Search

Context: Managing people outside the farm family unit is a new issue for many Irish dairy farmers. In the context of rapid growth, the demand for employees has increased, creating the need for Irish dairy farmers to have human resource management (HRM) skills. Aims: This paper explores the extent and type of HRM practices adopted by Irish dairy farmers and the factors that influence their adoption. Methods: A questionnaire was developed, piloted, and issued to farmers on the basis of herd size and location. Data from 203 dairy farmers who employ people were analysed to examine the adoption of different HRM practices and the influence of farm characteristics, farmer demographics and farmer attitudes on their adoption. HRM practices included compliance with employment legislation, health and safety, different approaches to recruitment, workforce management and retention. The questionnaire included one or more variables for each of these HRM practices. Where more than one variable was included, an aggregate variable was developed for that practice. Key results: Whereas, overall, there was a low level of adoption of best HRM practices, farm characteristics such as herd size and number of employees had a significant influence on farmers' adoption of compliance with employment legislation, health and safety, recruitment, workforce management and retention practices. Demographic factors such as age, level of education, and average hours worked influenced farmers compliance with employment law legislation, workforce management practices and retention practices. Conclusions: The study highlighted an overall low compliance with employment legislation and low adoption of best practices in managing staff among dairy farmers in Ireland. Implications: This study highlighted that improvement is needed in all areas of HRM on Irish dairy farms. The findings of this study would be useful to farm advisors who support dairy farmers in improving their management of their businesses. Overall, this study has contributed to a greater understanding of the challenges in managing people in agriculture and how certain factors influences the adoption of HRM practices on dairy farms. The dairy industry's recent growth in Ireland has resulted in a high demand for additional workers, increasing the requirement for farmers to be skilled in Human Resource Management (HRM). This study identified that the adoption of HRM practices is influenced by farm characteristics, in particular herd size, the number of employees on the farm. This study has contributed insights into the prevalence of specific HRM practices on Irish dairy farms, and indicated that there is a significant scope for improvement. A novel aspect of this study was the focus on the potential factors that influence the adoption of HRM practices on Irish dairy farms. The findings of this study could be used by agricultural advisors and those working in HRM to provide tailored advice to support dairy farmers and other small business owners in managing their employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Encouraging safe work practices (SWPs) is challenging in agriculture. Group-based social learning has effectively promoted SWPs and health behaviors in other occupations, and could be applied in agriculture (e.g., through farmer discussion groups (DGs)). In Ireland, dairy DG members are more likely to adopt novel technologies and practices, a relationship that might extend to SWPs. The extent of SWP adoption among Irish dairy farmers is unknown. This paper evaluates a 2018 baseline study of SWP implementation, conducted as part of a dairy DG-based intervention study. Method: A paper-based survey of SWP implementation and safety self-perception was distributed to 1,220 farmers from 84 dairy DGs. For eight SWPs, associated with high-risk farm hazards (livestock, slurry, machinery, or tractors), farmers were asked how frequently they implemented these practices in the previous year, and how frequently they intended to do so next year (0: never, 1: rarely, 2: sometimes, 3: most of the time, 4: all of the time). Results: Surveys were completed by 460 farmers. For the previous year, three SWPs, related to slurry, machinery, and tractor hazards, scored a median frequency of four. Four SWPs, related to livestock, slurry, and machinery hazards, scored a median frequency of three. The lowest median score (two) was for tractor exit behavior. Median intention scores matched or exceeded past frequency for all SWPs, while 73% intended to increase implementation of at least one SWP. Most (96%) considered themselves a "safe farmer." Conclusions: Farmers generally perceived themselves to be safe at work, which is reflected in their SWP implementation. Most farmers intended to increase SWP implementation, suggesting awareness of safety shortcomings and a desire to farm more safely. Practical applications: This study can inform farm safety promotion initiatives. The disconnect between farmers' safety self-perception and SWP implementation merits further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasture-based dairy systems aim to maximize the proportion of grazed pasture in the cow's diet by having a