Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Teagasc Organic Dairy Farm Walk
on the farm of
Batt and Ger Sheehan,
Ballymounteen, Ballynoe,
Mallow, Co. Cork
Wednesday 16
th May 2018
Rural Economy
& Development
Programme
2
Introduction and Welcome
Welcome to the farm of Batt Sheehan who along with his wife
Gerardine and their family, farm 62.76 ha (155 acres) in
Ballymounteen, Ballynoe Co. Cork. This family farm strives for
a good work life balance whilst maximising profitability and
animal welfare, all done under organic farming principles.
The main enterprise on the farm has been organic dairying since
2005 with milk supplied to The Little Milk Company, Glenisk
and Glanbia Ireland.
Batt started dairy farming in 1995 when he received 15,000
gallons of Mulder quota. Dairying began by milking the suckler
cows at that time.
By 2005, Batt had built up his herd to 45 cows, worked with the
FRS and grew 65 acres of tillage as he found it very difficult to
purchase extra milk quota.
After a visit to the Teagasc organic unit in Johnstown castle in
2005, Batt made the decision to convert to organic dairying. He
liked what organic farming offered in terms of a high level of
animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and decreased
exposure to milk price volatility. The organic option also
reduced the farm investment required to build extra facilities
under a conventional system
He achieved full organic status in 2007 and has since been
adapting his farming system. He is a member of the local
Bridevalley Discussion Group, has a high EBI herd, regularly
3
measures grass and has recently went once a day milking to
improve his work life balance.
His plans for the future revolve around continuously improving
herd efficiency, providing efficient feed sources for the herd,
mainly through using legumes (clovers) and he is focused on
adding value to the product he produces.
We express our thanks to Batt for opening his farm to the public
today and for sharing his knowledge and wisdom.
_____________________
Ed Moakley (Business and Technology Dairy advisor)
and the
Teagasc Organic Specialist and Advisory team.
Batt commenced his organic conversion process in 2005 and
after a 2 year conversion period started producing organic
certified milk in 2007.
4
Land Farmed 2017
Table 1 - Land Farmed 2017
Land Status Area (Ha) (silage)
Owned 62.76
Total land farmed (silage: incl.
1st cut, cover/catch crops silage
and heavy cover grazing
paddocks)
62.76 (40)
Single holding farm with all lands within 1 km of the milking
parlour and farmyard
Batt farms 67ha, milking 55 dairy cows in Spring calving
system.
5
The Dairy Herd
Batt entered organic conversion with Holstein Friesian cows.
Over the years he continued to use Holstein genes while also
introducing Norwegian Red and Jersey genes into the herd.
Batt’s aim is to have cows similar to the next generation herd in
Moorepark.
Batt uses 100% AI, with heats identified using blister pack
patches. AI is used on the heifers for 5 – 6 weeks and on the
cows for 9 – 10 weeks.
The average herd EBI is €133. The weighted average of the
2018 team of bulls selected is €274. Top EBI sires including
FR2385, FR2239, FR2460, FR4172, FR2371, FR2005, YAB,
FR2003, FR4161, FR4020 are used. They were chosen based on
health, fertility and maintenance sub-indices.
Livestock Enterprise
Table 2 - Average Livestock Numbers 2017
Animal Type 2017
Dairy Cows(incl.
dry cows) 55
0 – 1 year olds 23
1 – 2 Year olds 17
2+ Year olds 0
Stock Bull 0
Stocking Rate 1.21 LU/Ha
(98 Kg Org N/Ha)
6
The Production System
Batt operates a spring calvingherd with cows calving from mid-
February. This allows him to utilise grass early in the Spring if
conditions allow which reduces his concentrate usage. This
approach is prudent as the price of organic concentrate feed is
approximately double that of conventional.
The cows have been milked once a day since the beginning of
Spring which has led to increased milk solids. Inn 2017, milk
was supplied to The Little Milk Company, Glenisk and Glanbia.
