NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards Farm Development Category 2021
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October 2021
Tel: 1890 47 47 20 I www.lakeland.ie I Twitter: @DairiesJP
New Board NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards
elected for Farm Development Category 2021
Lakeland
Dairies
Following from the recent completion of
Board elections Lakeland Dairies has
announced the Board of the Co-
operative, taking effect on 1st November
2021.
The elections follow from the decision
of members at an SGM last April
approving changes to the co-operative’s
governance structure, including a
reduction in the number of elected
Board members of the co-operative,
from 22 to 13 members.
This follows from the merger of
Lakeland Dairies and LacPatrick Dairies
in 2019, when it was agreed to review
the rules of the new merged Society once
the merger was completed. Electoral
areas were subsequently revised to
establish a 13 member Board (from 22),
with an option to also co-opt up to 3
further directors.
The 13 member Board has now been
L-R Eamon Duignan, Lakeland Dairies, Eugene Fitzpatrick, daughter Ruth, Special Guest Kelly Harrington,
established following elections in 8
Deirdre Fitzpatrick, son Conor, Adrian McKeague, Lakeland Dairies
electoral areas, and further elections will Congratulations to Eugene Fitzpatrick and his family, wife (a) Teagasc member, adopting modern farming practices
also be held in Autumn 2022 covering a Deirdre, daughter Ruth and son Conor, Lisryan, Granard, and technologies such as; *grass measuring, *milk
remaining 5 electoral areas, completing Co. Longford on winning the NDC & Kerrygold Quality recording,*soil sampling, *reseeding with clover
the adjustment process. Milk Awards 2021 in the Farm Development inclusion, *using sexed semen, *solar panels, *selective
category. This is a prestigious national award won by the dry cow therapy, *low emission slurry spreading,
The Board membership is as follows: Fitzpatrick family for the conversion from a dry stock *protected urea, *rain water harvesting and *low energy
Niall Matthews (Chair), Andrew farm to the development of a modern dairy farm over the appliances.
McHugh (Vice-Chair), Alan McCay past twenty years. (b) in a discussion group
(Vice-Chair), Keith Agnew, Sean Speaking on the awards, Minister for Agriculture, (c) involved with his co-op
Connolly, John Joseph Cooney, Michael
Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said; (d) involved in his community
Dobson, JJ Lavelle, Anthony Leddy,
Christy McKenna, Oliver Neville, Alan “The NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards are a unique (e) aware of his responsibilities to the environment.
Thompson, Alex Walker. In May 2021, way of celebrating what is truly special about Ireland. The The transition of this farm began with the transfer of the
Liam Larkin was co-opted to the Board passion and dedication of Irish family farms, together holding from his late father Benny, who sold and serviced
as an independent non-executive with our unique farming system, has helped build a strong milking machines to many dairy farmers in Cavan,
director and continues in this capacity. reputation for Ireland as a high-quality, sustainable food Longford and Leitrim. The conversion to milk production
producer. While we face significant challenges as an began during the milk quota regime, purchasing and
Niall Matthews, Chair of industry, it is important to celebrate our dairy farmers leasing of milk quota for the first 13 years was a necessary
Lakeland Dairies said, “I welcome who are ambassadors for the industry, committed to and expensive part of the farm’s development. The
the establishment of our new Board and maintaining exceptional standards in milk quality and progression has been gradual and sustainable in
look forward to working with each sustainable farming.” increasing cow numbers, milk production and associated
member to advance the best interests of All farming finalists underwent a detailed assessment by infrastructure complying with all regulations.
the co-operative for all our members an expert judging panel including Professor Pat Wall However, lifestyle is also important, Eugene says
and milk producers in the years ahead.
from UCD, Dr David Gleeson from Teagasc and Dr “outside of farming, our schedule is packed with
On behalf of the Board and members of
Jack Kennedy, Deputy Editor of the Irish Farmers football, swimming and gymnastics lessons”
the co-operative, I thank all retiring
Board members for their commitment, Journal. All finalists were judged on sustainable farming This farm and farmer have been available for farm walks
dedication and service. Based on our practices, milk quality, technical knowledge, and animal and workshops allowing Lakeland Dairies, Teagasc and
democratic and leadership structures, welfare on-farm practices. Animal Health Ireland to promote all that is important
Lakeland Dairies will continue our On their visit to the Fitzpatrick family farm they saw a and necessary for good dairy farming to his neighbouring
strong progress into the future.” farmer; farmers in Longford, Westmeath, Cavan and Leitrim.
