Tang dairy farmer shares insights in Lakeland Dairies videos

Dairy farmer Robert English from Tang, (pictured above) features in the first of a series of videos launched by Lakeland Dairies aiimed at providing advice around the Breeding 2020 season.

With COVID-19 continuing to restrict gatherings and large events, members of the Lakeland Dairies / Teagasc Joint Development Programme have been tracking the progress of three Lakeland Dairies farmers over the course of the breeding season.

Robert English together with Cavan farmer David Williamson and Monaghan farmer Peadar Quinn have all opened their gates to inform farmers what they are doing as part of their breeding season.

Robert and Mervyn English farm in partnership in Tang. They milk over 270 cows on a spring-calving system. The herd is currently doing 25 litres at 3.56% protein and 4.10% fat. Robert explains how they have used sexed semen, conventional AI and now a team of four bulls have been introduced between now and the end of the season in mid-July.

https://youtu.be/Jd2K4ABlx2U

The first round of videos were filmed at the start of the breeding season and, with a month to go in the spring breeding season, a new round of videos have been launched on www.lakeland.ie this week and shared through the Lakeland Dairies relevant social media channels.

Eamon Duignan General Manager of Lakeland Dairies Member Relations said it has been critically important to continue to keep farmers updated and informed while recognising  the government guidelines on social interactions.

“The Lakeland Dairies / Teagasc Joint Development Programme is about driving efficiencies and profitability at farm level, with relevant advice based on research and experience from Lakeland farms, including practical tips on the best breeding techniques. With the COVID-19 restrictions essentially limiting farm visits and farm walks, we’re continuing to bring advice and updates to our farm families.

“The #Breeding2020 series of videos have already proven to be hugely successful with the videos containing David, Peadar and Robert having being viewed over 100,000 times through Facebook (www.facebook.com/LakelandAgri) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/DairiesJP).

“We will continue to innovate in order to best serve the needs of our suppliers across the Lakeland Dairies’ catchment area,” Eamon said.