Prize Fund of 40,000 in EBI 100 Discussion Group Competition
17 July 2008
The 2008 EBI 100 Discussion Group Competition for dairy discussion groups has attracted a prize fund of over 40,000 with a top prize of 15,000. The, Competition, launched today, Thursday 17 July, has succeeded in its aim of focusing attention on better breeding of dairy cows to improve farm profits. This years Competition, with an increased prize fund, aims to consolidate previous success and attract the countrys top dairy discussion groups to participate in this prestigious Competition.
Speaking at the launch of the competition, Matt Ryan, Teagasc dairy programme manager, said: The clear association between the Economic Breeding Index (EBI) and farm profit is now widely accepted by dairy farmers and reflected in the premium paid for top EBI cows and heifers. The value that Teagasc places in discussion groups in extending the EBI and other key messages to dairy farmers is reflected in our refocusing of the competition from a farmer based to a discussion group based competition.
Representing the main sponsors, ACCBank, Paddy Horgan, GM Agri-Finance said: We are pleased to continue our association with this competition and recognise EBI as an important means of lifting dairy farm profitability especially at a time when production costs are increasing. This year, in addition to changing the Competition to one based on discussion groups, we have further raised its value by increasing the prize fund to 40,000 with a top prize of 15,000. We hope that our sponsorship of the Competition will continue to raise awareness of the value of the Index to Irish dairy farmers. We encourage as many farmer discussion groups as possible to enter the Competition as we are sure they will benefit from the process.
Andrew Cromie, of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, said: EBI combines milk production, fertility, calving and beef merit in one economic index. The national herd is turning the corner in terms of genetic merit. Farmers are using more AI and better bulls early indications are that the proportion of AI bred replacements on the ground next year will be up for the second year in a row again to almost 50% of heifers born. These improvements are being reflected in a rise in the national herds EBI. Calving interval is starting to improve again as a consequence after a 10 year of decline.
Jack Kennedy, dairy editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, said: We are delighted to once again be involved in the EBI 100 Discussion Group Competition given its role in encouraging dairy farmers to breed for higher profit which is the key determinant of dairy farmers survival in the future. Breeding your dairy herd to high EBI bulls will result in a more profitable herd of dairy cows.
Approximately twelve finalist discussion groups will be selected to compete for the top prize of 15,000. Five reserve winners will each receive a cheque of 5,000. The reserve categories are the three regional discussion group winners from Munster, Leinster and Connacht/Ulster, the winners of the development category and the winners of the new discussion group category. The closing date for receipt of application forms is Monday 29 September. Application forms are available from local Teagasc offices. For further information, contact Teagasc dairy specialist, George Ramsbottom, Oak Park, Carlow on 087-2708973.