Farm 1
notes
TOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER
Preparing for a successful dry cow period
The time of year has come again to and dry, completely disinfect them Some things to keep in mind are the teat at dry off. This will mean there is
prepare to dry-off cows. It is using cotton wool and methylated following: a high chance the cow will calve down
important to plan to ensure cows get sprits, rub the teat end opening for a • Do you have enough information with an infection.
the correct treatment in order to avoid minimum of ten seconds, (Note: this for individual animals? Have you a
issues in the coming season. is a very important step!). Start with record of the individual animal’s It is crucial that the
the teats furthest away and then the clinical cases during the lactation teat and sealer tube is kept sterile,
Cows should be dried off for a period nearest this will prevent and have you 4 milk recordings for and cows are left to stand in a clean
of 8 weeks, with problem, thin or contamination. Ensure the teats are the animal, with the last recording yard afterwards.
younger cows given a longer period if clean by wiping with the cotton wool, within 4 weeks of dry off. If not, she
needed. This time is required for the if the cotton wool is not clear repeat may not be suitable for SDCT. If you are not currently carrying out
udder to repair and rejuvenate. It is until it is. • What is the current level of mastitis SDCT it is worth starting a checklist
important to put some time into control in your herd at present? now and maintain this going forward:
planning this and you should use When treating the cow start with the The minimum requirements would • Milk record a minimum of 4 times
expected calving dates to plan. teat closest to you and then the be a herd SCC of less than 200,000. during a lactation with one test 4
furthest away, this is to prevent Less than 7% new/recent infection weeks before drying off.
It is advised to take milk samples recontamination of the teats. It is very rates and less than 2% clinical case • Record all cases of clinical mastitis
from a good selection of cows to get a important to ensure the nozzle of the rate in the last 3 months. during the lactation, recording cow
profile of the types of bacteria in your tube is kept sterile to prevent • You would also need a recent details and medication used.
herd. It is very important that these introducing new infection into the sensitivity or culture test with no • Monitor your bulk SCC, it should
samples are sterile, otherwise results teats and udder. Insert the tip of the presence of mastitis causing remain below 200,000 cells/ml
will not be accurate. Review your bulk nozzle into the teat opening and bacteria • Use the California mastitis test
tank SCC and milk recording records squeeze the contents gently into the CMT to identify infected quarters
if available. Identify problem cows quarter. When the tube is emptied If you meet the above criteria, then and monitor infected cows.
from during the year that may have into the teat, massage the antibiotic there is a strong possibility that part • Record dry-off dates and
been treated multiple times. These up into the quarter. Spray the teats of your herd would be eligible for treatments accurately.
cows are difficult to cure and may with teat disinfectant after the SDCT. It is advised to only select
need to be culled from the herd while treatment. cows for SDCT that have a SCC less Please see the attached flyer with
others may require sensitivity tests to than 100,000. However, if this is details of upcoming webinars that
identify the cause of infection if not If using teat sealer, follow the same your first time you may wish to lower examine the use of milk recording
already done. measures but before squeezing the this. records in making better management
tube use your free hand to close off decisions for SDCT, correct drying off
When you receive the results of the the base of the teat where it joins the With SDCT it is extremely important procedure & improved herd SCC
milk samples you should contact your udder. This will ensure the sealer is to manage hygiene, without the use of management.
vet and discuss the correct course of left in the teat. This acts as a physical antibiotics there is no preventative
action regarding antibiotic use. With barrier to bacterial infection of the measure if dirt or bacteria enters the
the rules set to change from 2022, this cow’s teats and provides extra
year may be an opportunity to try protection towards the end of the dry
selective dry cow therapy where period and especially around calving
suitable. time.
Drying off procedure Make sure cows are identified
Dry off in small groups with no more correctly and all details are recorded.
than 20 cows at a time and ensure Once dried off, cows should be
that you are not tired and preferably allowed to stand in a clean yard for a
have some help. Ideally have cow’s minimum of thirty minutes before
tails clipped prior to drying off. being let out to a dry field or clean
When drying off it should be done cubicles. It is important to keep
abruptly and avoid skipping milking’s cubicles clean and limed especially
leading up to it. If cows are yielding two weeks post drying off and two
greater than 12 L /day in the week weeks prior to calving.
before dry-off, reduce feed
availability, but not water access, this Selective dry cow therapy
will reduce milk production by the In January 2022 the use of blanket
dry-off date. dry cow therapy as a preventative
measure will no longer be allowed.
