Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day
IRELAND - The opportunities and potential for the Irish dairy sector to expand milk production profitably in the future will be outlined at a major Teagasc Open Day in Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork on Wednesday, 29 June.
3 June 2011
2 minute read
The Food Harvest 2020 report sets a target of increasing Irish milk production by 50 per cent.
Set against the backdrop of milk quota removal in 2015, this event will be of interest to all commercial dairy farmers and those thinking of entering dairying. The latest technologies to capitalise on Ireland’s competitive advantage in milk production will be highlighted.
Speaking at the launch of the Open Day, Head of the Teagasc Animal Production and Grassland Programme, Dr Pat Dillon said: “There will be significant opportunities for Irish dairy farmers to profitably grow their business once milk quotas are removed; however only those who fully capitalise on Ireland’s inherent competitive advantage associated with grass growth and utilisation will benefit most in this deregulated production environment.”
Dr Dillon said: ”Worldwide demand for dairy products is expected to increase by 2.5 per cent per annum as a result of global population growth and projected increases in per capita disposable income. The gradual expansion and ultimate removal of milk quotas in 2015 gives Ireland the opportunity to claim a disproportionate share of this growth.”
‘Irish Dairying - Planning for 2015’ is the theme for the event which will showcase profitable dairy production systems based on high grass utilisation. The genetics behind the most suitable dairy cow for Irish milking situations will also be discussed while herd health issues will be addressed at the open day.
There will be a network of themed villages for farmers to visit on the 29 June in Moorepark, which include information on Breeding, Grassland, Milk Quality, New Entrants, and Environmental sustainability. With a growing number of farmers seeking to enter dairy farming the village for New Entrants to Dairying will be of particular interest with advice and information on financial planning and the best farm infrastructure to put in place. A live demonstration of the essential tools for technology adoption will also take place. The event concludes with a discussion forum on the ‘Lessons for Expansion’, with valuable contributions from industry stakeholders.
This major Teagasc open day is sponsored by FBD Trust and runs from 10 am to 5 pm. A recently developed Ulster Bank sponsored grass calculator will be launched on the day.
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