Successful dairy farmers adapt to meet challenges. One of the challenges currently facing dairy farmers is the need to reduce the use of antimicrobials in dairy production.
CAFRE, Dairy UK and the Ulster Farmers’ Union have organised a conference for dairy farmers titled ‘Unlock your herd’s potential’ on Tuesday 19 November in CAFRE Greenmount Campus, and 20 November in The Silverbirch Hotel Omagh.
Speakers will focus on how they, as farmers, researchers, vets and advisers, promote herd health and subsequent performance by focusing on herd management practices. A number of international and local speakers will address delegates including:
Lloyd Holterman
Lloyd, Rosy Lane Holsteins, Wisconsin USA is milking 950 Holsteins with no antimicrobial use in the milking herd. This is achieved by focusing on; Great people, Measuring performance, Finances and record keeping, Herd genetics and Biosecurity with disease control.
Dr Leonel Leal
Leonel, Trouw Nutrition R&D and Wageningen University in the Netherlands will discuss research findings on calf rearing and how this impacts on the cow’s health and performance on entry to the milking herd.
Dr Sam Strain
Sam, Animal Health and Welfare Northern Ireland, will outline the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Sam will focus on the development of AMR on farms, human health implications and the need for change.
Samantha McCarroll
Samantha, a dairy farmer from Fintona, recently travelled to The Netherlands on a CAFRE Farm Innovations Visit (FIV’s). The visit focused on young stock rearing. Samantha will outline what she learnt from her visit and the changes she has adopted on the home farm.
Dr Aidan Cushnahan
Aidan, CAFRE Dairying Adviser, recently completed a study tour through the Farmers Club Charitable Trust where he studied the factors that may enhance the lifetime performance of dairy cows entitled: ‘Is a 50,000 litre Lifetime Production Herd Average a Reality?’ Aidan will discuss his findings.
Dr Brian McAuley & Dr Keith Sheridan
Local vets, Brian (Greenmount), and Keith (Silverbirch), will demonstrate how they have assisted clients with the implementation of herd health plans. These plans incorporate biosecurity measures, screening and vaccination programmes and standard operating practices for commonly occurring herd health issues.
Jason McFerran
Finally, Jason, CAFRE Agri-business, will discuss the need for farmers to measure in order to manage. Jason will identify key performance indicators and focus on how these can be used to manage herd performance.
To book your place. The conference is aimed at dairy farmers and all those with an interest in improving herd performance. Interest in this event is anticipated to be high so if you want to be guaranteed a place please book early. Conference costs £20 per person if booked on or before 8 November and £25 thereafter. Booking is via the UFU website www.ufuni.org/events
If you have difficulty booking online, please contact Angela Scott at UFU HQ on 028 9037 0222. Note: Places cannot be reserved and payment in full is required at the time of booking by credit or debit card.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption - Unlock your herd’s potential is a conference for Dairy farmers organised by CAFRE, Dairy UK and the UFU. Conference dates Tuesday 19 November, Greenmount Campus and Wednesday 20 November, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. Tickets cost £20 (booked before 8 Nov). Further details www.ufuni.org/events (Conference launch L-R Victor Chestnutt UFU, Don Morrow CAFRE, Dr Mike Johnston Dairy UK).
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