Milk Production Details 2017
Table 3– Milk Production 2017 (latest results 11/5/18)
Milk Sold 312,035 litres
Milk yield per cow 5,889 litres/cow
Average Butterfat 4.52 % (4.52%)
Average Protein 3.36 % (3.58%)
Concentrate use
(average over year) 0.6 t/cow
Table 4 - Batt’s Milk Price 2017
Average milk price 40.11 cent/litre
7
Dairy Calving Statistics
Table 5 - HerdPlus – Dairy Calving Statistic (01/07/16—30/06/17)
1/07/16-30/6/17 National
Average
Calving Interval (days) 380 391
Spring 6 week calving rate (%) 83 63
Autumn 6 week calving rate (%) n/a 45
Calves per cow per year 0.96 0.91
Potential replacement rate (%) 46 27
Cows Culled in period (%) 33 31
Average no. calvings/cow 3.1 3.4
Recycled cows (%) 0 13
Replacements bred to Dairy AI (%) 92 53
% of heifers calved @ 22-26 months
of age 100 63
Source www.icbf.com
Batt’s average calving interval is 380 days. 100% of heifers
calve down at less than 26 month old.
8
Grazing and Silage Regime
Grazing Platform
The farm has a milking platform of 31 Ha.
There are 27 paddocks within a 1 kilometre walk of the
farmyard.
The cows are grazed from calving in February once
conditions allow.
Growing Grass on an Organic Dairy Farm
The aim is to maximise the amount of quality grass-
clover swards fed and to minimise the amount of
concentrates purchased.
To help achieve this, re-seeding is carried out using
grass mixes which include either white or red clover.
Break crops including westerwolds and clover are also
used as part of the rotation plan on the farm.
It is planned to reseed 9.5ha in ’18, including 5.5ha with
a westerwolds + Egyptian clover winter cover crop for
silage and 4 ha with a red clover-ryegrass ley for silage.
Grass-white clover swards can fix in the region of 100 kg
N/ha/year from the atmosphere.
9
Grass wedge showing grazing covers - update 1st week May
2018
10
Silage production
First cut silage is normally harvested in Mid-June. Batt made
600 bales in 2017. He aims to make 750 bales this year to allow
for difficult autumn and spring grazing conditions. Average
yield of silage on the farm is 6 - 7 bales/acre.
The Value of Legumes on Organic Farms Transition Paths to sustainable based
legume systems in Europe. https://www.true-
project.eu/
Grass leys containing legumes (eg. white and
red clover) are a vital component of
productive organic grassland farms.
Re-seeding on the farm
In August 2017 4 hectares of a winter green cover/catch crop
containing westerwold grass and vetch was sown.
Westerwold grass and vetch catch/cover crop (photo taken
early May 2018). Crop sown August 2017. 1st cut for silage
taken in March 2018.
11
Reasons why catch crops are sown on the farm
Fast establishing crop for silage production which lasts 1
year.
Good ground cover establishment for weed control
(mainly docks).
Aim to provide a catch for soil N ahead of the
establishment of either a white clover -grass ley for
grazing and/or a red clover-grass ley for silage
production.
Legume production including white and red clover
12
13
Organic Regulation for Seed Usage
Must seek permission to use un-treated non-organic seed
from your Organic Certification Body (OCB).
This permission must be granted by the OCB before
purchase if 0% un-treated non-organic seed or before
sowing in case of 70% + organic seed content.
Conventional treated seed is not permitted to be used
Livestock Diets and concentrate use
Under organic regulations, at least 60% of the dry matter in
daily rations of herbivores must consist of roughage, fresh or
dried fodder or silage. A reduction to 50% for animals in dairy
production for a maximum period of three months in early
lactation is allowed.
Approximately 600kg of concentrates are fed per cow per year.
This is made up of 50% concentrate nut (16%-18% protein) and
a 50% wheat/lupin straight mix sourced from a local organic
cereals farmer.
