Dairy
There has been a significant interest in contract rearing heifers in recent years as farmers have realised its benefit for reducing their...
In order for a contract rearing agreement to work over the long term, it must be a win-win for both the dairy farmer and the contract rearer.
With the introduction of the nitrates banding, many farmers have been forced to make changes to their farm systems and reduce their stock num
Dairy Technical
The contract rearing of heifers has become quite popular with many dairy farmers, but should more be taking advantage of it?
Contract rearing of heifers has become quite common in recent years but is there further growth potential in the coming years?
The contract rearing of dairy heifers has become increasing more popular in recent years and further demand is expected.
Beef News
The south Tipperary branch of Macra na Feirme is set to host a contract rearing information event in Fethard, Co. Tipperary.
Contract rearing of dairy heifers continues to be in growing demand, with both farmers potentially benefiting from the arrangement.
AHI suggested that contracting rearing could be an effective way of preventing the spread of Johne's disease from adult cattle to calves.
Teagasc has responded to a "growing interest in contract arrangements" to rear calves by developing new contract agreement templates.
One option, that is sometimes is overlooked on farms, to reduce the workload during the busy spring period, is that of contract rearing.
The idea of dairy farmers paying beef farmers to contract rear male dairy calves has been tossed around a lot lately.
An information meeting on the 'future options for drystock and dairy farmers' is set to take place in Crossdoney, Co. Cavan.
Contract rearing is an up and coming epidemic within the agricultural industry.
Through the contract rearing of dairy replacement heifers, beef farmers can increase stocking rate without the need for investment in stock.
Beef
The former president of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), Eddie Downey, recently dismissed calls for feedlots to be banned in Ireland.
Agri Politics
Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has criticised Teagasc for promoting the contract rearing to drystock farmers based in suckler strongholds.
Having ventured into the world of contract rearing dairy heifers in recent years, Kieran Henry has yet to come across any negatives.
Agri-Business
Contract rearing offers drystock farmers another economic option to make their farms viable, Des Morrison, ICMSA livestock chair has stated.
The west of Ireland must not become a rearing ground for Friesian heifers from the south of the country, according to TD Michael Fitzmaurice.
An information evening was held in Carrick-On-Shannon to inform drystock farmers about the opportunities of contract rearing.
"Instead of moving vast swathes of fodder out of the west, we are looking at the idea of moving animals to the feed," the ICMSA has stated.
An information evening on contract rearing of dairy heifers will take place tonight at 8:00pm in the Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.
