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61ha of grass and 8ha of tillage on the farm

Farm is located in Co. Offaly

Aim of project is to improve grassland management on the farm of Ivan Thomas

Growing and utilising more grass is critical to the competitiveness, profitability and sustainability of Ireland's low cost dairy, beef and sheep production. (Teagasc, 2016)

Suckler cows and all progeny kept to beef

Closed herd

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Rotational grazing system(3-4 days/ paddock)

Pre-grazing sward height measured by eye

Consistently reseeding 10% of the farm per year

Good use of early slurry application

All own silage equipment. 2 main cuts in pit and paddocks that are too strong for grazing are baled.

Early turnout of light stock

Cows turned out when conditions allow

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Year 5:

Reseed 15%

Increase stocking rate on milking platform to 3.2 cows/ha

Apply for derrogation

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Year 3:

Increase water supply- Loop system

Add clover to sward

Extend roadways to furthest away paddocks

Reseed 15%

Year 4:

Soil test

Reseed 15%

Start using pasture base

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Year 1:

Install road network

Start measuring grass

Join a dairy discussion group

Soil test

Reseed 15% of the farm

Year 2:

Begin milking

Increase water drinker size

Apply lime

Reseed 15%

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1.  Give an overview of the level of grassland management on the farm

2. Create a 5 year grassland improvement plan

3. Discuss plan to switch to robotic milking on grass based system

4. Display a SCOT analysis of the farm