Make sure that you have all the Antibiotics will still be allowed to treat
necessary equipment ready before known infections, but the farmer will
starting, this includes a clean apron, need to provide evidence of its
disposable gloves, teat wipes/cotton requirement. Selective dry cow
wool, methylated spirits, marker, therapy is something that will need to
head torch and intramammary tubes. be used as cows with somatic cell
Try to have a system in place for counts ofTOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER
It’s crucial to test for antibiotics in your milk
As autumn herds are calving down and for farmers ANTIBIOTIC SNAP TEST tremendous peace of mind. We would encourage all
preparing for the 2022 spring calving season, it is To help farmers detect the presence of antibiotics in farmers to carry a bank of them over the busy spring
critical that every step is made to ensure that milk, Lakeland Dairies is offering the sale of the calving period to ensure your milk is as it should be.
antibiotic milk does not make it into the bulk tank. Snap Beta-Lactum ST Plus / Antibiotic test.
The snap test is an on-farm test for antibiotic It is critical that the test is performed and
There has been a worrying increase in the number residues in milk. The test is both fast and accurate interpreted correctly to ensure results are accurate.
of farmers failing antibiotic tests in 2021. This and can be used as an aid on farm to detect It is recommended that a supplier carries out a
brings huge cost to the co-op and also brings antibiotic residues. number of trial tests before relying on it completely.
unnecessary Department attention to farmers too. Snap tests are available to purchase for €3 each +
Simple steps can avoid this cost and burden. Many farmers have already carried out the snap VAT from Member Relations by contacting 1890 47
tests and found them easy to use, providing 47 20.
Lakeland Dairies / Farmeye Soil Lactose Levels in late lactation.
Sampling Programme 21/22 Lactose percentage will drop in Where there is a requirement to
late lactation, this indicates; maintain levels of production
Soil sampling provides farmers The soil sample results will be (a) that the cow should be dried increasing the level of meal
with an accurate picture of assessed and interpreted by off or feeding will help with lactose
nutrient levels and chemical Lakeland Agri’s team of technical (b) her diet isn’t sufficient to levels, talk to your Agri-rep about
balances in soil. Correct soil pH experts who will advise farmers maintain reasonable yield or this option. Don’t dilute your
levels contribute to the overall on how best to implement lactose percentage. tank with low lactose milk,
productivity and sustainability of improvement actions. In penalties are imposed on low
the farm for the long term. addition, farmers will receive a Low lactose milk causes lactose milk and will also exclude
unique and customised soil processing problems, particularly you from the Out of Season
Lakeland Dairies has again report containing colour-coded in Autumn and early Winter. The Bonus. Where there is an
teamed up with agri-tech maps which are easy to read and ideal lactose level approaching ongoing problem with lactose
specialists Farmeye to further interpret, along with access to the the end of lactation is over 4.6%. levels, there is often a problem
enhance the soil sampling service Farmeye online system. The Any cows yielding 10 litres or also with high SCC’s and early
available to suppliers. colour-coded system allows less, along with thin cows and drying off will in many cases help
Farmeye is a highly visual, map- farmers to select and view each first calvers should be dried off. solve both.
Reducing TB risk.
based soil management system individual field to view nutrient
that can be accessed on a laptop, status and fertiliser
desktop, or smartphone app, and requirements.
used to maintain a record of the
soil management and nutritional The service which includes farm Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of a TB breakdown
profile of every field on a farm. It mapping, GPS soil sampling and in your herd.
provides an easy-to-use and soil analysis is available to all
quality map-based system to Lakeland Dairies milk suppliers • Check for badger activity including setts through September and
record as well as track where and at a cost of €22/sample. The October, notify the Department of Agriculture, Food and the
when each sample was taken. farm mapping is a once off cost of
Marine (DAFM) if you find any and prevent cattle accessing them
€2.50/field and fields which
by fencing off the setts.
By using accurate soil tests to were mapped previously will be
carry corrective actions to charged at €19.50 per sample. • Throughs should be at least I meter off the ground, do not feed
address nutrient deficiencies in The soil testing will be carried concentrates on the ground as badgers may contaminate the area.
the soil, farmers can grow more out from Mid-November, • Badger proof feed stores and sheds.
grass and significantly reduce December, January and • Ensure your perimeter fences are stock proof.
fertiliser usage saving money February each year. • Reduce the risk of introducing infected cattle into your herd,
every year. source cattle from herds which are TB clear in recent years and
To provide this service in an look for cattle with a recent TB test date, consider isolating them
As part of the service being efficient manner, farmers who and doing a post movement TB test to protect the rest of your herd.
offered by Lakeland Dairies and intend to carry out soil analysis • Reduce the risk of residual infection, if you had a TB breakdown
Farmeye, the farm will be this year should contact Lakeland
previously, cull older cattle that were exposed to infection at that
mapped out prior to soil samples Dairies over the next number of
time.
