Irish Farm Business Spring 2019

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Farm Business TEAT DISINFECTANT HOW TO SELECT FROM 100 PRODUCTS

CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS COW TOILET: FACT OR FANTASY?

FINANCE CHANGING FARM STRUCTURES

>> SEE PAGE 22

>> SEE PAGE 46

>> SEE PAGE 38

IRISH

Volume 6 Issue 1 Spring 2019 Edition Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

DAIRYING

PARLOUR PROTOCOLS HELP THE COW & THE MILKING PERSONNEL

FARM DESIGN DEVELOP A LONG-TERM PLAN FORYOUR FARM

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Farm Business

Foreword/Contents/Credits

Features

IRISH

22 NEW METHOD TO EVALUATE TEAT DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS

DAIRYING

Lack of knowledge available on the effectiveness of 100 teat disinfectants products against bacteria associated with mastitis. By Sarah Fitzpatrick and David Gleeson.

Volume 6 Issue 1 Spring 2019 Price €3.95 £2.95 (Stg)

Foreword CLIMATE CHANGE: REASONS NOT TO BLAME EFFICIENT DAIRY FARMERS (IN IRELAND)

26 PARLOUR PROTOCOLS FOR HIGH STANDARDS

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The milking routine starts when the cow leaves the field or shed and ends on her return. Routine is so important, writes Pádraig O Connor,Teagasc.

More than 80 percent of the world’s population, or about 6 billion people, regularly consume liquid milk or other dairy products. In 2014, the global dairy market was estimated at US $330 billion (FAOSTAT, 2014).

In order to limit temperature rise, the dairy sector must reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and work towards a low-carbon future.While there is some uncertainty about the size and timing of changes, it is certain that it is happening and acting now to protect our environment, economy and culture is essential.

EMISSIONS FROM THE DAIRY SECTOR This study shows that the sector’s GHG emissions have increased by 18 percent between 2005 and 2015 because overall milk production has grown substantially by 30 percent, in response to increased consumer demand.The trends in absolute emissions reflect changes in animal numbers as well as changes in the production efficiency within the sector. Between 2005 and 2015, the global dairy herd increased 11 percent. Average global milk yield increased by 15 percent. Increased production efficiency is typically associated with a higher level of absolute emissions (unless animal numbers are decreasing).Yet without efficiency improvements, total GHG emissions from the dairy sector would have increased by 38 percent.

So while total emissions have increased, dairy farming has become more efficient resulting in declining emission intensities per unit of product.

Emission intensities, GHG per kilogram of milk, have declined by almost 11 percent over the period 2005-2015.These declines are recorded in all regions reflecting continued improvements to on-farm efficiency achieved via improved animal productivity and better management.There is however a distinct difference in emission intensities between regions: generally, emission intensity of milk production is lowest in developed dairy regions (ranging between 1.3 to 1.4 kg CO¬ eq. kg fat-and-protein corrected milk in 2015) while developing dairy regions such as South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia and North Africa having higher emission intensities (ranging between 4.1 to 6.7 kg CO¬ eq. per kg fatand-protein corrected milk in 2015).

32 PNEUMONIA,THE SILENT CALF KILLER Respiratory infections are the most common cause of death in calves between one and five months old, writes Jack O’Connor MSD Animal Health.

34 VACCINATION CALENDAR In 2016, MSD Animal Health launched a vaccination calendar with the aim to remind farmers of key vaccination dates on their farms via a free text message service.

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36 GLYCERINE: BRIDGING THE ENERGY DEFICIT IN EARLY LACTATION High Yielding cows experiencing a rapid increase in milk production, with a slow rise in DMI, inevitably succumb to a nutritional imbalance. Writes Robert Flynn of Premier Molasses.

38 CHANGING FARM STRUCTURES One of the major decisions which can face farmers is whether to change their farm structure, writes Declan McEvoy, IFAC.

42 CALF CARE: HOW TO HIT TARGET GROWTH RATES Ensuring that your calves are warm, well-fed and comfortable will play a vital role in keeping them on target, advises Cargill Calf and Heifer Specialist, Bianca Theeruth.

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44 STORMS, SNOW, SERIOUS INJURY: ARE YOU READY? As a military engineer in a previous life, Paul Lyons was involved in developing emergency plans. Here he shares that advice.

46 SOLUTION TO AMMONIA EMISSIONS: THE COW TOILET A reputable, established Dutch agricultural company Hanskamp will soon release onto the market a product called CowToilet which they say will solve much of the ammonia release from urine issues with dairy cows, says owner Henk Hanskamp.

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50 LONG TERM ADAPTABLE DESIGN PLAN IS ESSENTIAL

SUPPORTING LOW-CARBON PATHWAYS There is no single pathway to a low carbon future.The dairy sector has the potential to make the transition to a low-carbon economy by taking mitigation actions.

While this will have costs, it will also bring benefits and opportunities.

This is a brief excerpt from the GDF report, which is a reason to keep developing dairy in a constructive manner.

Farmers need to be able to change and adapt with markets to keep their business profitable and alive for the next generation, writes Aidan Kelly of Agri Design and Planning Services.

58“TWO BUCKETS ARE EASIER CARRIED THAN ONE,”AS SEAMUS HEANEY WROTE

Hope you enjoy the publication.

Until the next time….

However, uncertain times abound, there is always more work to do & risk to manage and labor scarcity is increasingly evident & problematic in the Agriculture sector.

The Publisher, Irish Farm Business Publisher: Denis Lane Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade Front Cover main photo credit: Main cover photo by Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com

Contributors: Sarah Fitzpatrick & David Gleeson (Teagasc), Pádraig O Connor (Teagasc), Jack O'Connor (MSD Animal Health), Declan McEvoy (IFAC), Bianca Theeruth (Cargill), Paul Lyons (Bo Steel), Henk Hanskamp, Aidan Kelly (Agri Design and Planning Services), Martina Gormley and Pat Griffin (Health and Safety Authority),

Distribution: EM News Newspread Published by: Irish Farm Business 2 Barrack Street, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway Tel: 091 777222 Email: irishfarmbusinessdairying@gmail.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Irish Farm Business 2018 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS CONTRACTORS GEAR UP FOR BUSY SILAGE SEASON With the busy silage season just around the corner, it is expected that many contractors will be carrying out a detailed review of their machinery needs.

Conscious of the impact that weather conditions can have, they are fully aware of the importance of being ‘ready to go’ once grass growth is good and harvesting conditions are right. It is for that reason that many use this time of year to carry out maintenance and repair or to invest in additional and replacement units.

Amongst the items now competing for inclusion in every contractor’s ‘must-have’ armoury are the telehandlers they will use to lift and transport wrapped bales, and wheel loaders with interchangeable bucket and forks used to pack and shape farmyard pits.

One machinery distributor emerging as a major player in this market is Birdhill and Rathcoole-based McHale Plant Sales.

Amongst its portfolio are the increasingly popular Komatsu wheel loader (specified for agricultural use) and the distinctive Italianmade Merlo range of telehandlers whose market-topping success in international markets is on its way to being replicated here.

Noting their provision of a range of finance options, comprehensive trade-in facilities, and the provision of a national mobile technical support service, their General Manager, Denis McGrath said:“Through our participation at major farm exhibitions and events, we have positioned Komatsu and Merlo at the forefront of choice within the agri and dairy sector.”

Six models make up the Merlo farm offering, beginning with the entry-level Merlo P27.6 model. Measuring only 1.8m wide

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and 1.9m high, it has a 40kph max speed and the largest cabin in its category.

Next in line is the 115hp Merlo TF33.7 with its 3.3t lift capacity and 6.6m lift height, load sensing hydraulics (with flow sharing) and auto accelerating joystick features. Moving up the scale, the similarly powered (115hp) Merlo TF35.7 version has a 3.5t lift capacity and 7m lift height, also with auto accelerating joystick.

Cab suspension is also available in this model.

A strong contender within the Merlo range is the acclaimed Multifarmer model, a unit that has captured the imagination of

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS agricultural users.The 4T model with mechanical PTO, a 3-point linkage and CV Tronic as standard, is available in 7m and 9m lift height versions.

Others are the TF42.7 version (with its 4.2t lift capacity and 7.1m lift height) has frame levelling and side shift options plus cab suspension and CV Tronic availability.

So too with the TF50.8 in which lift capacity is increased to 5T and lift height to 7.8m. In this unit, cab suspension, CV Tronic and Frame Levelling all come as standard.

HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY INSPECTION CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON LIVESTOCK SAFETY The Health and Safety Authority began an intensive farm safety inspection campaign in January with a focus on the safe management of livestock during calving season when the risk of injury to farmers increases significantly.

Livestock is the number one cause of accidents on Irish farms accounting for 42% of all injuries. In relation to fatalities, incidents involving livestock are the second most common cause. In the 10 year period 2009 – 2018, 16% of all fatal farm accidents (33 deaths) were livestock related, with over half of these (18 deaths) involving cows and heifers.

According to Pat Griffin, Senior Inspector with the Health and Safety Authority,“Although 2018 saw a 40% decline in farm fatalities, there are still far too many deaths in the agriculture sector as well as a substantial number of very serious injuries.

“Working with livestock is a key incident trigger and there is no room for complacency amongst farmers. During calving period, increased fatigue and stress levels are common. However, early planning and preparation can make a significant difference in the safe management of livestock and help prevent injury or even death.”

Key areas of focus during the inspection campaign included: • Is there a plan in place to minimise the risk of attack from a cow when handling a calf to tag, dip navel or stomach tube?

• Has an adequate physical barrier been established between the farmer and the freshly calved cow when tagging, treating and handling calves?

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS

• Are facilities and procedures adequate for loading and unloading animals?

Pat Griffin added,“Good handling facilities and holding areas where cows can be monitored remotely are important and can help reduce farmer fatigue. Well-prepared calving units with clean bedding, calving gates and the necessary equipment will ensure safety and reduce stress both on farmers and on the animal. With much of calving happening during short and often dull days, or at night, farmers are encouraged to have plenty of well-positioned lights in calving units and around the farmyard as this will greatly improve visibility and safety.”

A wide range of free guidance material in relation to livestock and many other farm safety hazards is available on the Authority’s website at www.hsa.ie

TEAGASC EVENTS College Open Day Ballyhaise 8 March 2019 Event Time 10am - 1pm Venue: Teagasc, Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan College Open Day Clonakilty 8 March 2019 Event Time 11am & 12 noon Venue: Teagasc, Clonakilty Agricultural College, Darrara, Clonakilty, Co Cork College Open Day Gurteen 13 March 2019

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Event Time 10:30am - 12:30pm Venue: Gurteen College, Ballingarry, Roscrea, Co Tipperary Grass10 Early Spring Grazing Dairy Walk - Limerick 21 March 2019 Event Time 11am Venue: Sean & Pat Barry, Ballyluddy, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick Early turnout to grass and the use of proven grazing technologies will improve animal performance, reduce fodder requirement and reduce costs of production.

These events will cover: How to manage animals during difficult grazing conditions Spring nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertiliser plan Setting the farm up for early grazing Farm Safety Event 17 April 2019 Venue: Coorevin Farm, Borrisokane, Co.Tipperary Visit www.teagasc.ie for information on further events.

TEAGASC AND ANIMAL HEALTH IRELAND RENEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations recently.

The MOU will strengthen the co-operation between the two organisations and increase the level of collaborative research within areas of cooperation.The overall objective is to improve the health status of the national herd, and thereby contribute to productivity, profitability, product quality and animal welfare.

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NEWS One of the deepest and long-standing areas of collaboration between the organisations is the CellCheck mastitis control programme, which has achieved significant progress in reducing the somatic cell counts of Irish dairy herds.

A priority for 2019 is to encourage a greater uptake of milk recording by dairy farmers, which will allow the identification of individual cows with high cell counts and will also benefit animal health in several other areas. As well as Teagasc staff participating in the CellCheck technical working group and Implementation Group, and significant on the ground activity by Teagasc advisors, Teagasc makes an annual financial contribution of €45,000 to this important programme.

Two other important collaborative activities between the organisations are the CalfCare events and the Beef HealthCheck meetings.The Calf Care events consist of a series of 12 events across the country dealing with the important factors in rearing healthy calves. These kicked off on Tuesday 8th January with topics including Johnes’s disease and calf welfare. In the Beef HealthCheck programme, the two organisations plan to run 5-6 events covering animal health topics with a special focus on beef animal health in June/July around the country.

