Key dairy management advice for November 2026
Teagasc has issued important guidance for dairy farmers focusing on selective dry cow therapy, body condition scoring, and pasture management this November. The advice aims to enhance udder health, optimise cow condition before calving, and safeguard spring grass supply across Ireland.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Compiled by Dr Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, the latest management notes offer vital recommendations for dairy farmers heading into winter. A primary focus is on preventing bacterial infections during the dry-off period, especially when relying solely on teat sealants without antibiotics. Research from Moorepark highlights that following strict hygiene guidelines at dry-off significantly improves somatic cell counts (SCC) in the subsequent lactation, confirming the importance of meticulous procedures for successful selective dry cow therapy (SDCT).
Monitoring and managing cow body condition score (BCS) remains crucial as farmers prepare for calving. Achieving a target BCS between 3 and 3.5 at calving reduces the risk of complications such as assisted calving and metabolic disorders like milk fever. Early assessment of BCS during the dry period is recommended, with tailored feeding strategies for under-conditioned and over-conditioned cows to ensure they calve at optimal condition.
Regarding pasture management, farmers are cautioned against extending grazing into November as delaying the closing of paddocks can severely impact spring grass availability. With around two-thirds of spring grass growth occurring in October and early November, timely closing is essential to maintain adequate average farm cover (AFC) for early lactation demands. The upcoming Teagasc National Dairy Conference will take place on 25 November in Cork, focusing on building resilient dairy systems, while the Dairy Edge podcast continues to provide weekly insights and advice for the sector.
Monitoring and managing cow body condition score (BCS) remains crucial as farmers prepare for calving. Achieving a target BCS between 3 and 3.5 at calving reduces the risk of complications such as assisted calving and metabolic disorders like milk fever. Early assessment of BCS during the dry period is recommended, with tailored feeding strategies for under-conditioned and over-conditioned cows to ensure they calve at optimal condition.
Regarding pasture management, farmers are cautioned against extending grazing into November as delaying the closing of paddocks can severely impact spring grass availability. With around two-thirds of spring grass growth occurring in October and early November, timely closing is essential to maintain adequate average farm cover (AFC) for early lactation demands. The upcoming Teagasc National Dairy Conference will take place on 25 November in Cork, focusing on building resilient dairy systems, while the Dairy Edge podcast continues to provide weekly insights and advice for the sector.
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