compact calving season that coincides with the onset of the grass growing season. In Ireland, where pasture-based systems are dominant, a key performance indicator that reflects the degree of compact calving is referred to as 6-wk calving rate (6-wk CR). Although the industry target is 90%, the national average 6-wk CR in Ireland is currently 67%. The aim of this study was to use qualitative research to understand in depth farmers' experiences in implementing a high 6-wk CR. Ten case-study dairy farmers were interviewed using the biographical narrative interpretive method. We identified 5 broad and often interrelated themes evoked by farmers regarding 6-wk CR: the "good" farmer; support networks; free time and family time; simplicity of a structured system; and profitability and monetary gain. The findings of this study identify complexities and challenges at farm level when it comes to increasing 6-wk CR, such as increased workload and challenges associated with large numbers of male calves born during a condensed calving season. Benefits experienced by farmers as a result of increasing 6-wk CR included increased days in milk and consequently improved cash flow as well as increased grass utilization. Our findings are of interest to researchers and extension agents involved in programs concerned with reproductive management in pasture-based dairy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For successful development and adoption of technology on dairy farms, farmers need to be included in the innovation process. However, the design of agricultural technologies usually takes a top-down approach with little involvement of end-users at the early stages. Living Labs offer a methodology that involve end-users throughout the development process and emphasize the importance of understanding users' needs. Currently, exploration of dairy farmers' technology needs has been limited to specific types of technology (e.g., smartphone apps) and adult cattle. The aim of this study was to use a Living Lab approach to identify dairy farmers' data and technology needs to improve herd health and inform innovation development. We conducted 18 focus groups with a total of 80 dairy farmers from Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Data were analyzed using Template Analysis, and 6 themes were generated representing the fundamental needs of autonomy, comfort, competence, community and relatedness, purpose, and security. Farmers favored technologies that provided them with convenience, facilitated their knowledge and understanding of problems on farm, and allowed them to be self-reliant. Issues with data sharing and accessibility and usability of software were barriers to technology use. Furthermore, farmers were facing problems around recruitment and management of labor and needed ways to reduce stress. Controlling aspects of the barn environment, such as air quality, hygiene, and stocking density, were particular concerns in relation to youngstock management. Overall, the findings suggest that developers of farm technologies may want to include farmers in the design process to ensure a positive user experience and improve accessibility. The needs identified in this study can be used as a framework when designing farm technologies to strengthen need satisfaction and reduce any potential harm toward needs., (© 2024, The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).)

Antimicrobial use (AMU) data are essential to monitor the effect of AMU reduction strategies in animal health. The use of technology and herd recording software to record AMU will be vital to scale the collation of these data in the future. The aim of this study was to determine the barriers and facilitators to Irish dairy farmers recording their AMU using a herd recording software and sharing AMU data. Thirty-three Irish dairy farmers involved in a study on AMU monitoring were asked to record their AMU using a herd recording software over a 12-mo period. At the end of the 12-mo period, 10 of these farmers were selected to take part in semi-structured interviews exploring their opinions on recording AMU, the use of herd recording software, and sharing AMU data. Interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Several barriers and facilitators to farmers recording their AMU using a herd recording software and sharing AMU data were identified. Barriers included the age and generation of the farmer, farm infrastructure, a lack of training and education, a lack of knowledge around the benefits of digital data, a lack of incentive to digitize records, and a fear of repercussions. Facilitators identified by the farmers included the benefits of having instantly available data for making herd management decisions, reduced paperwork, increased organization for inspections, and a potential positive effect on the image of the dairy industry. To increase the uptake of new technology to record AMU at farm-level, farmers will need support in terms of education and training around the software available to them and reassurance around the perceived risks of repercussions with sharing data in a digital format., (The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).)

