April 2016 Newsletter

Milk Price & Supply

The milk price for the month of March is - 26.71 cents per litre (121.43 cents per gallon) at 3.60% butterfat and 3.30% protein. This includes a bonus of 0.50 cents per litre for a Summer Somatic Cell Count of less than 200,000, an SDAS bonus of 0.15 cents per litre and VAT at 5.2%.

The average price paid for the month based on the average butterfat of 4.19% and protein of 3.22%, including SCC, SDAS bonuses and VAT is 28.35 cents per litre.

The milk supply for the month of March was 15,444,106 litres (3,397,221 gallons). This represents an increase of approx 30.09% on supply compared to March 2015

Knowledge Transfer Programme Discussion Groups

The Department of Agriculture launched the Knowledge Transfer (KT) Discussion Groups programme last year. The programme invites dairy farmers to join a discussion group for a three year period. The main areas of focus will be on profitability, breeding, animal health and environmental sustainability.

The KT groups require any farmer that joins the programme to:

• Attend 5 group meeting per year or 4 group meetings plus one department approved national event.
• Complete a farm improvement plan in year one. This plan will continue to be improved in year two and three.
• Draw up animal health plan in conjunction with an approved vet. ( cost approx. €150)

Any supplier that joins the programme will receive €750 per annum for being a discussion group member. Drinagh will facilitate as many of their suppliers as possible who wish to join a group. The aim is to have the discussion groups up and running by July 1^st 2016.

Drinagh Grass Seed

Included in this months statement is a Drinagh Grass seed brochure.

This brochure gives individual information on the varieties that make up the Drinagh grass seed mixes. When considering soil type and future use of the reseed it is important to select the right mix to get the best results.

This information will help you to select the mixture that best suits your needs this year.

2015 Bonus

At a recent Board meeting the bonuses for 2015 were approved. The Board agreed to pay 0.25 cents per litre on milk supplied in 2015 where purchases from the Society were greater than 7.0 cents per litre and 0.125 cents per litre where purchases were less than 7.0 cents per litre and greater than 5.0 cents per litre. No bonus is paid where purchases are less than 5.0 cents per litre.

A bonus of €7.50 per tonne of fertilizer and €10.00 per tonne of compounded ruminant feed purchased in 2015 was approved and a bonus of €2.50 on pig feeds and straights.

Score Calf Feeds

The number one choice as a follow on to coarse calf is Score PP 18% Calf nuts. Once calves go to grass it is recommended to go to Score 16% Calf nuts.

The Score Calf feeds range includes the Greenline Calf mineral package.

Greenline Calf contains:

• optimum levels of mineral and vitamin supplementation including biotin
• high levels of Vitamin E
• natural products such as yeast

The addition of Greenline Calf mineral to our diets will:

• improve calf health by removing bacteria from the gut wall and reduce the risk of scour
• act as an aid to digestion and minimise risk of digestive upsets
• stimulate rumen development leading to improved nutrient absorption and growth

Score Drinagh Feeds Spring Diets

Scenario A – Good grass growth rates

Score Protein Improver Nut

Our highest energy diet with protein at 14%. Protein Improver is designed to maximise milk protein output from spring calvers. Milk protein is directly linked to energy in the cows diet. Contains a high level of maize – the most suitable cereal to feed on a grass based diet.

High digestible fibre levels also included to support rumen function – reducing the risk of acidosis and low milk-fat syndrome on low fibre lush spring grass. Also contains Megalac to improve milk yield, fertility, body condition score and reduce risk of acidosis. Fertility booster mineral and cal-mag included, balanced for 3kg feeding.

Score Fertility Booster Booster Nut

An ideal diet for incorporating a fertility booster mineral and cal-mag when feeding levels fall to 2kgs per head per day. Maize based with protein at 14%. Added trace elements ensuring the cows daily requirements are met at lower feeding rates. Trace elements play a vital role in production and fertility during the breeding season. Balanced for 2kg feeding.

Scenario B - Low grass growth rates

Score 16% Dairy Nut

A proven diet that works in all conditions. High inclusion of cereal, including maize and added digestible fibre to help maintain rumen function on high quality spring grass. It is particularly useful when grass growth is poor and higher levels of meal feeding are required. Maintaining rumen function on a restricted grass - high ration diet is extremely important. When growth rates increase ration levels can return to lower levels. Cal-mag included and balanced for 3kg feeding.

Carbery Shares

The most recent valuation has put an indicative value of €3.08 cents on each share. All Carbery shareholders will shortly receive correspondence from Carbery in relation to their shareholding.