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Rural Economy& Development
Programme
Eugene and Rosaleen Flanagan,Driminagh, Loughglynn,
Castlerea, Co. RoscommonWednesday 2nd May 2018
Teagasc
Organic Farm Walk
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IntroductionEugene and Rosaleen started farming in the early 1990’s. They both have off farm jobs. Their family of 5 children are in their late teens and early twenties. They have 25 cows and the progeny are sold as weanlings/yearlings in Drumshambo organic mart. They run an Aubrac bull with their cows for ease of calving as time is of the essence on the farm. Eugene and Rosaleen started farming organically almost 10 years ago. They have built a slatted shed and have purchased a topper under the organic grant scheme. They have adjusted well to life in organics and they are looking at different methods of enhancing their system by for example growing red clover-perennial ryegrass swards for silage.
Farm details and land useThe total area farmed is 47.9 hectares (ha). This is made up of 3 blocks of land. The block around the house and yard is 14.5ha, one of the out farms is 30ha and the other out farm is 3.4ha. The entire farm is owned.
Land Use
15 Ha Silage
32.9 Ha Grazed
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E. Flanagan cows and calves at foot at Springtime
Animal type 2017 average numbers Suckler cows 24
0-1 yr olds 24
1-2 yr olds 3
>2yr olds 3
Approximate stocking rate is 0.9 L.U./ha
Livestock enterpriseThe suckler herd on the farm is made up mainly of Aubrac and Saler cows.
They are crossed with an Aubrac bull. The Aubrac bull is used for ease of calving and management as Eugene has a full time job in construction. This is mainly a Spring calving herd.
Table: Average stock numbers and stocking rate 2017
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Livestock performanceTable: Weight gain of weanling steers and heifers
Source: ICBF
Group No. of Average Age Weight on Average Daily (A.D.G.) (kg) animals 18th April Liveweight Gain since 8th 2018 A.D.G. (kg) December 2017 since birth (131 days)
Spring born 2017 4 12.2 285 kg 0.64 0.28 Male calves months old
Spring born 2017 11 11.9 278 kg 0.65 0.38 Female calves months old
Bull 1 26.2 774 kg 0.92 0.27 months old
Eugene 2016/2017 National Average Calving Interval (Days) 386 400
Mortality @ birth % 3.8% 4.6%
Mortality @ 28 days 3.8% 5.7%
Calves per cow per year 0.91 0.85
Suckler cow performanceTable: Calving perfortmance on Eugene’s farm
Calving interval is below the national average of 400 days @ 386 days
Mortality @ birth @3.8% is below the national average of 4.6% Mortality @ 28 days is below the national average of 5.7% The calves per cow is good @ 0.91 compared to the national
average of 0.85
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The suckler herd of mainly Aubrac and Saler cows is crossed with an Aunbrac bull
Profitable organic beef productionAs stated previously, Eugene & Rosaleen are working on an extremely heavy farm. They want to continue farming and they consider organic farming as a way of achieving this plus they have a genuine interest in farming and living organically. In order for any farm enterprise to be profitable, the return from the enterprise must be greater than the costs of production. Outlined in the table below is the performance on Eugene & Rosaleen’s farm compared to the average performance of similar farms that farm conventionally.
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Average of Teagasc Eugene & Rosaleen Flanagan 2016 suckler to weanling 2016 (national) Farm size (ha) 32.1ha 47.9ha
Stocking rate 1.56 L.U. 0.8 L.U.
Gross Output €998/ha €343/ha
Variable Costs €550/ha €54/ha
Gross margin €448/ha €289/ha
Source: Teagasc e-profit Monitor Analysis Drystock farms 2016
Table:E-profit monitor results for Eugene v similar farms nationally (2016)
Note: direct payments including the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) are excluded from gross output calculation.
Grassland managementFor many Irish farms, the simplest and most financially rewarding system of production will be based on maximising the use of grazed grass. With good grassland management it is possible to have a long grazing season and high quality feed at low cost. On organic cattle farms the very high costs of feed concentrates create a strong incentive to maximise the proportion of grazed pasture in the animal’s diet.
Grazing management on theFlanagan farmAnimals are grazed in two groups during the grazing season on a rotational basis. As rushes are a big challenge on the farm, topping is carried out at least twice during the grazing season. In terms of silage approximately 15 ha is cut in total at two different times, in late June when 4ha is cut from the main silage ground and then another 11ha between July and August from grazing paddocks taken out for silage which had excess grass covers.
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Average silage yield is 20 round silage bales per ha approx.
Animals are housed around early December and cows are turned out once they calve from mid-April.
Winter feeding managementTwo cuts of silage were harvested in June and August and these were analysed and the results are outlined in table below.
A small amount of concentrate is also fed to weanlings prior to sale in the Spring.