Grazing has become a less common dairy farming practice in most European countries. Ireland is an exception with its predominantly grass-based system. After the removal of European milk quotas, farmers were encouraged to expand within a grass-based paradigm rather than pursuing yield increases through feeding more concentrate. This research assessed Irish dairy farmer attitudes toward grass-based, higher-feed-input, and indoor paradigms. A paradigm of agriculture is a shared understanding about how agriculture should be carried out. Grass-based, higher-feed-input, and indoor paradigms propose different solutions to economic, environmental, and animal-welfare challenges facing dairy farming. An online survey was distributed to Irish dairy farmers in August 2018, which received 396 responses. There was support among respondents for the grass-based paradigm of maximizing milk from forage and minimizing concentrate use, with 73% of respondents strongly agreeing or agreeing this was the best option for Irish dairy farmers. The results suggest there were not significant ideological disagreements among respondents about the economic, environmental, and animal-welfare merits of different paradigms. Rather, the results showed respondents supported grass-based or higher-feed-input paradigms for different reasons as follows: profitability and lifestyle for the former, and the ability to expand production without access to additional land and less dependence on weather for the latter. These findings could be of interest in countries where grazing is less widely practiced, but where there is a desire to increase the uptake of grazing practices. Messaging about the profitability and simplicity of the grass-based system clearly resonated with respondents, and could be replicated in other countries. There is a desire within the Irish government, industry, and advisory bodies to keep dairy expansion within a grass-based paradigm. The results suggested individuals may diverge from this paradigm not because they disagree with messaging about its benefits, but rather if difficulties with land access or managing weather variability lead them to expand through feeding more concentrate. To maintain production within the grass-based paradigm, more opportunities could be created for farmers who are restricted from further expansion, such as alternative supply chains or payments for environmental services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing a theoretical model of human behaviour (COM-B), the current study explores the factors influencing farmers' engagement with grass measurement on Irish dairy farms. The current study employed a qualitative research design. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were carried out with 21 dairy farmers. Factors inhibiting farmers from engaging in grass measurement included a high perceived task effort, a lack of skill and self-efficacy to carry out the task, uncertainty over personal value of engagement, a lack of tangible support, and a confidence in, and preference for, existing intuition-based decision-making. Recommendations for communication, extension, education and technology development are offered to tackle the 'high task effort' associated with grass measurement by farmers and to support skill development and self-efficacy of dairy farmers. The study proves value in moving from behavioural frameworks which focus solely on individual constructs as 'barriers to adoption' towards using frameworks which also account for the important role of factors external to the individual such as their social and physical surroundings. A comprehensive theoretical framework is offered for understanding dairy farmers' engagement with grass measurement along with evidence-based suggestions for communication, extension, education and technology development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zero-grazing (ZG; the mechanical harvesting and feeding of fresh grass) is increasingly used in grass-based milk production systems alongside conventional grazing. It allows farmers to supply fresh grass from land parcels that are outside of the main grazing block during seasonal shortages and periods when climatic conditions limit animal grazing opportunities. The objective of this study was to establish an understanding of current ZG practices on Irish dairy farms, to capture farmer perceptions on the implementation of this management practice, and to identify farmer knowledge requirements on ZG. An online survey was distributed and completed by 130 dairy farmers who use or have used ZG. Zero-grazing was used alongside conventional grazing by 92% of respondents. These farms were particularly fragmented, with between 1 and 14 separate land blocks. Respondents felt ZG helped them overcome fragmentation, increase grass use, and extend grass feeding in spring and autumn. However, extra cost and time input associated with ZG were recognized as key challenges. The majority of respondents rated current technical information available on ZG in the Republic of Ireland as "poor" or "very poor," and knowledge deficits were identified in the areas of cost analysis, grass management and productivity, cow productivity, cow health and nutrition, and soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-quality animal