Winter milk producers continue to play a vital role in maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality milk for both the domestic market and specialised manufacturing.

This year’s Winter Milk Week will focus on how farmers can protect and enhance margins through smarter management of costs, breeding decisions, and herd nutrition.

The theme of this year’s event is 'Maximising Margins from Winter Milk', with a focus on helping farmers improve efficiency, profitability, and resilience within winter milk production systems.

Each year, over 100,000 dairy cows calve between August and December, with these herds supplying approximately 10% of national milk production.

Given the importance of this sector, key discussion topics during Winter Milk Week will include identifying and tracking performance indicators; optimising the winter diet for efficiency and cow health; and adding value through improved breeding decisions.

Attendees at events will also hear guidance on managing costs, cashflow and milk price volatility.

Successful winter milk systems

Successful winter milk systems are built on three bedrocks – the utilisation of quality forage; calving pattern; and genetics.

The former, forage utilised, is the biggest driver of profitability. When it comes to formulating winter diets - from an animal performance, production and health perspective - the importance of silage quality and its interaction with your farm’s bottom line will be discussed.

With the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) approaching its 25^th anniversary, events over the course of the week (November 17-21) will also focus on how winter milk herds can add value through improved breeding decisions.

Research ongoing at Teagasc’s dedicated winter milk herd at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Wexford, shows that high EBI genetics deliver across all systems – not just spring-calving.

At these events, winter milk producers will hear how a focus on fertility performance is essential to achieving increased margins.

Due to the higher costs of production, stemming from a greater dependence on conserved forages and concentrates, and some uncertainty entering milk markets of late, cost control is vital in winter milk systems.

Attendees at these events will hear guidance on managing costs, cashflow and milk price volatility, while the importance of financial benchmarking through Profit Monitor completion will also be outlined.

Over the course of the week, four farm walks will be held showcasing practical examples of best practice in winter milk management.

Events taking place are as follows:

Monday, November 17 - David and Colin Boland’s farm, Moate, Co. Westmeath (N37 PH68);
Tuesday, November 18 - Gerard Donohoe and Conor McCaffrey’s farm, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan (H14 W965);
Wednesday, November 19 - Norman and Colette Tuthill, Baurleigh, Bandon, Co. Cork (P72 NA71);
Friday, November 21 - John Wynne, Manger Farm, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow (W91 HY06).

All events commence at 11:30a.m.

Winter Milk Week 2025 provides a valuable opportunity for farmers to gain up-to-date technical advice, exchange experiences with fellow producers, and explore practical strategies to strengthen winter milk profitability.

For further information on Winter Milk Week click here.