14
Animal Welfare in Organic Farming
Livestock Health
A healthy herd in organic farming is achieved by a
combination of good management, sound nutrition and
good animal husbandry skills.
When a farm undergoes conversion to organic status an
Animal Health Plan is required to be drawn up by the
veterinary practitioner, who specifies the current animal
health issues on the farm and how the farmer will tackle
these problems into the future, while conforming to the
requirements of organic certification standards.
Detection of problems needs to be early, and timely
veterinary advice is invaluable – when an animal is ill
the organic farmer reacts in the same manner as their
conventional neighbour and veterinary assistance is
required immediately
Conventional Veterinary Treatments Permitted
Animals for meat consumption: 1 course antibiotics
within 12 months.
Animals for breeding: 2 courses antibiotics within 12
months.
Dairy Mastitis: 2 courses antibiotics within 12 months,
otherwise the cow is removed from the milking herd.
If limits exceeded, organic status is taken away from
animal.
Withdrawal Periods for use of Veterinary Products
Min 7 days adhered to if no period specified.
15
Under 18 days triple the withdrawal time.
Between 18-28 days adhere to a 56 day withdrawal
period.
29+
days twice the withdrawal time.
If treated with organophosphates, lose organic status
permanently.
Mutilations
Prior approval is required from your Certification Body before
any mutilations are undertaken.
Organic Animal Housing Standards
Adjustments to meet organic standards may be necessary
– depends on farm situation.
Housing is not compulsory.
At least 50% of floor area must be bedded.
Straw, rushes or untreated wood shavings are acceptable
bedding materials and these need not be organic.
All animal housing is subject to inspection and approval
by the Organic Certification Body (OCB).
See Table 8 for organic space requirements.
16
Under organic regulations, organic replacement calves are fed
organic milk until they are at least 12 weeks old.
Table 7 - Minimum Housing Area per head and by weight
Animal
Minimum Indoor Areas
(net area available to each animal)
Live-weight
Minimum
(kg)
m2/head
Calves; Beef
Cattle;
Bull Beef;
Suckler Cows
Up to 100kg
Up to 200kg
Up to 350kg
Up to 500kg
1.5
2.5
4.0
5.0
6.0
Dairy Cows Up to 600kg
Over 600kg
6.0 min.
1m2 /100kg
Breeding Bulls 10m2
Sheep 1.5m
2 per ewe
0.35m2 per lamb
17
Soil Nutrients and Manure Management
The aim of organic farming is to maintain soil fertility
levels by efficient recycling of farmyard manure, slurry
and/or compost that is normally generated on the farm.
Management of organic farms should ensure regular
inputs of manures and a level of microbial and
earthworm activity sufficient to breakdown organic
matter and ensure continuous and efficient nutrient
cycling.
Keeping soils at a pH that facilitates organic matter
breakdown and nutrient recycling is essential for
successful organic farming.
Organic manure nutrient content can vary widely depending on
the source of nutrients and it is advisable to have the nutrient
content of manures checked through laboratory analysis.
Sources of Nutrients on the Farm
Regularly used:
Nitrogen from atmospheric fixation by
legumes/clover.
Slurry from over-wintering of animals indoors.
Farm yard manure (FYM) from the straw bedding
used over-wintering the animals. 570 4x4 round
bales were used for bedding in 2017/2018 housing
period.
Organic concentrate feed ~0.6 tonne/cow ~5kg
P/tonne concentrate usage.
Lime
18
Used from time to time:
Dairy sludge from an approved dairy processing plant.
Relatively high in phosphorus (P).
PatentkaliTM
. 25% potassium (K) + Mg + S.
Where & When are Nutrients Spread
FYM is spread in autumn on silage and grazing ground
and also prior to ploughing at re-seeding. The use of a
straw chopper and the turning of the FYM a number of
times reduces the bulk of material and ensures ease of
spreading.
