Seamus Byrne runs a 75-cow dairy herd on the Laois-Carlow-Kildare border. The new dairy entrant has plenty of help, with his parents, wife, and three children all involved in the running of the farm.
Seamus made the move to dairy farming four years ago, having previously operated a calf-to-beef system, and hasn’t looked back since.
“We started milking in 2019, calving down 65 heifers, which we purchased from two farmers to minimise the risk of disease,” he explained.
“The cows are a cross between Holstein and British Friesian (60:40). Our main priority was to have a good structure cow, with high EBI (economic breeding index) and good fertility.’’
His spring-calving herd is producing 548kg of milk solids at 4.69% butterfat and 3.68% protein.
2023 calving
For many dairy farmers, the peak of the spring calving season is now over. Seamus now has 95% of his cows calved.
“The 2023 calving season has gone very well, with very little problems along the way,” he said.
“The cows were in excellent condition over the winter and received GAIN Pre-Calver Gold mineral which is vital in ensuring cows are healthy at calving.”
The recommended six-week calving rate target set out by Teagasc is 90%. The Tirlán average is 70% with the top 10% of Tirlán farmers averaging 88%, which is still below recommended industry standards.
Farmers achieving a high six-week calving rate can expect a higher return on cow performance during the lactation period, with the average 100-cow Tirlán herd losing €16,440/yr by not meeting the 90% target.
Seamus uses a number of tools to help improve the herds six-week calving rate.
“The most important element is feeding the cow correctly across its lactation preventing any setbacks, a mixture of quality genetics, good grass and the GAIN Spring Breeder nut maximises our six-week calving rate,” he said.
Upcoming breeding season
Looking forward to the upcoming breeding season, Seamus aims to follow a similar strategy to that of last year. Careful bull selection along with a robust plan maximises conception rates at first service.
‘’I’ve 30 sexed semen straws purchased for the upcoming season. The plan is to start breeding around April 20, using sexed semen on our 10 replacement heifers and some of our top preforming cows,” he said.
“We are 100% AI (artificial insemination), so we will continue with beef sires with the remainder of the herd.’’
Another, yet vitally important tool within the breeding plan is milk recording with Seamus quick to highlight the importance of the data collected to support selecting his top performing cows.
Nutrition
Seamus places a high level of importance on giving his herd the right nutrition, with GAIN Spring Breeder being a key driver in his herd’s performance.
GAIN Spring Breeder is a 13% protein nut that supports milk solids and fertility. It contains three critical components; Novatan, along with Bioplex and Selplex from Alltech.
Novatan increases the protein available for milk production, reduces scour and increases fertility. Bioplex copper supports fertility, Bioplex zinc supports hoof and udder health, while Selplex Selenium improves somatic cell count, mastitis and fertility.
Seamus strongly believes that in the run up to the breeding season that GAIN Spring Breeder improves his herd’s fertility and reduces the risk of milk fever and grass tetany.
‘’Having a good supply of calcium is great, especially around this time of year,” he said.
“March and April can be tricky months on cows, so it’s vital the cows get a good supply of minerals.’’ Calcium and magnesium is included at a rate of 60g for every 2.5kg of concentrate.
Grassland management
Before milking cows, Seamus was a man who focused on reseeding and providing top quality grass to his animals. Seamus aims to reseed 10% each year.
“Our soil is in excellent condition and is a main focus point here on the farm. All the ground is between index 3 and 4, so we’ve no requirement to spread any phosphorus or potassium,” he explained.
“All reseeds include a clover grass seed mix. Previously we would have included 1kg of white clover, but have since increased to 2.5kg.’’
Seamus has a clear plan in place for the future on his farm.
“With the majority of the conversion work now complete. The main focus over the next few years will be to improve our EBI and to continue reseeding,” he said.
“Another vital tool which we will continue to use and implement further during the lactation period is milk recording, it provides vital information.’’
GAIN technical support
Having shifted enterprise, Seamus was anxious that he got reliable but practical advice from experts that understood efficient farming systems.
“The team at Tirlán have been very helpful throughout my farming career,” he said.
“We have been working closely with Caoimhe Murphy. She’s someone who understands what’s going on and who offers practical advice.
“Maintaining cow condition, milk production and fertility are the three main priorities on the farm. The advice and products offered by Tirlán are all tailored in helping achieve this.’’
For more information on any of the GAIN products, service or programmes, contact your local GAIN business manager, Tirlán Farmlife Branch or click here.
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