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Insights from a Third-Generation Dairy Farmer in Dungarvan**

Pat Ryan, a dedicated dairy farmer from Cappagh, Dungarvan, operates a 125 ha grassland farm with an annual milk quota of 1.015 million litres. Married to Pauline, they raise five children while balancing work and family responsibilities. With a history rooted in farming, Pat focuses on efficient milk production and grassland management, utilizing advanced breeding techniques to achieve high milk solids yields. Facing inflation and cost challenges, he aims to expand his operations through partnerships and off-farm investments, ensuring sustainability and growth in the dairy industry.

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Insights from a Third-Generation Dairy Farmer in Dungarvan**

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  1. A FARMER SPEAKS

  2. Pat Ryan, Cappagh, Dungarvan Married, Pauline Five children 18-3 years of age Third level education through to Primary Pauline works full-time in the home

  3. FARM • Owned 109 ha • Rented 16 ha • Total 125 ha– all grassland MILK QUOTA • 1.015m litres (223,400 gallons) • Spring Milk Production – compact calving over a 13-week season from end January/early February to combine with grass growth. Dry off late November

  4. LIVESTOCK Dairy: Calve Down 250 Milk 200 0-1 y.o. 80 1-2 y.o. 80 Beef: No Beef Enterprise Milk Production per cow: 5,550 litres Stocking Density: 2.24 l.u.’s/ha (c. 190kgs Org. N/ha)

  5. HISTORY/DEVELOPMENT OF FARM • 1981 Qualified as Farm Apprentice • 1996 Became a shareholder in Family Partnership • Milk Quota has been static for past ten years, with no growth • Impact of Inflation/price-cost squeeze partially offset by efficiency gains • Capital Invested (1996-2005) • Reseeding/Roadways • Effluent/Slurry Controls €150,000 • Milking Parlour Upgrade • New Bulk Tank Required c.€30,000 • No Investment in Machinery/Buildings

  6. FARM EFFICIENCY 2004 • Dairy Common Costs 12.54 cpl • Dairy Common Profit 20.54 cpl Excluding: Leasing, Interest, Labour • This profit figure is in the top 10% of c. 700 farmers that participated in 2004 Profit Monitor Programme • Labour Employed • 1½ full-time + self • 406,000 litres per labour unit

  7. BREEDING, FERTILITY AND MILK SOLIDS (2005) • Overall Herd EBI €67 • Calving Interval 374 Days • Start/End Calving 28th. January/28th. April • Six week Calving Rate 74% • Empty Rate 10% • Milk Butterfat 4.04% • Milk Protein 3.69% • Total Solids Yield 426kgs F&P • Target Solids Yield 500kgs

  8. KEY INGREDIENTS OF MY FARMING SYSTEM • Grassland Management – Reseeding – Measurement • 2005 – 293 days at grass – calved cows go straight to grass • AI – EBI Based • Milk Recording • Fixed Costs Control • Labour Saving Practices – Fertiliser, Slurry, Topping, Winter Feeding, Outdoor Calf Rearing • Profit Monitor/Cash Flow Budgeting • Discussion Groups

  9. THE FUTURE • Personal Goal • Expand the Dairy Farming Operation either through Joint Ventures/Partnerships. Grow own quota utilising rented tillage land • Off-farm investment • Quotas – How long will they continue? • Partnerships – rules excessively restrictive • Age structure is a concern • Business must grow to reward effort and labour employed – cost inflation continuing to grow

  10. Supplier Information Seminars January 2006 “MaximisingReturns from Milk”

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