Moorepark 09: New Thinking for Challenging Times

Details of Moorepark 09, a major Teagasc open day for the Irish dairy industry, were announced today in Fermoy, County Cork. The theme for Moorepark 09 which takes place on Thursday, 18 June is ‘New Thinking for Challenging Times’, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing dairy farmers and the dairy industry.

According to Tegasc, this open day is an ideal opportunity for all stakeholders in the Irish dairy industry to view up-to-date results from the comprehensive dairy research programme and discuss solutions to the many challenges facing dairy farmers in 2009, with Teagasc research and advisory staff.

Head of the Teagasc Dairy Production Research Centre, Moorepark, Dr Pat Dillon said: ”The 2009 milk production season is putting severe financial pressure on dairy farmers through a combination of low milk prices and poor weather conditions. This major dairy open day in Moorepark will provide farmers with clear guidelines to manage the current situation while highlighting a new direction for profitable milk production in a volatile milk price environment. Despite the current difficulties the financial outlook for dairying in the medium term is positive and there is an urgent requirement for dairy farmers to adopt some key technologies to capitalise on this potential”.

At the open day, key technologies requiring adoption at farm level will be highlighted which include earlier and more compact calving patterns, higher grass utilisation, increased numbers of high EBI replacements, dairy herd disease control, enhanced perennial ryegrass pastures, low cost labour efficient farm infrastructures and the importance of financial planning.

A new grassland manual will be launched at the Open Day to help dairy farmers gain better skills in grazing management. Visitors will be addressed by leading dairy farmers in a unique conference entitled ‘Surviving 2009 and Beyond’, while an extensive display of practical demonstrations, products and services has also been organised. The new ‘Dairy Business Degree’ a joint collaboration between UCD and Teagasc will also feature on the day.

The open day is supported by FBD Trust, the overall sponsor of Moorepark 09. The event runs from 10.00am - 5.00pm. A comprehensive booklet will be provided. Admission and parking is free.