Dairy efficiency Programmes
Background
Bandon Co-op launched their Dairy Efficiency Programmes back in 2015. Since then the programmes have evolved in line with new innovations and science to where they are today.
The focus of the programmes are to improve both economic and environmental sustainability within farm gates through efficiencies by hitting key industry targets such as improved grass grown tonnage & utilisation, calving heifers at 22 – 26 months of age, and increasing EBI, fertility and kilos milk solids sold on farm.
The 3 key areas for focus are addressed in our efficiency programmes.
grass & soils Programme
The Bandon Coop Grass & Soil Programme is designed to increase grass yields and quality in a sustainable and economic way, by improving soil nutrient and biological fertility, to benefit cow health, productivity and profitability. Grass is the cheapest source of nutrients for ruminants, so it is important to maximise grass utilisation. As a result, of this programme, healthier soil will produce better quality forage for healthier livestock and a healthier environment, whilst helping to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability on-farm.
Key measures in this programme are undertaking soil analysis to help identify and correct any nutrient deficiencies in the soil; regular lime application to maximise nutrient use efficiency and nutrient availability; and grass measuring and recording to track the amount of grass available on the grazing platform at any one time, once you know how much grass your herd demands you can match your grass supply to the demand.
Breeding Programme
The Bandon Coop Breeding Programme offers our suppliers expert one-to one advice to aid them in their breeding decisions.
We take a holistic approach by reviewing the individual’s coop performance report, milk recording reports and fertility data, and then assist them in their breeding decisions based on their own focus areas and the type of animal they want to breed to suit their system into the future.
Tailor-made sire advice breeding plans can be completed for any supplier that wishes to avail of the service.
Heifer Programme
Poor fertility is often caused by heifers not reaching their target weights and being underweight by their mating start date (MSD). Underweight heifers will struggle to cycle correctly and in turn lead to poor conception rates. If these heifers do go in calf, they will struggle to meet their full mature bodyweight, they will produce less milk in their first and subsequent lactations, and will struggle to go back in calf and reach our target of 5+ lactations.
The Bandon Co-op Heifer Rearing Programme is designed to assist farmers to improve the efficiency of heifer rearing on farms by putting a greater focus on genetics and achieving weight targets. The aim of the programme is to ensure heifers calve down at 22-26 months to increase their lifetime profitability. This can be achieved by hitting target weights at key stages throughout the heifer’s life.
get in touch
If you need more information or want to sign up to any of our efficiency programmes, please contact your local sales representative or a member of the agri team