New dairy start-up training course introduced to Irish farmers - Cowsmo

New dairy start-up training course introduced to Irish farmers

As a growing number of farmers make the decision to convert to dairying, Teagasc has announced a new dairy start-up training course.

Teagasc has announced 10 new dairy start-up courses will begin in autumn.

The courses are designed to aid farmers thinking of converting their enterprises to milk production. The courses will be run in two parts. The first is a series of five training days, comprising four days in autumn 2018, followed by a final day in late 2019.

The second is participation in an academy, structured similar to a discussion group, where the group will meet monthly from February to November for one year.

The course will help farmers with many of the important decisions required in starting up a new dairy business

Speaking at the launch of the courses, Teagasc director Prof Gerry Boyle said: “We have designed a practical and interesting course which combines both the principles for successful dairying with the practical skills required for the start-up process.”

“The course will help farmers with many of the important decisions required in starting up a new dairy business, while also establishing the likely costs and returns from dairy farming.”

Teagasc has identified 10 locations across the country where they intend to run the courses but the final decision to run a course will depend on the level of interest.

Ashleigh Fennell plans to milk cows in spring 2019.

“We are currently building our milking parlour and winter facilities. We have heifers purchased and have just completed AI on them. I have attended a number of training days organised by Teagasc and find them very helpful as I start up my dairy business.”

Any farmers interested in attending a course can indicate their interest in attending through the Teagasc website or by talking to their local Teagasc adviser.

 

Source: Irish Farmers Journal

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