health surveillance service is required to inform policy and decision-making in food-animal disease control, to substantiate claims regarding national animal health status and for the early detection of exotic or emerging diseases. In Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provides partially subsidized testing of farm animal samples and postmortem examinations to the Irish agriculture sector (farmers) at 6 regional veterinary laboratories (RVL) throughout the country. Diagnoses and data from these submissions are recorded and reported monthly and annually to enable animal health monitoring and disease surveillance. In a passive surveillance model, both the veterinary practitioner and the farmer play a vital role in sample submission by determining which cases are sent to the laboratory for postmortem or diagnostic testing. This paper identified factors influencing Irish dairy farmers' decisions to submit carcasses to RVL. Behavioral determinants of the submission of samples where veterinary professionals are concerned has been studied previously; however, limited work has studied determinants among farmers. This study conducted qualitative analyses of decisions of Irish dairy farmers relevant to diagnostic sample submission to an RVL and to examine the herd-level characteristics of farmers that submitted cases to an RVL. The biographical narrative interpretive method was used to interview 5 case-study farmers who were classified nonsubmitters, medium, or high submitters to the postmortem service based on the proportion of on-farm mortalities submitted to the laboratory service in 2016. The data obtained from these interviews were supplemented and triangulated through dairy farmer focus groups. The data were thematically analyzed and described qualitatively. In addition, quantitative analysis was undertaken. Data for herds within the catchment area of a central RVL were extracted, and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to examine the relationship between herds from which carcasses were submitted to the laboratory and those from which none were submitted. Results from the analysis show that the farmer's veterinary practitioner was the primary influence on submission of carcasses to the laboratory. Similarly, the type of incident, logistical issues with transporting carcasses to the laboratory, influence of peers, presence of alternative private laboratories, and a fear of government involvement were key factors emerging from the case-study interview and focus group data. Herd size was identified in both the qualitative and quantitative analysis as a factor determining submission. In the logistic regression model, herd size and increased levels of expansion were positively correlated with the odds of submission, whereas distance from the laboratory was negatively associated with odds of submission. These results identify the main factors influencing the use of diagnostic services for surveillance of animal health, signaling how services may be made more attractive by policy makers to a potentially wider cohort of users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antimicrobial resistance has emerged in recent years as a significant public health threat, which requires both an ethical and a scientific approach. In a recent Policy Delphi study, on-farm use of antimicrobials was a key concern identified by veterinary professionals in Ireland. In this case study (the second in a series of three resulting from a research workshop exploring the challenges facing the veterinary profession in Ireland; the other two case studies investigate clinical veterinary services and emergency/casualty slaughter certification) we aim to provide a value-based reflection on the constraints and possible opportunities for responsible use of veterinary antimicrobials in Ireland. Results: Using a qualitative focus group approach, this study gathered evidence from relevant stakeholders, namely veterinarians working in public and private organisations, a representative from the veterinary regulatory body, a dairy farmer and a general medical practitioner. Three overarching constraints to prudent on-farm use of veterinary antimicrobials emerged from the thematic analysis: ‘Defective regulations’, ‘Lack of knowledge and values’ regarding farmers and vets and ‘Farm-centred concerns’, including economic and husbandry concerns. Conversely, three main themes which reflect possible opportunities to the barriers were identified: ‘Improved regulations’, ‘Education’ and ‘Herd health management’. Conclusions: Five main recommendations arose from this study based on the perspectives of the study participants including: a) the potential for regulatory change to facilitate an increase in the number of yearly visits of veterinarians to farms and to implement electronic prescribing and shorter validity of prescriptions; b) a ‘One Health’ education plan; c) improved professional guidance on responsible use of veterinary antimicrobials; d) improved on-farm herd health management practices; and e) the promotion of a ‘One Farm-One Vet’ policy. These findings may assist Veterinary Council of Ireland and other competent authorities when revising recommendations concerning the prudent use of veterinary antimicrobials in farmed animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns due to climate change (CC) may affect the growth of fungi and the subsequent release of toxic metabolites (mycotoxins). Aflatoxin B 1 , a human carcinogenic mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) , can be found in animal feed and further metabolised into aflatoxin M 1 (less carcinogenic) in bovine milk. This research developed a probabilistic model in the farm-to-fork continuum to assess the potential risk from aflatoxin M 1 in milk (Irish and French consumers) under current and future CC scenarios. The effects of temperature and relative humidity changes on aflatoxin B 1 were examined. The stepwise exposure assessment model considered A. flavus growth during pre-harvest, aflatoxin B 1 production, carry-over rate from feed to milk (in aflatoxin M 1 form), and human consumption. Results suggest that the cancer risk from aflatoxin M 1 is relatively low under climate change scenarios as the estimated margin of exposure was greater than 10,000 (5th percentiles: 48,060 and 79,394 for males and females, respectively). Aflatoxin M 1 level in milk (95th percentiles) did not exceed the European Union's maximum permissible limits (50 ng l–1) under all scenarios. Temperatures during the plant growth period (correlation coefficient +0.78), whole milk consumption (+0.29), tillage practice (+0.25), beta coefficient (+0.18), and initial inoculation (−0.17) were found to be the most sensitive parameters to the model output. These findings help to inform farmers and policymakers to adopt mitigation strategies against CC and be climate ready. Future work may include further model development for exposure assessment of multiple mycotoxins in milk, potentially from animal feed materials produced in various geographical regions. [Display omitted] • The simulated level of aflatoxin M 1 in milk is below 50 ng l−1 for France and Ireland under all scenarios(95th percentile). • Simulated exposure for France and Ireland was less than 0.083 ng kg−1 bw day−1 (95th percentile). • The margin of exposure (MOE) for the Irish and French populations is > 10,000 for baseline scenarios. • Temperature, tillage type, milk consumption, beta coefficient and initial inoculation are the most sensitive parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many beef farm systems in Irish and some global contexts have economic and environmental traits that threaten their future sustainability. In this context, the concept of Just Transition for economically vulnerable agricultural sectors is of interest, and, in particular, the bioeconomy is identified as potentially providing new sustainable income streams for farmers. This paper presents an analysis of six case-study beef farmers in Ireland, undertaken using a biographic narrative method. It examines the subjective experiences of beef farmers and their perspectives towards the bioeconomy as an option for farm diversification and its potential to deliver a Just Transition. The narrative data were analysed using Michel Foucault's framework of power, which was applied to be attentive to how existing normative knowledges, discourses, and subjectivities intersect with nascent concepts such as the bioeconomy and Just Transition. Through in-depth case-studies of beef farmers, we aim to understand how and whether they are likely to become involved in the bioeconomy. Our analysis shows that the case-study farmers are mainly concerned about power imbalances in beef value chains. Most participants were unfamiliar with the bioeconomy, which currently primarily involves a limited number of dairy farmers in Ireland. However, the bioeconomy was viewed by t case-study farmers as a development that could potentially generate new income streams for farmers. Several factors were identified as contextually relevant to achieving that potential. Collaborative bodies such as cooperatives or Producer Organisations were viewed as influential in enhancing the positioning of farmers within value chains and facilitating the inclusion of beef farmers in bioeconomy activities. Addressing the root causes of the economic vulnerability of beef farming was also identified by case-study farmers as necessary for advancing the bioeconomy; otherwise, it was perceived, existing power imbalances would be replicated. • A criticism of Just Transition literature is that it focuses on extractive industries. • Beef production globally faces economic and environmental challenges. • Case-study farmer participants were mostly unaware of the bioeconomy's potential benefits. • Measures are needed to ensure the bioeconomy does not replicate existing power dynamics. • Producer Organisations could enhance the positioning of farmers in the bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the abolition of dairy quotas in 2015 major change in Europe’s dairy industry is anticipated at the level of individual farms, with consequences for how land is utilised and managed. Critical questions in this context are how farmers react to the myriad challenges coming forth from changed policy circumstances and, more specifically, the factors that influence their responses to these challenges at farm level. As part of a broader multi-disciplinary research project, this paper presents a narrative analysis of dairy farmers participating