South Tipperary Young Farmers will host a conference-style event on all aspects of contract rearing later this evening (Thursday, 14th, 2022).
The event – which is the group’s “first major in-person outing” since before the Covid-19 pandemic – will take place on the farm of David Guiry, Fethard Co. Tipperary, E91XY71.
Ahead of the event, a spokesperson for the group told That’s Farming editor Catherina Cunnane:
“Contract rearing is spoken about regularly as a good opportunity for dairy farmers to reduce workloads and focus on the job of milk production.”
“It allows drystock farmers the option to make an alternative income from beef production, making more profitable use of their holdings.”
“We hope this event can answer many of those questions and look at this model objectively with a range of expert speakers from finance to animal health and everything in between.”
Contract rearing event
Speakers on the night include IFAC, who will give a presentation on the financials surrounding contract rearing and tax responsibilities for both the rearer and the dairy farmer.
Meanwhile, the IFA will give a farm organisation’s perspective on the topic, and Teagasc will discuss the importance of having a good contract between the two parties.
Furthermore, O Conor Julian Vets will provide advice on animal health, vaccination and a management plan for contract rearers.
Besides, Glanbia will give a co-op view on how they see contract rearing working for its members.
Star Fuels will provide an insight into optimal nutrition advice and best approach practices, based on their experience around contract rearing.
A dairy farmer will explain how a contract rearing agreement “actually plays out in reality”.
Then, on the other hand, a contract rearer will explain to attendees how contract rear works compared to traditional drystock farming.
Concluding, the spokesperson said:
“This event is open to everyone not just young farmers and we hope we have a wide variety of attendees from all parts of Ireland in attendance. There will be refreshments served on the night,” the spokesperson concluded.
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