The Beef Edge

Teagasc researcher Dr. Peter Doyle outlines the impact of red and white clover on animal performance in suckler calf-to-beef production systems on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.  This is a recording from the Teagasc National Beef Conference held on November 19th.

Further details from Peter’s presentation are available at:

Presentation: 

The impact of red and white clover on animal performance in suckler calf-to-beef production systems(PDF)

Paper:

The impact of red and white clover on animal performance in suckler calf-to-beef production systems(PDF)

Watch a video recording of Dr Peter Doyle's presentation here:

https://youtu.be/_yPqOPCMyDs 

For further information on the conference please visit www.teagasc.ie/beefcon24

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Health & Wellness coach, Shane Pearson, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss key tips to staying resilient on the farm through stressful times of the year.

Studies show that many farmers experience poor mental health, high rates of burnout, and physical health issues related to stress and Shane highlights a number of resources available for farmers and which can be accessed at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2024/Positive-Mental-Health.pdf

Farmers frequently face heightened stress during calving season, market preparations and inspections. By applying the 5 Ps of Resilience—Presence, Purpose, Power, People, and Preparation—farmers can build a solid foundation to handle stress, keep operations running smoothly, and sustain mental and physical well-being through each season. 

Resilience isn’t about eliminating stress, it’s about having the right ‘shock absorbers’ to take each challenge in one’s stride, allowing farmers to manage their unique demands with greater ease and balance.

Shane will be speaking at the Teagasc National Beef Conference which is taking place on 19th November in the Landmark Hotel Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, at 5pm.

 Other speakers at the National Beef Conference include:

·      Dr. Peter Doyle, Research Officer, Teagasc Grange, will outline the impact of red and white clover on animal performance in suckler calf-to-beef production systems

·      Dr. Patrick Forrestal, Senior Research Officer from Teagasc Johnstown Castle, will discuss some practical nutrient management solutions that beef farmers can implement on their farms to increase efficiency, reduce costs and address environmental pressures facing the sector

·      Dr. John Donlon, Research Officer, Teagasc Grange, will out outline ways to control pneumonia in suckler weanlings

·      Eoin Ryan, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will discuss the risks for Irish cattle farmers in relation to bluetongue

·      Martina Harrington, Programme Manager, Future Beef Programme, Teagasc, will outline innovations from the participants of Future Beef Suckler Farms

For further information go to: 

www.teagasc.ie/beefcon2024

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Liam McWeeney and Noel Prunty from Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the beef system, review of the performance to date and preparing for winter ahead.

Liam first outlined the 32 cow suckler herd that is operated in a suckling to finishing system. Bulls are finished under 16 months and heifers are kept as replacements or finished under 20 months of age. The beef unit is 24ha of heavy soil type with some of the farm low lying.

AI is used on the farm to breed replacements and a Charolais stock bull is also used. Breeding went well this year and it done over 9 weeks with 92% of the cows proving in calf.

Bull weanlings were housed last week and are being fed 3kg/head/day of concentrates. Liam outlined the management up to finishing. Last year’s bulls averaged 390kg when finished at 14months of age.

Noel outlined the management indoors in the coming months and performance of heifers born in 2023.

Heifers calve at 24 months and Liam explained the management of the heifers to reach a target weight of 420kg by breeding, while Noel highlighted the importance of the herd health plan on the farm and over the housing period.

For further information on Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/education/teagasc-colleges/ballyhaise/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Grass 10 advisor Niamh Doyle joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge with grassland management tips for the month ahead.

Niamh discusses closing up paddocks with 60-70% targeted to be closed by early November. She also outlines the targets for the month ahead to extend grazing and reduce demand to maximise days at grass.

Drier than normal conditions continue to be predicted in the coming weeks which will help to extend grazing on farms. Temperatures are signalled to be closer to average, perhaps indicating a higher instance of night-time frosts. 

Broadly settled conditions seem likely to continue with some mist and fog also. Conditions are likely to turn more unsettled with rainfall predicted to return close to normal and temperatures close to the average for mid-November.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Nutritionist, Aisling Claffey, discusses winter nutrition and diets on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.

Aisling explains that beef systems are simple and it comes down to trying to maximise intake and growth whilst minimising stress and digestive upsets.

A combination of factors ultimately decides how close you get to growing and finishing cattle to their genetic potential such as management, diet, housing, water and disease control.

Aisling highlights the importance of taking a silage sample and discusses the targets to see in the report. Then based on the result, the concentrates are balanced.  

Aisling also advises on the importance of energy and protein in the ration and for farmers to speak to their merchants about the ingredients to ensure high quality ingredients are included.

She then explains the inclusion of minerals in diets and it is important to be mindful of the dilution of nutrients when including minerals or getting farmers to compare diets. Minerals contribute no energy, fibre or protein – just ash and vital trace and macro elements.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Dr. Eoin Ryan, Senior Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, gives an update on the Bluetongue Virus on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. 

Since the end of August, over a hundred cases of Bluetongue have been detected in England and Wales and farmers in Ireland are hearing more and more about it. 

Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats, alpacas and other ruminants and camelids. Bluetongue does not pose a food safety or public health risk. It is spread between animals by biting midges. There are many different serotypes. Bluetongue virus 3 (BTV-3) is currently the most serious threat. 

It has been spreading rapidly across north-western Europe since last autumn. The high-risk period in Ireland runs from spring until late autumn when midges are most abundant.

Clinical signs include:

-       Fever

-       Inappetence (loss or lack of appetite)

-       Drop in milk yield

-       Reddening of the mucus membranes

-       Sores on the nose, gum and dental pads

-       Swelling of the face, lips and tongue (i.e. ‘bluetongue’)

-       Breathing difficulties if the tongue swells

-       Drooling

-       Discharge from the eyes and/or nose

-       Lameness

-       Abortion or deformities in offspring/foetus

In severe cases, death can result.

Eoin advises farmers to be vigilant and to report any suspected cases to the local regional vet lab in order to prevent spread of the virus.

There are huge steps being taken to prevent it and Eoin advises farmers against importing embryos or semen to decrease the risk.

More information on Bluetongue can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s website at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cd6c0-bluetongue-virus/ 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Bob Thomson, a New Zealand Farm Consultant specialising in sheep and beef, is on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss some of his insights into dairy beef in Ireland compared to New Zealand.

Bob has a wealth of experience working in extension, consultancy and project management for the past 50 years. 

He explains what he learned from the DairyBeef 500 farms he visited this week around the country and he describes the dairy beef industry in New Zealand, as well as the opportunities that he thinks could be implemented on Irish beef  farms. 

Bob is also involved in a highly successful monitor farm programme in New Zealand and he highlights the impact it has had.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Niall Kerins, Teagasc Cattle specialist, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss winter cattle housing arrangements. 

Every winter a significant number of cattle are housed and fed in rented sheds. Whether you are the farmer renting out the shed or a farmer renting in the shed, there are a number of considerations for both parties.

Fodder, labour and machinery running costs are often included in the agreements that are made. The payment rate per head is usually determined by local supply and demand, with arrangements in many cases going back over a number of years. 

Niall outlines a number of questions regarding daily charge per head which depends on: 

• The type of animal being housed? 

• Is the forage being provided? 

• What quantity of meal is being fed? 

• Is straw bedding included? 

• Are labour and machinery costs included? 

An individual cost per head per day can be included for each of these.

Niall also advises contacting the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) regarding movement of cattle rules. There should be no mixing of herds.

Before renting the shed it should be clean, have good lighting, and gates and barriers should be working properly etc. When returned it should be clean, power washed and disinfected.

It is important to set out the rules before the cattle are moved into the shed from who is feeding the cattle, what time will the cattle be fed, are meals being fed, is this once or twice a day, where is the meal to be stored, if drinkers/gates/barriers break who will fix them and who covers the cost etc.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Grass10 advisor Niamh Doyle joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge with grassland management tips for the month ahead.

Niamh discusses closing up paddocks in rotation starting with the paddocks near the farmyard, the sheltered and the driest paddocks that will be grazed in early spring .

She outlines the targets for the month ahead to extend grazing, reduce demand to maximise days at grass and aim to have 60% of the farm closed by the first week of November.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Financial Specialist Kevin Connolly is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the main headline items arising from Budget 2025, from tax cuts to increased spending.

Kevin explains that the income tax standard rate bands have been increased by €2,000. The income tax rates (20% & 40%) have not been changed. There has been a €125 increase in the principle tax credits.

The rate applying to the middle USC band has been reduced from 4% to 3%. There has also been a realignment of the bands. The three Stock Relief measures have been further extended

Changes will kick in from 1 Jan 2025 to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Retirement Relief upper limits with changes to the upper age from age 66 to age 70 where limits are reduced. 

The €10 million limit applying to transfers from parent to child will also carry a longer clawback period to be complied with by the recipient. 

The Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) thresholds have been increased with no change in the rate. A change has been made to Agricultural Relief whereby the Active Farmer conditions will also apply to the donor. 

The VAT flat rate farmer addition rate is to increase from 4.8% to 5.1% from 1st January 2025.  There are also changes to the VAT registration thresholds.

Additional funding allocated for specific measures relating to agriculture are:

·      Sheep Welfare scheme: increase by €5 per ewe to total of €13 per ewe

·      Beef Welfare scheme: increase by €25 per calf to total of €75 per calf

·      Dairy Beef Scheme: increase by €20 per calf to a total of €40/calf

·      Tillage Farming support: new €100/ha scheme supporting farmers to increase their area in tillage crops

·      ACRES: additional €60m bringing total allocation of €260 million for 2025

·      National Forestry Programme: €91 million in funding

·      Multi-Species €1.25m / Red Clover Swards €1.5m — to support the planting of these swards

·      Farm Safety: budget of €2.5 million to support initiatives

·      Soil Sampling Scheme: continued funding of €6 million

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Following the launch of the Beef Budgets for 2024 at the National Ploughing Championships, Teagasc Beef specialist, Aidan Murray, has an update with all the details.

Aidan compares the national kill figures to 2023 and discusses how have the prices changed in comparison to this time last year. 

Aidan also highlights how the Irish supply of beef looks for the rest of the year. 

