Friday 22 January 2016

Opportunity to Work on a Goat Farm with Cheese Production

I've just become aware of an excellent opportunity for an experienced goat stockperson.  The role is that of herd manager and is located in the south of Ireland on a commercial farm with a successful cheese enterprise.  For those who have first-hand knowledge of goat farming it will allow a unique insight into turning a basic farm output into an attractive finished product.  Accommodation is also available for a suitable candidate.  For information contact info@bluebellfalls.com.

Monday 11 January 2016

Don't Forget To Return Your Goat Census Form!

As a registered sheep or goat keeper, you should have received a census form from the Department of Agriculture in early December.  The census date for 2015 was Sunday December 13th so it is the number of animals present on your holding on that date that should be included on the form.  Completing the return is a legal obligation however it has many practical uses including facilitating the draw-down of many payments including the Area of Natural Constraints (old Disadvantaged Scheme), AEOS, GLAS and Organics. 
 
If you examine the census returns in recent years you will find a very dramatic upturn in the number of goats and goat farmers in Ireland.  This can largely be explained by the introduction of a combined form for both sheep and goats in 2013.  This identified many registered sheep keepers who were also keeping small numbers of goats  but were not registered goat keepers.  However, what it does not explain is the very substantial increase in larger herds.  In 2012 (before the combined form) there were a total of 31 herds of over 50 goats containing a total of 6,056 animals.  The relevant comparative figures for 2014 are 70 herds containing 10,771 animals.  This increase has to be indicative of the rapidly rising interest in goats and their products.
 
Furthermore, the recent increase in recorded goat figures show that goats are far more numerous than previously estimated.  It is therefore hugely important that more goat-specific guidelines and legislation are created, particularly with regard to animal health and movement.  As an expanding sector they may more often included in devising future schemes and programmes.  In addition, many goat farms (including those with far less than 50 goats) add value to their products which has substantial impact on farm income and the local economy.
 
I'm certain there are even more goats out there so make sure you complete your form (further details available here) or submit online through agfood.ie by 29th January and show how important goats are to agriculture in Ireland.
 

Monday 4 January 2016

UCC Cheese Science & Technology Course 2016

A short course on the science of cheese production will take place in University College Cork on February 3rd - 5th 2016.  This is an intensive 3-day course and will cover introductory to advanced topics concerning all areas of manufacturing and ripening in addition to covering yield efficiency, processed cheese, cheese as an ingredient, and the acceleration and control of ripening.  The course is particularly aimed at cheese manufacturers and other related industry personnel rather than introductory farmhouse cheese making.

Further details are available here.