Wednesday 2 January 2019

Teagasc Goat Newsletter Winter 2018

Grants for Goats and Yard Facilities

In case you weren’t aware the Targeted Agricultural Mechanisation Scheme (TAMS) remains open and any farmer can apply for grant aid for a broad range of facilities for their farm.  This grant doesn’t just include buildings and waste storage but the likes of general safety elements which are useful on any farm.  The whole application process is completed through the agfood.ie website and the typical rate of grant is 40%.  Young, trained farmers can avail of a 60% grant.  Some of the items of interest to goat farmers include:

·         Goat housing

·         Waste storage facilities e.g. manure pit

·         Silage pits – both new and resurfacing

·         Goat handling facilities – including weighing scales

·         Rewiring of sheds

·         New yard lights

·         Replacement of hinged/sheeted doors with roller or sliding doors

The next tranche closing date is April 5th, 2019.  Contact your agricultural adviser for further details.
 
Johnes Disease
Johne’s disease is present at some level in the Irish goat herd.  It is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacteria in the gut of the animal.  It results in inflammation of the gut and a reduction in the absorption of nutrients which causes a progressive wasting of the animal, eventually resulting in an characteristic, highly emaciated appearance.  It typically enters a herd through contact with infected animals and though typically spread within a herd through ingestion of faeces, it can also be passed through colostrum and milk.  There is no treatment for the disease and control is the only option.  Examples of control measures are as follows:
1.     Maintain a closed herd
2.     Identify and cull infected animals
3.     Quaratine
4.     Hygiene
5.     Don’t share colostrum or milk.
 
More information on Johnes Disease can be found in a technical note available on the Teagasc Goat Page.
 
Irish Goat Producers Tour 2019 
The Irish Goat Producers Association (IGPA) have organised an excellent tour for July 2019.  The tour will visit a number of locations in Yorkshire and give an excellent overview of goat milk and cheese production in that region.  The total cost for the tour is €265 and it includes the following:
·         Return flights from Dublin to Manchester / Leeds Bradford (or similar)
·         Small personal bag (40x20x25cm)
·         Executive coach for the duration of your tour
·         One night accommodation at the 4 star The Bradford Hotel in Bradford (twin share)
·         Breakfast buffet at your hotel
·         Evening meal at your hotel
·         Farm visits (2 minimum)
·         Entrance ticket to The Great Yorkshire Show
·         Services of a local guide
·         All travel taxes and charges
In order to travel you must be a paid up member of the IGPA.  You can get further details on the trip and a membership form by through contacting the IGPA on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Irish-Goat-Producers-Association-148588291885911/ or email me and I can send one on. 
 
Goat Bites
Visit to Barba Goat Farm
The IGPA held an excellent visit to Barba Goat Farm in November.  Unfortunately I was unable to travel but visit was extremely well attended and feedback has been hugely positive.  I understand that the range and quality of the refreshments was very impressive.  Well done to the Marl family on their generous hosting of the event.
Winter Feeding
Ensure that you get your silage tested to assess its feed value.  Many local co-ops provide this service free of charge to their clients so there’s no excuse.  Balance the goats’ diet based on the results to optimize nutrition and maximise milk output and growth rates.
Goat Course
A goat course will be held in the Spring of 2019 (subject to demand).  If you know someone interested or have input on what content might be important please send details to me at the above email address. 
Goat Census
In order to give a true overview of the industry in Ireland, it is vital that everyone returns their goat census form.  The date of the census is Monday 31st December and you must have the form returned by January 31st 2019.  Alternatively you can complete the census online with a little extra time; until February 14th 2019. 
Dairy Sheep and Goat Conference 2019
I was lucky enough to attend this conference last February.  It was superbly run with a broad range of really excellent speakers.  It also allowed the attendees to mix socially which was an excellent networking opportunity.  Details on the upcoming conference are available here https://dairysheepandgoat.com/events-and-conference/dairy-sheep-goat-conference-2019/
The full Teagasc Goat Newsletter is available in pdf form on the Teagasc website at:
 
https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/goats/