Prices are good and there is demand around the ring at the moment for heavier type of stock with Aidan comparing changes in prices for different categories of stock.

Plus, for farmers buying cattle at the moment and planning to finish them, he advises that it is important to be aware of the expected costs and price needed to cover it.

The Teagasc Beef Budgets 2024/2025 are available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2024/teagasc-beef-budgets-20242025.php 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Scottish beef and sheep farmer, Graham Lofthouse of Bankhouse Farm, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his mixed farming system.

The farm is located 30km south of Edinburgh and is 200-300m above sea level.  The average rainfall is around 1,000mm. There are 470 ewes on the farm and 84 suckler cows. 

Graham discusses how the sucker herd is managed from birth to weaning. Breeding and genetics is very important on the farm and Graham outlines the breeding policy. 

Graham also discusses the cattle performance of the stock that were finished on the farm and compares them to the cattle that were sold as stores in 2023.

Maximising weight gain from grass is essential with Graham describing the paddock system and leader follower system that he operates.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Galway Future Beef farmer, Aonghusa Fahy, features on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on his farm system and management at weaning, plus he discusses the cattle from his farm that will be on the Teagasc stand at this year’s Ploughing Championships.

Even though the weather has been challenging the weanlings have still performed well, Aonghusa explains.

Weaning will take place in groups of 10. Concentrates have been fed to the calves for the past six weeks and they have been vaccinated to reduce stress at weaning.

A lot of rain has fallen in the west in the past few weeks, yet grass management on the farm is good although it has been hard to manage quality.

A steer and heifer from Aonghusa’s farm will be on display at the Teagasc stand at the National Ploughing Championships.

The heifer will be kept on the farm and put in calf next year to calve down at 24 months. Over the coming months it will be important to maximise performance over the winter period to ensure they achieve 0.6kg per head per day.  

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

It was a very challenging August this year and for the monthly Grass10 update, Niamh discusses how farmers have fed silage out over the past few weeks.

Calves have been creep grazed in front of cows to break the bond and concentrates supplemented earlier as well as calves being weaned earlier in September versus late September. Supplement introduced 4 weeks pre weaning and will be continued 2 weeks post weaning and possibly longer on some farms.

Most of the farmers in the Future Beef programme have scanned and given the difficult spring, overall scanning rates were good so various options are being discussed for empty cows to sell live and, depending on the farm where fodder is available, they will be finished on farm.

Finishing stock have been housed and speaking with farmers they were lighter than cattle this time last year. They will be built up over the coming weeks and the plan is to have them finished before Christmas which will be a challenge on some farms due to the poor weather impacting on performance and late turn out last spring.

Niamh also highlights the management of red clover swards in coming weeks and the key points for managing grass in the coming weeks are:

·      Empty slurry tanks when possible

·      Assess growth on farm versus demand

·      Review fodder budget

·      Visit ploughing stand to meet the Grass10 team and Teagasc staff  

Niamh also advises the last day for spreading chemical fertiliser is 14th September.

For more, you can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Roscommon Future Beef farmer, Shane Keaveney, features on this week’s Beef Edge podcast discussing management of his suckler to beef system and the upcoming National Beef walk taking place on his farm on Wednesday, 11th September at 6pm.

Shane explains that he farms with his wife Gráinne and 3 children and operates a suckling to finishing system with bulls finished under 16 months and heifers that are not kept as replacements sold as stores. Shane aims to finish the bulls at 680-700kgs at under 16 months of age and have a minimum fat class of 2+.

He discusses the breeding performance on the farm and is hitting all the key performance indicators. Shane has targeted to reduce the age of slaughter by pushing the bull weanlings earlier and by feeding a high quality red clover silage over the winter.

Shane will discuss his system, physical & financial performance in detail at the walk on Wednesday 11th September at 6:30pm. The focus of the event will be 'Opportunities in Suckler Farming'. 

Shane will also detail how red clover is helping him meet his winter weight targets. Plus, the new EIP Island River Catchment scheme will be outlined to explain what opportunities there are for local farmers. 

Castlerea Livestock Mart Manager Brendan Egan will discuss the beef market outlook for the coming months along with Anthony O'Dowd from Dawn Meats.

There will be a number of industry stakeholder available to meet and discuss any queries you may have and refreshments will be served. 

Further details at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/events/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Aidan Maguire, DairyBeef 500 farmer from Navan, Co. Meath, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss management on his farm and his upcoming National Beef open day taking place on September 5th at 6pm.

Aidan, alongside his son Luke, runs a dairy calf to beef enterprise on their farm, in conjunction with a contracting business. The farm stretches to over 70ha, with 54ha in grass and the remainder in forestry.  

Up until 1999, Aidan operated tillage and suckler cow enterprises. Having initially changed to a calf to store system, Aidan then moved to a dairy calf to beef system through which approximately 100 calves were purchased and finished each year. 

The predominant breeds purchased were Aberdeen Angus, Hereford and Friesian animals. Annual calf purchases have now increased to 150-170, a mixture of autumn and spring-born. Even though the number of calves has increased, there has been no increase in health issues associated with the rearing of these extra calves.

Since joining the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Campaign, the Maguires source all their calves from four local dairy farmers and finish their heifers at around 18-19 months and bullocks at less than 24 months of age. The target is to have heifers at over 550kgs live weight at the end of the finishing period and for bullocks to be 600kg, leaving a minimum carcass weight of 270kg for heifers and 300kg for bullocks.

On Thursday, September 5th at 6pm, Aidan Maguire will host a DairyBeef 500 farm walk and live forum on his farm. All are welcome to come along and see his dairy calf to beef system in action. On display on the evening will be his 2023 autumn born and 2024 spring born calves, yearling steers and heifers and his finishing animals.

The theme of the event is ‘Making the winter gains‘, which will be of great interest to both dairy farmers and those interested in rearing dairy bred stock. 

Topics on the day will include: Aidan’s current farming system and his financial performance; grassland management tips, including red clover swards; animal health; and winter feeding options for finishing and weanling animals.

The DairyBeef 500 Farm Walk and Live Forum will take place on Aidan Maguire’s farm, Antylstown, Co. Meath, Eircode: C15 W4C2 on September 5th at 6pm and further details on the event are available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/db500farmwalkliveforum.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Billy Gilmore, Grass10 Grassland Farmer of the Year Drystock category winner, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his farm system and grassland management on his farm. In recognition of the award, Billy will host a farm walk on Tuesday, 27th August @ 6.30pm.  

Billy, along with his wife Anne, operates a contract heifer rearing system rearing over 200 heifers a year. The system has changed over the years, from a mixed system, an autumn-calving suckling system, a spring-lambing flock and tillage enterprise.

‘‘I took over the farm at the age of 15,” Billy explains. “And shortly after, I remember I cycled to my first farm walk. The discussion back then was around the principle of growing grass in three weeks and grazing it in three days, setting up paddocks and applying lime. Fast forward 50 years and the principles are still the same that drive the success of any farm system.”

Billy outlines how he has managed grass on the farm this year and is now building covers for the autumn. Quality silage is important to the system as well as the inclusion of clover to reduce fertiliser input.

Pic: Independent.ie

For further details on the upcoming walk go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grassland-events/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Margaret Brennan, Assistant Principal Officer for Beef Schemes with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, discusses and explains the 2024 Beef Welfare Scheme on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.

The 2024 Beef Welfare Scheme (BWS) will support farmers in meal feeding suckler calves before and after weaning, and in vaccinating against clostridial diseases and calf pneumonia. Calves eligible to the scheme are those born to eligible suckler cows in the period from July 1st 2023 to 30th June 2024.

While the meal feeding action is mandatory for scheme participants, farmers must indicate that they are selecting the optional vaccination action at application stage if they wish to be considered for payment under this action. 

Farmers can then decide during the implementation phase, where appropriate, in consultation with their veterinary surgeon, which disease they wish to target depending on the health status of their herds.

Action 1 – Meal Feeding (Mandatory): the rate of payment is €35 per eligible calf up to a maximum of 40 eligible calves.

Action 2 – Vaccination (Optional): The rate of payment is €15 per eligible calf up to a maximum of 40 eligible calves.

Applications must be made on agfood.ie

The closing date for applications is 23.59hrs on 24 September 2024.

Further information on the terms and conditions are at: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/8c827-beef-welfare-scheme-2024/

For further queries email and contact telephone details are:

Email: bws@agriculture.gov.ie

Phone number: +353 (0) 57 86 74422

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc researcher and vet, John Donlon, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the main issues that arise around weaning time and how to prevent them.

It’s been a difficult year for cows and calves and performance of some calves has been impacted by the extended spring and grazing conditions and weather. John says that many calves may have had health issues in the spring and it is important to reduce stress now at weaning.

He explains that delaying weaning will only further cause issues by a number of actions taking place in a shorter period of time, along with the weaning process, such as housing, if weather conditions are poor.

John highlights that there are a wide range of weaning protocols. However the principals are similar to the fact that the maternal bond is broken gently by forward creeping calves, concentrates are introduced 4 weeks pre-weaning, dosing for lungworm and or stomach worms is carried out prior to weaning and only removing a third of the cows a week to ensure calves are not stressed.

John also discusses the key points to consider when implementing a vaccination programme with the vet to reduce the incidence of pneumonia when housing takes place.

Further information from AHI on ‘Management of the Suckler Calf at Weaning to Prevent Pneumonia’ can be found at:

https://www.animalhealthireland.ie/ckfinder/userfiles/files/20120919%20CAC%20Suckler%20Final%20Webversion(2).pdf

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. 

Currently, growth is ahead of demand on farms and Niamh highlights management and targets for the coming weeks.

Second cut harvested in the past few days indicates the yields are back around the country and for farmers that will need a third cut, Niamh advises to apply 2,500 gallons of slurry and 1 bag 38%N.  

For more, you can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Beef Specialist, Aidan Murray, discusses beef management tips for the month ahead on the latest Beef Edge podcast.  

Aidan says that farmers with autumn calving herds should keep cows fit prior to calving, ensure minerals are supplemented pre-calving, particularly iodine and copper, and he explains ways to avoid mastitis and create awareness at this time of year.

