The Beef Edge

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The Embrace Farm Accident Support Network and how it can help Nov 18, 2020

Show notes

From 2010 - 2019, 214 farmers lost their lives through a farming accident. They are not just a statistic, they are a valued family member. Each time we hear of a farm accident every farmer stops for a minute as we are all connected through the farming community. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge, founding member of Embrace FARM (Farm Accident Support Network) Norma Rohan outlines the services it offers. Embrace FARM creates friendships with those who are in the same situation and talking to them helps because there is a since of understanding what each one is going through. Norma outlines how an accident not only affects the person who has been injured but also their immediate family, home and community. Embrace FARM offer a special support group for farm accident survivors and remembers those who have lost their lives, have been injured, supports survivors of farm accidents, their family members, friends and the wider community Embrace FARM also published a very detailed booklet in conjunction with the Farmers Journal in June, 2020, Building a Community of Support which can be read here: https://embracefarm.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/embrace_supplement_complete_LR.pdf Each year Embrace FARM holds a Remembrance Service in memory of those who lost their lives in farm accidents. Due to Covid-19 unfortunately this had to take place virtually. To view it click here: https://youtu.be/kPL5MZNwK2k Further information got to EmbraceFarm.com For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

The Farm Systems and Courses on Offer at Gurteen College Nov 11, 2020

Show notes

Gurteen College Beef Lecturer, Peter Grogan, and Drystock Farm Manager, Gerard Carey, give an overview of Gurteen College, the farm systems operated and what it has to offer students on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast. Gerard gives an overview of the Autumn & Spring calving suckler herd, their beef finishing systems, and the dairy calf to beef enterprise along with the contract rearing of the heifers from the dairy herd. Peter gives an outline of the courses offered at Gurteen College and highlights the importance of putting classroom theory into practice on the farm which gives students the opportunity to gain practical hands-on learning and experience in many areas including working with animals, farm maintenance skills and machinery operation as well as developing essential critical thinking skills setting up students for success in their future farming careers. For further information on the college visit: https://gurteencollege.ie/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

What ration do I need to feed? Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

With consistent rainfall over the past ten days, a lot of cattle have been housed around the country. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Nutritionist Joe Patton outlines a number of factors farmers should consider now at housing. As feed accounts for over 75% of variable costs on most beef farms, Joe highlights the results from the Teagasc fodder survey and tips to reduce costs this winter. Testing silage is very important to give an indication what ration is required. Joe advised the target of 20kg live weight gain per weanling per month (0.6kg/hd/day). Joe also outlines that the nutrient content of the compound feed is more critical than the individual ingredients that make up the compound feed. Watch more from Joe here: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/want-50kg-more-winter-weight-gain-for-no-extra-cost-cut-silage-in-may-instead-of-june.php For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/choosing-a-concentrate-type-for-finishing.php For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

The Beef Edge Masterclass Series: JP Hammersley’s Dairy Calf to Steer System Oct 28, 2020

Show notes

In this second of a regular monthly 'Beef Edge Masterclass’ series from expert farmers on the Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by JP Hammersley a farmer in Lattin, Co. Tipperary. JP explains his system whereby British Friesian bull calves are brought to beef as steers at 24 & 28 months. Calves are purchased from one local dairy farmer at 4 weeks of age and arrive in batches of 12. This has worked well for JP over the years, as he knows he’s buying a healthy calf from a known source. A paddock system, consisting of 45 paddocks, has also been installed for the three grazing groups. A considerable amount of re-seeding has also been completed. Cattle are weighed three times during the year – turnout, mid-season, and housing. The aim is to get animals heavy enough to produce a 320kg carcass at 24 months and a 350kg carcass at 28 months. See JP on farm as featured as part of the Teagasc Virtual Beef Week: https://youtu.be/O8tILuIhKdg For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Building Up Your Mental Resilience in These Times Oct 21, 2020

Show notes

In light of the Covid–19 restrictions Dr. Noel Richardson, Director National Centre for Men’s Health , IT Carlow, has some tips on mental and physical well-being on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast. Farmers are very resilient on a daily basis but at times there can be pressure and stress. Farmers were very busy during the first lockdown with calving and lambing etc. but it’s different coming into the winter time. There is lots we can still do to help each other out even though we are apart. Services Available: - Consult your G.P. regularly. - Teagasc and Farm Consultants are available to farmers nationally to advise on farm management issues. Farming organisations also offer services to their members. - A range of both Local and National Support Groups are available. - The Samaritans can be contacted at 1850 60 90 90. Their website http://www.samaritans.org gives a list of support agencies. - St Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin provides a Support & Information Service staffed by experienced mental health nurses 9-5 Monday to Friday with an answering and call-back facility outside hours. You can contact the Support & Information service by calling 01 249 3333. For further information, the following booklets can also be downloaded: - Positive Mental Health in Farming https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Positive-Mental-Health-in-Farming.pdf - Staying Fit for Farming – A Health Booklet for Farmers https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2012/StayingFitForFarming.pdf - Coping with the Pressures of Farming https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Coping-with-the-pressures-of-farming.pdf For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Effective Parasite Control at Housing Oct 14, 2020

