Ireland sat second from the top of a table of EU organic milk prices at 72.5c/L according to the latest version of the EU’s milk market observatory which is published monthly, EU Milk Market Observatory.

Commanding a premium of almost 30c/L over conventional milk prices, now is the time for Irish dairy farmers to consider organic dairying as viable option.

A lack of an organic premium is often cited as one of the most common reasons for dairy farmers to avoid contemplating an organic conversion for their farm.

With this obstacle currently removed, should more conventional dairy farmers be evaluating their options to assess the merits of organic dairying?

The Teagasc organic team has organised three organic dairy farm walks at three locations across the country.

These walks are primarily aimed at any farmer who wishes to find out more about organic dairy farming and the potential it may offer them for their farm.

Exploring organic dairy farming

Farmers are invited to visit any of the three commercial organic dairy farms to hear directly from farmers who have successfully made the transition to organic milk production.

With organic milk prices reaching up to 90c/L last winter and strong market demand expected to continue, many dairy farmers are exploring whether organic production could improve farm profitability while reducing dependence on purchased inputs.

Organic dairying can enable farmers to reduce stock numbers and input costs while maintaining - and in some cases increasing - farm profitability.

DATES

Waterford - Tuesday, June 30 at 12:00p.m. Click here to register;
Clare - Tuesday, July 7 at 12:00p.m. Click here to register;
Wicklow - Tuesday, July 14 at 12:00p.m. Click here to register.

Details of the farm locations will be provided after registration.

Who should attend?

Dairy farmers considering organic conversion;
Existing dairy farmers interested in reducing input costs;
Farmers seeking to improve environmental sustainability;
Advisors and agricultural professionals.

Topics

✓ Is organic dairying financially viable?;

✓ Appropriate stocking rates;

✓ Grass growth and grazing management;

✓ Feeding the organic dairy cow;

✓ Veterinary and animal health requirements;

✓ Calf rearing systems;

✓ Housing requirements;

✓ Soil fertility and soil health;

✓ Organic certification and conversion process;

✓ Market outlook and milk price prospects;

✓ Farm financial projections;

✓ Farmer experiences and lessons learned.

Why attend?

See working organic dairy farms;
Learn from experienced organic dairy farmers;
Understand the conversion process;
Explore the financial implications for your own farm;
Ask questions in an informal setting

Organic dairying offers opportunities to improve farm resilience, reduce purchased inputs, enhance biodiversity and water quality, and respond to growing consumer demand for sustainably produced food.

Places are limited.