Dairy Newsletter - December 2024

Download Publication (PDF)

In this month's edition:

• Top five tips for December
  1. Feed 100-120g per day of high-quality dry cow mineral from at least six weeks pre calving. Check that magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), vitamin D and trace mineral levels are on target.
  2. Check the schedule for calf scour vaccines with your vet. Some programmes require shots at least six to eight weeks pre calving.
  3. This year was variable in terms of costs and milk prices, but the projection is for an average increase of 80% on dairy farm margins relative to very low levels in 2023. Examine your costs and revenues for the year – benchmarking will help identify areas for progress.
  4. Plan now for the busy spring period ahead. What went well last spring and what caused problems? What solutions can be put in place over the next few weeks? Look at making managing calves and early grazing simpler in particular.
  5. As the year ends, it is important to take stock of the trends and progress being made on dairy farms. Twelve months ago morale was at a low ebb but we have seen a welcome recovery in recent months, which demonstrates the resilience of the sector. Take some time for a well-earned break over the quieter days of Christmas.
• 2024 in review
  Laurence Shalloo, Emer Kennedy and Joe Patton examine 2024 on dairy farms. This year was challenging for dairy farmers. Poor spring and early summer weather affected grass growth, silage conservation and grazing conditions. Low milk prices and poor weather in 2023 also depleted cash reserves on many farms. However, a relatively good autumn saw better grazing and pasture growth, leading to savings in silage and concentrate feeding. A recovery in milk prices has bolstered financial margins also.
• Benchmark your 2024 figures
  Of the total range in profit margin between dairy farms last year, just over half was due to direct costs. This equates to over a €500 per cow difference, for about the same level of milk output. There is scope within each category to reduce overall cost of production. Small changes over a few categories can have a large impact on farm profit.
• Health & Safety: Staying safe over Christmas
  The Christmas holidays will see children spending more time out and about. If children are out on the farm, they must always be supervised. This time of year can be a great opportunity to talk to them about the dangers of a farm. The risk of fire also increases during Christmas. Give preventing fires in your home and on your farm special attention during this period. It’s important that safety is kept to the fore in everyone’s minds over the festive period.