FDBusiness.com

The Teagasc National Dairy Conference is taking place on 6 December at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and on 7 December at the Mullingar Park Hotel, Co Westmeath.  ‘Technologies for Success’ is the theme for this year’s conference.

Announcing details of the event, Dr Tom O Dwyer, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc said: “Dairy farmers have come through a difficult milk price environment in 2016 and in 2015, but there are now rays of light emerging on international dairy markets. This year’s conference will focus on how Irish dairy farmers can position their businesses to exploit the technologies available to ensure they continue to be competitive milk producers in a European and international context.”

Dr O Dwyer said: “This is a great opportunity for all involved in dairy farming and the dairy industry to learn about new ideas, share information, get answers to questions and, probably most importantly, be inspired to take action.  Teagasc has planned a farmer focussed, practical conference and has invited a stellar line-up of speakers to take part. “

This year’s conference follows the format adopted successfully at last year’s event, with a mixture of presentations and workshop sessions. Dr Pat Dillon, Head of Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation programme Teagasc will present the keynote address focussing on his assessment of how Irish dairy farming is positioned in 2016, with a particular emphasis on whether or not it is well positioned to avail of future growth opportunities. Pete and Anne Morgan, New Zealand dairy farmers, will tell their story of how they have built robustness into their dairy farming business so as to develop a sustainable business across a range of milk prices.

These will be followed with a panel discussion with three leading dairy farmers. They will discuss the critical success factors which are important to their farming businesses.

In the afternoon there will be six workshops and attendees can choose three to attend.  The workshops this year cover a varied range of topics with a great mix of Teagasc, other professional and farmer presenters.  All of the workshops will be interactive, with plenty of time for audience involvement.

Workshops

• What has clover to offer to Irish dairy farmers?
• What is your farm’s breakeven milk price for 2017?
• What AI bulls should you use in 2017?
• What steps can you take to reduce calf scour in spring 2017?
• What are the causes and solutions to a herd lameness problem?
• “Your health is your wealth”… are you looking after yourself?

To book a place at the conference, visit www.teagasc.ie . Pre booking is essential.

CAPTION:

Pictured in Moorepark at the launch of the Teagasc National Dairy Conference on ‘Technologies for Success’ which takes place in Rochestown, Cork on 6th December and Mullingar on 7th December are speakers John Phelan, Kilmeaden; Brendan Smiddy, Teagasc, Cork East Region; Anne-Marie Butler, Ulster Bank; Donald Bateman, Cahir and Michael Gowen, Kilworth. Photo O’Gorman Photography.