Show notes

Martina Harrington joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an overview of parasite control at housing. Housing is one of the best times of the year for treating cattle against some of the more common internal and external parasites. However, products vary in price, in what they control and in how they are given to the animal. Martina outlined what parasites should be controlled at housing. She highlighted that farmers need to be aware of resistance issues on farm and withdrawal periods when selecting and administering a particular product. As fluke and lice are the two major concerns for housing on many farms, Martina discussed control options. However, dosing correctly means using the right product, at the right time, using the correct dose rate and administering it the right way. Farmers in BEEP- S that selected action 3 to send in faecal samples to the approved laboratory must reach the lab before the 1st November to comply with this action. A list of the approved labs is available here: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/farmingschemesandpayments/beep/RevisedApprovedLaboratorieslist08052020.pdf For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Farming Innovation and Sustainability on the Inishowen Peninsula Oct 07, 2020

Show notes

Henry O’Donnell project manager of the Inishowen Upland European Innovation Partnership joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an overview of the project and explains how it aims to improve the economic sustainability of farming High Nature Value (HNV) land in Inishowen. This is done through the implementation of a range of innovative measures which also deliver on environmental sustainability by increasing biodiversity, improving water quality and combating climate change. To achieve these goals, the project will pursue the following specific objectives: - Provide a best practice management template to increase farm profitability - Demonstrate that by adopting a whole farm approach that addresses both the economic and environmental aspects of mountain upland and improved lowland on the farm that will lead better long-term outcomes There are a number of innovative measures undertaken by the participants in the project and for further information go to: https://www.inishoweneip.com/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

The latest from the Derrypatrick demonstration farm Sep 30, 2020

Show notes

Michael McManus, Manager of the Derrypatrick demonstration farm at Teagasc Grange, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the farm. The Derrypatrick herd is a suckler to beef Teagasc research demonstration farm with a land block of 65 hectares bringing all progeny through to slaughter. In the spring, 105 cows calved and there were 110 live calves which calved over 11 weeks. Breeding season 2020 was confined to 9 weeks. This was to reduce the length of the calving period in 2021. After the 9 weeks of 100% AI, 89% of the cows and heifers were in calf. Michael mentioned how weaning will take place in coming week. All beef cattle are now housed and the target is to finish the heifers in December at 20 months of age and all bullocks will be finished under 24 months. Michael outlined what will happen from now to finishing. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Beef Edge Masterclass: Niall O’Meara explains his autumn calving suckling to weanling system Sep 23, 2020

Show notes

This week's episode of the Beef Edge podcast is the first in a regular monthly 'Beef Masterclass’ series from expert farmers. First in the series to discuss his system is Niall O’Meara, a suckler farmer from Co. Galway who operates an autumn calving suckling to weanling system. Niall is achieving all the key targets from birth to weaning and he explains just how he does it. Bull weanlings are sold at 12 months of age at a target weight of 500kgs while replacement heifers calve at 24 months with a target weight at breeding of 475kgs at 14 months. Niall highlights how calves are grazed at grass over the winter period and how grassland management is so important to achieving weight gains at low cost. He measures grass on a weekly basis and emphasises the benefit this is to him. Using 100% AI on the farm Niall gives an insight into heat detection and management of the cow during the breeding season and over the winter period. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

An update from the Newford Demonstration Herd Sep 16, 2020

Show notes

Iarlaith Collins, Manager of Newford Demonstration Herd joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the farm. With 89% of the herd proving in calf the focus on the farm at the moment is weaning. Weight gain of the bull weanlings is 1.39kg/head/day from birth to weaning. Extending the grazing season in very important to reduce costs and the winter period on the farm. Teagasc and Dawn Meats, supported by McDonald's and The Irish Farmers Journal have established a standalone suckler herd at Athenry, Co Galway to demonstrate best practice in sustainable suckler beef production. The herd, which is known as the Newford Herd, is run on a fully commercial basis and demonstrates the potential of a moderately large suckler beef farm to generate a viable family farm income when operated to the highest level of technical efficiency and best practice. The herd consists of 100 Angus and Hereford cross Fresian cows, originating from the dairy herd and first calving at 24 months of age. The system is 20-21 months steer beef (Average 350-370kg carcase) and 19 months heifer beef (Average 300kg carcase). For further updates click go to: http://www.newfordsucklerbeef.ie/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

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