Slurry is generally spread early in the growing season to
maximise use of its nitrogen content and to help promote
early grass growth.
Dairy and collecting yard washings are spread on
grazing paddocks throughout the year.
Dairy Sludge: was spread up to 2 years ago on the farm
but not in recent years.
PatenkaliTM
: spread in the past on land low in
potassium (K).
Lime: On average 60-100 tonnes of lime has been
spread each year over the past 3 years. This has led to a
significant improvement in the white clover content of
grazed paddocks.
19
Table 8 – Nutrients off-takes of various farm products (P & K)
P & K off-takes P (kg) K (kg)
Milk (1,000 litres)
0.9 - 1 1 - 1.5
Silage (1 ton DM)
3 - 4 25
Leaching (1,000 mm rainfall)
~ 10
Sources of Organic Manures that are permitted to be
imported onto Organic Farms
Imported manures must come from stock that have been outside
during the year, not from intensive pig and poultry units where
animals are inside all the time or from zero grazing systems. FYM
must be composted for at least 3 months before it can be land
spread. Dairy sludge is allowed only from approved processing
plants.
Farmayard Manure (FYM) is an imporant source of organic
matter and nutrients, especially potassium (K).
20
Available Nutrient Content & Guide Value (€) of
Organic Manures (source Teagasc)
Value of farm yard manure based on
2014 Nitrates Directive values
Value of cattle slurry based on
Teagasc Figures
Value of dairy sludge based on Glanbia
Ballyragget analysis (permitted on
Organic farms from approved Dairy
Processors)
Value of organic chicken manure
Organic Chicken Manure 1 tonne (~1m3)
1 tonne is worth €50
1 tonne is worth €10
21
Soil Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) Levels Figure 2 - P Index Levels on Farm Figure 3 - K Index Levels on Farm
Lime
Each year over the past 3 years, between 60 to 100 tonnes of
lime has been spread in order to increase the pH of soils.
Soil samples taken in February 2018 showed that pH has risen
significantly on the farm with in excess of 80% of the farm
between a pH 6.5 and 7.0 - ideal pH conditions for clover
establishment and growth.
The benefits of correcting a lime deficiency include
the following:
• Maintaining the correct soil pH is critical for nutrient
availability of both soil and applied nutrients.
• Increased survival and productivity of rye grasses & legumes.
• Research shows where soil pH was lifted from pH 5.5 to 6.3,
grass produced increased by at least an extra 1.0 tonne DM/ha
annually.
4%
61%
35% Index 2
Index 3
Index 4
9%
81%
10%
Index 2
Index 3
Index 4
% of Farm % of Farm
22
Financial Performance- 2017
Teagasc e-profit Monitor Analysis
Production Type: Spring milk Batt’s Target
(2016)
FARM
Dairy Cows 55
Stocking Rate (LU/ha) 1.21
Litres Milk Produced/cow 5,889
Litres Sold/Cow 5,673
Co-Op Price (c/Litre) 40.11
GROSS OUTPUT c/Litre c/Litre
Milk Sales 38.63
Plus Cow & Calf Sales & Calf
Transfers
6.25
Minus Cow & Repl Purchases &
Repl Transfers
4.62
+/- Inventory 0.00
Gross Output 40.26 29.36
VARIABLE COSTS c/Litre c/Litre
Feed 5.86 3.75
Fertiliser 0.47 2.42
Veterinary 1.78 1.12
AI/Breeding 0.52 0.53
Contractor 3.11 1.68
Other Variable Costs 3.36 1.69
Total Variable Costs 15.10 11,21
Gross Margin 25.16 18.15
FIXED COSTS c/Litre c/Litre
Machinery 2.09 0.99
Car/ESB/Phone 2.13 1.07
Depreciation 0 1.77
Other Fixed Costs 3.76 5.27
Common Cost
Common Profit 23.08
17.18
20.31
9.05
Note:
Cow numbers include both milking and dry cows
Other fixed costs including hired labour, interest and land lease are not included in common costs. Direct payments excluded from gross output.
