National farm walk hosted by EBI winners September 8
The Crookstown Discussion Group from Mid Cork, joint winner of the 2009 EBI group competition, which will host a major national open day on September 8 at the Leahy Farm in Crookstown. Included, from left, are Jerome Desmond, Seamus Lordan, Teagasc,... Credit: Photo by Catherine Ketch
THE 12-member Crookstown Discussion Group, joint winners of the 2009 EBI group competition will host a national open day on September 8 to highlight their achievement and showcase the best in mid Cork dairy farming.
The EBI competition was based on dairy herd breeding achievements of the group and on the operation of the group which is part of the Dairygold/ Teagasc Group Programme and has been in existence for many years with members assisting each other both on and off farm.
The event takes place on Liam Leahy's farm at Bridelands, Crookstown, Co. Cork on the N22. Liam's herd of 90 Holstein cows (herd EBI 94) is based on a variety of Irish proven and imported bulls.
Attendees can interact with group members by joining one of the ad hoc discussion groups on the day on Breeding Cows/EBI, Replacement Management, Grassland Management and Expansion Planning and Financial Management as well as an open forum.
An open forum will also be held where Liam Leahy and the group will combine with an invited panel to discuss issues raised on the day and to look at expansion of the Irish dairy industry.
Group spokesperson Richard Hinchion said that as a result of the Harvest Report there was a lot of talk about expansion and that they will be focusing in their walk on how farmers can achieve that financially, with the right genetics and with the greatest efficiency which he said was the key to survival of the dairy farmer.
All Dairygold Suppliers are invited to attend. Groups will leave the farmyard from 11.30am to 2pm. Contact Chairman Denis O'Leary (086) 8852221 or Seamus Lordan, Teagasc Macroom (026) 41604 to arrange a time.
- CATHERINE KETCH
