The building blocks for a good dairy business post milk quota is to be discussed at this year’s Virginia Show 2014 Dairy Conference which takes place on August 20 at 10.30a in the show centre.
Following a hugely successful conference last year organisers of Virginia Show has decided to pull out all the stops for this year’s event with some top speakers on the programme.
According to event organiser Owen Brodie: “Knowledge of up-to-date farming practices is key for any farmer. If you don’t keep up with latest techniques and research farmers can quickly find themselves left behind. The conference offers farmers a great opportunity to for farmers to hear up to the minute information.”
“But, its only one part of what we hope will be a fantastic show for dairy farmers and indeed all farmers. With over 3,000 exhibits in 500 classes, top class agricultural competitions, crafts and all the best in food, farming and rural Ireland on offer.”
Among the speakers will be Donal Patton is a research technologist in dairy production systems at the Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co. Cavan. Research interest includes regional milk production systems, better grazing infrastructure’s, production of milk solids per ha and extension by example. A native of Co. Monaghan, coming from a dairy farm, Donal brings local knowledge and down to earth logic to explain his paper on grazing and breeding to secure a profitable future.
James O’Loughlin is currently working out of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. His is currently role Co-ordinator of Teagasc Heavy soils programme working with eight farms around the country on improving productivity on heavy soils.
Previously farm manager of Kilmaley Research farm in west Clare, in an area of very high rainfall and very poorly drained soils, James has many years’ experience working on wet farms and developing drainage and grazing solutions to help dairy farmers on heavy soils. Organisers say that James will share with us his presentation and knowledge on Land Drainage systems, costs and benefits.
Finally, Austin Finn the Programme Manager for the Land Mobility Service will speak about the important steps to increasing your milk platform. The conference will be chaired by David Colbourne Local Business & Technology – Dairy Adviser based at Ballyhaise Agricultural College.