Brian McDonnell

Brian McDonnell Profile Picture

Technical Dairy Specialist

Brian McDonnell is from Raheny, Co. Dublin. He has an honours degree in Sustainable Agriculture from Dundalk IT. He has worked on dairy and beef farms in both Ireland and the UK, including Teagasc Grange and a large-scale 650-cow dairy farm which also had a 1,200 animal youngstock-rearing farm in Scotland. He has a keen interest in agriculture and particularly the dairy sector and in his spare time is active in local rugby and golf.

Recording heats as breeding start date nears

Dairy Technical

Recording heats as breeding start date nears

As the breeding draws closer, it is important that dairy farmers begin to record heats and take action on cows...
Preparing the stock bull for breeding season

Dairy Technical

Preparing the stock bull for breeding season

Breeding season is fast approaching, and although the use of artificial insemination (AI) grows year-on-year, stock bulls still have a...
Lameness issues need to be a focus as breeding approaches

Dairy Technical

Lameness issues need to be a focus as breeding approaches

Cows on the vast majority of farms have spent much longer in the shed than was expected by most, which...
Does a synchronisation programme have a place on your farm?

Dairy Technical

Does a synchronisation programme have a place on your farm?

The use of a synchronisation programme may be a good option for dairy farmers this breeding season. A programme can...
Calf registrations approach 1.5m for 2024

Dairy Technical

Calf registrations approach 1.5m for 2024

The total number of calf registrations on Irish farms has reached 1,477,133 head for the year-to-date based on the latest...
Important to maintain intakes as breeding season approaches

Dairy Technical

Important to maintain intakes as breeding season approaches

The breeding season is fast approaching and getting cows grazing continues to be a significant challenge on dairy farms. On...
Breeding season: Achieving 90% three-week submission rates

Dairy Technical

Breeding season: Achieving 90% three-week submission rates

A target within many herds will be to have a submission rate of 90% within the first three weeks of...
Feed bills: What is wet weather costing dairy farms?

Dairy Technical

Feed bills: What is wet weather costing dairy farms?

Depending on the current diet, cows are being fed additional feed costs could be as high as €250/day for a...
Blood testing to determine mineral status of cows

Dairy Technical

Blood testing to determine mineral status of cows

Taking blood samples from a number of cows within your herd is a good way to determine their mineral status...
The importance of carrying out vaccinations ahead of breeding

Dairy Technical

The importance of carrying out vaccinations ahead of breeding

Ahead of breeding, a number of boosters may be required, as vaccinations play an important role on dairy farms. Booster...
Milk Price Tracker: Calls for 42c/L for March supplies – ICMSA

Dairy Technical

Milk Price Tracker: Calls for 42c/L for March supplies – ICMSA

The February Milk Price Tracker saw an increase in the base price from all 15 co-ops included, but Irish Creamery Milk...
Importance of checking that maiden heifers are on target

Dairy Technical

Importance of checking that maiden heifers are on target

It is vital that you check that your maiden heifers are still on target to reach their target weights for...
How can farmers reduce the risk of bovine TB on dairy farms?

Dairy Technical

How can farmers reduce the risk of bovine TB on dairy farms?

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) poses a huge threat to farm animals and can be a worry of farmers’. Figures from by...
Chemical fertiliser strategies during challenging conditions

Dairy Technical

Chemical fertiliser strategies during challenging conditions

Research officer with Teagasc, Michael Egan, advised farmers to get chemical fertiliser onto paddocks that are suitable, and to target...
Calf registrations head towards 1.4m for year-to-date

Dairy Technical

Calf registrations head towards 1.4m for year-to-date

The total number of calf registrations on Irish farms has reached 1,349,492 head for the year-to-date based on the latest...
Breeding: Time to start preparation for 2024 season

Dairy Technical

Breeding: Time to start preparation for 2024 season

As the breeding season approaches on farms, it is important that you begin preparations and ensure that everything is ready...
Milk supplies down by as much as 14% in some co-ops

Dairy Technical

Milk supplies down by as much as 14% in some co-ops

Milk supplies in a number of co-ops are down by as much as 10%, with this drop in milk volume...
Farmers advised to target third week of May for first cut silage

Dairy Technical

Farmers advised to target third week of May for first cut silage

Silage remains in the diets of many herds at the moment, with grazing conditions continuing to pose a significant challenge....