Summer feed efficiency event in County Armagh

Alan Hopps, CAFRE recently held a summer feed efficiency event on John Johnston's farm near Loughgall. Over 50 local dairy farmers attended. Ways of making better use of forage in a difficult season were discussed. Targeting concentrate to higher yielding cows was one of the key messages on the day. Visiting farmers were encouraged to work out their own figures in order to benchmark their farm’s performance. Grazing swards were excellent on the farm. Recent growth rates had led to a surplus of grass beginning to develop on the dairy grazing area. John hoped to get cows to grass day and night when weather conditions improve in order to maintain grass quality.

David Johnston, AFBI Loughgall, discussing grass varieties at the event.