Aidan recommends that cows should be scanned in the spring calving herd to help reduce farm demand and discuss options to sell live or to feed on and finish. 

Aidan also highlights the implications of selling cows or calves prior to five months of age for the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme penalties.

He then outlines different options for bulls and heifers for finishing in the coming months.

Calves on dairy beef farms are weaned and being rotated at grass, and Aidan says to use faecal sample results and treat calves accordingly. Plus Aidan discusses treatment options if calves are currently coughing.

Finally, Aidan goes through various options for farmers to consider if they are short on fodder. As sourcing straw is an area of concern for farmers, Aidan outlines the steps farmers can take now and other alternatives to consider.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

This week’s Beef Edge podcast is a joint episode with Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast and we are joined by Grass10 advisor Niamh Doyle to get an update on the current situation and discussing management tips for the coming weeks.

Niamh says there have been many factors that have limited grass growth over the last number of months such as lower temperatures, especially at night, harsh winds, high rainfall and  high levels of poaching due to the wet spring with poor conditions for grazing.

Niamh explains the long term Nitrogen fertiliser type trial at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle which provides an insight as to how different fertiliser types/formulations have performed under the same conditions and with N applied at the same time at the same rate. Overall total grass dry matter yield to date was similar across fertiliser nitrogen products.

Niamh emphasises that reducing demand by scanning early to remove empty cows and cull ewes would help decrease the demand on the farm.  Introducing creep to lambs and weanlings would also help lower demand.

Coming into August, it is important to focus on building grass covers. By having a plan and applying fertiliser in early August when response is good will help build autumn grass covers and may allow surplus grass to be removed if fodder is needed.

Second cut silage is also being cut at the moment. It is important to target slurry that has yet to be spread to be applied to these paddocks and as per the farm nutrient management plan, to ensure tanks are emptied and P and K is applied where needed. 

Completing a fodder budget, walking the farm now and applying fertiliser are the key tips for the coming weeks for farmers to keep in mind

For further information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/

Subscribe to the Teagasc Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Reducing the mean finishing age of prime beef cattle from 26 to 22-23 months by 2030 is fundamental to achieving Ireland’s 25% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture and on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc researcher Paul Smith discusses this topic.

Paul explains the main messages relating to reducing age at slaughter from the BEEF2024 Open Day and future research surrounding the grass-based beef research in comparison to commercial high performing beef farms.

He outlines the important talking points from the greenhouse gas village at BEEF2024 and he also discusses the finishing village which aimed to highlight carcass specifications, in particular the correct fat score.

Nationally, mean age at finishing is six to nine months later than on grass-based research and high-performing commercial farms. There is an urgent need to identify and quantify factors impeding Irish beef farms from achieving potential liveweight targets throughout the animal’s lifetime. 

Collaborative research from the Teagasc-led Beef-Quest project aims to investigate the effect of nutrition, health and on-farm environment factors constraining animal growth performance and finishing age of beef cattle, and assess their impacts on GHG emissions. 

In collaboration with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) and UCD, this project will use data available within the industry. A new large-scale on-farm study is planned to generate new data and expressions of interest for participant farms will be sought in the coming months. 

Beef-Quest will identify, quantify and rank the primary on-farm technical and behavioural-related issues negatively impacting finishing age. Using this new information, more targeted, high-impact and deliverable solutions can be proposed and disseminated to reduce finishing age, thus improving the Irish beef’s sustainability.

If you are interested in participating please contact paul.smith@teagasc.ie

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss energy and farm diversification options and the areas for farmers to consider. 

It is a very big area including: Anaerobic Digestion, Energy, Solar, Electricity, Biomass, Community Energy, Business Diversification, Food Business Start Ups, Agri Tourism, Organics, Forestry, Bio-economy and Agri-Tech.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently launched Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy and Barry outlines the potential in this area.

There are grants available for solar panels under TAMS , which has created huge interest and Barry discusses key areas that farmers should be considering.

Many farmers are interested in enterprise diversification. There are countless possibilities when trying to identify a realistic option for generating additional household income. Barry highlights possible diversification options.

With the BIA Innovator hub set up in Athenry Co Galway, Barry discusses the opportunities in relation to food business with agri-tourism also expanding in recent years.

The Energy and Farm Business Show is taking place on 18th July in Gurteen Agricultural College and you can find out more at:

https://energyandfarmdiversificationshow.com/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Alan Dillon, Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Manager, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to explain the key messages discussed with farmers who visited the Dairy Calf-to-Beef Village as part of BEEF2024, Teagasc’s National Beef Open Day. 

Alan outlines the benefits of the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) and how its use at purchase time can result in more profitable and efficient dairy-beef systems.

The importance of meeting weight gain targets was also highlighted, with Alan explaining that animals must perform on farm from arrival to the point of sale and this can only be achieved through adequate nutrition and health programmes, and having appropriate housing facilities available.

Alan also discusses the next Dairy Beef open day on the Tipperary Dairy Beef Demonstration Farm which takes place on the 10 July 2024 at 11am in Ballyvadin, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. Eircode: E91 E0X3. Further details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/tipperary-dairy-beef-demonstration-farm-open-day.php

The Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm, a joint initiative between Dawn Meats, Shinagh Estates and Teagasc, was established to demonstrate best practice in breeding, rearing and finishing dairy-beef animals.

Twelve DairyBeef factsheets were launched at the BEEF2024 Open Day in Grange last week. This is one of the commitments from the 10 Point Action Plan to Support Dairy Calf to Beef Systems in Ireland, launched by the Department of Agriculture earlier this year.

The full set of factsheets are available here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/dairybeef-500-factsheets/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With the launch the GROFarmS project taking place today at BEEF 2024 National Beef open day in Teagasc Grange, Teagasc organic specialist, Elaine Leavy, and Teagasc researcher, Kevin Kilcline, join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the role this research programme will have for anyone interested in converting or currently in organics, as well as detail on the variety of organic events taking place in the coming weeks.

GROFarmS stands for Growing Resilient Organic Farming Systems and is an organic farming research project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Teagasc and is being undertaken in collaboration with  UCD. 

In the past few years there has been huge interest in organics, a large number of farms have converted and many more are considering the option of converting. Whilst there are various opinions on the benefits of organic farming, there is a lack of evidence and figures on the sustainability of Irish organic farms. The GROFarmS project aims to address this gap by putting figures on the performance and sustainability of organic farms.

Research on beef finishing systems will be conducted on a dedicated, organic certified 100 acre beef finishing farm in Kildavin, beside Johnstown Castle in Wexford. This farm is currently being converted to organic farming standards. This includes a reseeding programme and conversion of farm sheds to meet organic standards. Complimentary research trials on organic finishing diets will also be under taken in Grange research centre which will subsequently inform the design of winter diets in Kildavin.

In addition, the Teagasc National Farm Survey will be extended to capture information on real organic beef farms across the country that will identify what different production practices are being applied on farms, and what they mean in terms of costs of production, profitability and sustainability.

More detailed information on the background to the project and updates from the project will be on the project website at www.Teagasc.ie/GROFarmS.

There is a National Beef Organic Walk on the farm of  Ken Gill Co. Offaly which takes place on Friday 12th July 6:30pm:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/events/#nationalwalks

And information on further upcoming organic walks can be found here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/events/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Emma Dillon and Kevin McNamara from Teagasc join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the findings from the recent National Farm Survey Small Farms Report.

Teagasc collects farm data through the National Farm Survey (NFS) and this report focuses on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the approximately 48,000 farms in Ireland that are too small in economic terms for inclusion in the annual NFS survey. 

What's in the Report?

Farm Coverage

1. Cattle Rearing
 2. Cattle Other
 3. Sheep
 4. Partially Leased

Farm Categorisation

Farms typically produce more than one type of agricultural output. In the National Farm Survey farms are categorised into farm types according to their principal output.

In this Small Farms Report for 2022, the sample is representative of a population of over 48,000 small farms in Ireland. A small farm is defined as a farm with a standard output of €8,000.

Key Performance Indicators

A range of indicators is provided, including information on farm output, production costs, farm supports, farm income, labour input, stocking rate and input usage.

To view the report go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2024/NFS_Smallfarms_Report2022.pdf 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc researchers Peter Doyle and Nicky Byrne join Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the suckler and dairy beef herds in Grange, what research is currently ongoing in Teagasc Grange and what’s happening at the National Beef Open day BEEF 2024 on Wednesday 26th June.   

The theme of this year’s event is ‘Securing your future’ and Teagasc are delighted to invite all beef farmers and stakeholders in the Irish beef industry to the event.

The focus of BEEF2024 will be on the application of technologies that will help beef farmers increase the profitability and environmental sustainability of their family farm businesses. 

BEEF2024 will be hosted on a new site on the farm with a new and improved layout and structure on the day. It is a free event and all are welcome to attend.

BEEF2024 is on Wednesday 26th June from 9-4pm in Teagasc, Grange, eircode C15 PW93, and is a day not to be missed. 

For further information go to: 

www.teagasc.ie/beef2024

Teagasc acknowledges with gratitude the support of FBD Trust who will be available on the day to meet attendees.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With the upcoming Irish Grassland Association National Beef walk taking place on Tuesday 11th June, suckler and sheep farmer Martin Shaughnessy from Co. Mayo, and the Irish Grassland Association Beef chairperson, Paddy Casey, are on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss Martin’s system and the upcoming open day.

Martin runs a suckler-to-weaning system while also lambing approximately 150 ewes – a typical suckler and sheep operation in the west of Ireland.

Martin now runs a herd of sixteen three-quarter-bred Limousin dams mated to Belgian Blue sires each year. Maiden heifers are crossed back to Limousin genetics while sexed semen was also introduced in 2023. Breeding season has gone very well with all cows inseminated.

The sheep enterprise consists of Suffolk and Texel-cross ewes – split lambing at the start of February and then again around St. Patrick’s day each year. The ewes are synchronised to leave the management during lambing easier. 

The suckler system is quite simple.  The cattle rotationally graze a 10-12 ac block on the home farm which is laid out in paddocks under a leader-follower system.

Martin is also involved in the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme with the farm located in the Cregduff catchment, east of Ballinrobe town, Co. Mayo (Eircode F12PR23).