According to Teagasc Director, Prof Gerry Boyle;“It is vital that our two organisations collaborate to use our combined resources to maximum effect to bring about improvements in animal health.

Healthy animals are happy animals and lead to greater production efficiency and also have a positive effect on the environment.”

David Graham, CEO, Animal Health Ireland said:“The signing of this MOU allows us to further develop and grow the cooperation

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between our two organisations. Working with Teagasc helps us to develop and deliver evidence-based information and programmes on animal health to Irish farmers and industry in general. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those with whom we work with in Teagasc, including senior management, researchers, specialists and extension staff for their assistance and continued contribution to our work.”

The renewed MOU will run for 5 years. Other areas of collaboration between the organisations are in Biosecurity, Calf Health, Johne’s, disease BVD, IBR, parasite control, and selective dry cow therapy.

For further information on Teagasc news and upcoming events visit www.teagasc.ie/news--events/

IFA PRESIDENT WELCOMES SUPPORT FROM PRESIDENT JUNCKER FOR IRISH FARMERS IN EVENT OF ‘NO DEAL’ BREXIT IFA President Joe Healy has welcomed the statement by the EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker that the EU is ready to assist Irish farmers in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Joe Healy said IFA has consistently made the case at Irish Government & EU level for support, given the exposure of farming & food in this country to a no-deal situation.

“It is welcome that commitments made by the Taoiseach and Commissioner Hogan have been confirmed by President Juncker,” he said. “We will be continuing our engagement with the Irish Government and the Commission to get a comprehensive package of market supports and direct aid for Irish farmers.”

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS GETTING LINKED UP WITH KINGSWOOD APPS Tom O'Keeffe using Kingswood's VetLink to get Donal Browne's Animal Remedies data ready for his Bord Bia audit. Donal runs a dairy farm near Listowel, Co Kerry.

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ack in 2015, Kingswood was the first farm software company to use API links with the ICBF to send Animal Event details directly to the ICBF from their Kingswood Mobile herd app. This was done on a nightly basis and was a big improvement on the emailing approach used until then.

Technology has moved on once more and now Kingswood Mobile allows its users to download service details, cow EBIs and lactation milk yields from the ICBF national database to the App instantly and without any user intervention. All they have to do when they access the Kingswood app is log on to

the ICBF website and request the facility. No more downloading of files to PCs or tangling with emails!

Another example of the way Kingswood Mobile facilitates farmers linking with outside agencies is VetLink. This is now increasingly accepted by vets and farmers alike as the logical and streamlined way of getting Animal Remedies data directly from veterinary management systems to farmers’ phone apps.

No need to write up or key in data from printed invoices or fiddle unnecessarily with your phone every time you purchase a medicine - just wait for your VetLink file to arrive and read it in to Kingswood Mobile. Tom O’Keeffe from Newmarket, Co Cork, who helps farmers in Cork, Kerry and Limerick prepare for Bord Bia audits , says “VetLink is a time-saving device in a business where speed & accuracy are vital. My farmer clients are always impressed with the speed and efficiency of the VetLink procedure.”

Both of these innovations illustrate the way Kingswood continues to lead the way in applying IT solutions to real farm recording problems. Farmers dealing with Kingswood know they’re getting solid technical solutions from an independent IT company, unhindered by vested interests or corporate and institutional links that would limit their ability to deal effectively and directly with farmers compliancy and management issues.

Find out more at www.kingswood.ie

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

NEWS Joe Healy also welcomed the Commission President’s reaffirmed support for the backstop.“All efforts must go into trying to reach agreement but we must prepare for the worst-case scenario,” he said.

This news article was originally published on www.ifa.ie/latest-news/

WORLD NEWS California Awards $90m Grant Funding to Dairy Tech CalBio in Mission to Reduce State’s Livestock Emissions CalBio, a company developing dairy digesters that generate renewable electricity and vehicle fuel in California, has been awarded $90 million in funding for three Dairy Pilot Projects

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from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

The dairy bio-methane pilot program is part of the state’s strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants, including methane. Legislation adopted in 2016 requires the state to reduce methane emissions from the dairy and other livestock sectors by 40% by 2030.

Emissions from dairy manure account for approximately 25% of the State’s overall methane emissions.The interagency committee that selected the projects consisted of representatives from the CPUC, CARB, and CDFA. The recent award to CalBio will help advance the use of digesters on California dairy farms by building and operating an interconnection pipeline.The pipeline will transport biogas produced on farms to conversion facilities, where it’s turned into Renewable Compressed Natural Gas (RCNG).

The funding follows the announcement of a new collaboration between major dairy cooperative Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN, its member dairy farmers, and CalBio aimed at breaking down barriers to digester adoption for RCNG production.

“This helps address a key barrier to adoption of digesters and it complements investments in on-farm digesters being led by farmers themselves,”Tina May, senior director at Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN, told AgFunderNews.“Interconnection pipeline is important because it’s central to a ‘hub-and-spoke’ system for renewable energy.

Three of the six pilot projects announced by the state – the ones being led by CalBio – will connect regions of the state

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NEWS where our farmer-members are leading the way on digester use.”

Founded in 2006, CalBio has worked closely with the dairy industry and state agencies to develop programs to help the state achieve its methane reduction goals while delivering a new revenue source to California dairies. It designs, develops, operates, and finances as-needed digester projects while assisting users with selling the electricity or vehicle fuel through state and federal grant programs.

The company’s technology has four primary steps, starting with waste collection at the dairy farm. Manure is flushed into collection areas and then flows to an anaerobic digester, with solids separation before or after the digester, depending on the technology utilized at a given dairy. Next, an anaerobic digester uses microorganisms to break down the organic matter and create biogas, which is then trapped in the digester.The captured biogas primarily consists of methane that otherwise would have been released to the atmosphere.

The methane is then destroyed by combusting it to generate renewable electricity or to power a truck, bus or car. In electricity projects, electricity is exported to the grid.The primary revenue source is the BioMAT program with PG&E and SCE and revenue is enhanced by storing the biogas and producing electricity at the most valuable time of day.

Finally, the digested effluent water can be recycled as flush water, resulting in cleaner lanes, better hygiene, and fewer slips and falls.The digestion process increases the conversion of the raw manure’s organic nitrogen into an inorganic form (over 60% conversion) making the nitrogen more available to the crops, improving crop yield and saving costs.

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CalBio’s South Tulare, North Visalia, and Buttonwillow clusters were awarded funding which adds to its existing clusters and projects being developed in Bakersfield, Hanford, West Visalia, Fresno and Merced counties. The projects are designed to send conditioned dairy biogas to a centralized upgrading facility where it will be upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG) and injected into the gas utility pipeline. Once built, CalBio’s dairysourced biomethane will be used as a vehicle fuel with a focus on replacing diesel use in heavy-duty trucks, buses, and farm equipment.

Constructing the pipeline is only one barrier facing California’s dairy farmers. Managing the installation of a digester on top of a dairy’s day-to-day operations can be overwhelming, not to mention the task of finding a home for the biogas that they will produce.

SUSTAIN and CalBio are hoping to alleviate some of these challenges through the new funding.They’re also banking on the project to help farmers develop a new revenue stream, which is something that the dairy industry desperately needs after continued years of crippling milk prices.

“If we meet farmers on this journey, find ways to complement their investment, whether through public funding like this announcement from the State of California or through expertise from CalBio and Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN, there’s tremendous opportunity into the future,” says May. “Farmers are leading the way on this technology, but they can’t do it alone, so this drumbeat of a private-public partnership is incredibly important.”

This article by Lauren Manning was originally published on AgFunder News https://agfundernews.com/.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

FARM SAFELY WITH ELECTRICITY – IT MAKES SENSE TO CHECK On the farm it is very important to be aware of potential dangers and to always make safety a priority.

and damaged the electricity wires. They also discovered that a member of the public had attached a nylon rope to the damaged electricity conductor and tied it to a post at the side of the road.

(See photo).

• While cutting down trees, one tree fell onto the live electricity wires which then broke and came to the ground. Electricity wires are always live, even when on the ground.

• A Silage Contractor pulled down a live 10,000 volt overhead power line while cutting and picking up silage. Another worker then pulled the wires away from the field to allow work to continue. The electricity wires that were moved were still live and extremely dangerous.

• A lorry got caught up in live overhead electricity wires. Wires were low as a result of previous damage caused by a very high load of hay which had been observed passing up the road.

• A 10,000 volt overhead power line fell during storm Callum resulting in the electrocution of 3 cattle.

Member of the public had attached a nylon rope to the damaged electricity wire and tied it to a steel post at the side of the road

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ELECTRICITY INCIDENTS ON IRISH FARMS IN 2018

ot taking sensible precautions puts people at serious risk of electrocution. Arthur Byrne, Public Safety Manager for ESB Networks describes some of the highly dangerous incidents that happened in 2018.

IDENTIFY THE RISKS ON YOUR FARM

Have you identified the risks associated with overhead electricity wires and underground cables and included them in your farm safety statement? These accidents are forseeable. By identifying these electrical risks and working safely, they can be prevented.

KNOW THE RISKS ON YOUR FARM:

• Working near overhead power lines Typical farm machinery can easily reach an overhead power line.

Forage harvesters, combine harvesters, tipping trailers, and moving high loads where there are overhead power lines are major risks.

Ensure that poles, stay-wires and protective earth wires (attached • When moving a high load, contact was made with overhead electricity wires resulting in the person receiving a serious electric to poles) are not damaged during farming work. shock and very severe burns. Only for the immediate use of CPR • Hedge cutting and tree cutting near overhead electricity wires and the local availability of an AED, there would, in all probability, Hedge cutting and tree cutting have caused some very serious have been a fatality. electrical accidents.

• A single storey extension to a house was being constructed under • Carrying out digging work where there are buried electricity cables Always check if there are buried cables before digging. the overhead power line going to a pole in the garden. The • Carrying out construction work where there are overhead building was at roof level stage and too close to the power line. electricity wires ESB Network were required to disconnect the live electricity Always watch out for electricity wires and keep a safe distance. wires to make the situation safe.

• An ESB Networks worker while working to restore the electricity supply fell into an un-covered slurry tank, and ended up being submerged to waist level. The tank had no safety fence around it.

Luckily, he was able to grab and hold a length of exposed rebar which helped to stop him slipping any further into the tank. He was then able to call a colleague who pulled him to safety.

KEY FARM SAFETY MESSAGES

1. Watch out for overhead electricity wires 2. Steer clear of electricity poles and stays 3. Electricity wires are always live 4. Never touch fallen wires 5. Never handle stock that may be in contact with electricity wires 6. Display safety stickers on farm machinery to remind everyone to be • During storm Ali, the ESB Networks emergency repair crew discovered “electricity safe” (available by contacting ESB Networks at 1850 372 757) 7. In an emergency, phone immediately 1850 372 999 that a tree had fallen onto a section of overhead electricity network

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BIOSECURTY

BIOSECURITY PRACTICES Biosecurity refers to the preventive measures that can be used to keep livestock free of infectious diseases.

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iosecurity practices can be broken down into two categories: actions that can be taken to prevent infectious diseases getting into the herd from outside the farm and actions that can be taken to reduce infection spread within the farm.

Biosecurity is an effective tool in reducing animal antibiotic use.

Improvements in biosecurity practices mean bacteria get less opportunity to develop resistance while contributing to the effectiveness of antibiotics when needed to treat disease. Better biosecurity results in less disease, less antibiotic use and better production results in terms of animal health and welfare, public opinion and farm profitability.

One area where biosecurity is vital is during the lambing and calving season. Many lambing losses occur during the neonatal period with a good proportion of these resulting from disease. Implementing effective cleaning and disinfection biosecurity measures is one of the most economic practises in helping to reduce the loss of vigour, and life, that disease challenges facing new-born animals frequently cause.

Unfortunately it can be the case that often only cursory attention is paid to biosecurity, despite the ongoing outbreaks of disease. There are a number of ways to improve farm biosecurity and the following is a list of just some of things that can be implemented.

• Biosecurity starts with you – is your animal transport vehicle, including the footwell inside the vehicle, and the trailer, in a suitable state of cleanliness and is this how it is maintained, do you practice regular and effective hand-washing and drying before and after entry to animal housing, is your outer clothing and footwear kept clean or is this a biosecurity risk to you animals?

