“We have started dipping our toes into SDCT, with the Agrinet app used to identify cows that are suitable. This year, SDCT is being used on the farm for the first time.ĭiarmuid said: “There are currently 40 cows dry, with the whole herd being dried off by mid-December.
“This included over 100 cows and in-calf heifers ready to calf the following spring.”Ī spring-calving system is operated on the farm, with the drying off of cows starting in recent weeks. “So, when we moved to the farm near Ballincollig we brought 150 head with us,” Briege added. This allowed them to build numbers each year. “We are currently milking 225 cows, but started our journey with 15 cows and heifers, which we purchased from Mike. This put Briege and Diarmuid in a good position when the farm near Ballincollig became available.īriege stated: “We never saw ourselves farming when we first started going out. In 2015 Briege and Diarmuid began share-milking, which allowed them to build up stock. Briege always had an interest in cows and when Diarmuid would call over he would help in the evening.īriege said herself and Diarmuid never saw themselves farming, but on a trip to New Zealand and Australia their interest grew and on returning home, Dermot got a job on a dairy farm. Production wise they are looking for cows that can produce 4.8% fat and 3.9% protein, with bulls selected to achieve this.īriege grew up on a dairy farm, while Diarmuid comes from a beef farm. The app has greatly reduced the need for paperwork for this busy farming partnership.īriege and Diarmuid are focused on milk soilds and fertility, with sub 7% fertility. The latest production is a further, invaluable reference point for anyone with an interest in modern milk production systems.īriege and Diarmuid use the Agrinet app on the farm for the registering of calves breeding Bord Bia audits SDCT and weighing cows.
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The ongoing series of videos, produced by AgriLand Media with the support of AgriNet, has provided unique insights into the management practices adopted by milk producers across the entire gamut of dairy farming business models implemented in Ireland.Īll have been widely recognised for their focus on the clear communication of new thinking within the dairy sector, and their role in providing possible learning opportunities for Irish dairy farmers.
George speaks to Briege and Diarmuid about their journey into dairy farming, work life balance, selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) and the role of Agrinet on the farm. On the farm, Briege and Diarmuid are milking a herd of 225 Jersey cross cows, with an aim of having a cow producing 500kg of milk solids. Wicklow-based farmer, George Beattie, is in the ‘Rebel county’ to visit the farm of 18-time all-Ireland winner Briege Corkery and her husband Diarmuid. This innovative, farm-focused series is proudly brought to you by AgriLand Media and AgriNet. ‘George Goes Dairy Farming’ series three is now back to your screens.