The importance of cow hygiene and comfort cannot be stressed enough when it comes to the winter housing period. During this time, the group most at risk of contracting mastitis are milking cows, as their teat canals are open for two-to-three hours per day in comparison to dry cows. Cows close to calving are also [...]
Although there has never been as much about the benefits of agri lime, reports of up to 80% of Irish soils are still regarded as suboptimal pH. Lime is a forgotten fertiliser, and too often, liming plans can fall off the priority list for many farmers. The primary purpose of lime application is to correct [...]
Take the opportunity to spread agri lime while conditions are favourable. As we saw last year, waiting until October to spread agri lime is risky due to poor weather and un-trafficable soil conditions. Agri lime plays a major role in improving the 3 fundamentals of soil health namely: Soil chemistry - fertiliser use efficiency Soil [...]
In line with direction from Government and following best available guidance, Bennettsbridge Limestone is open to the public. The health and safety of our employees and customers is a priority for us. Where possible, please telephone our office on 056 7727317 to see how we can we deal with your enquiry remotely. We ask all [...]
The fertiliser application period reopens in the south east on January 12th and while farmers will be eager to begin spreading chemical fertiliser, it is important to remember that agricultural lime can be applied year-round, as long as conditions are favourable. Agricultural lime is an essential piece of any farmer’s fertiliser plan as regular lime [...]
Good hygiene is crucial over the winter period, especially in dairy herds. During this period, cows are at a high risk of developing mastitis, which is the inflammation of mammary glands or udders. There are two groups most at risk of contracting mastitis; cows that have been recently dried off and cows that are close [...]
Over the last two decades, the spreading of agricultural lime has decreased dramatically; less than half the average from the 1980's. As a result of this, Teagasc have said following research, that on average, 65% of all soils have a lime deficiency. So why has lime spreading dwindled? The benefits of lime use include: Increased [...]
For dairy herds, the biggest risk of infection indoors is when cows are lying on cubicles; their udders and teats come into contact with the surface, potentially introducing bacteria which can cause infection. The cleaner and drier the cubicle bed, the less bacteria will grow, therefore less mastitis. The group most at risk of mastitis [...]
On many farms around the country, the spreading of lime has fallen dramatically in the last 30 years. In fact, 65% of farms in Ireland have a soil deficiency according to Teagasc. Optimising Lime For the majority of farmers, they are not optimising lime due to the lack of knowledge around soil testing and pH [...]