On Thursday, May 16, the 2019 Dale Farm Dairy Herd Fertility Awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, were presented at the Balmoral Show North Irish Agricultural Exhibition.
These awards mark the innovative steps taken by members of the Dale Farm to increase herd fertility.
An expert panel screened all competitors using the Dale Farm Dairy Cattle Management System and selected members with a calving index of less than 380 days, showing annualized improvement and a replacement rate of 25% or less. These farms were then cross-checked with their milk quality results.A farm visit was undertaken by Dale Farm to review production systems and identify key management factors and development steps implemented over the past three years in order to increase herd fertility.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Dale Farm Group Chairman John Dunlop said: “Once again, the Balmoral Show has provided the Dale Farm with the perfect opportunity to recognize and reward the quality of world-class dairy farming among our members. Their continuous innovation and commitment to quality contribute to the success of our cooperative. ”And Ulster Bank's Corporate Banking Director Stephen Hughes added: “Ulster Bank is proud to sponsor the Dale Farm Dairy Herd Awards at the Balmoral Show - a true testament to the quality of dairy farming here in Northern Ireland.”