Dairygold is Ireland's largest co-operative, supporting farmers for generations.

Take Action Now on Winter Fodder Stocks

Key Takeaways

• Do a fodder budget – Assess whether you need to take extra bales or third cut to fill your winter fodder stocks –
• Grass growth is 10% behind year to date and farmers have less P& K spread.
• Take advantage of higher grass growth potential from applied fertiliser in July over August applications
• Take action early to ensure you have enough fodder and keep overall costs in balance.
• Contact you Dairygold ASM for support and advice on fodder stocks and diet formulation options to keep all animals fed optimally this winter.

Farming for Water

We invite you to attend a Dairygold and @Teagasc ‘Farming For Water’ event tomorrow on Thursday, 11^th July at 11am

Michael Harte appointed as new Dairygold Chief Executive

The Board of Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited is delighted to confirm that it has appointed Interim Chief Executive, Michael Harte, as the Society’s new Chief Executive. Michael has been a critical member of Dairygold’s Senior Leadership Team since his appointment as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2006. His expertise, influence and decision-making have significantly contributed to the development and implementation of the Society’s strategies during this period.

Farming for Water Event and Dairymaster Farm Open Day

Dairygold are excited to announce a Farming for Water event on the Dunnes’ family farm on Thursday, July 11th 2024, starting at 11am. This event will highlight the actions being taken by Dairygold and our farmers to protect and improve the Water Quality in our catchment area through the Grassroots Sustainability Bonus and other on-farm practices.

This event will be held in conjunction with the Dairymaster Farm Open Day (12-4pm), where the Dunnes will showcase the latest in dairy farming, including their 26-unit Dairymaster Swiftflo Swing parlour.

Join us on the day to engage with key industry stakeholders such as Teagasc, Bank of Ireland, Munster Bovine, FRS and many more.

See you there on the farm of John, Noreen and Billy Dunne, Ballyhimikin, Ladybridge, Co. Cork, P25 D938!

MAKING THE MOST OF LATE SUMMER GRASS GROWTH WITH LOWER N ALLOWANCE

Farmers across the country are working to reduce nitrogen use on farm in order to preserve water quality and reduce emissions. However, concerns remain regarding limited N allowances that will impact grass yields. For consistent growth with less fertiliser, we must maximise the efficiency of the N that is applied.

Dairygold farmers ‘Wrap it Pink’ for the 10th year running

Dairygold farmers prepare to ‘Wrap It Pink’ in support of breast cancer awareness

Dairygold is once again transforming the landscape of rural Ireland with the launch of its successful ‘Wrap It Pink’ campaign in association with the Irish Cancer Society. This is the 10^th year of the successful partnership between the Irish Cancer Society and Dairygold.

Denise Week’s Milk Efficiencies Video

Watch Milk Advisor Limerick Region Raymond Ryan talk to Denise Weeks on Milk Efficiencies that she carries out on her farm in Kilfinane, Co. Limerick

The status of soil chemical health

Soil chemical health is on the decline. 2022 was poorer than 2021 and 2023 results have shown a further decline since 2022.

In an era of declining nitrogen fertiliser allowances, soil chemical health is hugely important to allow our farmers to continue to grow the grass needed to drive our sustainable and profitable farming systems.

Our number one priority to improve soil chemical health.

Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards

Dairygold announces winners of its annual Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards

(Friday 31st May, 2024) – Tipperary dairy farmer and Dairygold milk suppliers Aidan and Derval Kennedy from Drangan House, Cahir, Co. Tipperary, were declared the Overall Winners of the 2023 Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards. The awards were presented at an awards ceremony in Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co. Cork.

Munster Bovine Appoints Chief Executive

The Board of the Munster Cattle Breeding Group, trading as Munster Bovine confirms that it has appointed current interim Chief Executive, Martin Kavanagh as the new Chief Executive following a  search process.

A graduate of Veterinary Medicine, Martin has over thirty years’ experience across a variety of commercial, technical and veterinary roles and had served as Munster Bovine’s interim Chief Executive since November 2023.

Peak Milk, Peak Profits: Boosting Dairy Profits in 2024

Efficient milk production from grass-fed cows is a significant challenge for dairy farmers this Spring according to Philip O’Connor, Head of Farm Supports, ifac. However, with careful management and tactical feeding practices, it is possible to optimise milk yields while maximising the utilisation of available resources.

Dairygold announces additional supports for its Tillage and Beef Customers

The Dairygold Board and Management are aware of the financial challenges facing farmers due to the recent adverse weather conditions and today, has announced a number of additional measures to support its beef and tillage customers.

Dairygold Agribusiness helping you overcome the current weather challenges

Dairygold and Tirlán join forces in FarmGen Collaboration

Dairygold and Tirlán are collaborating to expand on-farm Solar PV programme

Dairygold and Tirlán have joined forces to further strengthen the dairy sector’s sustainability efforts by rolling out Tirlán’s renewable energy solutions programme FarmGen to Dairygold suppliers across the Munster region.

The new partnership between two of the leading farmer-owned co-operatives is a clear indication of the dairy sector’s commitment to embracing new technologies to cut on-farm emissions and help farm families operate more sustainably and efficiently.

Poor Soil Chemical Health Costs The Average Dairy Farmer €4000 Per Year!

Health at Farms Level:

Between 2015 to 2019 some gains were made in terms of soil chemical health, however between 2021 and 2023 Dairygold dairy suppliers farms are showing a combined 14% drop in soil chemical health.

Nutrition Matters & Grass Tetany Advice

The rain has fallen. Hopefully now it wont forget to stop!!
But grass growth should be good and our nutritional priorities for the summer will be to maintain grass quality, maintain milk yields and maximize milk protein %.
We of course need to take stock, access where we are from a forage standpoint, and use fertiliser to maximize grass growth from here to year end. Grass tetany is caused by a lack of magnesium (Mg) absorption. Grass tetany affects muscle function, hence the trembling/twitching/trashing. Death iscaused by the heart (a muscle) giving up.

Time to Get Your Grass Tested? Here’s How With Dairygold

Dairygold Agri Business have silage testing available, where either individuals can take their silage samples themselves or a Sampler can be sent out on farm to take samples using a corer for more accurate results. These samples are then analysed in Lombardstown Analytics Services Laboratory and results are sent out to the customer.

Fuel Prices

As part of Dairygold ‘BUY for’ scheme, Dairygold and Top oil have reached an agreement which will allow Dairygold members, Account holders and Employees to apply for a Dairygold Top Oil fuel card. Fuel Card customers can purchase road diesel, Unleaded and Sulphur Free Gas Oil at most major petrol stations in your local area.

The Dairygold Top Oil fuel card provides savings on your fuel purchases and includes the following benefits;

• A weekly fixed price for Road Diesel and Unleaded.
• Weekly price notification by text.
• Accepted at most major service stations.
• Detailed invoice and transaction reports.

The Dairygold Top Oil fuel card allows easy management of all fuel purchases. There is no need to keep fuel purchase receipts, as your invoice and transaction report has this information, which makes completing monthly farm accounts easier.

For more information contact the Inside Sales Team on 022 31644.