• Do you clean and disinfect calving and lambing aids after use?

• Be aware of all disease threats from outside farms – examples include animals bought in or returning from shows, neighbouring animals, farm visitors, wildlife and vermin and animal handling equipment.

• Take steps to reduce risks when buying in animals – plan ahead, buy in as few animals as possible from as few herds as possible, select lower risk animals and herds, reduce transport risk and implement a quarantine period for 28 days.

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all animal housing and equipment before use, using suitable disinfectants. Ensure the product that you use covers a wide range of bio-hazards.

• Disinfectants will only work on a clean surface. All organic/faecal material must be thoroughly removed from all surfaces and from all equipment before applying the disinfectant.

• Allow the disinfectant to dry before introducing bedding.

• Disinfect birthing pen surfaces and equipment before occupation.

Use a product with strong microbial properties. It is recommended to

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use a product that deals with coccidiosis and cryptosporidiosis for neonatal areas.

• Keep farm visitors to a minimum – if they are not needed they should not be allowed enter the farm.

• Ensure all farm visitors observe your farm biosecurity measures, i.e. have clean clothing and footwear, wash hands and dry properly or provide protective clothing and footwear for visitors to wear. Ensure footdips are visible and in an easy access place.

• Ensure all vehicles entering the farm are suitably clean, this includes vehicle delivering or collecting animals – are they kept in a satisfactory manner or are they a disease risk to your farm?

A disinfectant mat/ area can be considered at entrance points where vehicles have to drive over/through.

• Consider implementing an ‘all in, all-out’ policy – this is an important management strategy to minimise introduction or spread of disease amongst different age groups of animals or cohorts.

• Reduce stocking density as this helps minimise stress and potential spread of infectious disease.

• Have a vaccination plan. Vaccinations are a vital element in disease prevention; so discuss your overall yard biosecurity plan with your vet to decide on which vaccinations are relevant and the best programme that suits your livestock. Also ensure to check the vaccination records of new animals before they enter onto the yard to ensure they are covered correctly and pose less risk.

• Know your animals’ vital signs and behaviour and learn to identify the early signs of infectious disease. Diagnose and treat sick animals promptly.

• Isolate or remove sick animals from the herd.

• Follow any veterinary advice fully for recuperating animals and ensure best practice guidelines are followed.

• When traveling to shows with animals ensure each animal has their own grooming equipment, feed buckets, rugs, tack, etc. Ideally take your own water with you also.

• Vermin control is also very important. Consider the main areas where vermin concentrate such as feed stores and bedding and deal with the issue appropriately.

• Keep feed stores, clean, vermin proof and as far as possible, insect proof.

• Regularly empty and clean feed and water troughs to prevent build up of mould and bacteria.

• Ensure water supply does not get contaminated at any point.

Consider testing the water quality regularly to ensure that livestock are getting clean, fresh water from a safe supply. Repair leaking taps and gutters and remove anything in which water can pool and become stagnant, or attractive to insects and vermin.

• Compost manure and store slurry – the longer this is allowed to happen the lower the risk of disease transmission.

• Use records – keeping good records is essential to track changes in herd health over time.

• Be vigilant – and if something doesn’t seem right, check it out thoroughly.

Having even a basic understanding of biosecurity is an important aspect of livestock management and much of it is simple, common sense and relatively inexpensive. Plans and procedures to prevent a disease outbreak are just as relevant on smaller yards as larger ones and knowing the practical steps you should take if the worst happens and there is an outbreak of disease are essential to minimising the potential consequences.

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IMPROVING MILK QUALITY

NEW METHOD TO EVALUATE TEAT DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS Lack of knowledge available on the effectiveness of 100 teat disinfectants products against bacteria associated with mastitis. By Sarah Fitzpatrick and David Gleeson.

C

urrently, there are over 100 commercially available teat disinfectant products for sale in Ireland. These products can vary in colour, active ingredients and emollients. Some of the main disinfectant ingredients incorporated in products are iodine, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorine dioxide and lactic acid, with many combinations of these ingredients. There are many different types of teat disinfectant products such as; barrier teat disinfectants, powders, teat foams, high viscosity liquids, thin liquids, liquid concentrates and ready-to-use liquid disinfectants.

Teat disinfectant products must meet many different criteria to serve its purpose in modern milking parlours. They must have proven germicidal efficacy, prevent new intramammary infections, maintain optimal teat condition and aid in the healing of teat skin, as cracked skin is more likely to harbour mastitis-causing bacteria. For products to be considered satisfactory, they must be compliant with at least the minimum standards of efficacy. Teat disinfectant products have not been independently tested against specific bacteria relevant to Irish conditions. Therefore, a new research project is underway at Teagasc Moorepark comparing the efficacy of commercially available teat disinfectant products sold in Ireland.

these tests is to evaluate the effectiveness of products used under various laboratory conditions. Products which are commercially available will have already met the minimum requirements of EU standards. In-field tests such as naturally occurring and experimental challenge methods are recommended by the National Mastitis Council (USA), to test the efficacy of a teat disinfectant product in reducing new intramammary infections. But these methods require a long study period (7 – 14 weeks) and may only facilitate the testing of one product within that time period.

As part of a new Teagasc research project, new methods are being explored to develop a quick screening method to differentiate the effectiveness of teat disinfectant products against specific bacterial strains of interest associated with mastitis. One method currently being used to screen teat disinfectant products is the “Disc Diffusion Method”. This method has previously been applied to evaluate antibiotics but has now been adapted to test teat disinfectants. The disc diffusion method can screen a high number of teat disinfectant products in a laboratory within a short time period. To establish if individual disinfectants will reduce new infections, field trials are necessary.

Any disinfectant intended for registration within Europe are tested using a variety of methods developed by the CEN (European Committee for Standardisation). Currently in the EU, the main standard recognised for testing teat disinfectant products, before they can be sold commercially, is the BS EN 1656:2009. The purpose of

The disc diffusion method is a lab test that measures the ability of a teat disinfectant product to inhibit bacterial growth. The bacteria that are to be tested are placed onto agar plates. This is allowed to dry and discs are then soaked in the test disinfectant. These discs are then applied to the agar plate. This plate is then incubated at 37 ˚C for 24

EVALUATION PROCEDURES

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DISC DIFFUSION METHOD

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Zones of inhibition 24 hrs after incubation

IMPROVING MILK QUALITY

hours. The zones of inhibition, measured in millimetres (mm) using an electronic caliper, are a measurement of the ability of the disinfectant to inhibit bacterial growth. Therefore, the most effective teat disinfectant product will have the largest zone of inhibition. Any bacterial strain of interest can be tested, such as those most associated with mastitis.

This method allows screening of teat disinfectant products against specific bacterial strains of interest.

to effectively inhibit mastitis-related bacteria. The disinfectants used were predominately ready-to-use products apart from two concentrated products (the control and product 6) which were diluted as recommended by the manufacturer. The disinfectant products used were suitable for both pre- and post-milking teat disinfection, with the exception of two products (the control and product 2), which were STUDIES AT TEAGASC MOOREPARK recommended only for post-milking disinfection.

As part of the initial evaluation of all teat disinfectant products, 12 Staph. aureus was the most resistant bacteria with Strep. uberis commercially available teat disinfectant products, with different being the most susceptible to the teat disinfectants tested. The majority active ingredients of varying concentrations were tested. These of teat disinfectants performed better than the iodine control. Products 2 products were tested against the most prevalent mastitis-causing (chlorhexidine) and 10 (chlorine dioxide) gave the highest level of pathogens isolated from milk samples from dairy herds in Ireland growth inhibition for Staph. aureus, with zones of inhibition ranging (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus uberis). An iodine product from 21 to 24 mm.

Products 1 (lactic acid and chlorhexidine) and 11 was chosen as a positive control as iodine has been previously shown

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IMPROVING MILK QUALITY

(lactic acid and salicylic acid) were the most effective against Strep. uberis, with zones of inhibition ranging from 24 to 26 mm.

To confirm that the tested teat disinfectants meet the BS EN standard, two products which achieved low (product 9) or high (product 1) zones of inhibition were subjected to testing following the BS EN 1656 protocol. Both products achieved the required log reduction of 5 10 .

The average zone of inhibition (mm) for teat disinfectant products against Staph. aureus and Strep. uberis

The products evaluated which had the highest levels of bacterial inhibition against Staph. aureus and Strep. uberis contained either a

CONCLUSIONS

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chlorine dioxide, a chlorhexidine or a combination of lactic acid and chlorhexidine or salicylic acid. This may suggest that some active ingredients may work more successfully when combined with other active ingredients, rather than when used individually. The levels of lactic acid in combination products may also be important as levels of 2.5% w/w, or greater, showed greater bacterial inhibition compared to products with lower levels of lactic acid. The disc diffusion assay is a suitable screening method to effectively differentiate the bacterial inhibition of different teat disinfectant products. While it has not been established that using disinfectants containing chlorine dioxide will result in chlorates in milk (issue for IMF manufactures), it is best to avoid using such products. Further studies will be conducted on the remaining products against the most prevalent mastitis-causing bacteria. To measure the impact of applying disinfectants to teat skin in terms of teat condition and reducing bacterial counts, separate laboratory and field studies will be required.

KEY GUIDELINES TO ADHERE TO WHEN CHOOSING/USING A TEAT DISINFECTANT:

Refer to the list of teat disinfectant products on the market, which can be viewed on the on Teagasc website (https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/milk-quality/) l Check if the product is registered. The product will have either a PCS or IMB number on the drum label. This is important for cross compliance checks. l Use products as recommended by the manufacturer/drum label. i.e. if pre-milking disinfecting, ensure product is recommended for both pre- and post-milking disinfection. l Ensure the product is correctly diluted as recommended by the manufacturer. Water quality may impact on disinfectant efficacy (i.e. hard water). In this case, ready-to-use products may be more beneficial. l Avoid adding additional emollients as this may have a negative impact on product efficacy l Take care when using iodine products and do not use iodine as a pre-milking disinfectant. Iodine products can lead to higher than required levels of iodine in milk. l Chlorine dioxide disinfectant products can contain chlorates, so best to avoid such products. l Never disinfect teats pre-milking without drying teats with paper.

This will reduce the possibility of residues entering the food chain. l Do not use products passed their date of expiry. l

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BEST PARLOUR PRACTICE

PARLOUR PROTOCOLS FOR HIGH STANDARDS The milking routine starts when the cow leaves the field or shed and ends on her return.

Routine is so important, writes Pádraig O Connor, Teagasc.

Figure 2: Preparing and Milking Cows in Batches

MILKING ROUTINE

For personnel who are involved in milking cows, the milking routine from start to finish has an important bearing on the efficient and hygienic removal of milk from the udder. Milking starts when you begin collecting the cows from their housing or the field.

The importance of routine cannot be over emphasised. Cows are creatures of habit and the more you can make each day exactly the same as the previous day, the more relaxed and productive cows will be.

Getting your milking routine right is good for you, your cows and your business. The benefits are threefold:

can lead to foot injuries such as solar ulcers and other associated injuries.

Cows should have to wait in the collecting yard for the minimum amount of time before milking. Ideally, the total milking time should take no longer than 1½ hours. Prolonged waiting in the collecting yard results in cows becoming stressed and dirty before they are milked and will also increase the risk of lameness.

PREPARING FOR MILKING

A proper milking routine requires clean milking garments i.e. disposable nitrile gloves and a clean parlour apron/parlour suit. This helps prevent the spread of mastitis and ensures that the operator is 1. Maximum product quality. clean and safe from any discharges. Rinse and disinfect gloves regularly 2. Safety for milker and cows. throughout the milking.

