December 2014 Newsletter
Milk price & supply, temporary leasing, health certificate, Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme, Drinagh Hi-Spec Mineral, Spring Dairy Seminar, Super Levy on Account, Platts Animal Bedding
Milk Price
The milk price for the month of November has been reduced by 1.5 cents per litre. This brings the price to 31.95 cents per litre (145.244 cents per gallon) at 3.60% butterfat and 3.30% protein, including a bonus of 0.88 cents per litre for a Somatic Cell Count of less than 200,000 and including VAT at 5.0%.
Milk Supply
The milk supply for the month of November was 5,435,595 litres (1,195,687 gallons) with an average butterfat of 4.42% and an average protein of 3.70%.
This represents a decrease of 1,408,284 litres (309,785 gallons) on butterfat adjusted supply compared to November 2013.
The Co-Op was 8.67% over quota at the end of the November.
The Department estimates that the country was 6.51% over quota at the end of November.
Temporary Leasing
Remember the closing date for applications to and from the second and final stage of temporary leasing is Friday 9th January 2015. Application forms (green forms) for those looking for quota are included in this month’s statements.
Applications forms (white forms) for those with spare quota who wish to lease into the pool are available from Seamus Daly in the Central Office.
Health Certificate – FINAL REMINDER
A number of suppliers have yet to submit a Dairy Health Certificate. We will be unable to collect milk from 1st January 2015 without receiving a completed cert. The white copies of pages 1, 3 and 4 should be sent to the Co-Op.
The cert should be signed by a vet and dated 2014. We have spare certs for anybody who has lost their original.
The completion of the cert is now an annual requirement.
If you intend to continue supplying into January, please attend to your Health Certificate obligations immediately to avoid unnecessary letters and phone calls.
Seasons Greetings
Our Board of Directors, Management & Staff would like to wish all our milk suppliers, customers & shareholders a Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme
The Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme is now in full swing with over 170 suppliers after having completed their inspections and a further 50 suppliers will have their inspections carried out in the next few weeks. These 220 suppliers will receive over €90,000 in SDAS bonuses next year.
No major issues have been raised during the audits thus far. If any problems are raised during the audit, each supplier is given a number of weeks to fix the problem. Once the issue is rectified photographic evidence is taken and sent on to Bord Bia in order for the farm to get certified. Common problems are not having adequate remedy usage records, no water test or no health cert, all of which are easily solved. Now is an ideal time to have your inspection. Anyone interested in getting certified should contact Tim Regan to organise their inspection.
Drinagh Hi-Spec Mineral
Drinagh are proud to announce that we have formulated our own Hi Spec pre calver mineral specifically for the Drinagh Co-op catchment area. As there are a vast number of pre calver minerals available on the market we felt it was important to provide our customers with a quality pre calver that they can have confidence in.
The new pre calver will provide vital levels of minerals (both macro & micro), vitamins and trace elements to incalf cows and heifers. Feeding minerals will help to prevent problems such as retained placentas, lazy calvings and ensure that your calving season runs smoothly. Special introductory offer available - buy 10 & get 1 free. Speak to Richard Murphy/ David Shiels or call to your local branch for more information.
Spring Dairy Seminar
The Co-Op will hold a Spring Dairy Seminar in the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen on Wednesday 21tst January 2015 at 8.30pm. Guest Speakers will include Dan McSweeney, CEO of Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd and Don Crowley of Teagasc. All are welcome to attend.
Score Drinagh Feeds Notice
Christmas Working Arrangements:
Wednesday Dec 24th Open 9am-1pm
Closed Dec 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th
Tuesday Dec 30th Open 9am-5pm
Wednesday Dec 31st Open 9am-1pm
(Closed half day for stock take)
Thursday Jan 1st Closed
Normal working hours thereafter
To maintain our good service we would appreciate if orders were in as early as possible before Christmas.
At Score Drinagh Feeds we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for your valued custom, support and loyalty throughout the year. We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and look forward to your continued trade in 2015.
Super Levy on Account
Super levy on account deductions will be made next month on suppliers December milk accounts where their adjusted milk supply has exceeded the individual milk quota. The deduction is 15.00 cent per litre.
Be Winter-Ready
With cooler temperatures forecast it is important for farmers to be winter ready. Freezing conditions can cause havoc with water supply and access in and out of the farm. The winter ready website which provides advice for farmers on how to prepare their farm for the challenges that cold weather can bring. The website address is www.winterready.ie.
Platts Animal Bedding
Drinagh are now stockists of Platts Powder Bed. This is a very fine absorbent softwood sawdust, ideal for use on cubicles and keeps cows drier for longer. When cows are housed their exposure to mastitis causing bacteria in the environment will be higher. Powder bed can be mixed with cubicle lime and dusted on cubicles to keep cows clean, dry and comfortable which will help reduce the risk of mastitis. It is also useful if lime is hard on cows udders or where cows are licking lime dusted on cubicles. Available in 20kg bags. Contact Michael Galvin in Drinagh Central Hardware (028) 30800 for more information.
REMINDER
Temporary leasing closing date Friday 9th January 2015.
Co-Op 8.67% and Country 6.51% over quota at the end of November