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 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 yields [...]
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 [...]