23
Breakdown of Costs for the Farm
Figure 4 Variable Cost Breakdown for Farm
Figure 5 Fixed Cost Breakdown for Farm
39%
21%
12% 3%
3%
22% Feed
Contractor
Veterinary
Fertiliser
AI / Breeding
Other
26%
8%
27%
39% Machinery
Interest
Car/ESB/Phone
Other Fixed Costs
24
Future Goals
Batt is currently adding value to his organic milk by selling raw
milk and producing cheese. He hopes to produce Kefir which is
fermented milk and yoghurts.
In time, Batt hopes to set up a production unit on the farm.
The Little Milk Company
The Little Milk Company was established in March 2008. It
acts as the product development and marketing body for 10
organic milk producers located throughout Munster and
Leinster Collectively, there is a milk pool of over 3 million
litres.
Since 2011, the co-operative have been making cheeses, all of
which are handmade and hand-turned using traditional cheese
making techniques.
The Little Milk Company now has multi-award winning cheeses
and continues to establish markets at home and abroad. At
present the cheeses can be found at a range of outlets in Ireland
and abroad. For more info: www.thelittlemilk company.ie
25
Organic Certification in
Ireland
A major factor that distinguishes organic farming from other
approaches to sustainable farming is the existence of internationally
acknowledged standards and certification procedures. The standards
for organic production within the European Union are defined and
enshrined in law by Council Regulation EC 834/2007 as amended. In
Ireland the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the
competent authority (i.e. - the Department’s Organic Unit is based at
Johnstown Castle Estate Wexford) for regulating the organic sector
and ensuring that the obligations and requirements of Council
Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 as amended and adhered to.
The Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the
Marine have designated Official Certification Bodies whose role is to
certify organic producers, farmers and processors through and
inspection process of each individual’s unit or farm. Further
information can be sourced from these organic certification bodies:
IOA (Irish Organic Association)
13 Inish Carraig, Golden Island, Athlone.
Tel: (090) 64 33680 www.iofga.org
Organic Trust
2 Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3.
Tel: (01) 853 0271 www.organictrust.ie
Demeter
40/11 Woodhall Rd, Edinburgh. EH13 ODU. Scotland. Tel: (0044) 131 478
1201www.demeter.net
Global Trust Certificate Ltd.
3rd floor, Block 3, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co Louth.
Tel: (042) 93 20912 Fax: (042) 93 8686 Email: [email protected]
BDA Certification- Organic and Demeter
The Painswick Inn Project, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GLS 1QS, United Kingdom
(0044) 145 376 6296 Fax: (0044) 145 375 950.
26
On Farm Scheme A standard rate of aid of 40% on investments up to a ceiling of
€80,000 (i.e. can generate a grant of €32,000 from an investment of
€80,000). For qualifying young organic farmers who meet the
specific eligibility criteria, the standard rate of aid is 60% on
investments up to a ceiling of €80,000.
How to Apply and Closing Date:
Online applications only through www.agfood.ie facility.
Organic Processing Scheme Grant aid of up to 40% on €1.25 million (i.e. can generate a grant of
€500,000 for an investment of €1.25 million) in facilities for the
processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic
products with minimum level of investment in excess of €3,000.
Full details and T&C:
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie
Queries:
DAFM Organic Unit, Johnstown Castle: (053) 91 63400
Teagasc contacts: Dan Clavin, Organic Specialist,
Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway.
Elaine Leavy, Organic Specialist,
Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath.
Targeted Agricultural
Modernisation Scheme Organic
Capital Investment Scheme
(OCIS)
27
Notes:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
_________________________________
28
Notes:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
Notes:
29
Notes:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
_____________________________________
30
Notes:
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
_____________________________________
31
Cover photo of Batt Sheehan taken by Philip Doyle for the Irish
Farmers Journal.