in Ireland’s New Entrants’ Scheme, an initiative that has facilitated the establishment of over two hundred new dairy farms. Salient with an increasing literature on Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKISs) within agriculture, the paper focuses specifically on the actors who influence the decisions of the New Entrants (NEs) at this critical juncture in the transformation of dairy policy. Led by Norman Long’s actor-oriented approach, we examine social interfaces involving NEs and different categories of actors. We found that interfaces conditioned by coercive behaviour on the part of actors had a narrow scope of influence on farmers’ decisions compared to interfaces characterised by relatively equal power relations. The latter interfaces had the capacity to be strongly influential on broad habitual production and management decisions. Interfaces involving family members, however, had ultimate influence on major strategic decision-making, including decisions to establish new enterprises. Overall, our analysis suggests that NEs are empowered decision-makers in their social interfaces with other AKIS actors and our biographical approach to the analysis indicates that quota deregulation itself has not led to radical changes in who influences NEs’ decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically tests whether decoupled subsidies decrease investment financing constraints faced by farms. Using a panel dataset from Ireland over the period 2005–2010, we test whether the CAP decoupled subsidy payments reduce credit constraints by altering the risk profile of farm earnings. We test for financing constraints in a neoclassical Q model using investment-cash flow sensitivities. Our econometric methodology controls for censoring, heterogeneity and endogeneity. We find that decoupled subsidies do reduce credit constraints. The effect is greater for farms that face higher constraints: dairy farmers and younger farms. This evidence suggests that, over and above the effect on production indicated in previous research, decoupling affects farm investment through financial channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the impending review of the European Union (EU) Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is set to have an impact on all farming sectors across Europe, particularly transformative change is sought by policies relating to dairy farmers. EU milk quota abolition in 2015 will fundamentally revise the terms of dairy production, transitioning from policies of subsidy and protection to a scenario where farmers will produce milk on the open market. Dairy quota abolition essentially represents an economic but also socio-cultural disruption for a sizeable cohort of farmers, requiring adaptation to more market-driven production strategies. Agricultural policy-makers in EU member states are demonstrably preparing for this imminent change and dairy farmers are considering and strategising their responses at farm-level. Our focus in this paper is the interplay between quota abolition and farm-level decision-making in the pre-abolition period. Drawing from a broader mixed-methodological and multi-disciplinary research project, this paper uses qualitative narrative analysis to identify the key determinants arising in dairy farmers' decision-making processes. How are farmers currently strategising their responses to dairy quota deregulation? Using the qualitative Biographic Narrative Interpretive Method (BNIM), we examine the range of factors determining how a particular group of dairy farmers are strategising their positions on the impending open dairy market. Our analysis highlights how, in the advent of a deregulated dairy production regime, dairy farmers are carefully deliberating their responses at farm level, drawing from policy and market related information, their own personal speculations, and conventional wisdom shared with other members of the farming community. We find that the dairy farmers are influenced not only by motivations to increase productivity and scale but by a tenacious approach to farm sustainability and resilience that is informed by past experiences of farming and seeks to preserve and promote socio-cultural farming values. The paper is of particular interest to policy makers and academics interested in the interchange between policy and farmer behaviour, particularly in the context of current CAP reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical evidence remains scarce in the literature as to whether public and private sectors can effectively coordinate and provide extension services to the whole farming population with respect to sustainable agricultural production. This article compares farmer cohorts participating in mixed public-private and/or private extension services, and non-participants in the context of Irish dairy farming. Differences in farm and farmers' characteristics are analysed with non-linear regression models, while farm economic and environmental sustainability performance is compared across groups using linear regression models. The findings show that farm size, stocking rate, dairy specialisation, and levels of farm management vary across cohorts, thereby suggesting that mixed public-private and private extension systems can target different pools of