3. Efficient use of time spent milking.

The cow’s teats should be clean and dry prior to milking. If dirty they must be washed and dried. A dry wipe with some paper towel is PREPARING THE PARLOUR sufficient for clean teats. Best practice suggests that all teats should Before the cows are brought in for milking, the parlour should be be fore milked approximately 90 seconds before the cluster is attached. ready. Hose down the parlour, collecting yard, floor and parlour walls Where pre-spraying is practised, allow 30-60 seconds contact time to so as to allow easier cleaning and wash down afterwards. Check elapse before drying the teats and attaching the cluster. This allows availability of teat dip (prepare if necessary), ensure that the meal time for the bacteria to be killed. hoppers, where used, are filled and that the milking plant is rinsed out Dry clean teats produce milk of low Total Bacterial Count (TBC) and ready for milking. When this is completed, bring in the cows and low Thermoduric Count. Washing dirty teats will not reduce TBC from the paddock or house for milking. Droving of cows from levels in the milk unless they are dried with a paper towel. Fore paddock or house to the parlour should take place in a calm relaxed milking helps in the early identification of mastitis and ensures that manner to prevent unnecessary stress on the cows prior to milking. optimum milk let down occurs when the cluster is attached shortly Cows need to be allowed walk at their own pace. Rushing the cows afterwards. (Fig 1).

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BEST PARLOUR PRACTICE

Figure 1: Fore Milking

the cow exit side (usually the hand nearest to the dairy). This means that you will change hands to hold the cluster depending on which side you are attaching the cluster. (Fig 3).

Kink the tail of the liner when attaching to the cows teat and also guide the teat into the liner with your finger. Attach the liners in a circular motion starting with the one closest to the thumb of the hand holding the cluster.

Changing hands will help minimise the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and means you’ll have a better reach when attaching the cluster. Make sure that the cluster hangs on the cow properly. Good cluster alignment is where the cluster hangs in line with the cow’s backbone when applied between the back legs. Correct alignment means all four quarters will be milked out completely.

PREPARING COWS IN BATCHES AND MAXIMISING MILK LET DOWN

Preparation of cows should take place in groups of 4-6 starting from the front of the row and working downwards towards the end.

Preparation of each cow takes place first, followed by cluster attachment to the same group in the same sequence. This routine is efficient because an interval of approximately 90 seconds will elapse between preparation and cluster attachment ensuring that optimal milk let down occurs. It also reduces the amount of walking up and down the parlour. (Fig 2).

ATTACHING CLUSTERS

When attaching the cluster, keep the pulse and milk tubes on the cow exit side of you ensuring that they are not in the way when moving to the next cluster. Hold the cluster with the hand closest to

Figure 3: Milker position when attaching cluster to left hand and right hand rows

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BEST PARLOUR PRACTICE Figure 5: Teat spraying after milking

REMOVING CLUSTERS

Manual cluster removal should start when a single stream of milk is visible in the claw piece. This minimises the risk of over milking.

Remove the cluster without causing air blasts. Turn off the vacuum by kinking the long milk tube close to the claw piece or using the button on the claw piece and allow the cluster to become limp on the udder (2-3 seconds before attempting to remove the unit). (Fig 4).

Always ensure that the air bleed hole is not blocked as this may slow down air ingress and therefore cluster removal. Allowing the unit time to become limp on the udder minimises the risk of an air blast occurring when clusters are being removed, reducing the risk of both mastitis and teat end damage occurring.

The cluster should be detached with the hand that you intend to use to attach it to the next cow. If automatic cluster removers (ACRs) are installed in the parlour make sure that they are removing the clusters at the proper flow rate.

TEAT DISINFECTION

When a batch of 4-6 units has been removed, teat spray or dip the batch of cows in the same sequence. Ensure that at least 15 or 10 mls of the spray or dip respectively are applied evenly to the teats of each cow after milking. Ideally this should be done as soon as possible after cluster removal. Cover the entire teat from tip to top. (Fig 5).

Aim to get complete coverage of the teat as this will kill the maximum number of bacteria, and use a teat disinfectant containing an emollient to improve teat condition.

ROW EXIT

In larger parlours, the milker may open the row exit gate while removing clusters and teat spraying/dipping the last couple of cows in the row. This will also ensure that smooth entry into and out of the milking parlour takes place and minimises the filling delays that can occur between rows. Maximising the use of natural light will facilitate improved cow flow through the parlour. Where the jetter cups are positioned on one side of the milking pit, always ensure that the last row is milked on the opposite side. This protects the milker from possible injury by the cows when attaching the clusters to the jetter cups when the plant is being prepared for washing up.

PARLOUR HOSE DOWN

Parlour hose down should take place after the last row of cows has left the parlour and plant sterilisation has commenced. Prompt washdown will ensure that faecal contamination of the milking premises is minimised.

This minimises the risk of contamination of the milk produced.

CERTIFIED MILKING TRAINING

Teagasc, FRS and AHI have together developed a Certified QQI Level 6 milking course aimed at developing your skills as a milker and to ensure that milkings are conducted to the highest quality standards The two day course is unique as it brings together the theory elements of milking and the practical implementation of the theory through on-farm instruction. The tutors for the course have been specifically trained and course content approved by experts in the area of milking best practice.

Figure 4: Cluster removal using the vacuum button

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Full details of the course can be found on : www.frstraining.com/milkingcourse or by calling 1890 20 1000. Or visit www.teagasc.ie and www.animalhealthireland.ie

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

FLEXIBLE FINANCE FROM FARM TO FORK Understanding the challenges of modern day farming is half the battle, according to Pat O’Neill, Agri Sales Manager at First Citizen Agri Finance.

“W

Ronan Holcroft (First Citizen Agri Finance), Michael Fleming (First Citizen Agri Finance) and David Toolan (Cashels Engineering)

e’re here to assist farmers and help them plan their cash flows throughout the year, providing flexible finance options when they need it most.

Our Asset Finance Agreements have a fixed Interest Rate to help farmers budget and manage their cashflows.”

Pat joined First Citizen Agri Finance in 2016, having worked for many years in the Irish Agri Finance sector and is excited to be engaging again with farmers across all farming sectors in the Republic of Ireland, not least Dairy. The Dairy sector carries its own unique challenges and it’s important that those employed in this area have the necessary supports available not just to survive but to excel.

This, Pat added, is where First Citizen can help.

First Citizen Agri Finance offer flexible finance for Agri asset purchases to Farmers and Agri SMEs. If a farmer is looking to purchase equipment outright, then the Non Consumer Hire Purchase Agreement is the flexible and cost effective alternative solution to overdrafts or term loans. The asset becomes the property of the purchaser when the final instalment and completion fee due under the Agreement is made. Some key features of this product are:

Bernard Wallace (Clarke Machinery) and Pat O’Neill (First Citizen Agri Finance)

Both Hire Purchase and Leasing Agreements are available to finance new and second hand Agri assets. Only assets purchased from a First Citizen Agri Finance approved Agri Dealer or Distributor are eligible for finance – and First Citizen are always on the look out to partner with new Suppliers in the Republic of Ireland. Payment terms vary from two to seven years, depending on the type and age of the asset being financed. A variety of payments terms are available including ‘Seasonal’ whereby payments are from, for example, April to September each year.

“The key to our success is our focus and dedication to the Agri community. At First Citizen Agri Finance we know that our business depends on farming – a unique industry facing constantly changing circumstances. Therefore, we make it our business to understand the needs of farmers and Agri SMEs and we provide financial solutions where possible. We have a presence nationwide and invite farmers and Agri Dealers to get in touch with us.” – Pat O’Neill, Agri Sales Manager at First Citizen Agri Finance.

First Citizen Finance is a dedicated provider of Motor, Agri, CRE (Commercial Real Estate) Finance and recently announced a new

“With a presence nationwide, this young Asset finance company is making new Agri Supplier partnerships on a weekly basis”

Fixed payments over a fixed term €100m fund for Equipment Finance. So, whether it’s a new or used Payments which can be timed to suit income patterns of the farm vehicle, Agri asset or any other type of equipment you’re looking enterprise or Agri business for, First Citizen Finance may have the solution for you.

- The VAT on the purchase price can be re-claimed immediately Visit www.firstcitizen.ie for further details. after the transaction, provided the entity is VAT registered Pat O’Neill (First Citizen Agri Finance) and Terry - Interest charges can be offset against taxable profits Reilly (Agri-Spread International) - Flexible deposit payable (minimum 10%) - Claim back capital allowance costs on the cost of Asset However, let’s say the Farmer is looking to simply pay for the use of equipment over a set period. The asset is leased in this case at a fixed rental for a fixed term at a fixed rate. Put simply, First Citizen owns the asset and charges the farmer for the use of it until the final rental is paid. At the end of the rental period there is the option to purchase the equipment for a nominal fee or trade it in as a deposit against new equipment. Some other benefits of leasing are: - Initial Capital Outlay is minimised, thus preserving cashflow - Leasing rentals may qualify for tax deductions - Farmer gets to use the equipment just as if they owned it - Flexible repayment terms - The VAT element of the rental payment can be reclaimed provided the entity is VAT registered -

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CALF HEALTH

PNEUMONIA, THE SILENT CALF KILLER Respiratory infections are the most common cause of death in calves between one and five months old, writes Jack O’Connor MSD Animal Health.

INTRODUCTION

WHAT CAUSES PNEUMONIA IN CALVES?

2019 spring calving is underway and the workload for farmers is beginning to increase.This spring, 550,000 dairy calves will be born. Sadly, not all these calves will see the fresh green grass of summer due to disease!

The word pneumonia in simple terms, means inflammation of the lungs. Pneumonia in calves is a complicated, multi-factorial disease meaning that various factors can impact the onset of a pneumonia infection. Respiratory infections are the most common cause of death in calves between the ages of one and five months old. Latest figures show that respiratory infections accounted for 49% and 33% of calf deaths in this age group in Northern Ireland and Ireland respectively in 2016 (figure 1)2.

Did any of your calves die last year as a result of pneumonia?

What measurements do you have in place to prevent this from happening in 2019?

Stressed calves are more susceptible to disease such as pneumonia.

How are calves stressed? Weaning, cold and poorly ventilated housing, damp bedding, overstocking and underfeeding are all examples of how stress may be inflicted on a new born calf.

3 The most important types of pneumonia are caused by viral 1 and bacterial agents.The bacterial agents, known as Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica, live in the animal’s upper respiratory tract (particularly the tonsils) without causing harm to healthy animals. However, stress or viral infections can weaken the immune system and cause these bacterial agents to multiply rapidly. As these bacteria multiply, they are inhaled into the lungs.

In the lungs, there is an interaction between the bacteria and the animal’s immune system, resulting in tissue damage. Clinical signs of pneumonia will be visible in the calf after this has occurred (dull humour, dropping of the head, nasal discharge or cough).

Figure 1

VACCINATION As pneumonia can result from viral or bacterial agents, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum vaccine that provides protection against both type of infection. Bovipast® RSP provides protection against both viral and bacterial pneumonia. For full protection, calves should be vaccinated with a 5ml injection under the skin, from two weeks of age and given another 5ml booster injection four weeks later.

HOW DOES BOVIPAST® RSP WORK?

l

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Bovipast® RSP is efficacious in the presence of maternally derived antibodies. l Bovipast® RSP contains IRP technology (Iron Regulated Proteins). l When bacterial pneumonia agents like Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica reach the lungs of an animal it needs iron to multiply and grow. l IRPs on the surface of bacteria allow absorption of iron. l Animals vaccinated with Bovilis Bovipast® RSP produce antibodies that bind to the IRPs and reduce the bacteria’s ability to absorb iron.

Only Bovipast® RSP protects calves that are vaccinated from two 1 weeks of age against Pasteurella (Mannheimia) haemolytica , RSV and PI3.

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CALF HEALTH l

Calving pens: Dry, clean, well bedded pens are a necessity. The cleanliness of the cow entering the calving pen is also a priority to reduce the disease challenge to the new born calf. Good lighting in this area allows for early identification of problem cows or calves. Having cows fit but not fat at calving time is important. l Removing calves: Remove calves from the calving pen and their dam as soon as possible after birth. l Colostrum feeding: Aim to feed 8.5% of the calves’ body weight in colostrum within one hour of birth (35kg calf requires 3 litres of colostrum).The calves’ ability to absorb the protective antibodies within colostrum is maximal at this time.The colostrum and the IBR VIRUS IN YOUNG CALVES Upper respiratory disease must also not be forgotten. Although feeding utensils used (bottle or stomach tube) must be clean.

Colostrum milked from the cow within the first hour after calving less common in calves, IBR infection can still be implicated in disease. We know that there is a high prevalence of IBR infection has the highest level of protective antibodies which protect the across both dairy and beef herds in Ireland today. To reduce prevalence calf from disease.

“Only Bovipast® RSP protects calves that are vaccinated from two weeks of age against Pasteurella (Mannheimia) haemolytica1, RSV and PI3” on farm it is recommended to adopt a whole herd approach. Including young stock as part of routine vaccination improves overall herd immunity and significantly reduces the incidence of disease.