The farm walk is a free event and is very kindly sponsored by FBD Insurance. Flame grilled burgers will be available at 6pm sharp for those who wish to arrive early and the event will get underway at 6:30pm, finishing at 8:30pm.

For further details go to: 

https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/beef-walk-mayo/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Future Beef farmer, Trevor Boland, who operates an autumn calving suckling system in county Sligo is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the farm including harvesting of silage and management of grass in the coming weeks. 

With current weather conditions very changeable, Trever discusses how he has some first cut silage harvest and the rest will be made in the coming days.

There are currently four groups of stock on the farm grazing and he outlines the management of the various groups in the coming weeks. 

Silage quality is very important on the farm as Trevor avoids feeding concentrates to cows. He discusses his fertiliser programme on grazing and silage ground and the management of cows pre-calving

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

For this joint Beef Edge and Ovicast podcast with Catherine Egan and Ciaran Lynch,

Future Beef Farmer, Olivia Hynes from Roscommon, discusses how she is managing grass this year and how mixed grazing is working on her farm.

Olivia describes the farm system and how this spring has been on the farm. She is using 100% AI with breeding in full swing and she discusses various sires she has selected. 

Weanlings are targeted for the export sales and Olivia keeps 10-12 heifers as replacements annually.  Olivia complements the suckler enterprise with an early to mid-season ewe flock.   Scanning & weaning percentages are excellent with all lambs finished off grass to factory specification.

Over 90% of the farm is free draining brown acid soil, with moderate to good fertility. Olivia has been working on improving fertility for a number of years and liming is a priority to correct pH levels.  

Olivia also outlines the paddock system that she has put in and how it is working for her and she discusses her plan for managing grass in the summer, balancing the demand of the different groups of stock as priorities arise.

For further details go to: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/olivia-hynes/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Researcher, David Kenny, is on this week’s Beef edge podcast to discuss how to deal with current breeding issues and the key tips to be aware of.

With extended housing this spring, David outlines the  impact this has had on suckler cow fertility and body condition. 

In some cases breeding season has been delayed by 2-3 weeks. With some cows only calved in the last 3 weeks, David discusses a plan for these cows with synchronisation programmes and timed AI. Further details can also be found here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/beef/Oestrous-Synchronisation-or-Timed-Insemination-Tech-Note.pdf 

David says that stock bull fertility is a major concern with approximately 20% of bulls sub-fertile, and keeping records is essential. Carrying out a mid-season scan will allow any issues be detected early.

David discusses the research being carried out in Grange on breeding at the moment which will cover, AI, calving heifers at 24 months and breeding technologies at the BEEF 2024 Open Day taking place on Wednesday 26th June 2024 at Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath. 

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/news/2024/beef2024-openday-launched.php 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the programme farms, management tips for the coming weeks and he discusses the weaning process. 

It has been a challenging spring and Tommy outlines the targets on the farms up to weaning.  He describes the weaning process on the farms and the amount of concentrates fed to calves at grass. 

In a lot of cases weanlings were 30-40 kg behind target at housing last autumn and Tommy outlines the management plan for yearlings at grass to achieve compensatory growth. 

And in the coming weeks silage will be harvested on the programme farms and surplus heavy covers will be removed to help manage grass for the next rotation.

Calf health is critical too, with coccidiosis and worm burden being an issue in the coming weeks.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Margaret Brennan, Assistant Principal Officer over Beef Schemes with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, is on the Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) course. 

One of the eligibility conditions of SCEP participation requires that participants MUST complete the mandatory SCEP training course by 15 November 2024.

The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, with the assistance of ICBF and Teagasc, and with contributions from Bord Bia and the Health & Safety Authority (HSA), have developed the mandatory SCEP training course consisting of seven modules. 

This online training course will help participants successfully implement the actions within SCEP and advise the best practices in farm safety and livestock handling. 

Participants  must complete all SCEP online training modules by 15 November 2024 to remain in the programme. This online course is now available to all SCEP participants on the website www.sceptraining.ie

A letter outlining the details on how to access the training, including the participants pin to use when activating your account, is available on Agfood account under the link for Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme

Failure to complete all modules of the online training course by 15 November 2024 will result in you being removed from SCEP and any monies paid under the programme plus the cost of your genomics tests will be recouped.

Screenshot instructions on the process of activating accounts, logging into the training and progressing through the training modules are included in the guide, which also covers frequently asked questions here:

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/291585/cc968e73-db00-4f1a-b465-4ac1bf7cb4d3.pdf#page=null 

For any participants having technical difficulties or requiring assistance in logging into the training, help is available by email at support@sceptraining.ie or by phone at 074 9707756.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

David Quinn, Superintending Veterinary Inspector at Department Of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is on this week’s joint episode of the Beef Edge and the Dairy Edge with hosts Catherine Egan and James Dunne to dispel some of the myths around TB (Bovine Tuberculosis).

Ireland’s TB Eradication Scheme started in 1954. A TB forum was set up in 2018 and a new eradication strategy was launched in 2021. 

David first explains that last year there were over 30,000 cases which was an increase of 6,000 on the previous year.  Currently the incidence rate is high nationally at 5%. 

David describes the skin test carried out at the annual herd test. He outlines the issues around the false positive and false negative tests, and he discusses the ways farmers can reduce farm risks and awareness around  wildlife

Further details are available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/health-and-welfare-/tb/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With the current extended rainfall, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Future Beef advisor Gabriel Trayers and Alan Dillion DairyBeef 500 manager give an update from around the country along with tips and advice to implement on farms for the coming weeks. 

Alan also discusses health issues while Gabriel outlines issues in relation to the breeding season and cow nutrition options.

With grazing rotations delayed, Alan discusses the first steps in the plan and getting silage ground on track; plus he describes some of the finishing options now that stock may not have got to grass.

Weather is improving so there is light at end of the tunnel but it is an extremely stressful time and there’s also huge financial pressure on farmers. 

Talk to neighbours and your local Teagasc advisor.  There is an extensive network of people to help, including the Teagasc National Grassland Helpline on 059 918 3155.  

The helplines are open to all farmers seeking advice in coping with the ongoing wet weather and challenging soil conditions and are open from 9am–9pm Monday to Saturday.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With the difficult weather conditions, DairyBeef 500 advisor Gordon Peppard is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with some timely tips in relation to closing ground for silage.

Gordon highlights that on many farms silage ground won’t be cut but this could provide an opportunity to cut this silage earlier and hence have after grass coming into the rotation faster or the ability to close ground earlier for second cut silage if needed.

Gordon also describes the different fertiliser programme options and weed control available.

Developing a fodder plan for the farm to determine the area of ground that needs to be closed based on the amount of silage required is important while keeping the groups of stock that will be on the farm next winter, Gordon explains on the show.

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/silage-quality-improvements---ten-point-plan.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Future Beef programme farmer Trevor Boland is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on his farm, closing for silage and selecting sires. 

Trevor farms part-time in county Sligo and his main enterprise is an autumn calving suckler herd, calving August to October. 

The bull calves are sold at 10-12 months with a target weight of 500kg and the heifers are kept to calves at 24 months or sold as stores.

It has been a very difficult spring but Trevor has managed to turn out weanling heifers and bulls since early March. 

While nitrogen application and slurry applications have been delayed everywhere, Trevor has slurry applied to silage ground and intends to apply 18-6-12 to the grazing ground in the coming days.

With silage ground being closed, Trevor intends to cut silage in mid-May to make quality silage for feeding to fresh calved cows and yearlings next winter over 74 DMD.

Trevor uses 100% AI which helps him match each sire to the cow. Calving ease is very important and carcass value 30-40kg are a key focus whilst not compromising on milk

Come along on the 12th April at 5:30pm to visit Trevor’s farm at Skreen, Co. Sligo to find out more.  Eircode: F91 X535.

Further details at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/future-beef-farm-walk---trevor-boland.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
 https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

DairyBeef 500 Manager, Alan Dillon, is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with some tips for rearing calves at this time of year, the financial performance update for 2023 as well as slaughter performance.  

With a difficult spring to get cattle out to grass on programme farms, Alan outlines the plan at the moment with some cattle going to be kept in and finished from the shed due to difficult grazing conditions. 

Sourcing calves this spring there is big variation on price and delay of calves. Alan outlines some key tips for rearing calves up to weaning. The profitability for 2023 was on average €542/Ha. Alan outlines the slaughter performance for 2023 across the different categories of stock Fr, AA/HE, heifers and steers.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Ken Gill operates an autumn calving, organic suckler to beef system located in Co Offaly and he joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to explain his system. 

He has 73 suckler cows calving from the end of July to mid-September and all progeny are brought to beef with the aim to slaughter at 24 months.

Ken says that one of the big changes he had to make when converting to an organic system was in relation to housing on the farm.

Being organic means that crop rotation is vital to ensure the continued health of the soil and to aid weed suppression.  Oats are grown for sale, with a small quantity retained for feeding on the farm. Red clover/perennial ryegrass is grown for quality silage and winter fodder crops are also sown in certain areas of the farm.

100% A.I. is used to avail of the best genetics available, with visual being the main heat detection aid.  Ken offers advice for farmers considering an organic system and says that it is a profitable system for him.

Ken will also feature in the first of a three part Future Beef webinar on Wednesday 20th March at 8pm.

On Monday, March 25th at 8pm the webinar will focus on getting your cow back in calf and on Wednesday March 27th at 8pm the webinar will focus on genetics for the future.

Further webinar details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/events/

You can read more about Ken’s system here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/ken-gill/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

When it comes to this time of year, the question of doing an agricultural course arises and with so many on offer it can be difficult to decide what Teagasc course suits best.

On the latest Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc education officer, Serena Gibbons, discusses the range of Teagasc education courses that are available and how you can apply.

Log on to www.teagasc.ie/education where you can find lots of information and also contact details of the education officers in each region.

There is also a webinar at 11am on March 20th on land based apprenticeships and the details are here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/land-based-apprenticeships-live-webinar.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

This week it’s a joint episode between the Beef and Dairy Edge podcasts with dairy farmer Paul Delaney joining Emma-Louise Coffey & Catherine Egan to discuss the importance of genetics in the dairy-beef system to maximise performance and profitability. 

