The Smart Farming team examined soil fertility, energy use, grassland management, water use, feed, inputs, waste, time, and machinery management on Andrew’s farm and identified savings of €9,025
Watch Andrew outline his Smart Farming experience and outcomes at the Citizens Assembly meeting on Climate Change
Grassland – €3,800 saving
Reseeded 37 acres of grass
Target 51,162kg extra milk from increased grass production
Feed – €1,530 saving
Better use of animal feed by adjusting feeders to rectify incorrect quantities being fed in the parlour leading to wastage
Increase DMD of silage and reduce concentrate supplementation
1 week earlier turnout of stock
Soil fertility – €800 saving
Soil sampling farm and tailored fertiliser requirements
Reduce amount of fertiliser used (chemical P)
Energy – €1,528 saving
Maximise plate cooler
Compare electricity suppliers
Reduce hot water useage for washing
Use low energy bulbs in lights
Install variable speed vacuum pumps
Machinery – €1,528 additional
An allowance must be made to replace older machinery; this was not previously 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 cow care
Water – €3,812 saving
Target 10% increase in milk yields by adding 10 extra water troughs
Fitting Solenoid Switch on plate cooler to reduce water useage