Bovilis® IBR Marker Live vaccine can be conveniently used on the same day as Bovipast from three weeks of age ensuring broader coverage in the young calf. When Bovilis® IBR Marker live is used in calves less than three months old, it must be administered up the nose.

l

Vaccination protocol: Discussing with your vet a calf health vaccination plan for the spring is a really good idea.They will be best able to advise you on what disease you should vaccinate against or management changes that must be made to help your calves thrive over the coming months

REFERENCES

1. Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica A1 and A6 2. Anon 2018. DAFM Animal Identification and Movement HOW CAN WE MAXIMISE CALF HEALTH? Statistics Report 2017 A combination of good calving management,hygiene,colostrum feeding, 3. Bovine Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) and Parainfluenza3 and preventative disease control reaps rewards when rearing calves. virus (PI3)

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ANIMAL HEALTH

VACCINATION CALENDAR

M

In 2016, MSD Animal Health launched a vaccination calendar with the aim to remind farmers of key vaccination dates on their farms via a free text message service.

SD Animal Health have now updated this innovative herd-health-tool making it more user friendly. In addition to making the calendar creation more user friendly, other updates include the option to edit existing calendars and the possibility to have multiple vaccination calendars.The option to have multiple vaccination calendars enables veterinary practitioners to create herd health plans for their farmer clients.

Also, farmers that may be managing more than one herd can now create herd-specific herd health plans.

With increasing numbers of farmers moving towards multiple disease prevention protocols, this online tool will simplify routine vaccination.This will lead to healthier, more productive animals and more sustainable production systems. Along with being free, another key draw of the vaccination calendar is the reminder service that is provided to farmers. A text message is sent to the farmer seven days before each vaccine booster is due. Where an email address is given in the contact details, a reminder email is also sent.

The full calendar is also emailed to the user.This can be printed off and used as a reminder of the critical vaccination dates.

HOW THE CALENDAR WORKS The calendar allows farmers, whether they are dairy, beef, or sheep farmers to keep track of key vaccination dates on their farms.

Step 1: Choose your enterprise

Step 4. Farmers are asked to enter calving and breeding season details

Step 5: Select the diseases that are to be included in the calendar To complete the vaccination calendar, farmers are required to enter details of the diseases they intend on vaccinating against.

Step 1: Choose your farm enterprise

Step 2: Identify the animals that require vaccination The next step in completing the vaccination calendar is to identify the animals that require vaccinations.

On beef farms, farmers can choose either cows, calves, weanlings or replacement heifers, while dairy farmers can choose to design a calendar for cows, calves or replacement heifers.

The livestock options available on sheep farms include ewes, lambs, hoggets and rams.

Step 5. Select the diseases that the herd requires protection against

When this information is submitted, a vaccination calendar is generated to remind farmers of the correct time to vaccinate their animals.

Step 2: The options available for dairy farmers

Step 3: Choose the calving season Both beef and dairy farmers are asked to enter the calving seasons on their farm when completing the cost-free vaccination calendar.

Step 3. Farmers are asked to enter calving season details An example of the vaccination calendar generated for a spring-calving dairy herd Step 4: Enter calving and breeding dates Farmers are also asked to enter the start of calving date; this will ensure that farmers are given a timely reminder to vaccinate their Over 4,500 farmers have signed up for a free vaccine cows. calendar so far!

To ensure that the calendar is functional, farmers and vets are also Check out www.bovilis.ie to build your calendar now! required to enter details on the breeding start date.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MILK SHIELD MILK ACIDIFIER FOR CALVES ilk Shield is a milk acidifier for both whole milk and milk replacer. Milk is ingested by calves and digested by the formation of curds. In order for this process to take place, acid and enzymes are required.

At times, large proportions of the milk can go undigested due to an inadequate acid and/or enzyme supply. This can lead to nutritional scours, which is not necessarily related to pathogen load, but the inability to digest the volume of milk being ingested. One of the ways to mitigate against this problem is to acidify the milk being ingested. This reduces the pH of the milk, reducing the requirement for acid production in the gut of the calf. With this, it improves the digestion of the milk being ingested, leading to improved health, growth rates and immunity. As a result, there are reduced incidences of nutritional scour or health challenges.

Scour is a challenge faced by many calves and can cause damage to the lining of the gut wall. Reducing incidences of scour all help in giving the calf the best start to life. As a secondary function, the high level of minerals, trace elements and vitamins, promote gut integrity and immunity, thereby increasing the ability to utilise more of the whole milk, which can also lead to improved weight gain.

The high inclusion of trace elements helps the calf with a range of body functions associated with overall health.

Biotin and protected zinc are included which assists with

the formation of healthy hooves. It has been estimated that copper is one of the most commonly observed microdeficiencies in farms (Mills, 1985), and Milk Shield contains two forms of copper, one of which is protected for increased absorption. Selenium and Vitamin E are crucial components contributing to a healthy and well-functioning immune system and this is especially important in calves in their ability to fight the pathogens that they are exposed to. Both selenium and Vitamin E are included in Milk Shield for this reason.

For local stockist listings contact Nutribio on Tel: 021 4507303.

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LACTATING COW NUTRITION

GLYCERINE: BRIDGING THE ENERGY DEFICIT IN EARLY LACTATION High Yielding cows experiencing a rapid increase in milk production, with a slow rise in DMI, inevitably succumb to a nutritional imbalance. Writes Robert Flynn of Premier Molasses.

I

CBF data, reports a marked increase for February calf registrations, as the 2019 calving season kicks into action.

However, figures are still 8-9 percent behind the same period as last year, as many farmers chose to delay the 2018 breeding season in order to calve closer to the spring grass wedge. These decisions, taken in the hope of avoiding any unseasonal weather conditions this spring, have resulted in a 2-3 week delay on calving dates.

Good animal husbandry practices are essential at calving, and help negate some of the metabolic and environmental changes occurring during the cow’s transition to early lactation. Feed intakes, for most cows, are only 8-10kg dry matter (DM) in the immediate week post calving, and are not sufficient to support both milk production and body maintenance.These low intakes, inevitably result in the cow entering a period of negative energy balance (NEB).This nutritional imbalance is most acute in the first 6 weeks post calving and is not fully bridged until peak dry matter intakes (DMI) return in the 10th - 12th week of lactation.

Although affordable for most cows in good body condition score (BCS), high yielding, over fat and poorly conditioned cows are at a higher risk of developing underlying metabolic diseases and reproduction failure if the (NEB) is not addressed quickly.

Cows of (BSC) of 3.5 or greater are most susceptible to metabolic diseases in early lactation, with ketosis being one of the main offenders. Already having a low (DMI), these overfat cows mobilise large amounts of their own body reserves for milk production.This fat, is then transported as none esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) to the liver and broken down to release energy.

Due to the large increase of fat mobilisation, the cow’s liver becomes saturated and metabolites known as ketones are produced.These ketones then overflow into the bloodstream, resulting in a further reduction in the cow’s appetite and subsequently a reduction in her milk yield. It is at this point that the cow is on the verge of ketosis. Diagnosis of cows with ketosis generally occurs 2-4 weeks post calving and this usually indicates that there is a larger underlying ketosis problem within the herd.

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Cows of higher genetic merit can also suffer from increased incidence of ketosis. Experiencing a rapid increase in milk production, accompanied by a slow rise in (DMI), high yielding cows inevitably succumb to a nutritional imbalance.These conditions unavoidably result in cows entering a period of (NEB). If the (NEB) is allowed to persist, large amounts of the cow’s own body reserves will again be mobilised, thus, facilitating the perfect environment to exist for the onset of ketosis.

Applying correct management practices in the dry period prior to calving can greatly reduce a cow’s susceptibility to ketosis. Body condition score management is vital, cows should calve down in a fit state and not over fat with a (BCS) of 3.0-3.5 being the optimum.

Additionally, minimising cow stress levels, avoiding any sudden dietary changes and maximising cow (DMI) post calving are all practices that can help offset the frequency at which these metabolic diseases might occur.

Supplementing with a quick acting glucose solution in the form of glycerine is also an excellent management technique that can be used. Having an energy content of 1.6 UFL/kg/DM, glycerine is the ideal supplement to help counteract any nutritional imbalance that occurs in early lactation. Additionally, glycerine also increases overall water consumption as well as acting as an excellent glycogenic precursor, which is an important constituent for milk synthesis. Having such a high energy density, allows for low inclusion rates of glycerine in the overall diet, therefore, not effecting overall rumen fill. Moreover its versatility allows it to be dosed through liquid feeders on robotic milking machines, mixed through the total mixed ration (TMR) or topped dressed on forages.

For more information on the benefits of using glycerine, contact Premier Molasses, Harbour Road, Foynes, Co Limerick on 069-65311 or visit the website at www.premiermolasses.ie.

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FINANCE

CHANGING FARM STRUCTURES One of the major decisions which can face farmers is whether to change their farm structure, writes Declan McEvoy, IFAC. BEWARE THE JOINT HERD NUMBER ISSUE – AM I IN A PARTNERSHIP? Recently, some farmers have created “Joint Herd Number” structures in order to qualify for the National Reserve and Young Farmers Scheme without seeking either legal or taxation guidance.This can cause issues down the line as the question arises in individual cases as to whether a partnership has been created. Potential problems include: • Whether the structure grants immediate, unintended legal ownership rights to the underlying farming assets of the enterprise, to the new joint owner.

• Whether the structure renders the terms of existing Wills which do not reflect the existence of the partnership open to legal challenge as a consequence of not referring specifically to the partnership.

• Whether the structure creates unplanned and unintended Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Capital Acquisitions Tax, or Stamp Duty bills.

IFAC DO’S & DON’TS • Do NOT transfer your herd number or BPS to a registered partnership before deciding with your accountant/solicitor who exactly is in the partnership.

• Do NOT transfer your herd number to a registered partnership or joint names if you have applied and not been granted approval for a TAMS grant or GLAS.You must wait until approval has been granted before moving herd number. here are many aspects from the Department of Agriculture, • BPS must always be transferred to the new entity before 15 May Revenue and legal implications that should be reviewed each year —next date 15 May 2019. before a decision is made.

• Be aware of tax/legal issues of moving a herd number to joint names without setting up either a registered or unregistered partnership.

REGISTERED FARM PARTNERSHIPS – A properly planned partnership structure, such as a Registered DEADLINE FEBRUARY 2019 or Unregistered Farm Partnership, can assist in a number of ways, If you have decided to enter a partnership, you should reach out including with farm transfers and succession. A partnership can to your accountant and solicitor for advice.They can then examine also enhance profitability, improve work-life balance, reduce the proposed structure and confirm that it makes sense not only Income Tax, secure 50% Stock Relief and a potential double

T

“Before deciding to enter into a partnership, always seek professional advice” financially, but from a succession and legal point of view too.The next step is to deal with the Department of Agriculture as they have templates and sample documents to assist farmers which are available on the DAFM website.

Registered or unregistered partnerships are virtually the same from a legal and taxation point of view.The main difference between them is that Department of Agriculture benefits are available to registered partnerships.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN I EXPECT FROM A REGISTERED PARTNERSHIP: • Extra grants available to all partners—double TAMSII • Allows more than one herd number in the entity • Sorts all issues with herd numbers and BPS - owner of BPS does NOT transfer entitlements to other partners (unless they wish to) • Useful as a succession planning tool to bring Young Farmers into business • Tax benefits – New stock relief 50%

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ceiling for the new TAMS II Capital Grant. However, before deciding to enter into a partnership, always seek professional advice.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

TORION–THE NEW WHEEL LOADER FROM CLAAS In cooperation with Liebherr, the new CLAAS TORION has been introduced to meet the growing demand for high-performance machines for professional agricultural transport and material handling.

MID-RANGE TORION PACKS A PUNCH

The mid-range TORION 1511, 1410 and 1177 models are equipped with fuel-efficient DPS engines that develop 140hp, 155hp and 167hp respectively. Drive is through a hydrostatic VARIPOWER transmission with three drive modes: 0 to 6, 0 to 16 and 0 to 40 km/h. Models in the mid-range TORION series are ideal for farms and contractors requiring sufficient power for silage clamp work or for handling grain, fertiliser and other bulk material.

