Dairy Newsletter - October 2024

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In this month's edition:

• Top five tips for October
  1. Plan your autumn closing grazing. Covers are generally lower this autumn due to less growth and some farmers may have the temptation to continue to graze to save silage, but this grass will have more benefit in the spring with fresh-calved cows.
  2. Arrange a milk recording for your herd at the latest 45 days out from drying out to help identify cows that may have somatic cell count (SCC) issues, and more importantly, to select cows that are suitable for sealer only.
  3. Body condition score (BCS) your herd. Identify cows in poor condition that would benefit from a longer dry period. Drying cows off earlier will give them a better chance of achieving target BCS 3.25 at calving.
  4. While we move into the quieter time of year, we should still keep an eye on the calving season around the corner. Ensure all sheds are cleaned and ready to go.
  5. Check your dairy wash storage requirements for the coming winter with your advisor.
• Grazing objectives for October
  • This September saw a huge range in on-farm grazing situations, from almost ideal autumn grazing in parts of the north/midlands, to severe drought conditions in parts of the south and east. This means that farms are starting into October in very different circumstances in terms of average farm cover (AFC).
  • Nonetheless, there are two objectives for autumn grazing management that we should try to balance in the coming weeks. The first is to keep grass in the diet of the dairy cow for as long as possible, as grazed grass is the lowest cost feed available. The second objective is to close up the farm in time to ensure adequate grass availability next spring. 
  • The closing AFC target is 750kg DM/ha on December 1. 
  • Paddocks that are to be grazed during February should ideally be closed between mid October and November 1.
• Testing for antibiotic identification
  With a 12-week dry period recommended for first lactation cows, early-calved first calvers that are due around February 1 again in 2025 need to finish their 2024 lactation in late October/early November. Consequently, teat sealers and the right dry cow antibiotic (where required) will need to be prescribed and bought in time.
• Fodder survey update
  The updated national results of the Teagasc fodder survey showed that 58% of dairy farms have fully secured their winter feed (including one month’s reserve), with a further 23% showing minor deficits of less than 10% of winter feed requirements.
• Health & Safety
  • Grant for PTO shaft covers
    Reminder – the National Farm Safety Measure 2024 provides a financial contribution for up to four PTO shaft covers. Closing date for applications is November 1. For further information talk to your advisor or go to: www.gov.ie/farmsafety
  • Plan for winter housing of animals
    It is important to make a list of repairs needed and plan to get them done in preparation for winter housing. Farm maintenance drives farm efficiency, saves time and labour, and improves safety.