Paul first gives an overview of his system. Two thirds of the cows are calved to date and Paul has used a number of continental sires to breed top quality calves. Paul previously was a suckler farmer prior to converting to dairy in 2015. 

While selecting sires for gestation length and calving difficulty he has no issue with the sires he’s selected while focusing on beef characteristics. He puts a huge value on having two customers for calves that return year on year. 

Paul also discusses the value of good calf genetics can have on the whole process from calf birth to finish and further in the processors.  

For further details on the DairyBeef 500 campaign: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/

More information on the Dairy Beef Index is at: 

https://www.icbf.com/dairybeef-results/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With a difficult spring leading to challenging grazing conditions, Teagasc Grass10 Manager, John Maher, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with his top tips in relation to grassland management this spring. 

John discusses the current soil temperatures and grass growth across the country and on farms where grazing has been delayed and very little grazing has taken place to date, John explains what the key steps are to get stock to grass in the coming weeks. 

John highlights the grazing targets to hit to avoid having too much grass left at the end of the rotation or having too much grazed. 

Slurry has been spread on most farms and for those planning to go with slurry in the coming weeks John advises this should be applied on silage ground.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With calving season underway in the Newford herd, Teagasc Newford farm technician Michael Fagan is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into changes on the farm, preparation in advance of calving and a review performance of the herd. 

Michael discusses the big changes on Newford farm since we spoke last with the cows being moved from Athenry to Roscommon.  As the farm operated a tillage and beef enterprise, Michael discusses the work involved in making paddocks, reseeding and making pens before calving. So far just over 40 of the cows have calved and Michael discusses their performance. 

Michael also discusses how the yearlings on the farm are performing and the performance of the cattle finished before Christmas. 

Obviously heavy rainfall the past few weeks has hampered any chances so far of starting the grazing plan this spring.  Soil samples have been taken and analysed and slurry and fertiliser is being applied accordingly.

Further details are at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/newford-herd-settled-into-new-home-in-roscommon.php

Farm Walks

Coming up……DairyBeef 500 farmer, James O’Sullivan, Union Hall, Co. Cork will host a farm walk on Tuesday, 27th February @12pm, while Gareth Peoples, Co. Donegal will host a walk on Tuesday, 5th March @2pm.

Topics covered will be focusing on grassland management, silage preparation, fertiliser spreader calibration and calf management at purchase. 

For further details go to: 

www.teagasc.ie/DB500

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

John Donlon who gives advice and tips for caring for the new born calf. 

John outlines the best practice for when the calf is just born such as feeding colostrum and care of the navel.

He also describes the key tips when stomach tubing a calf. 

Regardless of a suckler or dairy beef system, there are a number of ailments that can arise and John has important advice for management from a health perspective for a number of conditions and diseases.

Don’t forget as well to listen back to last week’s episode on managing the cow before calving and calving the suckler cow.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

On this week’s Beef Edge podcast, it’s the first of a two-part episode with Teagasc Researcher and Vet, John Donlon, who gives his insights and top tips in relation to managing the cow before calving and calving the suckler cow.

Calving will be taking place on farms over the coming weeks and John discusses the nutrition to be aware of in the final stages with mineral and vitamins and ensuring that cows are fit and not fat.  

 
John then discusses giving assistance at calving and about the presentation of the calf and essential items to have ready.

Finally, he describes using the calving jack and some of the key things to be aware of.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

January is a good month to review your 2023 financial performance before you start focusing and putting a plan in place for 2024 and on this week’s joint episode with Ciarán Lynch from Teagasc’s Ovicast sheep podcast, we discuss financial management tips on drystock farms with Teagasc Financial Specialist Kevin Connolly.

Kevin first outlines the benefits of completing a profit monitor. He discusses the data that’s required and how farmers make use of the data for their system. 

Kevin explains the reports that can be developed and the importance of benchmarking the farm as volatile market or weather conditions can really impact financial performance 

One year is a starting point and after completing it for 3-5 years it enables the farmer to develop a plan with their advisor to make decisions on the system, on farm investment and future direction of the farm.

Further details are available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/financial-analysis/farm-profit-analysis/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Dr.Siobhan Kavanagh from the Signpost Programme is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what areas you can focus on to make your farm more sustainable in 2024.

The Signpost  programme is a multi-annual campaign to lead climate action by all Irish farmers. The programmes aims to achieve early progress in reducing gaseous emissions from Irish agriculture and to also improve water quality, maintain and in some cases improve bio-diversity, reduce costs and create more profitable and sustainable farming enterprises.

There are two elements to the programme:

- A network of Signpost Farms, which will act as demonstration farms for the programme and sites for carbon sequestration measurements. These will point the way forward towards climate smart farming, and are central to the second element

- The Signpost Advisory campaign which will engage with all farmers and support them to move towards more sustainable farming systems

Siobhan discusses a number of actions such as using protected urea in 2024. Applying Lime and slurry using LESS and incorporating clover are discussed as ways to improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemical fertiliser. 

Improving grassland management on the farm is important by utilising grass with a paddock system, walking the farm weekly and extending the grazing season to reduce emissions. 

Siobhan discusses having a good herd health plan, breeding policy and reducing the age at slaughter and the impact these have on reducing emissions.  

Find your local Future beef farmer here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/ 

Find your local Dairy Beef 500 farmer here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/farmers/ 

You can also subscribe for the newsletter at the following link:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/newsletter-subscription/

If you would like to apply for the sustainability awards, the form is at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/sustainability-awards/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Cattle Specialist, Niall Kerins, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast with an update on the nutrient management legislation and developing a nutrient management plan for your farm. 

The Nitrates Action Programme underwent a number of changes last year, with stronger measures introduced for the protection of water quality. There were a number of changes in particular that all farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 130kg of N/ha must take soil samples.  In addition to this, for arable farmers, all sown arable land must be soil sampled.

Further details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/environment/6-key-changes-to-nitrates-regulations-for-2023.php

Niall also mentions that soil sampling is mandatory on all farms participating in ACRES.  Niall discusses taking soil samples and the importance of developing a nutrient management plan with their advisor.

 
The opening date for spreading slurry is this week for a number farmers depending on the county that the farm is located in:

-       Farmers in Zone A will be permitted to spread organic fertiliser (both slurry and farm yard manure) from Saturday, January 13th

-       Farmers in Zone B will be permitted to spread organic fertilisers from Tuesday, January 16th

-       Finally, farmers in Zone C will be permitted to spread organic fertiliser from Thursday, February 1st

The end of the closed period is not essentially a ‘green light’ for farmers to go out spreading slurry, and weather conditions should be looking favourable before slurry spreading goes ahead. 

Niall advises how farmers can best maximise the value of slurry nutrients, including using slurry on silage ground. There are numerous benefits of using Low Emission Slurry spreading techniques. 

With very high prices for fertiliser over the past number of years, Niall outlines the prices that are expected in the coming year.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With calving kicking off on many dairy farms, on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, discusses the key areas you need to focus on from sourcing calves and rearing up to weaning. 

There are over 2,500 calves reared across the country on dairy beef farms and Tommy highlights that, in addition to the physical health of the calf, it is important to look at the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) to get an insight into the genetic make-up of the calf. 

After transporting the calf, electrolytes are given for its first feed and the calf is monitored. Tommy discusses the feeding regime and getting the rumen set up for the grazing season ahead. 

While ventilation is important in the calf shed it is critical to avoid any draughts.  Early diagnosis and disease prevention are important to the lifelong health of the calf. Tommy outlines a number of  protocols being carried out on farms. 

The welfare & safety of the farmer has to be addressed also and Tommy discusses ways to reduce labour and stress and increase safety in the system.

CalfCare Events

CalfCare events are held each January to keep farmers informed of best practice husbandry and management practices to deliver best performance from calves in their care. Rearing healthy calves has always been the focus of CalfCare events and 2024 will be no different, but for the first time, a new dimension will be introduced as beef farmers rearing dairy beef calves will host some of the events.

Both beef and dairy farm performance is built on the foundation of good calf rearing and all farmers rearing calves are encouraged to attend to prepare for 2024 rearing period.

Topics to be discussed include:

- Calf health management

- Managing calves for sale

- Optimal calf housing

- Pre-weaning nutrition

For further details visit: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/CalfCare-Events/

Upcoming DairyBeef 500 webinars

The first webinar is taking place on Tuesday, 16th January, and will focus on Preparation for Calf Rearing in 2024, while the second webinar, taking place on Tuesday, 30th January, will focus on Sourcing and Feeding Dairy Beef Calves in 2024.

For more, go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/events/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Cattle Specialist Aidan Murray is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into the outlook for the coming year and what farmers can expect.

Farmers have seen only a minor reduction in production costs in 2023 compared with 2022 and Aidan reviews the 2023 performance from the outlook conference and discusses the outlook for 2024.

Aidan highlights what’s expected in 2024 and explains some of the key requirements of SCEP and the actions farmers need to keep in mind this spring.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

For the final episode of 2023, Teagasc Researcher Peter Doyle is on this week’s Beef Edge to give a review of the Derrypatrick herd in Teagasc Grange in the past year.
 
Weaning started on the 9th October and the weanling performance this year was: Males = 326 kg (1.3 kg/day) and Females = 305 kg (1.2 kg/day). The weanlings remained outdoors for another month post-weaning and they received 1 kg concentrates/head/day.

The cows were body condition scored in December with an average body condition score of 3.0 and  live-weight of 650 kg.

Overall the 2023 breeding performance in Derrypatrick was very good. There was a 9 week breeding season with 87% of the cows scanned in calf. 85% of these are calving in the first 6 weeks.

Grassland management and performance in 2023 was very difficult. Grass was measured on a weekly basis and recorded on Pasturebase Ireland. It yielded 12 t DM/ha.
 
Peter also discussed the slaughter performance and explained that he will be establishing a grass clover group in the new year. For interested farmers, Peter can be contacted at peter.doyle@teagasc.ie.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Rupert Claxton, Livestock Director from GIRA Consultancy (UK), is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with his presentation from the Teagasc National Beef Conference giving an overview of the Global Beef Market and highlighting the likely trends for input prices as we move into 2024.