being collected. Using the weeks to begin the process of
SoilMate App, each sample is mapping. • Cull any cattle that ever tested inconclusive
barcoded and geo-tagged to the • Use breeding bulls which are genetically TB resistant, using the
field that they were taken in. This Milk Suppliers wishing to Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) TB scores.
allows for complete traceability register for the soil sampling • If contract rearing, discuss ways to reduce TB risk with the
of results and will give greater programme must contact contractor and prepare for how you would manage a TB
consistency in sampling for Member Relations on 1890 47 47 breakdown on either the home farm or the rearing farm, and
subsequent years. 20 and register by Friday 19th • Please see information video on TB at - www.bovinetb.ie
November. Source, ERAD, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Farm 3
notesTOGETHER WE’RE STRONGER
On Farm Electricity Generators Animal Health Certificates
There is some concern that the country could
experience power cuts this Winter, while not
Generators can be funded by Fundequip 01-
6391370 or Milkflex loans 01-6470255. Animal Health Certificates have
certain, this issue should get some
consideration, particularly for suppliers in
In the longer term equipment, reducing
power requirements on your farm could be been sent to all suppliers along
with your April Milk Statement.
Winter milk production systems. considered, such as, variable speed pumps
Investigating the purchase of a generator and motors, plate coolers, solar panels and
It is a DAFM requirement that all
might be worthwhile right now. efficient, fast cooling milk tanks.
suppliers submit this annually to
Tip of the Month Lakeland Dairies to allow milk
collection.
To help you prepare for this dry season
CellCheck have produced a leaflet that
The dry period is a crucial time, when new demonstrates what is involved in effective
udder infections can be picked up from the tubing and also a self assessment checklist These certificates are audited by both DAFM and
environment leading to mastitis, even for winter housing. Lakeland Dairies customers and are key for ensuring
though clinical signs may not be seen until export certification for dairy products.
the start of the next lactation. Hopefully, you This shows you how to take a fresh look at
had the opportunity to catch some of the key your winter housing with a view to They must be returned by FRIDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2021
messages that the CellCheck virtual week preventing and managing mastitis and to allow processing of the certificate before year-end.
promoted during their campaign week in outlines the small changes that you can We recommend you fully read the DAFM coversheets for full
October. make that will be effective in reducing the details on how to fill out the certificate with your vet.
spread of disease.
Just in case you missed them, they are Both will be available online at Pages 1 and 3 must be returned to our Member Relations
available on the AHI website to review. In https://animalhealthireland.ie/resources/? Division.
brief, we focused on three areas that are q=&resource_type%5B%5D=documents&p
fundamental to a good dry period and will rog%5B%5D=cellcheck • No animal tag list is needed, but you must note the
help improve mastitis control and overall number of cows submitted to the vet for testing on page 3,
herd health and performance at this key The entire dairy industry is working together and the vet must also note that number on page 1.
time of year. to support you with the move towards using
less antibiotics, and only using antibiotics • You must sign PAGE 3 and your Vet must sign
These areas were: where necessary to treat disease. Support is PAGE 1
1. The importance of hygienic tubing cows available through the CellCheck Dry Cow
at dry-off, whether you are using teat Consult, which is a chance for you to have a • Please only return the white copies of the form to
sealant, antibiotic tubes or both. free 3-hour consult with your trained Lakeland Dairies, the other copies should be retained by
2. The importance of good winter housing veterinary practitioner. It is an opportunity yourself.
management. to assess the current drying off process and
3. The benefits of milk recording, and how dry period performance and identify You will need this for your Bord Bia audit.
to get the most value from the milk additional gains that can be made. Some
recording data for your farm. eligibility criteria apply, and for more • Please return direct to Member Relations,
information and to apply, see Lakeland Dairies, Bailieboro, Co. Cavan
https://animalhealthireland.ie/training/tas
ah-dry-cow-consult/
Out of Season Bonus
Contact
November December January February The Lakeland Dairies
% of May 50% 45% 45% 45%
member Relations Division
supply works closely with all our
Payment c/lt 3 5 5 5
milk producers to help
SCC Max 300 300 300 300
drive profitability at farm
level as well as providing
TBC Max 30 30 30 30 information on the
Lactose, min % 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4
progress of the Society.
Other conditions and quality criteria;
No added water or Antibiotics
Contact us by calling
Minimum collection 250 lts 1890 47 47 20 (ROI)
No unscheduled collections, carrying or holding milk from one month to the next
A signed milk supply agreement must be in place
4 Farm
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