Carbery

The Teagasc/Carbery joint programme has operated in the Cork West region since 1998. The current programme runs from 2021 to 2025. The objective of the programme, is to lead and demonstrate the development of carbon efficient and sustainable dairy farming in West Cork.

The joint programme will focus strongly on promoting and demonstrating the practical farming practices that improve sustainability and reduce carbon footprint.  The Teagasc MACC curve (Marginal Abatement Cost Curve) and the Leaf diagram as well as learnings from the Carbery Greener Dairy programme will be central in the programme.

The programme will also engage and support the new Teagasc Signpost Programme – Farmers for Climate Action, throughout the region while also engaging with the Farm Zero C project in Shinagh Farm, Bandon.

Objectives:

The objective of the programme is to connect with all dairy farmers in the West Cork region and demonstrate high standards of the following:

• Carbon Efficiency 
• Herd Breeding
• Water Quality
• Milk Quality
• Biodiversity
• Nutrient Use and Soil Fertility
• Financial Performance
• Farm Safety
• Grassland Management
• Lifestyle/Health
• Animal Welfare

Programme coordinator

The programme will be co-ordinated by John McNamara of Teagasc, supported by the Teagasc dairy and dry stock advisory teams in West Cork.  The team will collaborate and work closely with Carbery and the advisors and staff in each of the four West Cork co-operatives:

• Bandon
• Barryroe
• Drinagh
• Lisavaird.

Milk Quality

A new addition to this joint programme is the availability of Don Crowley (Teagasc Milk Quality Advisor) to all Carbery suppliers through their co-op milk quality advisor.  Don is one of Ireland’s leading experts in producing quality milk and is renowned for his broad knowledge and practical farming advice on achieving high standards of milk quality. 

Monitor Farmers

Table 1 gives the list of monitor farmers in each co-operative and their herd size. The programme only works with the co-operation of themonitor farmers. In every one of the farms, the farmer is supported by a family team.