Latest news with #LaurenceShalloo
Irish Examiner
01-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Farmers urged to undergo free health checks at Moorepark open day in Cork
Free farmer health checks will be available for farmers who attend the Moorepark open day this year. The initiative, which is being hosted by the IFA in partnership with Teagasc and Croí, the West of Ireland Heart and Stroke Foundation, aims to promote farmer wellbeing through practical on-the-ground support. Building on the success of last year's rollout, the health checks include blood pressure monitoring, pulse and rhythm screening, BMI assessments and lifestyle advice — all delivered by the expert nursing team from Croí. IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs chair Teresa Roche said the collaboration demonstrated a shared commitment to the welfare of Irish farm families. 'The health of our farmers is just as critical as the productivity of their land and livestock. We are proud to partner with Teagasc and Croí for this event to ensure that farmer health and wellbeing remain a priority. These checks are quick, confidential and could be lifesaving,' she said. Professor Laurence Shalloo, head of the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Programme, highlighted the importance of integrating health awareness into farming life. 'Farming is a high-pressure occupation that often involves long hours and physical strain… Teagasc is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our broader focus on sustainable farming, and that includes sustaining the health of our farmers,' he said. Prof Shalloo also encouraged farmers to stop by the health stand on the day, located in the Working Effectively Village. 'It only takes a few minutes, but it could have a lasting impact… Farmers are great at looking after everything on the farm; this is about giving them the chance to look after themselves too,' said Teresa Roche. Croí chief executive Mark O'Donnell, said the foundation was delighted to partner with the IFA again this year to facilitate and deliver potentially life-saving heart health checks for farmers and their families. Health checks are available on-site to everyone attending the Moorepark open day in Fermoy, Cork, on July 2, with no appointments necessary. Read More AgNav launches tillage enterprise at Oak Park open day
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘We urgently need to refocus on cost control at farm level'
This is according to Teagasc's Laurence Shalloo, who was speaking ahead of tomorrow's Moorepark Open Day. Shalloo – who heads Teagasc's Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme – said an analysis of CSO data shows a steep rise in agricultural input prices between 2020 and 2024. 'Since 2022, input price indices are showing reductions in costs, but input costs in 2024 were still approximately 35pc higher than 2020,' he will say. While many of the inflationary pressures at farm level were driven by external shocks – including the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine — Shalloo will say these were compounded by an increase in the use of purchased concentrate feed on farms. National Farm Survey data published last week shows that purchased concentrate expenditure on dairy farms typically totalled €61,517 in 2024. While this was actually a 5pc decrease relative to 2023 due to a fall in feed prices, feed volumes averaged 1,357kg per dairy cow in 2024, an increase compared to 2023. Costs per unit of milk have increased by over 50pc between 2020 and 2024, while only moderate increases in costs were observed over the previous 10 years 'Costs per unit of milk have increased by over 50pc between 2020 and 2024, while only moderate increases in costs were observed over the previous 10 years,' Shalloo will state. 'These inflationary pressures, compounded by weather-related pressures in 2023 and 2024, and a loss of focus on pasture management and utilisation, have resulted in significant cost pressures at farm level – which are particularly evident when milk price is reduced, such as in 2023. 'There is an urgent requirement to refocus on cost control at farm level.' Shalloo will highlight that grass silage and concentrate feed are three and four times more expensive, respectively, than grazed grass – making it essential for farmers to maximise the proportion of grazed grass in the dairy cow's diet to drive profitability. ADVERTISEMENT 'Key to this process is increasing pasture utilisation per hectare and reducing the proportion of bought-in feed in the diet of dairy cows,' he will say. On the environmental front, Shalloo will point to positive recent data from the EPA on water quality and emissions, noting that improvements are already being seen. He attributes these to policy changes under the Nitrates Directive, reduced fertiliser nitrogen use on farms, a greater focus on nutrient use efficiency, and improved weather and nutrient management at farm level. Notably, Shalloo will reveal that a forthcoming Teagasc report shows the average dairy cow in Ireland produces approximately 20pc more manure per week while housed than previously assumed. This, he says, will require additional investment in manure storage infrastructure on many farms, but could also unlock more value from nutrients in slurry.
Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Teagasc launches 'This is Dairying' photo competition 2025
Teagasc, with the support of FBD Insurance, is delighted to launch the "This is Dairying" photo competition in the lead-up to the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, which is taking place in early July. Running throughout the month of June, this year's competition is an opportunity to capture and celebrate what makes Irish dairy farming so unique. The competition aims to highlight the pride, purpose and positivity within Irish dairying. Whether it's a moment on the family farm, a striking landscape, your favourite animal, or the next generation of farmers in action; every photo helps to tell the story of Irish dairying at its best. It provides an excellent opportunity for budding photographers and photo enthusiasts to get snapping while being in with a chance to win exciting prizes. Speaking at the launch of the competition, Prof Laurence Shalloo, the head of the Teagasc animal and grassland, research, and innovation programme, said: 'We're delighted to launch this initiative once again with thanks to support from FBD Insurance. Previous competitions have showcased the passion, care, and pride within the Irish dairy industry "We have seen some great creativity in previous competitions, and I'm looking forward to viewing the submissions in 2025.' Dr Conor Hogan, Teagasc people in dairy programme manager, added: 'This competition is about celebrating all that is positive in Irish dairying. "Sharing a single photo is a simple but powerful way for farmers, families, and the wider community to support and promote the dairy sector. We'd love to see entries from anyone involved in Irish dairying this June.' 'Positive side of dairy farming' FBD Insurance are sponsoring the €1,000 worth of prizes for the competition. Representing the firm, Mary B Dunphy added: 'At FBD, we're proud to support the return of the 'This is Dairying' photo competition for 2025. "It's a wonderful opportunity for farmers and their families to showcase the positive side of dairy farming. We always enjoy seeing life on the farm through their lens, and we look forward to this year's entries.' The photo competition runs until Wednesday, June 26, 2025. Winners will be announced at the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, and photos will be displayed online and on the day. The overall winner will receive €500 (FBD hotel voucher) and a professional framing of their winning photograph. The first runner up will receive €300, and the two remaining finalists will each receive €100 in FBD Hotel vouchers. To enter, participants are asked to upload their photos through the online form at Read More Stephen Cadogan: Why every dairy farmer needs a cash buffer in 2025
Agriland
06-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Teagasc launches ‘This is Dairying' photo competition
Teagasc and FBD Insurance has launched the 'This is Dairying' photo competition in the lead-up to the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, which takes place in early July, 2025. The competition will run throughout the month of June, and is an opportunity to capture and celebrate 'what makes Irish dairy farming so unique'. According to Teagasc, the aim of the competition is to highlight the pride, purpose and positivity within Irish dairying. It believes every photo helps to 'tell the story of Irish dairying at its best', and the competition provides an opportunity for budding photographers to 'get snapping' while being in with a chance to win exciting prizes. The head of the Teagasc animal and grassland research and innovation programme, Prof. Laurence Shalloo said: 'We're delighted to launch this initiative once again with thanks to support from FBD Insurance. 'Previous competitions have showcased the passion, care, and pride within the Irish dairy industry. We have seen some great creativity in previous competitions, and I'm looking forward to viewing the submissions in 2025,' Shalloo added. Teagasc Teagasc's people in dairy programme manager, Dr. Conor Hogan said: 'This competition is about celebrating all that is positive in Irish dairying. 'Sharing a single photo is a simple but powerful way for farmers, families, and the wider community to support and promote the dairy sector. We'd love to see entries from anyone involved in Irish dairying this June,' Hogan added. The competition is running until Wednesday, June 26, 2025, and the winners will be announced at the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day, and photos will be displayed online and on the day. The overall winner will receive €500 FBD Hotel voucher, and a professional framing of their winning photograph. The first runner up will receive €300, and two remaining finalists will be chosen to each receive €100 in FBD Hotel vouchers.
Irish Examiner
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Moorepark dairy open day set for July
'Innovating for the Future' is the theme of this year's Moorepark Dairy Open Day set for July 2. The Irish dairy industry has undergone a lot of transformation and change in the past 10 years since the removal of milk quotas. No longer restricted, milk solids output has almost doubled. Over the past 15 years, the Irish dairy industry has withstood a global pandemic, war on the continent of Europe and more recently global financial trade barriers. 'The dairy industry has consistently responded in a positive manner to challenges in the past, and I am sure it will face the current challenges with the same focus. Moorepark 25 will provide the pathway and support to farm families to address these challenges while embracing the opportunities,' said Professor Laurence Shalloo, head of the animal and grassland research and innovation programme. With all that in mind, the event plans to be a big one, with a variety of demonstrations and workshops on grazing management, reseeding, low-emission slurry spreading, fertiliser type, white clover swards, farm infrastructure, body condition scoring, milk quality, calf rearing, genetics, health and safety, and many more will take place throughout the day. There will be a particular focus on TB and TB control at the farm level, also demonstrated on the day. Discussion forums at the event will take place around cost control and growth opportunities for dairy farm businesses from a national and international perspective. Several topics will also be discussed at the Ornua forum area, including market updates, milk quality, and the dairy industry forum to discuss future challenges and opportunities for the industry as a whole. Teagasc director Professor Frank O'Mara, said: 'It is important that we take time to reflect and plan for the next phase of development for the Irish dairy industry. The industry must continue to align with EU and national policy objectives, with a particular focus on lowering carbon emissions, enhancing animal welfare, improving water and air quality, and enhancing biodiversity. "At the same time, dairy farms must generate financially rewarding career opportunities with a favourable work-life balance.' The open day aims to provide support for young farmers also, with business models that encourage them to enter and prosper in the industry. Michael Berkery, chairman of FBD Trust, said: 'At FBD, we're proud to partner with Teagasc in supporting the 2025 Moorepark Open Day. We recognise the vital role events like the open day play in fostering knowledge, innovation, and collaboration within the farming community. "Knowledge sharing and education around best practice and new technologies are critical to empower dairy farmers to build innovative, sustainable businesses for the future. The Moorepark Open Day provides an invaluable opportunity for farmers and industry leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and explore the latest advancements in dairy production, all while shaping the future of Irish agriculture.' Admission and parking are free on the day, July 2. Gates open at 8:30am and the event ends at 5pm.
