Longford Farming: Getting Winter Ready

On Thursday 14th September at 6:30pm John O’Hanlon, Tipper, Ballymahon, Co Longford will host a beef farm walk organised by Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland.

Previously John operated a suckler to weanling system but changed in recent years to suckling to stores organic system.
The cows calve in the spring and are rotated around the farm from paddock to paddock every 21 day during the grazing season.

The stores are grouped in groups and intensively grazed in a paddock system to maximise weight gain from grass.
John has a keen focus on increasing sustainability on his farm by increasing soil fertility on the farm, decreasing fertiliser input and operating an organic system.

In order to reduce issues at hosing on farms Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland have organised a number of farm walks this autumn across the country.

This farm walk in Longford is the second of the series. On the day John along with his local Teagasc advisor Shane Devaney will give an overview of the farm and outline how output has been increased on the farm.
John will discuss his herd health plan on the farm from calving straight to housing with regard to vaccinations and parasite control.
Local Organic advisor Enda O ‘Harte will discuss the changes John has had to made since conversion to organics has started.

In advance of housing Natascha Meunier Beef Health check Manager with Animal Health Ireland will advise on what parasites to control this winter and which product is most appropriate.
James Mimnagh Teagasc Climate Advisor will outline key steps John is taking on his farm to be more sustainable.

On the evening local Teagasc advisors will discuss the importance of taking silage samples and getting nutrition right to maximise performance over the winter.

Local Teagasc advisor Shane Devaney said ‘Maximising performance over the winter is an area often underutilised on farm.

This walk will offer an opportunity for farmers to plan ahead in advance of housing to implement the correct vaccination, parasite control and nutrition plan to avoid issues post housing and realise the value of having all three correct next spring.

John’s farm offers a chance for farmers starting organic conversion or interested in operating an organic system to speak to John and advisors on the evening. ’