The engine is mounted low low and well towards the rear so acts as a counterweight to the lifting zone. This means less additional ballast is needed and that high tipping loads of 7.75 to 9.75 t are possible at a low working weight.

Mid-range TORION models are available with P- or Z-kinematics.

They are also available with the CLAAS SMART LOADING advanced driver-assistance system. Features include a programmable bucket he TORION range initially comprises seven machines in three return function and defined lifting and lowering limits, which make it different category sizes with a wide performance range. Working possible for the operator to automatically guide the boom to certain with Leibherr, the new TORION comes with the proven CLAAS pre-set positions using the joystick. A weighing system is also available, POWER SYSTEM drive, which combines extreme reliability with which is easily operated via the 7� touchscreen which serves as a impressive efficiency. The TORION series also boasts a generously central information hub for operating the machine and is extremely dimensioned cab with optimal all-round visibility and user-friendly easy to use. features.

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TOP PERFORMERS: TORION 1914 AND 1812

The largest CLAAS TORION 1914 and 1812 models are ideal for contractors and large farming businesses, who have the highest demands in terms of power, performance and operator comfort. With their efficient Liebherr engines, these machines develop 195 and 228 hp with massive torque. The tipping loads are 11.1 and 12.4 t, respectively. Both models are equipped as standard with the DYNAMIC COOLING. The infinitely adjustable, CMATIC transmission works with a combination of hydrostatic and mechanical drive, to achieve optimal efficiency in all loading and unloading operations. The high level of mechanical transmission at lower speeds of up to 10 km/h and, at maximum speed, enable high power output with low fuel consumption.

AGILE ALL-ROUNDER The two largest TORION models enjoy optimal weight distribution The smallest TORION 639 and 535 models are ideal for use in livestock with the engine located well toward the rear. This means that the engine can buildings and where space is tight. Both models are powered by 63 be accessed easily, making maintenance a breeze. The boom is available and 68hp Yanmar engines. The infinitely variable hydrostatic drive with either agricultural or Z-kinematics, the agricultural kinematics being has two drive modes: F1 from 0 to 6 km/h, and F2 from 0 to 20 km/h. particularly well suited for all agricultural applications.

The driver can switch from one drive mode to the other at the touch For further information: Steffan Kurtz, Tractor Brand Manager of a button, depending on the application. For work at low speeds (incorporating telehandlers), CLAAS UK Ltd, Saxham, Bury St (e.g. feed measuring bucket), the amount of hydraulic oil can be Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6QZ, United Kingdom. controlled via the creep speed control.

Phone: 01284 763100, Mobile 07717 861821 The articulated tipping load is 3.45 t and 3.85 t respectively. An Email:steffan.kurtz@claas.com www.claas.co.uk optimal centre of gravity and low design, with clearance heights of less than 2.5 m regardless of tyre type, ensure optimal stability, even when working on uneven terrain. The central articulation/swivel joint provides additional safety and convenience, smoothing out any bumps along the way.

The cab and boom on both models are positioned for maximum visibility. The generous front windscreen extends laterally to the cab floor and also provides good upward visibility, so that the operator can keep an eye on the attachment from any position. The rounded rear window provides the operator with an excellent view to the rear when on the move. The tapered boom narrows toward the cab, ensuring optimal visibility of the load and the attachment at all times.

MODEL OVERVIEW

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HEIFER CALF MANAGEMENT

CALF CARE: HOW TO HIT TARGET GROWTH RATES Ensuring that your calves are warm, well-fed and comfortable will play a vital role in keeping them on target, advises Cargill Calf and Heifer Specialist, Bianca Theeruth.

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ome rain or shine – or low temperatures - the target growth rates for heifer calves must be maintained if these animals are to calve at 24 months; for Holstein heifers this means gaining 750g to 850g a day from birth.

When temperatures drop, calves need more energy for maintenance.

If we don’t compensate for this by adjusting their diet, then calves will draw on body reserves, growth rates will drop below target and calves will become more prone to infection.

“Calves will generally maintain their body temperature of 38°C to 39°C, with no additional energy requirements when they are kept within their thermoneutral zone,” says Cargill Calf and Heifer Specialist, Bianca Theeruth.

“This ‘zone’ is typically between 15°C and 25°C, but it depends on the age of the calf. In winter, we are most concerned with the lower critical temperature – that is the temperature beneath which the calf will start using energy to maintain its body temperature.”

Newborn calves have a relatively higher surface area to body weight ratio compared to older animals and this allows for more rapid heat loss. A 40kg newborn calf has a lower critical temperature of 13.4°C. It only has 380g to 600g of fat and 180g of glycogen that it can mobilise as energy sources to keep warm.This provides enough reserves for approximately eight hours of body temperature maintenance at the calf’s maximum metabolic rate.

These young calves are particularly vulnerable. Calves under three weeks old have a lower critical temperature of approximately 150C – the actual temperature will depend on the size of the calf, housing and the environment.

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Calves of more than three weeks old have a lower critical temperature of approximately 10°C, due to their more advanced rumen development that generates heat, higher energy starter feed intakes and more internal fat stores.

Figure 1 shows the extra energy needed above a calf’s maintenance requirements of 7.87MJ/day for calves up to three weeks old and for calves of more than three weeks old as temperatures fall.

Figure 1: Extra energy requirements of young calves as temperature falls

“As a rule of thumb, for every degree the temperature drops below the calf’s lower critical temperature, the energy required for maintenance increases by 1%,” adds Ms Theeruth. “It is important that farmers monitor this and adapt diets, to ensure that calves do not run short of energy for growth. Nutrition is the first line of defence against the cold.”

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HEIFER CALF MANAGEMENT Whatever the housing system, the goal is to keep the calf dry and control air movement to provide enough ventilation.“Dry bedding is one of the most important factors in calf management.” A dry, deep straw bed will provide insulation and she also advocates using calf jackets for young or sick calves to help retain body heat. In the case of a very sick calf, place them under a heat lamp to minimise heat loss.

“It is crucial that farmers make these small but necessary changes as it will pay dividends in the long term,” states Ms Theeruth.

CALF CARE CHECKLIST ‘EXTRAS’ In the first three weeks, when starter feed intakes are minimal, the extra energy required by calves, if temperatures drop below their lower critical temperature, must come from increasing the amount of milk or milk replacer fed.

“Aim to increase calf milk replacer by 100g per calf per day, split between two or three feeds, up to a maximum daily amount of 900g per day,” she adds.“Increase the volume of liquid from five to six litres per calf too and a ‘high’ 20% fat milk replacer will also boost the energy supply.”

1.

• • •

Housing Adequate space per calf.

Dry, draught-free, well-ventilated clean area.

Consider breathable calf jackets for calves under three weeks of age and extra bedding for nesting.

• Consistent environment to minimise stressful situations.

• Suitable design to accommodate changes in climate and environment.

2 Extra Nutrients • Select milk replacer to suit feeding system, calf type and growth goals.

“As a rule of thumb, for every degree the temperature drops below the calf’s lower critical temperature, the energy required for maintenance increases by 1%” Feeding techniques are important too. “Calves do not like cold milk, therefore it should be fed at or slightly above body temperature.

Calves need fresh, clean water from day 1 and encouraging starter feed intake is important – even if more milk replacer is fed. A texturised, coarse and muesli type starter feed will encourage intakes.”

HOUSING MANAGEMENT Calf care cannot be solely focused on what is being fed.The calf’s housing environment matters as we must help the calf conserve heat rather than just supply them with more energy to burn.

Experts recommend that producers monitor the temperature in the calf house; ideally with a digital thermometer at calf level. Unlike cow housing that heats up from the cows’ body heat, the calf house temperature will not vary too much from outside temperatures.“A calf does not produce much heat in comparison to an adult cow – so it will not heat up the house.”

• Consistent supply and availability of milk replacer for the number of calves.

• Feed at correct level (concentration and volume) and temperature to meet growth targets.

• During cold weather, consider increasing feed rate. For every 1°C drop in temperature below 15°C for calves less than 3 weeks old, maintenance energy requirement increases by 1%.

• Provide ad libitum access to a good quality calf starter feed and water, which should be changed daily (little and often) and straw in racks above the ground.

3 Hygiene and Feeding • Maintain strict hygiene procedures for buildings, feeding equipment and personnel.

• Avoid feeding cold milk.

• Observe calves on a regular basis for signs of ill health.

Bianca Theeruth, Technology Specialist (Calf & Heifer) Cargill Premix and Nutrition, UK & Ireland.

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FARM EMERGENCY PLANNING

STORMS, SNOW, SERIOUS INJURY: ARE YOU READY? As a military engineer in a previous life, Paul Lyons was involved in developing emergency plans. Here he shares that advice.

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e have had a number of extreme weather events in recent years that have literally hurled all sorts at the nation's farmers. Extreme winds bringing away roofs, damaging gusts downing ESB poles and leaving dairy parlours with no power and massive falls of snow hampering movement and freezing water supplies. It now seems that at least once a year, farmers will be faced with at least an extreme weather event to deal with. Unfortunately, there are many more types of emergency that can affect the smooth running of your farm such as injuries, power cuts etc. Often a small bit of preparation and forward planning can make a massive difference. It can mean the difference between fighting running battles to keep everything going or being prepared and able to break out emergency supplies or call on pre-arranged plans. In this article I want to discuss how other organisations plan for emergencies and give some examples of how this approach applies to farming.

preparation. Our instructors used to regularly refer to a number of time proven pieces of wisdom.The 5 P’s – Perfect planning prevents poor performance and another gem was the three outcomes of any situation: What's the worst that can happen? What's the best that can happen? What is the most likely thing to happen?

Maybe you are scratching your head wondering how this applies to a farm? The answer is that it applies to all businesses and organisations. I can give you a very good example. During the troubles in the north, a constant problem for shops and businesses was the threat of incendiary or explosive devices being placed in the shops. If they were the real thing, shops got burned or badly damaged, however if it was a hoax or false alarm situation, the business also suffered quite badly. Time and business was lost when the building had to be evacuated and searched only to come up empty handed; this caused much distress for all involved. For every actual device found, there were a large number of hoaxes and false alarms as staff got nervous and subversive organisations WHY PLAN? played on that fear. A solution was found where each business In a previous life, I was a military engineer and from time to time developed a 'bomb plan' to try to bring about some normality to that involved working on emergency plans both within the military, with An Gardai Siochana and the health service. I was involved in incidents such as evacuation of areas when old artillery shells were found during building works, evacuating city areas when explosive devices were reported and planning what to do in the event that a dangerous chemical was released from a factory accident. This was something I was trained for and something we regularly carried out drills to hone our skills to react to. Therein Figure 1 – Shop lies the answer to almost all emergency situations. Training and evacuation in Belfast Figure 2 – Storm Emma

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FARM EMERGENCY PLANNING the businesses and people involved.

The first task was to evacuate the public quietly, orderly and safely. Then the building was searched by staff to find anything out of the ordinary. They were best prepared for this task as they were looking at the shop floor day in and day out. Finally if something was found, a procedure was there in place to hand over to the police or army to deal with the device. Over time an extremely efficient system was put in place even in the face of life threatening situations. Shop staff kept a close eye on the location of stock on the floor, position of rubbish bins etc. so that in an event, anything out of the ordinary could be spotted quickly and areas declared clear, the building was returned to normal in the quickest possible time. In the face of some of the direst situations, a kind of normality continued due to some planning.

What's the best that can happen? - The wind is not as bad as predicted, you get away with light damage.

• Laminate this list and put in a few areas around the farm.

• Find your eircode which will allow for What's most likely to happen? - If you are the easy location of your property. in the path of the storm, it is most likely to • Establish a routine for risky jobs so that affect you or your neighbours. family can check up on you if you are not What to plan for: In this situation, seen for an overly long period. ensuring that you or your farm are not • Assess each new weather situation and placed in danger is the most important see how you can best prepare. factor and should be avoidable. Plan to

have vehicles under cover during the storm where possible.

Check outbuildings that may be in bad repair and try to ensure loose roof materials are secured. Look around the farm yard and secure or store anything that the winds could make airborne: roofing sheets, silage plastic, plastic drums.

If power is interrupted do you need a back-up generator to run milking machines?

EXAMPLE 1 – SERIOUS If so, get it out and running, check for oil INJURY ON A FARM and water so it’s in maximum preparedness.

