Alltech and KEENAN to hold three “Focus for 150” on-farm workshops around Ireland

Alltech and KEENAN to hold three “Focus for 150” on-farm workshops around Ireland  

[DUNBOYNE, Ireland] – Alltech, KEENAN and InTouch, Alltech’s on-farm nutrition support service, will host three interactive farm workshops, titled “Focus for 150,” this winter. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 21, the workshops will be held through Thursday, Dec. 6, on three progressive dairy farms across Ireland.   

The “Focus for 150” workshops will focus on the crucial 150 days around calving, beginning with cows drying off through early lactation and breeding.

“The 50 days before and the 100 days after calving is the most critical time of year for Irish farmers,” said Cathal McCormack, Alltech Ireland country manager. “Getting it right during these 150 days will have a huge positive impact for the rest of the year, regardless of what time of year the farm is calving”.

No matter what phase the cow may be at within the 150-day plan, InTouch always focuses on the four key pillars of dry cow management: body condition score (BCS), optimal pre-calving minerals, management and close up feeding nutrition. For the “Focus for 150” workshops, InTouch nutritionists will deliver on these four key pillars in relation to the dry cow period to help prepare farmers for easy, stress-free calving, which can set up their herds for successful lactation.  

In addition to the “Focus for 150” on-farm workshops, KEENAN will host a live working model demonstration to coincide with their latest campaign, ‘The Result is in the Mix’. Farmers will have the opportunity to learn about the effective feed processing with the KEENAN MechFiber paddle mixer and the KEENAN Vertical Auger. KEENAN representatives will be available to showcase the importance of mix quality in delivery increases in herd performance and heard health. 

“We all know that this year has been particularly tough for farmers, who are now being forced to use alternative forages for feeding this winter,” said James Brough, UK and Ireland manager for KEENAN. “This has reminded us of the core value of KEENAN: that no matter what feed and forages you use, there are two things that are always crucial — the quality and consistency of the mix. This is exactly what KEENAN has always set out to deliver.”

Alltech and InTouch representatives will present on every aspect of the dry cow cycle, including body condition scoring, minerals, management and nutrition. KEENAN representatives will be available to give advice on feed planning and balancing. The team will also share advice on how KEENAN’s machine range achieves a precision mix and how farmers can avoid waste with effective feed management technology.   

 Dates and locations 

Thursday, Nov. 22 at 11:00 a.m. GMT 

Donal Kavanagh, Carrigeen, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow 

Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 11:00 a.m. GMT 

Eoin Galvin, Finuge, Listowel, Co. Kerry, V92 FX66

Thursday, Dec. 6 at 11:00 a.m. GMT    

Darren and Stuart McMurran, Castlevennon, Banbridge, Co. Down, BT32 3SD 

-Ends- 

Contact: Katie Meegan, Marketing Coordinator, Alltech Ireland 

kmeegan@alltech.com; +353 861449364  

Ellen flood, Marketing Assistant, Alltech Ireland 

Eflood@alltech.com; +353 86 7756849