget’

Dairy

‘Don’t ignore small deficits in a winter feed budget’

Speaking at the 2018 Teagasc National Dairy Conference today (Tuesday 27), Teagasc’s Joe Patton echoed his concerns that a 10%...
Sheep trade: Tighter supplies see lamb prices pressing €5/kg

Sheep

Sheep trade: Tighter supplies see lamb prices pressing €5/kg

Many sheep farmers across the country have received a much needed boost as spring lamb factory quotes have increased this...
Mart trade: Overall numbers back, but strong supplies of cull cows

Beef

Mart trade: Overall numbers back, but strong supplies of cull cows

Over the past number of days, mart managers have noted a decline in the number of cattle presented for sale....
Teagasc National Dairy Conference to take place on Tuesday

Dairy

Teagasc National Dairy Conference to take place on Tuesday

‘Making Dairy Farming More Sustainable’ is the theme for the 2018 Teagasc National Dairy Conference taking place next week. The...
Be mindful of withdrawal dates when dosing lambs

Sheep

Be mindful of withdrawal dates when dosing lambs

Some factory agents have highlighted the importance of adhering to meat withdrawal periods when sending lambs for slaughter. This is...
Dairy focus: ‘The farm has accumulated €530,000 of cash’

Dairy

Dairy focus: ‘The farm has accumulated €530,000 of cash’

Located in Bandon, Co. Cork, Shinagh Dairy Farm was established in 2011 in a farming venture between the four west...
Thinking of baling forage crops? Here are some tips

Grass

Thinking of baling forage crops? Here are some tips

Many farmers across the country experienced poor grass growth this summer – due to drought conditions – meaning that silage...
Milk production up on 2017 levels despite weather woes

Dairy

Milk production up on 2017 levels despite weather woes

The year of 2018 brought a cold and wet spring. This, followed by the summer’s drought, reduced grass growth rates...
Sheep trade: Spring lamb price gaining momentum

Sheep

Sheep trade: Spring lamb price gaining momentum

Momentum in spring lamb factory quotes appears to be building, albeit gradually, with some processors increasing their base quotes again...