Farming has to go on, but it’s essential we all take sensible precautions on Covid-19

THIS spring has been a punishing one from a weather perspective. As Saint Patrick’s day arrives, our cows have only spent 10 full nights out at grass — they have been on three-hour breaks the rest of the time, which gets tiring.

One positive is that every day we include grass in the diet reduces our feed costs, and with a vast amount of cows showing signs of heat we should be in a good place come breeding season. And settled weather looks to be on the horizon.

We are well over 70pc calved at the time of writing. The mortality rate at birth stands at 2pc; other than that, the calves have been very healthy.

Paula has put in a big effort, with all calves being kept on really clean straw beds. We have also fed Calfage to all calves from two days of age this year, and I think developing the rumen quickly ensures nutritional issues don’t affect calves.

The weather has certainly added to the workload. Thankfully, we have great contractors at our disposal so all slurry is up to date — we’ve spread all grazed ground at a rate of 2,500 gallons to the acre. We spread the second round of fertiliser last week, blanket-spreading the grazing platform with 46 units of protected urea to the acre.

We have three veterinary students from UCD staying with us, so that will help get an extra few jobs done on farm.

The maiden heifers have been out at grass now for over two weeks so I think they may benefit from a worm dose to ensure they’re in tip-top condition.

All heifer calves will be genotyped this week to ensure we have the results returned from the ICBF by the time they are weaned. We have had quite a number of bull calves genotyped this spring.

The first batch of results are back, and while all bulls are over €300 EBI, it seems the target is set at €360 EBI this year to get a bull into stud.

The big talking point is coronavirus. I don’t doubt for one second the seriousness of the situation and I also worry that it will affect farm gate prices this year.

The first suspected case was recorded in Wuhan on December 10, and with over 80,000 cases in China, one positive we can take is that the daily rate of newly detected cases there seems to have plateaued, with South Korea showing a similar trend.

While China may be a long way from our front door, what happens there has serious consequences for Irish beef and dairy.

It is imperative that we adhere to public health warnings, limit public gatherings and are proactive in how we manage the situation in Ireland.

Life does have to go on, however, especially from an agricultural perspective.

Mart closures

I have heard calls for mart closures, which in my mind is hasty.

Farmers still need to be able to sell livestock and some common-sense behaviour and precautions by all of us will keep the marts open.

I believe farmers who have underlying health conditions should look at the option of asking a neighbour or haulier to take livestock to the mart.

And elderly people are probably best advised to remain at home until the situation is under control.

I have received numerous texts informing me of farm walks being cancelled, and this is an example of the proactive approach required.

But our processors still need to operate, especially as we head towards peak milk production. Contact is being limited by staff associated with the processors.

I understand that if a dairy farmer contracts coronavirus, the stance is that all milk will be collected, but contact will be minimised.

The food safety authorities have clarified to Dairy Industry Ireland that the virus cannot be spread by food.

Should an outbreak occur on a dairy farm, Dairy Industry Ireland and the processors will provide support to ensure relief staff are sourced if necessary, with DII going on to say it is critical to keep the industry going.

As I head off to celebrate the quietest St Patrick’s Day since Foot and Mouth threatened our shores, I hope you all stay safe and stay healthy.

Some common-sense behaviour and precautions by all of us will help keep the marts open