participants. Extension participation is associated with higher economic performance, but the analysis provides no evidence of improved environmental sustainability. When comparing mixed public-private and private extension systems in detail, no differences are found in performance across both sustainability dimensions. Policy implications are drawn for the design and implementation of publicly funded extension programmes to achieve greater farm sustainability. Notably, programme worthwhileness, payment schemes, and participants' selection criteria are discussed. • Participants of mixed public-private and/or private agricultural extension and non-participants are compared. • The four farmer cohorts vary in terms of farm and farmers' characteristics. • Extension participation is associated with higher farm economic sustainability. • Extension participation is not associated with improved farm environmental sustainability. • Sustainability performance does not differ between the three cohorts of extension participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low back pain (LBP) is the most commonly reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) among farmers. There is limited researching regarding the lived experience of LBP among farmers. Video interviews were conducted with three dairy farmers who reported having a significant episode of LBP. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed, and results were presented in relation to the constructs explored. The farmers experienced their first significant episode of LBP in their late 20s or early 30s and all attributed their LBP to farm work or a farm-related incident. Hours worked per day ranged from 9 to 13 hours. Tasks identified by farmers that they were unable to do due to LBP included physical work, working with sheep, building work, and “certain jobs.” Work changes made due to LBP included getting help, slowing down, avoiding strenuous work, carrying smaller loads, mechanizing the farm, using the tractor more, and wearing a back belt for certain jobs. Each farmer had his own way of preventing or managing his LBP, including a mix of active self-management and passive coping strategies such as swimming, using ice, spinal manipulation, and taking medication. The farmers were unable to quantify how much their LBP had cost them directly or indirectly. The case studies illustrate farmers engaging in ongoing work despite significant pain. All of the farmers have adapted at work and engaged in self-management strategies to reduce the occurrence of LBP. Given the rich data produced by these case studies, future case studies are recommended to gain greater insights into farmers’ experiences concerning LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author discusses bulk milk disease screening as a useful tool in assessing infectious disease status in dairy herds in Ireland. According to him, a large proportion of dairy farmers have started disease control programmes in their herds. He added that knowledge of antibody production in animals is necessary to better understand the use of serological tests for diagnosis.

Given the imminent removal of milk quota in 2015, EU dairy farmers will be able to expand production without purchasing milk quota rights for the first time in 30 years. This paper uses Irish National Farm Survey data to simulate the expansion capacity of Irish dairy farms. Specifically, the likelihood of achieving the 50% increase in production target published in the Irish Government's Food Harvest 2020 Report is explored. Potential milk output is estimated accounting for structural change and the economic viability of production under three price scenarios for 2020. In addition, the number of new entrants that would be required to meet the 50% target is calculated. The results indicate that the 50% output volume growth target set in the Food Harvest report will be difficult to achieve and that future potential milk output depends importantly on the rate of structural change and productivity growth as well as on real milk prices in 2020. A regional analysis reveals that relative to other regions, the south has the greatest expansion capacity. This suggests that quota removal could cause significant regional restructuring of milk production, which is likely to present some challenges to the dairy processing sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nutritional evaluation of an Irish dairy herd indicated gross overfeeding of late lactation cows, over-conditioning of cows at parturition and a high rate of body condition loss in early lactation. Metabolisable-energy based nutritional modelling software was used to guide recommended dietary changes to prevent excessive condition gain in late lactation. Immediately following the implementation of the changes there was an unexpected reduction in performance affecting both milk yield and protein concentration. An investigation into the poor performance revealed underestimation of peak milk yield; over-estimation of maize silage quality; a large difference in the concentrate being fed compared to the concentrate recommended, and failure of the blend of concentrate ingredients to maintain the intended proportions in the in-parlour feeding system. The estimated maximum cumulative effect of these