Dairy specialist, George Ramsbottom, joins Emma-Louise Coffey to give an early indication of profitability on dairy farms in 2019.

George explains that his analysis contains 400 dairy farms to date - 20% of the 2,000 farmers that complete the profit monitor annually.

Overall profitability on farms has improved, resulting from increasing milk yield and milk solids, despite a reduction in milk price and concentrate fed. George speculates that 2019 as being a good grass growing year with farmers employing good grassland management skills, including high grass utilisation.

George acknowledges that top farmers are achieving high profits, achieving greater milk quality and milk price as well as higher stocking rate and lower meal feeding.

For more episodes and information from the Dairy Edge podcast go to:
  https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/