Topping pastures 2 to 3 times times per year
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Table: Silage test results from Eugene’s farm in 2017
Cattle are feed a diet of silage and mineralsduring the Winter with little concentrate input
Results First Cut 28th June Second Cut 2nd August Normal Range Dry Matter % 25.6 24.6 15 to 55
pH 5.2 4.5 3.5 to 5
Ammonia N % 7.0 14.0 7 to 15
Protein % DM 11.1 9.7 7 to 16
ME (MJ/kg DM) 9.8 9.8 9 to 12
DMD (% DM) 70 61 55 to 82
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Plan for future fodder provisionEugene plans to fully re-seed 4ha of his best ground with a new red-clover-perennial ryegrass seed-mix. The aim is to provide extra quantity and quality silage fodder for weanlings over the Winter months without the necessity for artificial fertiliser Nitrogen which is prohibited in organic farming.
Value of red clover silageCan fix ~ 200kg N/ha (160 units N/acre)High yielding 13 – 16 tonnes D.M. /ha.Principally for silage cutting and fertility
building.High protein 15-20%.
Silage conservation adviceCut two to four times per yearCut before red flower developsMay give a ‘light’ graze at end of yearImportant to wilt (24 hours) after cutting
due to high nitrogen contentLasts 3 - 6 years.
Table:Comparison of average daily live-weight gains between
different silage diets
Source: Teagasc Grange Beef Research Centre
Silage crop Average daily liveweight gain (LWG) kg Grass silage 0.59
Lucerne 0.72
Red clover 1.04
Grass/white clover 0.83
Growing red clover swardscan provide high yield
and quality silage withoutthe need for
Nitrogen fertilizers
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Livestock health
Myths:Organic animals can receive no veterinary treatments.Organic farmers do not require the services of a veterinary
surgeon.
Facts:Animal welfare is one of the most important objectives of the
organic farmer.The professional recommendation of the veterinary surgeon is
final.
Principles of animal health on organic farms:Appropriate breeds or strains of animalsAnimal husbandry practises appropriate to the requirements
of each speciesGood feed regular exercise and access to pasturagesAppropriate density of livestock.
Silage field for planned red clover-perennial ryegrass re-seeding in 2018
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Herd Health PlanWhen a farm undergoes conversion to organic status an Animal
Health Plan is required to be drawn up by the veterinary practitioner, who specifies the current animal health issues on the farm and how the farmer will tackle these problems into the future, while conforming to the requirements of organic certification standards.
Detection of problems needs to be early, and timely veterinary advice is invaluable – when an animal is ill the organic farmer reacts in the same manner as their conventional neighbour and veterinary assistance is required immediately
Conventional Veterinary Treatments PermittedAnimals for meat consumption: 1 course antibiotics within 12
months. Animals for breeding: 2 courses antibiotics within 12 months.Dairy Mastitis: 2 courses antibiotics within 12 months, otherwise
the cow is removed from the milking herd. If limits exceeded, organic status is taken away from animal.
Withdrawal Periods for use of Veterinary ProductsMin 7 days adhered to if no period specified.Under 18 days triple the withdrawal time.Between 18-28 days adhere to a 56 day withdrawal period.29 + days twice the withdrawal time.If treated with organophosphates, lose organic status permanently.
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Table:Results from faecal dung samples in December 2017 and April 2018
epg = eggs per gramme.
Dosing of animals: Animals were doses for both liverfluke and worms at housing after the first egg count was taken on
December 17th 2017.
Organic Animal Housing Standards
Adjustments to meet organic standards may be necessary – depends on farm situation.
Housing is not compulsory.
At least 50% of floor area must be bedded.
Straw, rushes or untreated wood shavings are acceptable bedding materials and these need not be organic.
All animal housing is subject to inspection and approval by the Organic Certification Body (OCB).
See Table overleaf for organic space requirements.
ANIMAL TYPE TEST 17 December 2017 18 April 2018
WEANLINGS Liver fluke Low Positive Negative
Rumen Fluke Negative Low Positive
P Strongyles epg 100 60
P Strongyloides epg 100 Negative
COWS Liver fluke Low Positive Positive
Rumen Fluke Low positive Low positive
P Strongyles epg 200 100
P Strongyloides epg Negative Negative
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Table: Minimum Housing Area per head and by weight
Animal Minimum Indoor Areas (net area available to each animal)
Live-weight Minimum (kg) m2/head
Calves; Beef Cattle; Up to 100kg 1.5
Bull Beef; Up to 200kg 2.5
Up to 350kg 4.0
Up to 500kg 5.0
Suckler Cows 6.0
Dairy Cows Up to 600kg 6.0 min.
