Dairy enterprise overview
Herd Size
70
70
Cow Breed
All heifers and cows in the past have been bred using Holstein-Friesian bulls.
All heifers and cows in the past have been bred using Holstein-Friesian bulls.
Land
Total of 39.4 hectares subdivided into two main areas:
Total of 39.4 hectares subdivided into two main areas:
- Levaghy (paddocks) 24.4 hectares
- Wilsons (young stock) 14.9 hectares
The land is typical of Co Fermanagh with heavy clay soils. A hardcore roadway services all the paddocks within the paddock grazing area at Levaghy.
Stocking Rate
2.1 livestock units per hectare
2.1 livestock units per hectare
Production System
The herd is a spring calving herd with a strong focus on maximising milk production from forage.
The herd is a spring calving herd with a strong focus on maximising milk production from forage.
Breeding
Cows calve January/February/March. Cows are dried off at least 50 days pre-calving. The best cows are bred using AI with semen from selected Friesian bulls. The lower yielding cows and late calvers are bred using AI or are served naturally with a Limousin / Aberdeen Angus bull.
Cows calve January/February/March. Cows are dried off at least 50 days pre-calving. The best cows are bred using AI with semen from selected Friesian bulls. The lower yielding cows and late calvers are bred using AI or are served naturally with a Limousin / Aberdeen Angus bull.
Bull selection criteria are based on objectives for the herd and include milk yields, compositional quality, ease of calving, udder quality and legs and feet.
Grassland Management
Paddock grazing system. Grazed grass is used over as long a grazing season as possible. Silage is wilted to at least 25 percent dry matter where possible.
Paddock grazing system. Grazed grass is used over as long a grazing season as possible. Silage is wilted to at least 25 percent dry matter where possible.
Market Outlet
United Dairy Farmers Ltd
United Dairy Farmers Ltd
