Dairy farmers in Europe are working hard to produce healthy and nutritious dairy products in a sustainable manner. Fulfilling their role as food producers in an economically viable manner and simultaneously responding to the challenges posed by climate change are chief among the considerations for european dairy farmers. Here is one example of a committed dairy farmer in Ireland.
Countless generations of Irish dairy farmers have worked tirelessly to bring fresh quality dairy products to kitchen tables in Ireland and around the globe. Farmers such as Richard Starrett, from Killendarragh, Lifford, Co. Donegal.
A third-generation farmer, Richard lives on the farm with his wife Wendy and their children, David, Holly and John, as well as his parents John and Audrey. Richard studied agriculture in the 1980s and took over the farm in 1994. Today, Richard milks 160 cows on a 64 hectares farm.
Since he took over management of the farm, Richard has put a huge emphasis on grassland management, environmental sustainability and the protection of biodiversity. Some of the measures Richard is undertaking on farm include:
- Grassland management and soil fertility Grass growth is managed in a paddock grazing system and measured weekly. In high growth periods the paddocks ahead of the cows are measured mid-week to ensure that cows are entering paddocks at the target pre grazing height.
- Soil testing Soil sampling is carried out annually on the farm, with fields sampled in a bi-annual rotation. Where deficits or maintenance are identified, corrective actions such as liming or targeted application of slurry or fertiliser are carried out.
- Nutrient management planning Richard’s farm has a nutrient management plan, which is updated regularly with new soil samples. This plan outlines the soil fertility requirements of the farm and recommends most efficient use of slurry and fertiliser on the farm.
- Low emission slurry spreading Richard has his own low emission slurry spreading equipment and all slurry on the farm is spread using a dribble bar.
- Use of protected urea The farm has used protected urea since 2018. Richard spreads protected urea throughout the grazing season.
- Increased energy efficiency A 5kw solar panel system provides electricity to operate the coolers in the parlour, as well as heat the water. The milk collected in the bulk tank is cooled by a three-stage plate cooler.
- Protection of farm waterways Livestock have no access to farm waterways in fields and all waterways are fenced off to protect the water quality and avoid pollution.
- Hedgerow and conservation areas for habitat protection Hedgerows are managed on an annual basis to promote biodiversity on the farm and provide extra shelter to livestock.
