Future stocking rates on Kilkenny dairy farms - advice from Teagasc

What is a suitable stocking rate for your farm in the future?
In dairy terms ‘one cow per acre’ was always a good target. Not much has changed over the years regarding this recommendation but it is worthwhile looking at the reasons behind this advice, says Teagasc.

Many changes have taken place in recent times to limits on stocking rate, and more changes are on the way due to updates on the Nitrates Action Plan(NAP).

Intensively stocked farms got used to operating at stocking rates within the derogation limits (170-250 kg organic N/ha). The current derogation scheme operates up to 2025 but in the recent review the upper stocking rate of 250 kg N/ha may drop to 220 kg N/ha in 2024 if there is not an improvement in water quality. We are unsure whether such a move would apply across the whole country or just where water quality is most at risk.

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In addition the rating of the dairy cow has changed from 85 kg organic N/cow to 89 kg (2022) and next year 2023 will increase further under a ‘banding system’.

Most farmers will fall into the 92 kg middle category with 10-15% in the top category of 106 kg (over 6300 litres).
This upward pressure on stocking rates from changes in the organic rating of dairy cows and downward pressure on the upper limit in derogation associated with water quality is leading to many farmers asking questions about what is the most suitable stocking rate for their farms.

There are a few key areas to consider when asking yourself what is a suitable stocking rate for your farm:

• How much grass does my farm grow? You need to be growing about 5½ tonne grass dry matter/cow and using about 800 kg meal/cow to sustain a stocking rate of ‘one cow per acre’ or 2.5 cows/hectare. This is an overall growth of 13.75 tonnes/ha. To do this you need high performing swards with correct ph and index 3 levels for Phosphate and Potash.
  Based on a cow in the middle band (92 kg) this amounts to an organic stocking rate of 230 kg N/ha. You may need to reduce the amount of beef cattle and replacements on the remainder of the farm to get the overall farm down to the 220 kg N/ha limit proposed in 2024.
• Is your stocking rate correct on the milking platform? You should generate about 1 bale/cow in the May/June period. Any more than this and you may not have sufficient cows in the system.
  On the other hand if you are consistently feeding silage in late summer/autumn then you may be overstocked.
• Can you cope with the reduced chemical nitrogen allocations available?
  In the context of overall stocking rate on the farm consider the number of replacements you need and what stock you need to utilise outblocks.
• Before paying high prices for rented land evaluate your present performance. Based on your co-op performance report are your production levels in excess of the co-op average and approaching the top 10%?
  Consider the option of contract rearing to reduce stock numbers and reduce labour demand.
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Now is a good time to evaluate how you performed in 2022 and to set realistic goals for your farm in the future in the context of changes in regulations and how you are performing within the farm gate.