Plenty one-to-one expert advice given at Drinagh Co-Op’s agri workshop

DRINAGH Co-Op held its annual agri workshop at the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen recently with advice available from its own staff and some guest experts in various specialities.

The workshop, which offered advice on a range of topics, ran through the afternoon until late into the evening. Individual specialists were on hand to give information to farmers on key areas of their business from herd health, animal nutrition and sustainable fertiliser applications to milk quality.

The key feature of the workshop was that the advisers are available to speak to farmers on a one-to-one basis. This allows time for issues to be discussed and problems to be  solved.

Drinagh milk quality personnel were available to assist milk suppliers in accessing their online accounts and setup of the new Drinagh MilkedIn app. Drinagh’s pharmacists were also on hand to do health screening, including blood sugar levels, body mass index and blood pressure reading.

Drinagh Score Feeds staff were there to address several topics with customers, including animal nutrition issues, forage analysis results, winter feeding plans and mineral supplementation options.

Dr William Burchill of Teagasc, Moorepark, was available throughout the day, sharing his in-depth knowledge on nutrient management, low-emission slurry spreading and the use of protected urea with all visitors.

Farm energy expert, John Upton of Teagasc, was also present, providing advice on energy consumption on dairy farms, milking machine performance and renewable energy integration.

Drinagh chief executive Joe O’Sullivan expressed the view that ‘the annual workshop is an ideal forum for farmers and Drinagh staff to discuss issues and exchange views on a one-to-one basis, so that all concerned can work in a closer and more efficient way.

‘The workshop also allows attendees the unique opportunity to speak to proficient industry experts on a range of topics relative to their own farming enterprise,’ he added.