Rupert’s presentation is available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/Rupert-Claxton/

Full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Anaïs L’Hote from the French Livestock Institute is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with her  presentation from the Teagasc National Beef Conference discussing how farmers can be paid for reducing their carbon footprint based on the experience in France.

Anaïs’s presentation is also available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/Anais-LHote/

Full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Dr Siobhan Kavanagh from the Teagasc Signpost Programme is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with her presentation from the National Beef Conference examining the main drivers of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) on beef farms and the steps that farmers can take to reduce them.

Siobhan’s presentation is available at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/siobhan-kavanagh/

Full conference details are here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

As a bonus Beef Edge episode, Dr. Maria Guelbenzu from Animal Health Ireland (AHI) who presented at the Teagasc National Beef Conference, discusses the prevalence of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), and why Ireland needs to move towards a national eradication programme.

Maria’s presentation is available at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/Maria-Guelbenzu/

Full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

This week’s Beef Edge podcast features Ellen Fitzpatrick from Teagasc Johnstown Castle who gave an interesting presentation at the Teagasc National Beef Conference describing how to make the most of a Low Input/High Output Dairy Beef system.

Ellen’s presentation is also available here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/ellen-fitzpatrick/

And full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

It is expected that more than €1.8 billion in payments will be issued to farmers before the end of the year. 

Teagasc Advisor, Keith Fahy, based in Athenry Co. Galway, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to outline some of the payment dates later this year.

Keith outlines how BISS, CRISS, Eco-Scheme and ANC have started to be paid already or in the coming weeks. 

ANC advance payments commenced issuing to cleared cases since 17th October, while BISS and CRISS advance payments commenced issuing to cleared cases from 24th October; Eco-Scheme advance payments commenced issuing to cleared cases on 31st October 

Balancing payments across all the above four schemes and the CISYF payment will commence issuing to cleared cases in December 2023. 

The National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme, payments commence issuing to cleared cases from 4th December with Keith describing the requirements for the schemes. 

The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) and National Beef Welfare Scheme payments commence issuing to cleared cases from 11th December 2023.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

DairyBeef 500 manager, Alan Dillon, and programme advisor, Fergal McGuire, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the programme and they also discuss winter management on farms. 

Alan describes how the difficult weather conditions have decreased performance this year and it is important to get silage quality tested and balance rations accordingly. 

Fergal highlights that due to early housing this autumn, heavy covers will need to be grazed in early spring. 

Alan then outlines animal health treatments on farms this winter while Fergal describes the dairy calf to beef courses starting again in December. 

You can register your expression of interest for the courses at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairy-calf-to-beef-course/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

To explain the upcoming improvements that are being made to both the Terminal and the Replacement beef indexes, Teagasc Beef Enterprise Leader Paul Crosson, in Teagasc Grange, and Dr Margaret Kelleher from ICBF, are on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge. 

They discuss the changes being made and Margaret outlines how the replacement and terminal index have progressed over the past decade. 

Changes are needed to keep up with market prices as it is eight years since it has been updated. There are also new traits added to increase genetic gain.  

The impact these changes are likely to have on breeding choices over the coming years is also highlighted by Margaret. 

Paul focuses on changes to the replacement index particularly on the traits added and how these have impacted on the emphasis within the indexes. 

Paul will also discuss these changes in further detail at the National Beef Conference which will take place on Tuesday, 21st November in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 F5P9 at 5pm. 

The theme of the conference is 'Improving our Beef Sectors Green Credentials'.

Further details are here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/national-beef-conference-2023.php

Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) held an online webinar which can be accessed here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/breeding--genetics/improving-genetics/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With farmers seven times more likely to have cardiovascular disease, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is  joined by Croí’s, Annie Costelloe, Head of Patient & Community Engagement, and Community Nurse, Caroline Dermody, to discuss tips and advice relating to farmer health.

People usually think of cardiovascular disease as an older person’s problem but small changes matter and it’s never too late to start.

Annie first discusses the background of Croí and the impact a demanding lifestyle such as farming can have. 

Caroline highlights the risk factors to be aware of and what can be done to decrease these risks. 

Annie explains what she has seen first-hand that comes up at the events they attend at marts and discusses the process and the benefits of taking just five minutes to sit and meet with the nurse.

For further details go to: 

https://croi.ie/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

An Garda Síochána Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick, discusses, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, top tips and the steps you can take to reduce the possibility of theft on your farm.

As the evenings are getting darker earlier, Sergeant Fitzpatrick says it’s an ideal time for farmers to review their farm security and he advises farmers on how to protect theft of livestock. 

Locking up and securing sheds and gates regularly should also be part of the day-to-day work on a farm. 

In relation to theft of farm machinery, he suggests a number of tips for farmers, while house security is also very important and John gives homeowners advice on how to best secure their home.

Find out who is your local crime prevention officer: 

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/

And for further details visit: 

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-engagement/crime-prevention-advice-on-farm-security.html

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

DairyBeef 500 farmer, Gareth Peoples from county Donegal, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his winter management on his dairy beef system.

Gareth discusses the importance of good quality silage and matching the results with the correct protein percentage in the ration.

Ventilation, feed space, lying space are also important he says, plus implementing the correct health plan on the farm is essential.

Further updates from DairyBeef 500 are available at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/demonstration-farmers/dairy-beef-500/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

As part of Sustainability Week, on the latest Beef Edge podcast, DairyBeef 500 farmer, James O’Sullivan from West Cork, discusses the steps he’s taking to improve the sustainability of his farm by increasing animal performance and incorporating clover and multi-species on his farm. 

James highlights the steps he takes from purchasing calves and management on the farm.  Maximising weight gain from grass is very important and James outlines the steps he takes to have good quality grass available.

Having incorporated multi-species, white and red cover into his system, James highlights how the benefits have resulted in reducing chemical nitrogen whilst also maintaining yields. 

Going forward James intends to incorporate more of these swards on his farm.

For more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/events/sustainability-month-2023/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With the housing of animals coming around again, farmers’ thoughts are turning to parasite control, and on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Dr. Natascha Meunier, Beef Health Check Programme Manager with Animal Health Ireland, discusses the parasites to look out for and how to treat them, as well as top tips for housing this winter.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, gives an insight into his beef system and how he maximises performance over the winter. 

Proinnsias farms with his wife Máire and sons Ciarán, Aodhán and Diarmuid. The farm is located outside Macroom, Co. Cork and he is farming 33.31Ha of variable land with a good bit of rough grazing ground.  

There is a lot of heavy soil in the farm with some reclaimed over the past few years. The farm is in one block and is situated roughly 720ft above sea level and gets an average rainfall of 55-60 inches per year. 

It’s been a difficult few months and Proinnsias discusses how he is managing grass at the moment. The ground conditions have made it difficult for finishing heifers at grass this year resulting in silage being fed and heifers housed for a number of weeks. 

Proinnsias outlines his health plan on the farm and his selection process at housing weighing and penning stock according to weight. Gaining as cheap weight gain as possible is important, and Proinnsias says that lying space, ventilation, water and nutrition are important to maximise performance over the winter period.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef price you can afford to pay for stock, what impact costs have on the bottom line and what price will be needed to cover these costs.

Aidan first compares the figures to date to show that the national kill has decreased from the same time last year. 

While beef prices for purchasing are increasing, the variable costs have decreased since last year. 

Aidan then outlines a number of different beef systems and the expected prices.

For a full breakdown of the beef budgets launched this week at the National Ploughing Championships visit Teagasc.ie.

Contact your local Teagasc advisor to discuss further:

https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-regions/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

As the grazing of the last rotation approaches, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by the Grass10 team, John Maher, Joseph Dunphy and John Douglas, with tips and advice.

Grazing has been difficult nationwide however recent weather conditions have made a huge difference and John Maher says don’t be tempted to graze paddocks that are closed first in the rotation. 

Meanwhile, John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy advise on multispecies and clover swards.

For further details visit: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

DairyBeef 500 farmer, Pat Collins, from Castlemarter Co. Cork, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give his personal experiences of his dairy calf to beef system, management on the farm and his upcoming open day.

This year there were 300 calves reared on the farm. Pat discusses how his beef system has changed over the years.

It’s been a difficult few months weather wise and Pat describes how he is managing grass on the farm and red clover swards.  He also outlines how the bulls are being managed at their finishing stage.

Pat will host an open day on September 12th at 5pm with a live forum in which Chris Daly, from ICBF, will discuss the new Commercial Breeding Value; Martin Kavanagh, from Munster Bovine, will discuss animal health issues; while Laurence Shalloo, Teagasc, will give his views on the future of the dairy industry and the outlook/options for dairy calves being produced in the future.

The forum will be chaired by Doreen Corridan, Munster Bovine.

Further details available at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/dairybeef500-patcollins.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Future Beef suckler farmer, Ger McSweeney, from Millstreet Co.Cork, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast  to give an update on his beef system, plus he discusses how AI on his farm is increasing performance and reducing age to slaughter and previews his upcoming open day. 

Ger operates a spring calving suckler system with bulls finished U16 months and heifers U21 months. 

There is 100% AI used on the farm which has allowed Ger increase his replacement index and match each cows to a particular sire. 

Ger discusses how he has managed grass on the farm and the performance of the heifers and the calves. 

With weaning around the corner, he also discusses how he reduces stress on his farm at weaning time and how he implements the herd health plan.

Ger will host an open day on his farm on September 7th @ 2pm.
For further details go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/futurebeefwalk-mcsweeney.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

On the latest Beef Edge podcast, John O’Connor from Kildalton Agricultural College gives an update on the suckler farm, and Joe Day teacher in Kildalton, discusses the upcoming open day. 

John describes how it’s been a difficult summer and how grass is being managed at the moment in Kilkenny.

He highlights the breeding performance of the herd this year and how the finished cattle have performed and John also reflects on his career and we wish him every health and happiness on his retirement.

Joe Day then discusses the upcoming open day on the farm on 8th September 2023 @ 2:30pm with further details here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/autumn-beef-event.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Michael Cunniffe from Co. Roscommon joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his in-calf heifer system and grassland management.