errors was to cause undersupply of energy and protein in the recommended diet of 16% and 3% respectively to cows in early lactation. Use of a net-energy nutritional model would have indicated a requirement for a higher energy supply in this case. This report highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate on-farm data for use in dairy cow nutritional models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to move towards Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT) has become increasingly pertinent as a means to reduce the use of antibiotics in the dairy sector. With the EU 2022 ban on prophylactic antibiotics at drying off, practices on some farms will need to drastically change. In Ireland, one particular challenge to the sector-wide transition to SDCT is the lack of widespread uptake of milk recording across dairy farms, a decision support tool which can support mastitis control and help identify cows to select for SDCT. The current study examined readiness to engage in milk recording amongst Irish dairy farmers, and specifically investigated the role of mastitis risk perceptions in shaping farmers' readiness. The study explores the multifaceted nature of risk perception as a construct shaping farmers' attitudes. An online survey was carried out with 197 Irish dairy farmers exploring their attitudes towards mastitis and milk recording. A cluster analysis classified farmers according to their mastitis risk perceptions, with 3 segments identified with differing risk perception profiles. Elevated mastitis risk perceptions were linked to an increased readiness to milk record. However, this relationship was not universal across all farmers. One segment of farmers in the current study maintain low mastitis risk perceptions and remain unmotivated to engage in milk recording. The study concludes that targeted risk communication strategies related to mastitis and milk recording are needed to encourage the move towards SDCT and reduced AMR. Results suggest that the types of risk communication strategies – message framing and two-way risk communication – should reflect farmers' types of mastitis risk perceptions to have the most effective impact on milk recording uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Republic of Ireland's land market is constrained by minimal sales each year, less than 1%. • In an attempt to capitalise on milk quota abolition and to increase dairy production, tax incentives have been introduced to encourage land mobility and long-term leasing among farmers. • This paper explores two aspects; (i) the factors that influence a farmer's decision to rent, or continue renting, land and (ii) the profitability of dairy farmers renting in land. • An OLS regression model finds renting farms to generate higher dairy net margin (profit). • A Heckman two step model is used to consider selection bias. Selection bias is present. The Republic of Ireland possesses a land market that is constrained by minimal sales each year, less than 1%. In an effort to capitalise on milk quota abolition and to increase dairy production, a suite of tax incentives has recently been introduced in the Republic of Ireland to encourage land mobility and long-term leasing among Irish dairy farmers. Using Irish Farm Accountancy Database Network (FADN) data from 2011–2017 to examine this, a Heckman sample selection model explores two aspects; (i) the factors that influence a farmer's decision to rent, or continue renting, land and (ii) the profitability of dairy farmers renting in land. We find self-selection into the rental market is driven by farm traits that include a high level of hired labour, the presence of a successor, intensive farming practices and dairy discussion group membership. The results show that rental agreements assist farms in achieving economies of scale. The findings provide evidence to support government intervention such as tax incentives for renting out land and knowledge sharing discussion groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study conducted by veterinary practitioner Pat Kirwan on the prevalence of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) in Ireland. The study found that 80% of dairy herds in the country were positive of IBR. Kirwan discovered that dairy farmers found that their cows experienced a lingering cough and sudden drops in milk yield.

The article reflects on the issues involving animal welfare for cows on dairy farms in Ireland. She states that Irish dairy farmers must be efficient and reduce the costs of milk production inorder to remain competitive. Based on the research study, she enumerates several factors affecting welfare issues that include distance walked, road condition and wet weather. She claims that there is a need to protect the dairying practices by adopting a proactive and positive approach to animal welfare.

The article reports on the success of the first ever conference for dairy farmers which focuses on milk quality in Ireland. The conference was held on May 2, 2007 at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny and attended by about 300 milk producers and industry personnel. Moreover, the conference featured prominent speakers from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Glanbia PLC, Allied Irish Bank, and Teagasc.