The Beef Edge

Latest Episodes:

The Key Messages for Suckler Farmers from Beef2022 Aug 03, 2022

Show notes

Teagasc Advisor, Alan Nolan, based in Ballinrobe Co. Mayo, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to review key messages for suckler farmers from Beef2022.

Alan highlights the big focus of the day on was on improving reproductive performance, through genetics, AI, heat synchronisation and calving at 24 months.

There was a big discussion in the suckler village on the day in relation to how a farmer narrows the selection of replacement females. Alan also describes the main actions needed and the most important traits for a replacement female in your herd.

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/beef-open-day/beef-2022-main-stands/

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 Best Kept Secret of the Beef2022 Open Day Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

Dr Eddie O’Riordan, Teagasc Researcher, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the key points from Beef2022 for growing and finishing cattle farmers.

Topics on the day included silage quality, concentrate supplementation, herd health and the drafting of cattle.

Silage Quality will have high influence on performance and costs and Eddie explains there is a difference of €100 in costs moving from 60 – 75 DMD silage for a weanling to gain 0.5kg over the winter period.

With the rise in concentrate prices, the key point for farmers to keep in mind is to test silage and then balance with concentrates as required.

Reducing age of slaughter was also discussed and Eddie highlights how the national figures have changed over the past eleven years and says that, while it is a challenge, there are more reductions that can be made in the future. Eddie describes the key aspects of drafting cattle for finish to avoid the costs of putting on fat.

Herd health is a critical area to maximise the lifetime performance of the animal, particularly purchasing stock, and Eddie discusses the topics outlined by AHI based on the beef health check analysis, parasite control by Orla Keane and the health plan by the vet on the 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

DairyBeef 500 and what it hopes to achieve in the next five years Jul 20, 2022

Show notes

DairyBeef 500 campaign manager, Alan Dillon, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to review the key messages from Beef2022 for dairy beef farmers; plus he discusses the lessons learned from the Green Acres Programme and outlines the new five year DairyBeef 500 campaign that was launched recently.

Alan first explained how building a sustainable dairy-beef system was highlighted at Beef2022 by incorporating grass, genetics and herd health to support an economic and environmentally sustainable system.

The Green Acres programme has now drawn to a close and analysis of the past three years’ data showed a net margin increase from €100/ha to €650/ha (excluding subsidies). Live weight output increased from 994 kg/ha in 2019 to 1,427 kg/ha in 2021.

Over the course of the programme, grass production increased by 19%, while there was a huge focus on silage and DMD increased by 4% units, helping achieve an ADG of 0.6 kg over first winter. The indoor winter periods were identified as being the main area for improvement on farms.

The average number of source herds reduced from 10 farms to 6, resulting in improved calf health, while the genetic merit improved slightly across calves purchased, it is the most difficult area to improve.

The DairyBeef 500 campaign was launched recently with a target of €500/ha net profit and Alan outlines all that is to be achieved over the next five years.

The Ballyvadin demonstration farm will be a key component of the campaign located in Fethard Co. Tipperary. 300 calves will be purchased and a heifer and steer finishing system will be operated comprising of a number of breeds.

Farmers will get an opportunity to visit the farm and see the progress being made. The DairyBeef 500 farmers are located across the country and there will be four new farms added in addition to the rollover of farmers from the Green acres programme.

There will be a number of courses arranged over the campaign for farmers to attend along with regional discussion groups and further details will be available on the Teagasc website and social media channels.

For more information, go to:

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

The Beef2022 Forum on Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming Jul 13, 2022

Show notes

At the Beef2022 National Beef Open Day last week a forum took place moderated by Ivan Yates with the theme, ‘Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming’.

It was an open discussion with Professor Alice Stanton, RCSI, Michael Biggins, Future Beef Farmer from Co. Mayo, Professor Frank O'Mara, Teagasc Director and Phelim O'Neill, Irish Farmers Journal.

This week’s Beef Edge episode is a recording of the Beef Forum that concluded the open day in Teagasc Grange on the 5th July.

The forum can also be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjp-03M_oag

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

Bonus Ep: Q&A with Min. McConalogue at the Beef2022 Open Day Jul 09, 2022

Show notes

At the Beef2022 National Beef Open Day on the 5th July, a forum took place moderated by Ivan Yates.

Attendees heard from and had the opportunity to ask questions of Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

This Beef Edge bonus episode is a recording of that question and answer session.

The complete forum can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjp-03M_oag

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

Beef2022 Sustainable Grassland Village Update Jul 05, 2022

Show notes

Beef 2022 has finally arrived.

Teagasc Grange researcher Peter Doyle joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast with an insight into what you can expect at the Sustainable Grassland Village at the #Beef2022 Open Day on 5th July 2022.

Peter outlines the various heights of grass on display and the impact this has and he also discusses the establishment and management of red and white clover on the day.

A grazing infrastructure booklet was also launched today and for further details on the #Beef2022 Open Day, visit the Teagasc social media channels and www.teagasc.ie/beef2022
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

Making your farming system more sustainable plus a preview of the Beef2022 Open Day Jun 29, 2022

Show notes

Pearse Kelly, Teagasc’s Head of Drystock is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss technologies to make your farming system sustainable, the challenges in relation to overall profitability on farms as well as a preview of the Beef2022 Open Day on July 5th in Teagasc Grange.