Over 600kg 1m2 /100kg
Breeding Bulls 10m2
Sheep 1.5m2 per ewe
0.35m2 per lamb
Soil nutrient and manure managementThe aim of organic farming is to maintain soil fertility levels by efficient recycling of farm yard manure, slurry and/or compost that is normally generated on the farm. The efficient storage and spreading of farm yard manure, slurry or compost is vital to organic farming. Management of organic farms should ensure regular inputs of manures and a level of microbial and earthworm activity sufficient to breakdown organic matter and ensure continuous and efficient nutrient cycling. Keeping soils at a pH that facilitates organic matter breakdown and nutrient recycling is essential for successful organic farming. Organic manure nutrient content can vary widely depending on the source of nutrients and it is advisable to have the nutrient content of manures checked through laboratory analysis.
Sources of nutrients on Eugene’s farmSlurry from over wintering of animals indoorsFarm yard manure from the over wintering animalsLime: ground limestone and bagged lime products
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Where are nutrients spreadAll nutrient sources are spread rotationally around the farm based on what crop is present (silage or grazing ground) and the soil sample results.
In general:Lime: Ground limestone and bagged lime products have been
spread where required based on soil samples results. All farm currently in need of lime ranging 6-11 t/ha.
Farm yard manure: This is spread onto silage ground in the Autumn time.
Slurry: Watery slurry is spread as early as possible in the year - usually in April. It is spread each year on the silage ground (15ha) and rotationally spread on a different portions of the grazing area from year to year.
Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) Levels on Farm
P Index Levels on Farm
K Index Levels on Farm
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Steps to Successful Organic Conversion
1. Get acquainted with the adjustments required by attending farm walks, talking to other organic farmers and or contacting a local advisor.
2. Research market opportunities. Contact relevant processors to explore market requirements, specifications and when the product is in demand. Many organic farmers choose to sell directly which requires extra work to develop your own market.
3. Choose an Organic Certification Body (OCB) and get an information pack.
4. Prepare a conversion plan and submit to OCB.5. All entrants to the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) must enter for
an initial five year plus term. Please consult DAFM website: www.agriculture.gov.ie for updates on a new Organic Farming Scheme.
6. A 25 hour ‘Introduction to Organic Production’ course has to be completed by all new applicants before acceptance into the Organic Farming Scheme.
Index 112%
Index 277%
Index 311%
% of FarmIndex 1: 12 %
Index 2: 77%
Index 3: 11%
Index 4: None
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Organic Certification in IrelandA major factor that distinguishes organic farming from other approaches to sustainable farming is the existence of internationally acknowledged standards and certification procedures. The standards for organic production within the European Union are defined and enshrined in law by Council Regulation EC 834/2007 as amended.
In Ireland the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the competent authority (i.e. - the Department’s Organic Unit is based at Johnstown Castle Estate Wexford) for regulating the organic sector and ensuring that the obligations and requirements of Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 as amended and adhered to.
The Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have designated Official Certification Bodies whose role is to certify organic producers, farmers and processors through and inspection process of each individual’s unit or farm. Further information can be sourced from these organic certification bodies:
Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association Ltd. (IOFGA)13 Inish Carraig, Golden Island, Athlone, Co. WestmeathTel: (090) 6433680; Fax: (043) 6449005Email: [email protected]; Web: www.iofga.org
Organic Trust2 Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3.Tel: (01) 853 0271; Fax: (01) 853 0271Email: [email protected]; Web: http://www.organic-trust.org/
Global Trust Certificate Ltd3rd Floor, Block 3, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street,Dundalk Co. Louth.Phone No. (042) 9320912. Fax No. (042) 9386864Email: [email protected]; Website: www.gtcert.com
BDA Certification - Organic and Demeter The Painswick Inn Project, Gloucester, Glouscetershire, GLS 1QG,United KingdomPhone No: 00 44 1453 766296; Fax No: 00 44 1453 759501Email: [email protected];Website: http://www.biodynamic.org.uk
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On-Farm Capital Investment SchemeA standard rate of aid of 40% on investments up to a ceiling of €80,000 (i.e. can generate a grant of €32,000 from an investment of €80,000). For qualifying young organic farmers who meet the specific eligibility criteria, the standard rate of aid is 60% on investments up to a ceiling of €80,000.
How to Apply and Closing Date:Online applications only through www.agfood.ie facility.
Full details and T&C:ht t p : / / w w w. a g r i c u l t u re . g ov. i e / fa r m i n g s e c to rs / o r g a n i c fa r m i n g /organicsscheme/organiccapitalinvestmentschemeocis/
Queries:DAFM Organic Unit, Johnstown Castle: (053) 91 63400.
Organic Processing SchemeGrant aid of up to 40% on €1.25 million (i.e. can generate a grant of €500,000 for an investment of €1.25 million) in facilities for the processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products with minimum level of investment in excess of €3,000.
More Details:http://www.a g r iculture.gov. ie/press/pressreleases/2015/aug ust/title,84203,en.html
Queries:DAFM Organic Unit, Johnstown Castle: (053) 91 63400
Teagasc Organic Specialists Dan Clavin, Teagasc Mellows Development Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway. E-mail: [email protected] Leavy, Teagasc Grange Research Centre, Dunsany, Co. Meath. E-mail: [email protected]
Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS)
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