Teagasc conference to examine all sides of once-a-day milking gig

DAIRY farmers challenged by the twice-daily drudgery of milking seven days a week and a labour shortage will have the chance next month to examine in detail the practice of once-a-day (OAD) mliking at a Teagasc conference.

According to Teagasc, the interest in OAD continues to grow among farmers and especially so where labour is in short supply or where the farm layout means that cows have to take long walks to and from the milking parlour.

Another major reason for the growing interest in the switch to once-a-day milking, say Teagasc, relates to lifestyle, whereby farmers – for whatever the reason – want to have more time away from the milking parlour.

Dairy farmers who want to further explore the pros-and-cons of OAD have been invited to a conference in the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Thurles, on Wednesday, January 15 (starts, 12.30pm), that will be addressed by five people with an involvement in OAD.

Brian Hilliard, Teagasc dairy advisor, said this was the third year that Teagasc hadd organised a once-a day-milking conference, with interest growin in the practice each year.

“The practice doesn’t come without its challenges, most notably around maintaining a low somatic cell count, and there is a penalty in terms of milk solids production.  On a positive note however we are seeing improved cow condition and fertility, and the lifestyle benefit is considerable,” said Brian Hilliard.

According to Tom O’Dwyer, Dairy Knowledge Transfer Programme manager, Teagasc now has four dairy advisors who are the liaison advisory people for farmers involved in, or considering, OAD milking.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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