Agricultural Products & Services

Soil Sampling

Soil sampling provides essential information regarding the nutrient status of soil. Soil can be tested for pH, lime requirement, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The results of the samples will provide information on the areas of your farm that has low, medium or high soil fertility. This allows for the efficient use and correct planning of lime, fertiliser and slurry applications for the next 3 – 5 years. Increasing your soil fertility will increase the amount of grass that can be grown on your farm. For best results, soil samples should not be taken for up to three months after the last application of P and K, and 2 years after the last lime application. Please see the attached example soil report ().

Silage Analysis

Both mineral and forage analysis can be carried out on silage samples. Mineral analysis will help identify any deficiencies, and form the basis for balancing individual animal groups’ mineral requirements. Providing the correct mineral balance will optimise animal performance. Forage analysis tests for dry matter, pH, ammonia, protein, metabolisable energy and DMD. The test shows how the crop has saved, and the feeding quality of the silage. Please see the attached silage analysis flyer () and an example silage report ().

Silage corers are available for collection from Tim Regan at Drinagh Central Office.

Nutritional Expertise

Correct nutrition is a key component of a healthy and profitable herd. Score Drinagh Feeds prides itself on not only supplying quality feed, but also supporting their customers with the most up to date nutritional advice.

Assistance can vary from in-house nutritional advice on all feed related issues, to providing outside technical expertise where required. For any general or specific nutritional advice, please do not hesitate to contact Donal Murphy at Drinagh Feed Mill at 028-30800 or 086-2696570.

Grass Seed

Drinagh offers a comprehensive range of grass seed mixtures. These mixtures are updated annually to include the latest top performing varieties available. All mixtures are specifically selected for our area, and to deliver the highest quality grass seed mixes to our customers. Only the leading grass varieties are selected from the recommended list for our grass seed mixtures. Special mixes and monocultures are also available to cater for each individual's own requirement.

For advice on all grass seed mixtures, please contact Tim Regan at Drinagh Central Office on 028-30800 or 086-8241635.

Please download our Grass Seed Mixtures brochure for 2019 () for more information.

Grassland Herbicides & Pesticides

Drinagh stocks a full range of grassland herbicide products. Weeds can have a serious effect on grass and silage yields; it can be assumed that for a 5% weed infestation in paddocks that grass yields would also be reduced by 5%. Common weeds such as docks, thistles and nettles left uncontrolled can quickly take over pastures. These weeds can be controlled, to achieve best results and best value for money, the right product and the right stage is essential.

Please download our Grassland Weed Control Guide 2019 () for more information, or for specific advice on the use of grassland herbicides and pesticides, please contact Tim Regan at Drinagh Central office on 028-30800 or 086-8241635.

Mineral Analysis

Forage and soil analysis has shown that most soils in our local area are deficient in the key trace elements selenium, iodine, zinc and copper. These trace elements have major roles in animal performance and fertility.

Mineral imbalances can cause major loss of income to farmers. Correct mineral, trace element and vitamin balance is essential for the prevention of a wide range of problems, including lameness, reduced immunity, and a reduction in live-weight gain. Feeding a very good quality pre-calver or dry cow minerals to cows for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before calving is advisable.

A full range of minerals are available from your local branch, or Drinagh Feed Mill.