Dairy
Building a cubicle shed may be on the agenda as usually, at this time of the year, when silage supplies are secured and the breeding season..
Buildings
This buildings focus visits Graze Dairy where the Gray family have recently invested into their family dairy farm by building a new...
Cubicle housing is often discussed and disputed on what the best set-up and lay-out is for cow flow, cow comfort and adequate cow space...
Agri-Business
The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) is reminding farmers to ensure they take necessary precautions when using cubicle lime.
Dairy Technical
On some farms the housed period has already begun, but for others cows are still grazing and will hopefully be for a few weeks yet.
Lameness is an issues that has to be dealt with on every dairy farm, with it not only leading to reduced production - but it is also an animal welfare concern.
With calves now at grass the calf sheds on dairy farms should be empty, which makes it a good time to clean and disinfect them.
Winter preparations are well underway on farms to ensure that the housed period is successful and thus early in the following lactation.
The dry period can be a high-risk time for picking up mastitis-causing infections, which often present early in the subsequent lactation.
Speaking to dairy farmers over the last week or two, many have gotten the power washer out and have given the cubicle shed a good cleaning.
The controlling of mastitis is important during the dry period anything that can be done to minimise the risk posed by bacteria should be done.
When it comes to getting winter ready, thoughts should turn to getting the cubicle shed in order.
Farming in Newcestown, Co. Cork, Evan Shorten runs a dairy farm comprising of 112 Friesian cows - with the help of his family.
The first buildings focus of 2020 saw AgriLand pay a visit to a new cubicle and calving shed in Crookstown, Co. Kildare.
One issue on many dairy farms during the winter time is ensuring adequate cubicles are available for dairy cows.
Farming in Tubbervilla, Co. Wicklow, Gordon and Thomas Hudson milk a herd of 120 cows under a spring and autumn-calving system.
