Dairy farmers can change cow band up to December 31
Banding of dairy cow production is a requirement of the nitrates regulations.
The Department of Agriculture has announced a short window for dairy farmers to change their nominated 'band' for dairy cows on their holding.
Banding of dairy cow production is a requirement of the nitrates regulations.
The ICBF portal has been opened until December 31 to allow a farmer to select a different option if they wish to re-confirm their 2023 band.
Earlier this year, dairy farmers confirmed their band for 2023.
A farmer had the following options to determine their herd’s average milk yield to confirm their 2023 band:
- Select the rolling average for the three preceding years (2020, 2021, 2022);
- Select the most recent preceding year (2022);
- Select to use the herd’s 2023 average milk yield (available for 2023 only).
Reduced volumes of milk in 2023 have resulted in some farmers seeking to amend their nominated options for banding.
These farmers have sought flexibility to change their band or nominate option three, using this year’s average milk yield.
The department said that for the vast majority of dairy farmers, they are not required to do anything and the initial nomination earlier this year will remain.
Farmers that did not nominate an option have been categorised as at the highest output band.
This facility to change band is an added flexibility for those who may wish to change as a result of reduced volumes of production in 2023.
If a farmer wishes to select option three, they will be defaulted to 106kg of nitrogen per cow per year, until both milk and animal data is available for the full calendar year.
When this data is available in early 2024, their 2023 band will be confirmed. The correct nutrient excretion rate will then be applied for the full year to determine compliance with applicable limits.
