Expansion in dairy being severely restricted in Northern Ireland by planning regulations for slurry storage.

19 Feb 2020

Farm visits in county Derry this week revealed that dairy farmers will definitely not be able to expand cow numbers on the basis of planning for future expansion being restricted by environmental odds being enforced.

Slurry storage, ammonia emissions, methane production within 77 km of any community setting will have to be restricted to extremely low emissions.
A restriction in dairy output may well align itself to the scarcity of labour that pertains on dairy farms today. A restriction in dairy output will also improve the opportunity for welfare optimization of both animals and staff on farms.
We need to look at the add value to dairy output from the farm by optimizing the health of the ecosystem, animals, food, and the people consuming the food.
There are indeed competing entities orchestrating alternative food consumption to dairy. It is in the best interest of dairy to promote the positive aspects of the quality of life for both animals and people working on the farm.

Testimonials

I have been using Dr Dan Ryan’s services for the best part of 20 years now at this stage. I completely depend on the information I get from his service.

I do 4 scans during the year. The first scan is in early April to see that every cow is cycling properly and to see where there are problems in the herd.

The second scan is in the first few days in June. I get all cows served over 28 days, cows pregnant, late calvers and heifers. I also learn if there are any embryonic deaths from this scan.

The third scan is in the first week of July. I get cows gone 28 days checked and also check for any embryonic deaths.

The final scan is in mid September. I get a clear picture as to which cows are in calf or not. I get projected calving dates for the following Spring. This scan can pick up services that the stock bull would have performed that I may have missed. I may see cows on heat and yet the scan would confirm that they are in calf. Multiple pregnancies can be picked up as well.

If I see a cow doing something unusual during the breeding season Dan and his team are always at the end of the line for advice.
All the above information is invaluable.

Kieran & his mother Marie Irwin
Ballingarry, Co. Limerick