The Dairy Edge

Teagasc

The Dairy Edge is Teagasc’s dairy podcast for farmers with the latest information, insights and opinion to improve your dairy farm performance. Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

  1. Why Grazed Grass Still Wins on Feed Costs

    2d ago

    Why Grazed Grass Still Wins on Feed Costs

    With the increased cost of fuel and fertiliser, Peter Doyle, Grassland Researcher in Teagasc, Grange, joins Stuart Childs to discuss the cost of growing grass, silage and other feeds.   Peter outlines the costs that he uses in the Grange Feed Costing Model which are of course assumptions but are necessary for the model to function.   He emphasises that grazed grass delivers the lowest feed cost, even with higher fertilser prices. The cost model estimates grazed grass at about 14c/kg dry matter (including land charge), compared with roughly 42c/kg dry matter for concentrates.   Feed quality is important in the model as the energy of the feed influences the performance it delivers. Peter argues that delaying first-cut silage to chase higher yields given increased fuel costs to get better bang for the buck from contractor costs is a false economy.    Earlier cutting (around late May) produces higher-quality silage, improves the total energy yield of the overall two-cut system as well as supporting better animal performance, reducing the requirement for expensive concentrate supplementation. Big first cuts of low quality material don’t deliver more silage and are ‘penny wise, pound poor’ due to the cost they create subsequently.   Peter also stresses that feed quality should be matched to the type of stock being fed. High-quality silage is needed for lactating cows and young stock, while lower-quality, higher-volume silage may suit dry cows.    He notes that alternatives such as maize and fodder beet can be useful but involve similar or higher costs, additional management requirements, and often require supplementary protein and minerals.   Finally, Peter says that the cost of grazed grass doesn’t increase as significantly as the other feeds and thus people need to focus on grazed grass as their primary feed source and maximise the amount of it that they produce and consume to minimise their overall feed costs.   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/   The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    31 min
  2. Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    5d ago

    Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains that the challenge on farm now will be keeping the right grass in front of the animals.   Swards of low or no stem will maximise animal performance Performance is maximised when the pre-grazing yield is between 1300-1400 kg DM/ha.   Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Michael McGuigan, from Longwood, Co. Meath.   Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://pasturebase.teagasc.ie/Grass10%20Weekly.pdf?=20260529       For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/   The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    10 min
  3. Securing the Future of Irish Dairying: Succession, Progression & Collaborative Farming

    May 25

    Securing the Future of Irish Dairying: Succession, Progression & Collaborative Farming

    This week we’re discussing generational renewal in Irish dairying and the challenges facing farmers young farmers trying to enter and progress within the sector while also discussing what options are available to farmers who may not have an identified successor.   Joining James Dunne is Conor Hogan from the GROdairy Project — Generational Renewal Opportunities for Irish Dairy Farm Businesses — a new initiative focused on supporting farm succession, progression, and collaborative farming through demonstration farms, peer learning, and practical advisory supports.   Conor discusses the barriers facing young farmers, the role collaborative farming can play in creating viable career pathways, and how the project hopes to support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Irish dairy industry.   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/  The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    28 min
  4. Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    May 22

    Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses the impact of pre-grazing yield on protein, plus how to correct pre-grazing yield on farm.   Meanwhile, the featured farmer is John Phelan from Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford.   Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-19thMay       For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/   The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    11 min
  5. Claire Mooney on Water Quality Tips

    May 17

    Claire Mooney on Water Quality Tips

    Claire Mooney, Catchment Coordinator for the Suir, joins Stuart Childs to discuss practical tips for farmers in relation to improving water quality.   Claire first explains immediate on-farm actions to improve environmental compliance and efficiency, including better silage management, protecting waterways with fencing and alternative drinking points, improving slurry and effluent handling, using sulphur correctly, and how clover can reduce chemical nitrogen use.   Claire discusses the need for farmers to prepare for tighter slurry storage rules in 2028 by assessing storage capacity now, working with advisors, exploring TAMS grants and capital allowances, and planning investments early rather than waiting until compliance becomes urgent.   Finally, Claire stresses that small operational improvements can make a significant difference, such as separating soiled water from slurry, reducing rainwater entering tanks, fixing leaks, cleaning yards efficiently, and redesigning cow traffic areas to reduce unnecessary slurry storage demand and avoid a need to reduce stock numbers on foot of the new regulations that may be avoidable.    She also emphasises the importance of using slurry well and distributing it across the whole farm to reduce losses.   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/  The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    21 min
  6. Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    May 15

    Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that the majority of farms are grazing covers too high.   As we move further into May, grass composition is changing and keeping grass quality correct becomes more challenging.   To ensure grass quality is maintained to maximise animal performance pre-grazing yield has to be between 1300-1400 kg DM/ha.   Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Killian Brennan, from Kilcogy, Co. Cavan.   Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-12thMay     For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/   The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    11 min
  7. Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    May 8

    Your Weekly Grass10 Update

    For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains why the target for pre-grazing yield in the mid-season is 1300-1400 kg DM/ha.   John also discusses first cut silage and taking surplus bales to be part of grassland management over the next month.   Meanwhile, the featured farmer is David Lowry from Churchminister, Co. Donegal.   Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-5thMay    For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/   The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    11 min
  8. Grass to Cash: Driving profit through better grazing

    May 5

    Grass to Cash: Driving profit through better grazing

    Mick O’Donovan, Head of the Grassland Science Department in Moorepark, and Joe Patton, Head of Dairy KT, join James Dunne to discuss how farmers can maximise margin in the months ahead, focusing on the key grazing management practices and feeding decisions that underpin performance on Irish dairy farms.   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/  The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Dairy Edge is Teagasc’s dairy podcast for farmers with the latest information, insights and opinion to improve your dairy farm performance. Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/

Information

  • Channel
    Teagasc
  • Creator
    Teagasc
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    667
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Teagasc
  • Show Website
    The Dairy Edge

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