Nearly 16,000 dairy farmers are members of Origin Green through the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme (SDAS). Bord Bia gathers a range of farm metrics through the audit process.
Farmers provide this information through the Sustainability Survey, completed as part of the audit.
The information reported is reliant on the accuracy of the data provided. Using this data, Bord Bia can track improvements in farm management practices.
Bord Bia began tracking rates of soil testing and milk recording in 2022. Both actions are useful to assist with decision making on farms to help improve overly efficiency and thus carbon efficiency.
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Dairy calf welfare
Bord Bia would like to remind all SDAS members that the full implementation of new criteria supporting calf welfare, which was added in January 2024, will come into effect from January 2025.
If you need any clarification on this update, call the Bord Bia Helpdesk, 01 524 0410. Open 9:00a.m to 6:00p.m, Monday to Friday.
AgNav – data-driven farming
AgNav is a sustainability platform developed by Bord Bia, Teagasc, and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
AgNav provides farmers with accurate information and advice to support decision making on their farm, with the aim of reducing farm emissions.
The overall aim of AgNav is to be the one-stop shop for farmers implementing farm sustainability actions.
AgNav functions
AgNav was trialled with Teagasc advisors and Signpost demonstration farms through a pilot phase. The functionality and usability of AgNav continues to be developed.
New feature – nutrient surplus
The AgNav Forecaster Tool will be able to calculate the nutrients imported (e.g concentrates, fertiliser) and the nutrients exported (e.g. milk, live weight), to determine if there is a surplus.
Nutrient surplus refers to imported nutrients that are at risk of being lost to the environment.
The greater the nutrient surplus per hectare, the greater risk of nutrient loss.
Who can use AgNav?
AgNav is optional and available to beef and dairy farmers currently.
Farmers can access AgNav using their ICBF login details and can receive additional support through the free Teagasc Signpost Advisory Programme or via an affiliated processor sustainability programmes.
Who has access to the data in AgNav?
Farmers control the data in AgNav that relates to their farm. Data will not be shared outside of AgNav, unless a farmer chooses to do so, for example with an advisor.
Data used in AgNav comes from information provided by farmers through their Bord Bia Sustainability Survey; from herd data held by ICBF; and information held by Teagasc.
Farmers retain the right to provide and withdraw access to their data.
