Top tips for successful farm planning

Dairy expansion specialist Patrick Gowing joins Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss his top tips for successful planning for expansion and new entrants to dairy. Patrick emphasises the importance of purchasing the best stock possible in new entrant or expanding herds, explaining that €100 extra for high genetic merit in-calf heifers will pay for itself in the long term in terms of superior performance. When deciding between heifers and cows, Patrick explained that heifers have the potential to survive in the herd longer than cows. Additionally, where a farm is existing dairy production, Patrick would consider the potential of high quality stock in such a herd. Patrick also estimates the cost of milking facilities, buildings and grazing infrastructure as well as a contingency budget to ensure all aspects of the farm plan can be achieved.   For more episodes and information from the Dairy Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/