With COVID-19 continuing to restrict gatherings and large events, Lakeland Dairies continues to provide advice around the Breeding 2020 Season to its farmers with a series of videos, advice and information online.

Members of the Lakeland Dairies / Teagasc Joint Development Programme have been tracking the progress of three Lakeland Dairies farmers over the course of the breeding season. 

Co. Westmeath farmer Robert English, Co. Cavan farmer David Williamson and Co. Monaghan farmer Peadar Quinn have all opened their gates to inform farmers what they are doing as part of their breeding season. 

The first round of videos were filmed at the start of the breeding season and, with a month to go in the spring breeding season, a new round of videos have been launched on our website this week and shared through the Lakeland Dairies relevant social media channels.

Eamon Duignan General Manager of Lakeland Dairies Member Relations said it has been critically important to continue to keep farmers updated and informed while recognising the government guidelines on social interactions.

“The Lakeland Dairies / Teagasc Joint Development Programme is about driving efficiencies and profitability at farm level, with relevant advice based on research and experience from Lakeland farms, including practical tips on the best breeding techniques. With the COVID-19 restrictions essentially limiting farm visits and farm walks, we’re continuing to bring advice and updates to our farm families.

“The #Breeding2020 series of videos have already proven to be hugely successful with the videos containing David, Peadar and Robert having being viewed over 100,000 times through Facebook (www.facebook.com/LakelandAgri) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DairiesJP).

“We will continue to innovate in order to best serve the needs of our suppliers across the Lakeland Dairies’ catchment area,” Eamon said.

Robert and Mervyn English farm in partnership in Tang, Co Westmeath. They milk over 270 cows on a spring-calving system. The herd is currently doing 25 litres at 3.56% protein and 4.10% fat. Robert explains how they have used sexed semen, conventional AI and now a team of four bulls have been introduced between now and the end of the season in mid-July.  

Adrian McKeague from the Lakeland Dairies / Teagasc Joint Programme recently visited the English farm and this video can be viewed below:

David Williamson is a Lakeland Dairies supplier from Bailieboro, Co. Cavan. The Williamsons are milking some 170 cows in a spring-calving system. At present, the cows are performing well at 24.7 litres with a protein of 3.45% and a fat of 4.08%. At the eight-week point of breeding, David has introduced beef AI after inseminating with high-EBI Friesians for the first six weeks. Beef bulls will be used to mop up before the end of the season in July. 

David’s most recent video can be viewed below:

Peadar Quinn from Latton, Co. Monaghan works off-farm as well as milking on the home farm. Peadar selects his AI straws using EBI with a fertility sub-index of 150 with fat and protein at 30kg. Peadar’s breeding season runs from 10th May and lasts for 12 weeks.

Peadar’s first video can be viewed below: