Grass is one of Irish dairy farming’s greatest strengths
This summer’s drought conditions, and the pressure it put on grass growth and fodder supplies, showed just how important grass is to Irish dairy. Despite the recent challenges, grass remains at the heart of Irish dairy farming. It is not only important for milk production, it is also a key part of what sets Irish dairy apart in export markets.
Bord Bia’s talks to Irish dairy farmers about their grassland management and the challenges they faced this summer.
We also hear from David Kennedy, Bord Bia Head of Dairy on why grass-fed matters to dairy customers around the world, and how Bord Bia verifies the grass-fed credentials of Irish dairy.
Key Facts
Grass-fed
Grass-fed helps to meet the needs of global customers. Irish grass-fed dairy has one of the lowest dairy carbon footprints in the EU, largely thanks to our grass-based system. This helps buyers of Irish dairy to meet their increasingly ambitious carbon reduction commitments.
Why Grass-fed matters
Grass-fed matters to consumers Consumers, particularly in high value markets, associate grass-fed dairy with natural rearing, high animal welfare standards, and great-tasting quality nutrition. This makes grass-fed a key selling point for premium Irish dairy products –such as butter and cheese– in export markets around the world.
Bord Bia's Grass-fed Standard
Bord Bia’s Grass Fed Standard verifies Irish dairy’s grass-fed credentials Each year, Bord Bia audits around 10,000 Irish dairy farms, collecting data on grazing, grass intake and feed use. This data is used to verify if a processor’s milk pool meets the grass-fed and grazing criteria of the Bord Bia Grass Fed Standard. Eligible dairy processors who are audited under the standard can then provide verified proof of their grass-fed credentials to their customers worldwide.
Hear from David Hally
Hear from David Kennedy
Hear from Martin Crowe