Despite market disturbances, CAP reform, climate change policy and input price rises, the market for grass-fed beef as a high quality, sustainable human food protein source is strong.

Suckler farmers have made big changes and participated in schemes like the Beef Data Genomics Programme for many years and Beef Environmental Efficiency programme, which is having an influence on the sustainability of the system as well as genetics. The commercial beef value launched last year at the beef conference is also having an impact.

Earlier age at slaughter has many influences but there are improvements being made which will be discussed in detail in the Growing & Finishing Village at Beef2022.

What’s happening at Beef2022?

There will be four main stands highlighting beef systems for your farm, performance targets and achieving the targets whilst optimising beef profitability.

Producing quality beef is key to the success of the industry and factors affecting meat quality, grass-fed beef and PGI and quality-assured beef will be the topics of the day in the meat quality village.

In the afternoon there will be a forum with a panel of experts who will address supporting the sustainability of Irish beef farming.

If you are a beef farmer, Beef2022 is your opportunity to see first-hand the results of Teagasc’s comprehensive research and innovation programme and to meet Teagasc research, advisory and education staff.

The event is on Tuesday 5th July in Teagasc Grange and it is a free event and a day not to be missed.

For further information go to:

www.teagasc.ie/beef2022

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

Applying for the Fodder Support Scheme & Top Tips for Managing Grass Jun 22, 2022

Show notes

Teagasc Beef specialist Aidan Murray and Grass10 Manager John Maher are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with details on the Fodder Support Scheme as well as top tips to deal with the current grass situation on farms.

Aidan explains that the purpose of the Fodder Support Scheme (FSS) is to incentivise and support farmers to grow sufficient grass and conserve sufficient fodder (silage and/or hay) for the 2022 winter.

This is to reduce the risk of animal welfare issues in the coming winter as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the impact this has had on agricultural input costs. Payment rates will be up to €100 per eligible hectare, up to a maximum of 10 hectares of €1,000.

Apply for the Fodder Support Scheme online at agfood.ie on or before 2 August 2022. There will be advisors on hand to answer queries at the Growing & Finishing Village at Beef 2022. Further details at:

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/448e0-fodder-support-scheme/

Also on the show, Grass10’s John Maher outlines the huge variation in grass across the country and offers advice for farmers in different parts of the country. It is important to maintain quality to avoid issues in the autumn he says. If there are surpluses, bales can be removed.

June is a key month to try avoid stem build up in the sward. Remedial action may ned to be taken now rather than later.

John invites listeners to visit the Sustainable grassland village at Beef 2022 on 5th July in Teagasc Grange which will help farmers deal with current issues on farms.

Further details at:

http://www.teagasc.ie/beef2022

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

Kildalton at 50 and Teagasc’s Ag Education Options Jun 15, 2022

Show notes

Anne-Marie Butler Head of Education at Teagasc joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the wide variety of courses Teagasc has to offer, Kildalton Agricultural College celebrating 50 years in education and the upcoming Beef2022 Open Day.

Having been appointed as Head of Education as at the end of last year, Anne-Marie discusses how is it going so far. She gives an overview of the Education programme in Teagasc across the agricultural colleges and advisory centres.

The practical learning period with a host farmer is a real highlight for students she says, describing the students’ experiences.

There are great options to progress through the different levels with a number of educational institutions and Anne-Marie discusses the part time and the distance education green cert.

Many listeners would have a strong connection and memories of their time in Kildalton Agricultural College which is celebrating 50 years of education on June 25th from 11am-4pm.

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/education/teagasc-colleges/kildalton/kildalton50/

There will also be an Education & Advisory village at Beef2022 on the 5th July where teaching staff from the colleges and advisory offices will be available on the day to discuss course options.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/beef-open-day/

And for further details on education courses:

https://www.teagasc.ie/education/

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

Kilkenny farmer James Madigan explains his grassland management Jun 08, 2022

Show notes

Suckler farmer James Madigan from Co Kilkenny and Niall Claffey IGA Beef chairperson are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with James discussing how he is managing grass on his farm and he is also hosting this year’s Irish Grassland Association beef walk on the 14th June.

James harvested his first crop of silage on 12th May with the remaining bales harvested on 26th May. With over 400 bales made to date and 300 left over from last year, James intends to close 37 acres for second cut to meeting his fodder requirement.

While grazed grass is his number one priority during the growing season, excellent quality silage is harvested to ensure high growth rates during the winter and finishing period. Last year’s silage crop came back at 76% DMD when tested.

Regular weighing complements the beef system and once bulls hit the target weight of 480kg, they are then moved into the finishing regime.

James outlines how both the spring and autumn calving herd is being managed at the moment. Some reseeding took place on the farm this spring and he described the method and how red clover and white clover are being managed on the farm.

The Irish Grassland Association beef walk next week on the 14th June is being hosted by James and on the day he will discuss his system in detail and how he manages grass.

The IGA’s Niall Claffey outlined how Phelim O’Neill from the Irish Farmers Journal will be discussing the market outlook and James Humphreys from Teagasc will be discussing clover management on the day.

The event is free and all are welcome to attend on Tuesday 14th June from 6:30pm-8:30pm

More details are here:

https://www.irishgrassland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/IGA-Beef-2022-DL.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

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