The group was formed by our local Department of Agriculture Dairy Development Advisor, Gareth Gormley who approached 10 local farmers achieving approximately 4000 litres of milk from forage. The aim of the group is to investigate the potential of increasing net farm profit through further exploitation of grassland mangement techniques. A target of 4500 litres from forage has been set.
The group will be meeting regularly during the grazing season on a members farm. Hosting the group is a condition of membership. The visits are organised by Gareth Gormley and are also attended by Dr. David Patterson a technologist from Greenmount Agricultural College.
Patrick Lennon - In February the group went to see the farm of Group Member Patrick Lennon who is operating a NZ Style spring calving system.
September Meeting - At this meeting dry cow mangement was discussed.
Trip to West Meath - In December the group went to see extended grazing in operation on the farms of Michael Murphy & Kevin Cummins.
January Meeting - At this meeting we went to see Carrowreagh Farm. Managed by group member Ivor Lowry. This is one of the biggest dairy herds in Northern Ireland.
February Meeting - Visit to the farm of group member Rodney Gray. To see his extended grazing in operation.
March Meeting - Visit to Greenmount College to see the High Forage Herd and to use the computer suite to construct grass budgets.
2nd March Meeting - Joint meeting with Ardglass grazing group on the farm of Timothy Morrow. Who had all his stock at grass.
May Meeting - Visit to the farm of group member Patrick Lennon. Including a workshop by Leonie Foster.
August Meeting - Visit to the farm of group member Brian McCracken. Who has been able to make substantial savings in fertiliser this year.
September Meeting - Visit to the farm of group member Jay Warden.
March Meeting 1999- Special Feature on calf rearing on the farm of Timothy Morrow.
Autumn Trip 1999 - Visit to two farms in Counties Tyrone & Donegal
Page updated 14th February 2000
jason@loughries.demon.co.uk