Michael buys in approximately 150 each year, all of different types and breeds to meet his customers’ demands. The heifers are vaccinated and dosed when purchased. They are fed on a grass only diet on a paddock grazing system and silage only over the winter. 

The heifers are selected based on their characteristics to run with a Limousin stock bull. The heifers are then sold to farmers across the country operating different farm systems.

Michael discusses his paddock system and efforts he has made to increase soil fertility on the farm. In recent years clover and multi-species are being incorporated on the farm to help reduce nitrogen input on the farm .

Charlie Devaney local Teagasc advisor also outlines the farm walk being held on Michael’s farm at Mount Prospect, Co. Roscommon on Thursday, 31st August at 6:30pm which will discuss his heifer system and management of grass on the farm. 

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cunniffefarmwalk.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc researcher Peter Doyle joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Derrypatrick herd in Grange.   

Peter discusses how calving went this spring and how breeding season went on the farm. The pre-breeding scan was well worthwhile this year, Peter explained, and helped resolve any issues before they arose. Perter discussed the traits that sires were selected on and which sires were used.

Being the wettest July on record Peter also discusses the impact this has had on performance and getting second cut of silage harvested.

With a lot of clover sown this year Peter explains how he went about over-sowing it. He also outlined all the areas of focus for the coming month in advance of weaning and the herd health protocol.

We also wish Michael McManus well in his new post and wish Niamh Doyle all the best in Derrypatrick.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With the launch of the new National Beef Welfare Scheme by the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine, which replaces Beep-S, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Beef specialist Aidan Murray to get all the details.

The new scheme which is funded by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is a one year programme and it essentially replaces the old BEEP-S scheme where applicants had to weigh the unweaned cow and calf, with the option of either meal feed pre & post weaning or vaccinate calves and optional faecal sampling. 

For the new scheme the weighing component no longer features as it now part of the Suckler Cow Efficiency Programme (SCEP) while the faecal sampling and the calf vaccination have also been dropped.

There are no optional components this time around, both required measures are mandatory:

1. IBR Testing - Each participant must commit to participate in the IBR testing action managed by ICBF on behalf of DAFM. They are required to engage a PVP who will blood sample and test up to twenty bovine animals per herd, ideally 9 months old (if feasible) or above if present in the herd, or all ages if there is less than 20 in the herd for IBR gE antibodies.

Where a herd has twenty or more bovines, a minimum of twenty must be tested. Where a

herd has less than twenty bovines, ALL must be tested.

No. of bovines tested Payment per herd

Between 2 to 6 animals (inclusive)​€120

Between 7 to 10 animals (inclusive) ​€180

Between 11 to 15 animals (inclusive)​€250

Between 16 to 20 animals (inclusive) ​€300

2. Meal Feeding – Participants must introduce meal feeding for a period of 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2 weeks post-weaning to reduce the stress on calves at weaning time. Eligible suckler calves are those born between 1stJuly 2022 and 30th June 2023. 

The rate of payment is €35 per calf for a maximum of 40 calves.

Applications 

Applications are open online at www.agfood.ie and will remain open until midnight on 12th September. Applicants may apply themselves online or they can get their approved FAS adviser to apply. It is important to note that there is no late application facility with this scheme so 12th September will be the final date for applications

Once you make an application it will be up to you to make contact with the vet (PVP) to arrange the IBR blood testing. The vet will then send the samples to one of the DAFM approved labs.

Because DAFM hope to make payments for the scheme before the end of 2023, both actions of meal feeding and IBR testing will have to be undertaken by 1st November.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

The Certified Irish Angus Schools competition challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months while completing a research project, and is organised in partnership with ABP Ireland and Kepak Group. 

On this week’s Beef Edge podcast, the students from Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Co. Westmeath discuss their involvement in the competition and their journey to date. The team comprises of fours students Chloe McDermott, Mary Ellen Colton, Trása Bracken and Sinéad Bracken.

With the theme of ‘Exploring the opportunities of low carbon beef’ in mind, the students have developed a five-point plan to support sustainability in the Irish Angus breed of cattle.

Trása and Sinéad discuss their experience of the calves being reared on the farm and highly recommend the competition to other students thinking of participating. Mary discusses her experience and the skills she developed by participating in the competition. Mary highlights that being from a non-farming background, it has given her a better understanding of beef production systems in Ireland.   

The students will have the cattle on display on Sunday 13th August at the Tullamore show at the Teagasc stand. Call in to the stand to discuss the competition and their progress in more detail

Further details of their journey is available on the link below:

https://padlet.com/irishangusbreedtosucceed/certified-irish-angus-competition-by5dxwyw7lbwjm0r 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the recent launch of the Signpost Advisory Programme and details on how you can take part.

This public programme is available to all farmers and it will build on the network of Signpost Demonstration Farms by providing enhanced advisory and training support to farmers to commit to, select and implement climate and sustainability actions that will be appropriate and impactful on their farms. Participating farmers will be given the opportunity to commit to taking action for their farms.

A ‘Know My Number – Make My Plan ‘component of the programme, supported by the Sustainability Digital Platform, will allow farmers to see and understand their carbon emissions and sequestration profile as a baseline from which to act. A team of advisors are available in each advisory region.

With advisory support, farmers will make a plan to improve by adopting positive changes and technologies, and advisors will help them with the implementation of the plan, and tracking of progress.

This will also create trust and build capacity for supporting the adoption of new technologies as they emerge. 

The ambition of the programme is to engage with 50,000 farmers between now and 2030.

For further details, you can sign up to the Signpost Advisory Programme at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-action/signpost-advisory-programme/expression-of-interest/

Or contact your local Signpost advisor at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/signpost-advisory-programme/advisors/

Or via the Teagasc website:

https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/signpost-advisory-programme/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Ruaraidh Petre, Executive Director, Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast.

Ruaraidh discusses the work of the Global Roundtable that is carried out across 24 countries working together to produce sustainable beef. 

Originally from Ireland, but now living in New Zealand, Ruaraidh discusses comparison between the countries’ beef systems.

Further details are available at:

https://grsbeef.org/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

DairyBeef500 advisor, Tommy Cox, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the programme, as well as discussing grassland management and the upcoming National Open Day on the farm of Austin & Jarlath Ruane in county Mayo on Thursday 13th July at 6pm.

For further details of the event go to:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/jarlath-and-austin-ruane-dairybeef500-farm-walk-tickets-637952331597

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Gearóid Slattery from ICBF joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the National Genotyping Programme.  

The National Genotyping Programme is a collaborative initiative enabling Ireland to take the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national herd. The scale of the programme is a world first and sees Ireland placed firmly at the forefront when it comes to national sustainability efforts.

The NGP has been developed based on a cost-sharing model between the programme partners, consisting of the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM), Dairy Industry Ireland (DII), Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and participating farmers. 

The first year of the programme will be funded by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).  For the remaining four years, the genotyping costs of €18 per sample will be divided equally between the three Programme Partners; 1. DAFM, 2. DII & MII and 3. Participating farmers (i.e. €6 contribution per programme partners).

Genotyping the national herd will provide a huge opportunity for both the dairy and beef industry to increase its sustainability credentials on a global scale. Ireland will become the first country in the world to provide a DNA-verified traceability system. 

It will lead to an acceleration in the rates of gain of our national breeding indexes (e.g. EBI, Eurostar & DBI), which will enhance farm sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

The closing date for applications for dairy herds is 14th July 2023. The closing date for beef herds is yet to be announced.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  
      
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

DairyBeef500 Manager, Alan Dillon, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on how farmers in the programme are recovering from the drought conditions, grassland management in the coming weeks and information on the upcoming national open day in Co. Limerick.

Alan outlines fertiliser programmes and closing for second cut silage and he advises farmers to continue feeding until growth increases on farms. 

Join the Teagasc DairyBeef500 team on Thursday, 29th June at 6pm on the farm of Ciaran Bartley, Boher, Co. Limerick. Eircode: V94 AWT0. 

Further details can be found at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/dairybeef500-bartley.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  
     
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Niall Kilrane from the ICBF Tully Test Performance Centre is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update from the research centre which is the national commercial progeny test centre located on the edge of Kildare town. 

Historically, pedigree bull breeders used to bring their young bulls to the centre for performance testing. However, following a review in 2011, ICBF then began to purchase the commercial progeny of new AI sires that have been progeny tested through the Gene Ireland breeding programme. 

At any one time there are approximately 200 animals on site and to date almost 5,000 commercial animals have been through the centre. These animals are a mix of bulls, steers and heifers from both suckler and dairy dams. 

The data captured is growth rate, feed efficiency, methane emissions and even meat-eating quality. 

They are currently in the early stages of setting up a system that will capture the water intakes of the animals. Some of these traits have a direct impact on the genetic evaluation of the AI sire concerned whilst some of the data is in its infancy but could be extremely useful in the future. 

All of work is only possible through collaboration with industry partners including herd owners, AI companies, breed societies and the DAFM.

For further details go to: 

https://www.icbf.com/tully-bull-centre/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  
    
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss parasite control, managing resistance on farms and the Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH).

As part of the TASAH, a Parasite Control TASAH consult, between trained veterinary practitioners and their clients will continue to be available for 2023.  This is a free and voluntary programme supported as part of the Rural Development Plan 2014-2022, co-funded by the Irish government and the EU. All Irish herds and flocks are eligible to take part in the programme for 2023.

Farmers nominate a trained Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP) to carry out a herd or flock visit to look at various aspects of parasite control management on-farm. 

The PVP will make recommendations and will conduct two faecal egg count tests for roundworms (stomach or gut worms). There is no cost to the herd or flock owner, as this is fully funded by DAFM.

All herd and flock owners who were registered in 2022 will be automatically re-enrolled for 2023 and be eligible for a visit. 

New registrations are welcome for further details go to: 

https://animalhealthireland.ie/training/targeted-advisory-service-on-animal-health-tasah/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
   
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Roscommon Future Beef Farmer, Shane Keaveney, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast  to discuss the breeding season to date and to give an update on the farm. 

Breeding season is underway and Shane discusses using AI. He outlines the sires used on the farm and as Shane is finishing bulls at under 16 months, he talks through how they are managed from once they were housed and performance to date.

