The Smart Farming team examined soil fertility, energy use, grassland management, water use, feed, inputs, waste, time, and machinery management on Peter’s farm and identified savings of €8,317
Grassland – €252 saving
- If topping paddocks this should be done immediately as soon as the animals leave as any later and the new growth will be removed from the sward
- Aim for 2 weeks earlier turnout of animals
Feed – €0 saving
- Take silage samples
- Increase DMD of silage and reduce concentrate supplementation
Soil fertility – €7,150 saving
- Tailored fertiliser and lime requirements
- Target fertiliser use and avail of alternative sources of organic fertilisers (Saving €27 per 1,000 gallons)
- Rent/lease out excess land to maximise stockign density potential to 170kgN/ha on remaining land (rent out 20ha @ €300/ha)
Energy – €80 saving
- Consider improving attic insulation
- Compare electricity suppliers
- Use low energy bulbs in lights
Machinery – €365 saving
- Turn tractor engine off rather than leaving the engine idling (6%)
- Alter tyre pressure according to work type, soil or weather conditions (20%)
- An allowance must be made to replace older machinery, this is not currently in the budget
Time management – €0 saving
- Careful assessment of time taken for tasks throughout the year
- Contract out tasks to concentrate time on milking, grassland management and livestock care
Water – €0 saving
- Ensure adequate water supply for livestock to ensure sufficient supplies at all times
Inputs & waste – €470 saving
- Reduction of collected surface water
- Proper collection and storage of chemicals, etc.
- Wilting of silage which in turn will result in reduced effluent disposal costs
- Correct and safe collection and disposal of waste and hazardous material
