Dairy
The risk of milk fever (hypocalcemia) and other metabolic issues will be on the rise as calving kicks off.
As the calving season kicks of for many farms, managing the concern that is negative energy balances in freshly calved cows is crucial.
Although many herds have yet to start calving, farmers should already be considering when to book in their first milk recording.
With calving fast approaching and even starting on some farms, the risk of cows contracting mastitis increases dramatically.
Ahead of the busy calving season, farmers need to focus in on the key areas that need improving to prevent the onset of lameness.
With milk prices bottoming out and calving only around the corner, farmers will be considering if is worth feeding milk replacer this spring.
Just under 1.25 million animals were genotyped in 2025 according to the the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).
In a matter of weeks, the busy spring calving season will be well underway on many Irish dairy...
Now that we are in the new year, the transition period for your cows will need to be managed before cows begin calving down.
As the calving season rapidly approaches, preparations must begin to ensure calves get the quality colostrum that they need.
Over the next two months while the herd is dry, farmers should consider training heifers in the parlour before the busy spring period.
Body condition scoring (BCS) the herd now and over the winter is crucial for a successful dry period and a smooth calving next spring.
Podcast
In the latest episode of 'The Dairy Trail', technical dairy specialist, Cathal O'Shea visited the...
With the poor weather over the last week, cows will be coming in for full time housing in the blink of an eye.
Closing out the dairy platform at this time of the year is essential in ensuring you can get the best possible start next spring.
We are quick approaching the end of the 2025 milking season, meaning farmers must be preparing to dry off their cows.
Beef
Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) research has highlighted the role that livestock production plays within a circular economy.
Spring milk volumes increased strongly in the last two weeks as rising temperatures led to a surge in grass growth, according to a new survey.
'Farming for the Future: A sustainable future' explores the motivation family provides and the challenges the dairy industry has in store.
Post-milking teat disinfection cannot be overlooked at this time of year as there is so much going on in the parlour.
Coming towards the end of February and nearly a month into calving, farmers should begin thinking about scheduling a milk recording...
As calving season progresses, cows are more susceptible to infections like mastitis, which means extra care and hygiene are needed.
Your calves should have access to clean, palatable starter concentrates from three days of age to encourage them to start eating...
