Silage

Getting heifers back into calf is more difficult in an autumn-calving herd, writes John Egerton.

Providing clean drinking water is a key part of winter management in housed cattle, but it is a task that is often overlooked.

Outwintering cattle on forage crops will be limited to farms on drier land. But where animals have access to such crops, outlined are some tips for grazing.

It could make more financial sense for the average suckler farmer to grow silage for steel rather than sucklers, Teagasc research suggests.

Grass growth is predicted to decrease in July, August and September for the Midlands and east coast.

Water supply issues have created extra work on Tommy Moyles' farm at the weekend and he is now going to have to look at alternative water storage options.

The control of soiled water was a major issue on farms inspected by county councils in 2023.

IFA environment chair, John Murphy, urged farmers to invest in extra slurry storage, to give them control over when they can spread, while speaking on a panel at the Irish Farmers Journal Dairy Day.