With a lot of silage has been cut around the country in the past fortnight, Shanes discusses his plan this year. 

He is trying red clover also and he discusses how he went about reseeding it and its management to date.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
  
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Joseph Dunphy, is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss grazing management on farms at the moment and the dos and don’ts when it comes to harvesting silage. 

Joseph outlines steps farmers are taking to overcome the difficult spring and for paddocks that may have got damaged, he discusses how they can they be rectified now. 

With silage ground closed late on farms, Joseph discusses the options for cutting and the impact delaying harvesting will have on quality and grass growth for the rest of the year.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Donall Fahy from Newford Farm joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the Newford Farm and to preview the upcoming open day on Tuesday 23rd May from 2-6 pm. 

Donall discusses the busy breeding season with 100% AI being used on the farm at the moment. 

He outlines the sires being used on the farm and selection criteria being used to select these sires. 

Grassland management has been difficult on the farm this Spring and Donall discusses this in detail .

With the open day around the corner, Donall highlights that open day will focus on all the changes and lessons learned since the project was initially set up in 2015.

Topics covered on the day will include:

- System Overview

- Breeding & Genetics

- Sustainability practices

- Grassland management

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/diary-date-major-open-day-at-newford.php

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With 95% of beef Quality Assured at point of slaughter and 54,000 audits taking place on Irish Beef & Sheep farms, Damien Murray, Operations Co-ordinator Origin Green with the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme, busts some myths around the audit on this week’s Beef Edge podcast .

One of the requirements of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme is that the farm has to be quality assured and Damien discusses what is required and the preparation needed in advance of the audit. 

He also explains what happens on the day of the audit and the post-audit as well.

For further details go to:

https://farm.bordbia.ie

The helpdesk contact details are:

01 5240410

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                        
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Niall Kilrane from ICBF, discusses the EuroStar Index and queries relating to SCEP.

Niall outlines how star ratings are valued and why they change. He highlights the importance of the data that farmers record and send back on surveys as part of previous schemes and the impact this has had. 

Niall also discusses some of the queries that arose at the recent Teagasc spring breeding events around the country.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                       
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s Beef Edge podcast, we’re joined by Ciaran Lynch, host of the Teagasc OviCast podcast, for a joint episode to discuss all things clover with Dr. Mike Egan, Teagasc researcher. 

Mike starts by highlighting the potential role of clover in drystock systems, how it works and the potential cost savings. 

We discuss the impact of soil fertility and weed control has on successful establishment and Mike talks about the impact of timing, sowing rate and varieties selection and over-sowing methods of incorporating clover in to sward. 

Post-sowing management can have a big impact on establishment and Mike brings us through grazing management from establishment to closing up at the end of the grazing season as well as offering some tips on minimising the risk of bloat. 

Finally, Mike highlights the suite of resources available for farmers to find out more about clover. 

For more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Clover-Management-2022.pdf

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                      
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Dr.Colin Byrne, researcher in Teagasc Grange is on this week’s Beef edge podcast to discuss key aspects of a synchronisation regime for a suckler beef herd. 

Current usage of artificial insemination (AI) is low in Irish suckler herds and this has implications for the speed of genetic improvement. 

In Ireland, approximately 1 out of every 5 calves born in beef herds are bred from artificial insemination and Colin discusses the benefits of AI.

He outlines different synchronisation regimes for beef heifers and beef cows over 35 days calved. 

With sexed semen more widely available for beef sires in the past number of years, Colin also discusses the success rates.

For further details: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/beef/Synchronisation-Regimens-for-beef-cows-and-heifers.pdf

And information on examination of bulls for breeding: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Examination-of-Bulls-for-breeding.pdf

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                     
 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

DairyBeef 500 manager, Alan Dillon, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update from the programme and key management tips for the weeks ahead.

Firstly, Alan reviews the profit monitors from last year and explains what the margins were for farmers in the programme.

With all the recent rainfall, grazing conditions have been difficult and Alan discusses how farmers are coping and planning for the weeks ahead.

Most farmers have had to rehouse stock and hence have very little grazed and Alan highlights the different options.

Due to the delayed turnout, some cattle will be drafted now, remaining housed and be finished from the shed and Alan goes through the various tips and advises farmers to discuss the options with their advisor.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                    
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With farmers starting to close up silage ground in the coming weeks, Teagasc Drystock advisor Gerard Cregg based in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the main things farmers need to consider. 

Gerard advises to complete a fodder budget for silage that will be needed and it is important to determine the quality of silage also needed and to have a plan. 

Applying the required N, P & K nutrients is also important and Gerard discusses the various fertiliser plans.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                   
 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Nationally, 57% of drystock soils have a lime requirement, based on the National Soil Fertility Report 2022. 

Teagasc researcher Mark Plunkett is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the recent National Liming programme.  

There is an €8 million budget available which equates to €16/t subsidy available. 

The key benefits of liming grassland soils are:

-       release up to 80 kg N /ha

-       increase grass production by up to 2.0 t DM/ha

-       increase soil P availability

-       Increase clover sward productivity

Every effort should be made to make best use of this very good support to correct soil pH on drystock farms as there is such a large requirement and the potential benefits are massive. 

The closing date for scheme applicants is 20th April, 2023 and farmers must apply for a minimum 10t to maximum 200 tonne based on an up-to-date soil analysis which is required.  

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                  
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Peter Harte, from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to outline the new Suckler Carbon Efficiency programme - SCEP.

SCEP is the successor to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), has a budget of €260 million over five years, and is co-funded by the EU under the CSP. 

SCEP rewards participant farmers with a payment equivalent to €150/cow on the first 22 cows and €120/cow on subsequent cows.

The National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme 2023 is a successor to similar schemes in 2021 and 2022, has a budget of €5 million, and is funded from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

Applications for both measures can be lodged through agfood.ie with a closing date of 2 May for the Dairy Beef Scheme and 22 May for the SCEP.

Further details at: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0e730-minister-mcconalogue-announces-opening-of-265m-suckler-and-beef-support-schemes/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Future Beef advisor, Gabriel Trayers, is on the week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to achieve the targets this spring, getting out to grass and the various scenarios across the country. 

With difficult grazing conditions around the country this past week, Gabriel outlines steps farmers can take. 

There are two main categories of  farmers: those that have got out early and those yet to start grazing and Gabriel discusses the various options.  

Mixed beef and sheep farm systems differ from a grazing point of view with ewes and lambs a priority this month. 

Gabriel also highlights the importance of good grazing infrastructure and he discusses fertiliser recommendations and the importance of lime.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
                
 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Martin Kavanagh, Vet and Business Development Manager with Muster Bovine, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to prevent and treat calf diseases.

Marin discusses prevention and treatment of calf scours. Pneumonia is highly dependent on the calf housing and environment of the calf which Martin advises on how to improve drainage, ventilation and have plenty of bedding to allow calves to nest.  

Hygiene is also critical and Martin outlines the different cleaning protocols of feeding equipment.  

Finally, he advises to speak to your vet to develop a good vaccination protocol and parasite programme specific to your herd. 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
               
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc DairyBeef 500 advisor Tommy Cox is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with key advice for sourcing dairy beef calves this spring.

With almost 2,000 calves sourced by programme farmers, Tommy discusses the traits and top things to look out for. 

He outlines the benefits of having minimum sources of calves and says the Commercial Beef Index will be of influence for the genetic ability of the calf.   

As most calves will be transported some distance to reach their final destination, Tommy highlights key steps to minimise any issues and he concludes with some of the key learnings from DairyBeef 500 farmers.

For further information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/dairybeef-500-factsheets/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
              
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Environment specialist, Tim Hyde, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to outline the current changes to the nitrates regulations, what it means for farmers and the future changes coming down the line. 

The recent changes to the nitrates regulations will have an impact on all farms in Ireland. 

From 2023, soil samples are required for all farms stocked above 130kg/ha grassland stocking rate (GSR) and all arable ground.

Tim explains that the permitted slurry spreading dates have also changed and that all slurry must be applied by October 1, 2023.

Low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) is mandatory on all farms with a grassland stocking rate of:

- 150kg/ha + from 2023;

- 130kg/ha + from 2024; and,

- 100kg/ha + from 2025.

Tim also discusses the requirements for a farm with a grassland stocking rate over 130 kg/ha and a farm with grassland stocking rate >170kg/ha (non-derogation).

Further details can be accessed here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Nitrates-Newsletter---October-2022.pdf

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Environment-Newsletter---December-2022.pdf

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
             
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Future Beef farmer Aonghusa Fahy from county Galway discusses preparing for calving, calving the cow and caring for the newborn calf on the latest Beef Edge podcast. 

To ensure he is fully prepared, Aonghusa  will carry out a pre-calving check. He makes sure the calving equipment is all working including calving gates, calving cameras, calving jack etc. 

Also ensure you have calving ropes, gloves, stomach tube, iodine etc. To help with this, Teagasc has a very useful checklist: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/technical-notes-for-suckler-farmers/calving-checklist/

At the end of January, Aongusa’s cows were moved into the pens adjacent to the calving area for ease of movement. 

As Aonghusa works off- farm, he has two rotating cameras and is also fortunate that his father lives close to the farmyard.

The cows have been treated for lice and received their vaccinations e.g rotavec corona early in January. 

All cows’ backs and tails were clipped which helps keep the udder clean for the newborn calf.

Post calving, the cow is given between 24-48 hrs to bond and Aonghusa ensures that each calf gets colostrum.

Weather permitting,  they are let out to a dry sheltered field adjacent to the yard.  However, in the event of having to stay housed, the cows are given top quality silage and 1kg of meal/head/day.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
            
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

On this week’s episode  of the Beef Edge podcast you'll hear three of the presentations that were presented at the recent Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference in Charleville.

On the night, Nicky Byrne, Teagasc Researcher, gave an update on the Teagasc Grange dairy beef research, and beef farmer Pat Collins, outlined the type of dairy beef calf that he likes to purchase. 

It started with Alan Dillon, programme co-coordinator, discussing the DairyBeef 500 campaign targets and farm financial performance.

Further updates from the DairyBeef 500 programme are available on the Teagasc website at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 
           
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com