Sustainable Expansion theme of dairy open day

Pictured at the launch of Moorepark ’15, were Dr Pat Dillon, head of Teagasc Animal and Grassland Programme; Cosme Sanchez Miguel, regional veterinary laboratory, Department Of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Rebecca Carroll, assistant programme manager, Animal Health Ireland, and Pat Donnellan, ICBF. (O’Gorman Photography)

A MAJOR Teagasc open day for the Irish dairy industry will take place in Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, on Wednesday, July 1st next.

The theme for the open day is ‘Sustainable Expansion’ and the event will take place against a background of milk quota abolition earlier this year. This open day, which is sponsored by FBD, will provide dairy farmers and those involved in the dairy industry with the opportunity to view and discuss the latest developments in key dairying technologies that will help farmers to increase the profitability of the family farm business and cope with future challenges such as volatile milk prices.

Ireland’s competitive advantage in milk production is based on the efficient production and utilisation of pasture; this is the only viable model of milk production in a competitive world market. The open day will highlight the importance of adopting systems that are resilient to external forces, and that incorporate sufficient tactical flexibility to overcome unanticipated events.

Speaking at the launch last Friday, Prof Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc, said: ‘The abolition of milk quotas provides dairy farmers with significant opportunity for expansion. Expansion should only be planned if it is going to result in increased farm profitability and an improved livelihood for the farm family.

‘This Open Day will provide guidance to farm families on how to assess their farm businesses and plan successful expansion,’ he added. There will be a network of themed villages for farmers to visit on the day, which include information on breeding, grassland, milk quality, new entrants, and environmental sustainability.

With a growing number of farmers seeking to enter dairy farming, the village for new entrants to dairying will be of particular interest. Information and advice will be available on financial planning and the best farm infrastructure to put in place.

A special feature of Teagasc Moorepark ’15 will be a forum on ‘Developing a Successful Career in Dairying’. The forum will include a panel with a range of experience: a student participating in the Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management, young share farmers, a new entrant to dairying and farm managers / owners with a range of experience in farm management.

Additionally, with the support of Ulster Bank, a new publication called ‘Stepping Stones to a career in Dairy Farming,’ which outlines a career profile and progression pathway for young people entering dairying will be available at the open day.

The open day runs from 10am to 5pm on July 1st. A comprehensive booklet will be provided. Admission and parking are free.

• For more information visit www.teagasc.ie/events.