By their nature, emergencies rarely Finally plan to have your daily farm tasks happen with time to plan and in farming it's completed before the passing of the storm no different. However, with some planning, the so you can wait it out indoors. stress, cost and time required to deal with these situations can all be dramatically CHECK LIST FOR AN decreased. Time in agriculture is something EMERGENCY PLAN that is difficult to put a value on but once • Put together a list of important phone thing is for certain, it’s impossible to replace. numbers. Other family members involved in Take the example of a serious injury occurring the farm, local doctor, local fire brigade, local to yourself, a family member or an employee vet and perhaps back up vet, a neighbour on your farm. Do you have a procedure in who could come to your aid if you’re out of place for what to do? Maybe you have given action, ESB (in event of power issue), local it some thought and the local doctor's number water company, plumber, electrician, might be saved in your phone or it may be as insurance contacts. simple as dialling 112 for emergency services.

However, what if you were severely incapacitated and unable to call; do your family or employees know who to call? If they do, could they guide emergency services to the farm with directions? Even if you only plan for this one eventuality, it could prove a life saver in the future. See the check list at the end of this article for a sample of what contact numbers to put together.

I hope this article has been helpful or has given some food for thought to get out there and review your current planning.

There is also a wealth of resources online but my opinion; the best way to start is with the simple things, phone numbers and some preparation.

Office of Emergency Planning www.emergencyplanning.ie Health and Safety Authority – www.hsa.ie, type farming in the search bar and quite a few guidance documents are available for download Iowa State University – http://www.prep4agthreats.org/All-HazardPreparedness/farm-emergencypreparedness-plan. A very good website that focuses on farm emergency planning.

Paul Lyons is a Design Engineer with Bo Steel who specialise in cattle, sheep and equine solutions. Email: Paul.lyons@built2last.ie

EXAMPLE 2 – WEATHER EMERGENCY As I mentioned in the start of the piece, extreme weather events were the trigger for me to write this piece. Usually we get some notice of these happening, in this example say it’s a storm bringing high winds.A helpful thing would be to look at the event in question and see about how it could affect you.

What's the worst that could happen? Roofs of farm buildings could be damaged, tractors and other vehicles could be struck by flying debris.You or your family/employees could be struck or blown off your feet needing medical treatment?

Figure 3 – Emergency services dealing with a farm incident

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CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO AMMONIA EMISSIONS:

THE COW TOILET A reputable, established Dutch agricultural company Hanskamp will soon release onto the market a product called CowToilet which they say will solve much of the ammonia release from urine issues with dairy cows, says owner Henk Hanskamp.

their impact? We started by focusing on ammonia emissions.

There are already many companies working on low emission flooring and air scrubbers, for example.

“However, these are all end of pipe solutions. We investigated This innovative system is designed to collect a cow's urine. By solving the problem at the source, with the main question being: ensuring that the urine stays separated from the manure, there is how can you separately collect urine and manure? Emissions are considerably less ammonia emission. The CowToilet deals with only released when urine and manure make contact.” the ammonia problem at the source.

The CowToilet is an automatic urinal that cows use voluntarily.

COWTOILET, A TOILET FOR COWS The innovation has been designed to collect the urine before it Hanskamp has been developing a toilet for cows, the CowToilet, hits the floor. Cows have a nerve reflex that causes them to since 2016. Hanskamp is a Dutch agricultural engineering immediately urinate. company inventing practice-based solutions for dairy farmers in With the CowToilet, Hanskamp has managed to automate this the fields of feeding, milk production and stabling. long-known technique to make a cow urinate.

Owner of Hanskamp, Henk Hanskamp says: “Cows contribute The CowToilet is placed against the cow's suspensory ligament directly to greenhouse gas emissions, so how can we reduce and moves in unison with the cow. The CowToilet is suspended

A REVOLUTIONARY SYSTEM THAT WILL SOLVE THE AMMONIA PROBLEM IN THE DAIRY INDUSTRY; THE COWTOILET

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CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS

so it can move freely from left to right and from front to back.

There is hardly any counter pressure; it merely needs to make contact with the exact position on the cow. The technique locates the nerve. Once located, the nerve, which triggers the urinary reflex, is stimulated and the cow starts urinating. As soon as the cow starts peeing, the urine runs through a sieve into the container where it is immediately extracted through a suction line.

The CowToilet allows urine to be collected separately, preventing it from touching the floor.

Noteworthy is that cows visit the CowToilet voluntarily. The visit to the toilet is combined with the receival of their daily portion of feed.

ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS ANIMAL WELFARE Because most of the urine is collected, an enormous reduction in ammonia emissions is achieved. This is good for both the environment and animal welfare; a healthier climate in the shed, as well. The CowToilet also offers economic advantages, as it

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CLIMATE CHANGE SOLUTIONS

saves on manure depositing costs and may even be an alternative to ammonia emission reducing floors. This system also offers great opportunities for new revenues.

Henk Hanskamp says: “The urine is stored separately from the manure, so we have two unique raw materials, instead of one waste product.

Plants can only process up to a certain amount of nitrogen.

The remaining amount acidifies the soil and affects the groundwater. High concentrations of ammonia are harmful to humans and animals.

To limit ammonia emissions from the agricultural sector, dairy farmers have to pay high fees to meet ammonia emission and

“Because most of the urine is collected, an enormous reduction in ammonia emissions is achieved” ““What do we do with this? We are currently running a pilot project with a local horti–culturist, who is using it as a fertiliser.

Pure urine can be used as a high-quality raw material in, for example, precision fertilisation.

“There are also ongoing developments in which urine is used to generate 'yellow' power or as a source of hydrogen. The CowToilet by Hanskamp contributes to a sustainable and profitable future in dairy farming.”

manure disposal requirements. Therefore, ammonia reduction is a high priority for many dairy farmers.

The first CowToilet models are expected to be available from mid-2020. Hanskamp is represented in the E.U. We deliver our products through reputable milking machine dealers in UK and RoI. For more details on the CowToilet go to: www.hanskamp.nl/en/cowtoilet.

AMMONIA PROBLEM European agreements stipulate a reduction of ammonia emissions.

Following this, national limits aimed to reduce emissions have been implemented.

Approximately 90% of ammonia emissions come from agriculture, according to Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

When manure and urine mix, ammonia is formed. If this is released into the air, it can precipitate in nature, causing large amounts of nitrogen to end up on the ground.

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Watch the introductory video of Hanskamp’s CowToilet on YouTube : www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_W6XqJncb4&t=3s Please contact Mr H.J. Hanskamp (Director) for more information.

Tel: +31 (0)314 393797 info@hanskamp.nl www.hanskamp.nl/en

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DESIGN PLANNING

LONG TERM ADAPTABLE DESIGN PLAN IS ESSENTIAL

Farmers need to be able to change and adapt with markets to keep their business profitable and alive for the next generation, writes Aidan Kelly of Agri Design and Planning Services.

INTRODUCTION Every farmer needs a reliable, independent service from initial discussion to final designs and project completion. Whether you wish to upgrade or extend your existing facilities, develop a greenfield site or put a ten-year development plan in place, every farmer needs help to deliver the most labour efficient and costeffective layout.

Experience in managing diverse and challenging projects comes from my professional architectural & farming background. I was a new dairy entrant in 2013 and am now milking 140 cows with my father, while managing my growing design business. “I pride myself on efficient layouts, detailed drawings and working with the client to achieve the best design for their budget and farmyard.”

I offer a different perspective from what the farmer may have initially considered but at the end of the day, it is the clients' decision. I can only advise a person and give them different ideas and proposals, they must then decide which will work best in their farmyard or system and under their control. No two-farm yards are the same and no two people are the same, so I work with the farmer to help them to achieve the best outcome for themselves.

project can vary from €2,000 to €50,000 depending on the site conditions, levels and soil conditions. If you decide to raise a building 600mm / two foot to match an existing yard this could add €5,000/€8,000 to an overall project.

A new connection to the ESB network could cost €2000/€5000 for a standard connect and €2,000/20,000 for a three-phase connection. A three -phase connection is now required for most large milking parlours 26 unit to 60 units herringbone or rotary.

Three -phase is a better power source to work with as motors and machinery don’t need to run as hard as the power source is far greater putting less pressure on all equipment.

You need to be designing with the future in mind even if you’re not planning on expanding. The next generation may require your foresight for them to expand their business at a later point. In many cases this is not possible because of existing yards and building constraints. A decision must be made at this point to compromise future expansion in this location or look to a green field site with addition cost to allow for future expansion.

I believe that farmers need to be able to change and adapt with markets to keep their business profitable and alive for the next generation.

FARM YARD DESIGN AND OVERALL PLANNING Things to remember and consider

FARM PLANNING, BUILDINGS AND TAMS II

Farmers need to know what they want, what they need and what they can afford. A lot of farmers are putting the cubicle before the cow when it comes to capital investments. This can be the right decision in some farmyard and the wrong decision in other farm yards. The farmer must be able to make bank repayments, support his family and be happy that the new investment will make his life easier or generate a better income from this investment.

A strict budget is something that all farmers need to be fully aware of and should have one in place before construction ever takes place. In my experience most projects I am involved in run over budget by 10 to 15% on extras and things that farmers just did not budget for. For example, stone fill required for a new

Top five points to consider when making a planning permission or Tam II application

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1. Planning permission will take up to four months, and can sometimes be delayed with further information up to six months.

Give yourself plenty of time and apply early to be ready to avail of the new grants. Planning permission lasts for five years.

2. The cost of planning permission to the local County Council is a maximum of €300 and a maximum of €900 for retention applications in agriculture. There are also development contrition charges to be considered in certain County Councils. Most councils allow the first 500m2 free from this charge but beware that a

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DESIGN PLANNING retention application may be exposed to this total charge. The charge can range from €6 per m2 in Kilkenny county councils to €3 per m2 in Laois county councils. Each county council has different charges. Cork County Council has no charges as of yet.

3. The location of the proposed building is very important. I have been in too many farmyards where there has been no thought put into a building’s location that allows for possible expansion in the future.When planning a building you should be thinking what building/ structures you could require in the next ten years. Consider this and if possible do a ten year farm plan. As the proposed building may be in the way for future development within the farmyard as farm building can have a life span of 30-100 years.

4. Have a look at different sheds recently built on other local farms that you could take ideas from. Chat to the farmers in relation to their designs, builders they used and find out the drawbacks and changes they could have made in hindsight. Once the shed is lodged to your local council there can be very little charges made.

These drawing are the ones that the grant inspector will be working too if availing of a Tam II grant.

5. Consider animal and machinery moment within the farm yard.

Clean and dirty yards.

6. Utilise existing building and combine with proposed building if 5. Timing of planning permission.The new TAMS II SCHEME opens in possible. trenches. You may receive your planning and then have to wait a 7. Farm safety must always be considered in all new designs and further four months for a trench to close. The process of receiving layouts. planning and then the grant could take up to 8 months. It may take 8. Can the farm afford this development? Do you require it?

“From being a new entrant in 2013 I am now milking 140 cows with my father” another month before you are allowed to start. So in reality you need to allow 12 month at a minimum before you could start you proposed building.

TOP TEN POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING A FARM YARD (GENERAL) 1. Weather and the orientation of the proposed building.

2. Proposed building needs to be a minimum from public/private well of 100m for new farmyard or 60m in an existing farmyard, 30m in existing farmyards subject to a hydro-geological survey being carried out.

3. A storage facility for silage effluent/slurry/soiled water should be located not less than 50m from any waterbody in the case of new farmyards, and not less than 10m in the case of extensions/ modifications to an existing facility.

4. Any land drains shall be stopped at least 10m on the upstream side of a site and diverted around to re-connect with the drainage system at least 10m on the downstream side of the storage area.

9. Always allow and plan for future expansion and developments.

Try and used a professional farm designer or advisor to help you achieve the best design for your farming system.

10. Remember it is very easy for you to change designs and ideas on paper with a designer but once the builder is on site any changes can cost money and delay a project.

KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER WITHIN THE DESIGN OF FARM BUILDINGS • • • • • • • •

Length, width and height to eaves Roof cladding material Wall cladding material Roof slope/pitch Floor slopes, drainages and soakaways Weight requirements (e.g. grain storage or silage pits) Energy efficiency and potential for renewable energy generation Ventilation (inlets and outlets)

AND SPECIFICALLY, FOR LIVESTOCK BUILDINGS: • Inlet ventilation above animal level • Stocking density • Type and size of animal • Amount of natural light required • Natural or controlled ventilation • Feeding regime, management and route • Animal Access and handling facilities accessible • Slurry and waste management • Safety for Farmer and animal

KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING A FARM BUILDING FOR A TAM II GRANT • All department of agriculture food and the marine specifications s100 to s197 must be followed to attained you Tam II Grant • Full planning permission or a planning exemption is required • A roof pitch of 12° which will require lapped sheeting and 15° for a closed roof • You can only connect to an existing building, if it was built in a pervious grant scheme

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DESIGN PLANNING

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FLOOR PLAN EXTRA TANK

• You can build beside an existing building but the new building will need to be self-supporting • All steel used must be CE marked and come from CE marked and registered contractor • All steel to be shot blasted and paint to grant spec or galvanised dripped • All slurry agitation points in existing building connected to proposed building must be external and in compliance with s123.

• No agitation points in feeding areas or in area that could be roofed at a later date • Concrete for silos, silage aprons, silage effluent stores, aprons, silo channels and purpose-built silage effluent tanks to be 45N • Concrete for all other purposes including slurry tanks to be 37N • Grant money can be taken back within the first five year if the investment is not being used for its proposed Tam II grant. For example, loose shed being used as workshop/ storage shed during winter months

KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER ESTIMATION ON CONSTRUCTION COST Milking parlour

€ 8,000 to €14,000 per unit This included milking equipment, shed, collecting yard and all concrete works (don’t not include bulk tank)

Bulk tank cost

€2.50 per Litre. Example 10,000L tank is 2.5 x 10,000 = €25,000

CONTACT DETAILS: Agri Design & Planning Services (ADPS) Molough, Newcastle, Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

Tel: 0857466211, Email: Aidan@ADPS.ie, www.adps.ie

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS CALOR BIOLPG – A NEW RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTION

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alor BioLPG is a new 100% renewable fuel option, exclusively available from Calor, and is an ideal energy solution for the numerous Irish farms and rural businesses that are aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Conventional Calor LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is already used by thousands of farms and rural businesses every day, providing off grid energy for a range of applications from

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instant hot water for dairy farms to efficient and controllable space heating for rearing sheds. Calor LPG is a versatile, portable and manageable fuel and is already one of the cleanest conventional fuels available. It is already recognized as a taint free fuel option for farmers, also producing far lower carbon emissions than oil, coal, peat and even electricity.

However, businesses making the switch to BioLPG will reduce their carbon emissions even further, offering a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 50% and up to 90%. BioLPG is delivered, stored and used in exactly the same way as conventional LPG. However, unlike conventional LPG, BioLPG is made from 100% renewable materials. These include recycled waste and residue materials and sustainably-sourced renewable vegetable oils.

So for those farms and businesses already using LPG powered applications, the switchover process is extremely simple. There is no need to change existing LPG powered equipment.Typically, any equipment that is currently fuelled by oil can operate on BioLPG, with a straightforward conversion similar to that needed for a switch to conventional LPG - making renewable heat an affordable option for businesses also.

Contact Calor on 1850 812 450 to arrange a call from a Calor Energy Consultant or visit calorgas.ie for more information.

How Dipetane Works: Dipetane uniquely addresses and solves the fundamental problem existing in standard combustion, which is that some of the valuable carbon remains unburnt. Irish scientists are the first and only scientists worldwide who have discovered how to enable the existing fixed oxygen to gain proper access to burn the valuable carbon much more completely compared to standard combustion.

Injector Protection: Dipetane protects costly injectors and valve stems from the EC 90% cut in sulphur, the sulphur had been acting as a lubricant for Injectors and valve stems.

Dipetane’s full burning of the carbon leaves no hard unburnt carbon grating in the system and combined with its built in lubricant greatly increases lubrication thereby protecting injectors and valve stems.

DPF’s-Diesel Particle Filters: Minimising regeneration, minimising fuel usage and protecting DPF’s is very efficient. As mentioned above protecting DPF’s through the use of Dipetane is critical and very costeffective. Dipetane treated fuel’s unique ability to burn the carbon more completely, compared to all standard fuels means that much less un-burnt carbon enters the DPF and therefore the regeneration occurs less often. In some 6.8 Litre engines Dipetane’s use has extended the regeneration from 70 hours out to over 200 hours. This is a substantial fuel saving and protects the DPF from the very high revs involved in the regeneration process.

Up to 10% fuel savings: Dipetane’s independent Scientific Chassis Dynamometer and Boiler Tests under controlled conditions show up to 10% fuel savings. Mix rate for Dipetane is always 1:200. 1 Litre treats 200 Litre’s Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene, Heavy Oil. It does not change the spec of the fuel. It is not an ‘additive’, being 100% hydro-carbon.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS B

BIOCEL LTD LEADS THE CHARGE IN THE REDUCTION OF CHLORINE / CHLORATE RESIDUES iocel Ltd the leading Irish supplier of Hygiene & Teat Care products for over 50 years, are continuing to lead the charge in the reduction of chlorine associated residues with a range of new and improved Chlorine free products. These new products, in combination with existing proven products, offer the industry an option to clean dairy equipment Chlorine free.

Biocel Ltd have worked very closely with the industry both at farm and processing level since the challenge of TCMs & more recently Chlorates arose in the industry enabling the company to have a deep understanding of the challenge from “farm to fork”.

Circodine P & Multisan / Aquasan, the Biocel Ltd trusted & proven chlorinated products are now available in chlorine free formulations under the brand names Circodine CF & Multisan CF.These new products, in conjunction with the Biocel unique Peracetic Acid products Serpent /Hydrox 5 offer a totally Chlorine free system for the cleaning and disinfection of milking plant & bulk tanks.

The products & cleaning programs have been tested and proven in a combination of Moorepark and farm trials ensuring they deliver quality results comparable to systems using chlorine based cleaners, while also eliminating and reducing TCM & Chlorates residues.The Biocel Chlorine free system also offers added saving in both water heating and usage costs.

The key to maintaining quality results when using a Chlorine free wash routine are: 1 Attain an adequate wash temperature in the hot wash with target dump temperature of 60°C. 2 Follow a rigid program of using Serpent as a disinfectant/ scale preventative or descale weekly as part of the program.

3 If the wash struggles to reach an adequate temperature or the plant is difficult to clean due to a large number of units combined with the presence of milk meters, a hot wash with Circodine CF, Multisan CF, Serpent or Hydrox 5 should be carried out weekly as part of the routine or alternatively carry out a chlorinated wash with Circodine P, Multisan or Aquasan combined with an extra final rinse with Serpent added to remove any potential chlorine residues.

For more information on the Biocel Ltd, chlorine free products & wash programs visit www.biocel.ie or call 021 4353516 for a free consultation with our Dairy Hygiene Technical team.

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IRISH FARM BUSINESS – DAIRYING

PRODUCT NEWS FLOGAS SOLVES HOT WATER DILEMMA FOR TIPPERARY FARMER

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olling hills surround Mark Tobin’s dairy farm just south of Cahir in Co. Tipperary. Run by Mark and ably assisted by his father Willie, like many others, his farm was reliant on an electric water heating system for its day to day activities. He found that using hot water twice a day was becoming a push too far and, in the winter, the cold weather played havoc with the immersion.

Just over two years ago, Mark and his team were building a new milking parlour and decided to start afresh with a new system.

Mark had been impressed with good reviews of a nearby dairy farm that had converted to Flogas for its hot water needs, so he

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got in touch with Tommy Murray, the local Flogas sales representative, to arrange a free site visit and assessment.

Depending on the size of the herd, the Flogas LPG Dairy Hot Water System comprises one or more high-powered water heaters, mounted on an external or internal wall, and piped to a Flogas LPG bulk tank. It then produces hot water from 37oC 85oC instantly, eliminating hot water storage costs completely. An easy to use wall-mounted temperature controller allows you to decide the heat level you need at the touch of a button.

Tommy Murray brought along Brian Condon, the local RGI installer, to discuss the farm’s needs with Mark and in his case, they recommended a single powerful water heater piped to a 0.5 tonne Flogas bulk tank. Once the go-ahead was given, the changeover was completed in one day, with minimal disruption to the farm’s operations.

A recent innovation has been the installation of an LPG powered radiant heater in the milking parlour. The overhead heater, thought to be the first used on a farm using Flogas LPG, was Mark’s idea, and was done by Brian Condon. The result is an easily controllable heater that sits above the milking parlour, providing an extra layer of comfort and warmth during the colder winter months.

Mark Tobin said, “We had a lot of problems, especially in the winter time with freezing issues. Add to that the constant need to heat hot water throughout the day so the Flogas system we now have in place is far more efficient which makes life a lot easier”.

For more information visit www.flogas.ie/dairy

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HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITY

“TWO BUCKETS ARE EASIER CARRIED THAN ONE,” AS SEAMUS HEANEY WROTE

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However, uncertain times abound, there is always more work to do & risk to manage and labour scarcity is increasingly evident & problematic in the Agriculture sector. armers typically work on their own without a boss or any form of supervision. Often with no employees. Average age is high. Older farmers are often self-trained. It is now common for farmers to work in the dark trying to cope with the time demands associated with farm work after doing a full day of off-farm employment. Most farms have evolved over time without planned designs. Safety inspectors frequently notice things are tied up with string, inadequate crush barriers and it is not unusual to find a risk around every corner, such as a cover missing from an agitation point, where someone has forgotten to cover it, leading to a seriously dangerous workplace.

As I write, there is much talk of food imports and exports with farmers’ investments rattling their nerves. The pressure is on and the uncertainty surrounding the potential CHAOS is palpable. There will be plenty of disharmony & worry but experience tells us like all things time and tide waits for no-one.

Each day will bring a new dawn and now that the lambing and calving seasons are concluding, the rushing and sleepless nights take their toll. It is time to rest, recoup but alas the 2019 season progresses.

Thoughts move quickly on to slurry spreading, shed cleaning, repairs and planning the silage supply for next winter. For some it may be commonplace not to take safety precautions, saying, sure it will be fine and holding a strong belief that it will never happen to me.

As farmers are self-managing and self-sustaining there is an increasing need to build more structure, planning and routine into how to execute work safely. Farmers are conscientious and interested in showcasing how professional their enterprise is. An analysis of farm fatalities (2004-2017) indicates almost one third are triggered by a loss of control of a means of transport.

It is vital you ask yourself some simple questions: • Who drives the vehicles on my farm?

• Who is trained to drive them?

• Do I manage traffic coming in, going out and driving around my farm?

• How fit and able is the person(s) driving?

• Can they react fast enough to mitigate risks?

• Who has access to farm machinery keys?

The figures show that tractors and quad bikes are the biggest killers.

But when did you do a training course for either? It is time to take driving farm machinery seriously, be more professional in our approach and more open to the benefits of being fully competent trained drivers. It makes work easier, machinery more efficient, less damage to machinery & buildings and peace of mind with a safer work environment for all, including the kids running down to see the calves or lambs. With such high death tolls involving tractors why, do so few apply for the actual ‘Tractor License’? In what other industry is it possible to drive such large vehicles without specific training and examination for the environment in which it is used?

Let us not forget how important a well-maintained tractor is by ensuring the following: • A cab or safety frame to OECD standards must be fitted. Look for corrosion on frames of older tractors • Always ensure that the tractor can be started with the key and that the engine-stop control is effective • The vehicle controls should all be in working order and clearly marked. A tidy cab allows safe and easy use of the controls • Ensure that the cab floor is kept clear to allow safe use of brakes and clutch • Brakes should be in good working order, balanced and interlocked, except when being used for field work • A properly functioning handbrake is essential • Ensure that the power take-off (PTO) can be turned on and off correctly, and that the PTO shield is kept in place at all times • The hitch points of both tractor and trailer must not be worn • Do not leave the tractor seat while the engine is running • Maintain all tractor components, including hydraulics, u-guard and hitches Don’t forget to complete your Farm safety code of practice risk assessment which will identify what you need to do to make your farm safer for all.

In addition, remember priority must always be given to: Advance planning, Operator training, Manage and control of machinery and animal movement, maintenance programmes and physical and mental health. YOU are the MASTER of your own destiny.

Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte: Health is better than wealth.

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Article by Martina Gormley (Health and Safety Authority).

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