The Beef Edge

Latest Episodes:

Derrypatrick Herd Update May 12, 2026

Show notes

With breeding season under way, Teagasc researcher, Peter Doyle, joins this week’s show to give an update on the Derrypatrick 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

Making Contract Rearing Pay: Lessons from Pat Joyce May 07, 2026

Show notes

Pat Joyce from Co. Galway, who operates a contract heifer rearing system, and his Teagasc advisor, Charlie Devaney, join this week’s Beef Edge to give an overview of the farm and the steps that Pat takes to make good quality silage.

Pat farms outside Williamstown in Co.Galway; having previously operated a suckling system, he changed in 2017 to contract rear heifers for a dairy farmer. This system has grown and expanded to over 100 heifers bring reared in recent years on two blocks of land.

Maximising weight gain as cost efficiently as possible is key, Pat advises, and this is achieved on farm by increasing grass utilisation through an extensive paddock system.

Breeding is a labour intensive part of the system with close observation of heifers on the home block used to detect heifers, along with tail paint and scratchcards. The am/pm rule is used for AI on the farm. This year Pat has installed SenseHub to aid heat detection on the outblock.

Managing costs on the farm is very important especially making quality silage which is something Pat has focused on a lot on in recent years. Pat has also red clover on the farm and he discusses how it is managed so far this year and the plan for the year ahead.

Plus, Pat highlights a few tips for any farmer considering going contract rearing.

Local Teagasc advisor, Charlie Devaney, concludes with advice for farmers making silage this year, particularly where ground hasn’t been grazed.

If you missed the recent Silage Webinar, watch it here:

Gearing up for Silage 2026 - Webinar

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

Transitioning Calves to Grass Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss transitioning calves to grass.

When calves underperform during their first season at pasture, it makes it difficult to achieve key performance targets, irrespective of systems further down the line.

Failing to hit an average daily gain targets of 0.7-0.8 kg/day results in delayed slaughter, the production of lighter carcasses and/or the introduction of additional concentrates to try and recover the loss in performance recorded over the first grazing season. Therefore, ensuring calves perform to their optimum over the first 12 weeks of life is important.

Tommy highlights the fact that the majority of calf-to-beef producers opt to wean their calves prior to moving them from the calf shed to the field. During this period, calves may suffer a post-weaning growth check and subsequently disease outbreak as a result of: the low intake of dry feed up until weaning; the high intake of low-energy, bulky forages; or stress when feeds are changed.

He advises to feed concentrates before, during and after weaning to limit the level of growth check experienced.

Calves should be offered concentrates (1-2 kg/day) for 2-3 weeks post-turnout. Concentrate supplementation provides the calf with adequate time to become accustomed to grazing before an all-grass diet is offered.

For further information:

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/dairybeef-500-factsheets/the-first-12-weeks-at-grass-for-dairy-beef-calves/

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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

Weed control & planning for the year ahead Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s joint episode of the Beef Edge along with Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast, Chris Maughan Technical Manager, Whelehan Crop Protection, discusses weed control and planning for the year ahead.

It’s been a cold wet start to year with grass growth hampered this spring and Chris outlines dock control options on grazing and silage ground.

He also explains general weed control and ragwort control and where clover needs to be retained in established grassland and new sown leys, Chris outlines the range of options available.

Plus, Chris discusses best practice relating to water quality and disposal of empty spray containers and highlights the importance of using the correct nozzles to reduce drift.

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 Costs Climb: Protecting Profit on Beef Farms Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

With rising input costs and tighter margins, it’s never been more important to understand your costs of production and where your system stands.

On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc beef specialist, David Argue, who has been working through a range of beef budgets for autumn 2025 and spring 2026, discusses everything from under-16 month bull systems, to forward store finishing, as well as dairy calf-to-beef enterprises, looking at the assumptions behind them and how they stack up financially.

David also outlines the impact that increases in concentrate, fertiliser and contractor charges will have on break even and margin in the systems.

Good health and management are essential as well and David discusses some of the opportunities to cut costs without affecting performance highlighting the importance of completing a budget for your farm and system.

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

Breeding Season Prep & Newford Farm Update Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Teagasc technician on the Newford demonstration farm, Michael Fagan, gives an update from the farm, breeding season ahead and the breeding open day taking place on April 22nd.

The event will focus on the key drivers of suckler herd efficiency, offering attendees the opportunity to see proven systems in action. With the breeding season fast approaching, the timing is ideal for farmers looking to fine-tune their approach and maximise results in the months ahead, particularly those considering AI.

A central theme of the day will be breeding efficiency, with a strong emphasis on the genetics behind the Newford herd. Farmers will gain an understanding of the terminal sires being used to deliver both performance and profitability. The importance of selecting the right genetics to meet farm objectives will be explored, helping farmers make more informed breeding decisions.

Whether you are looking to improve breeding performance, reduce workload or future-proof your suckler enterprise, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn and see best practice in action. A number of industry stakeholder stands will be present, where farmers can meet and ask questions.

The event takes place on Wednesday, 22nd April at 4pm at Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Scrine, Co. Roscommon (Eircode F42 AH57).

Newford Farm is a joint partnership between Teagasc, Dawn Meats and McDonald’s.

Further details at: www.teagasc.ie/event/newford-open-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

The Grass10 Monthly Management Tips Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

It was a very challenging spring this year and for the monthly Grass10 update, Nikki Kennedy and John Conroy give updates from around the country and plan for the month ahead.

John says that while some ground has been grazed, there is still a lot not grazed yet in the west and it is unlikely that silage ground will be grazed at this stage.

Nikki has an update from Teagasc Grange and says a flexible approach is needed to utilise grass this spring with it being important to walk the farm and assess grass re-growths.

Finally Nikki and John give their top tips for the month ahead.

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

Getting Silage Right in a Difficult Spring Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

Teagasc Specialist Mark Plunkett, from the Signpost Programme, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss fertiliser application for silage this year.

As we move through a challenging spring, many farmers are reassessing their silage strategy. Weather disruption, fertiliser costs, and environmental pressures all mean that getting the basics right has never been more important. Mark outlines the importance of achieving high-quality silage while maintaining yields and controlling input costs.

Closing date is one of the most important drivers of silage quality. Earlier closing (late March to early April) results in higher digestibility and better feed quality, but typically lower yields. Delayed closing increases bulk but reduces DMD (dry matter digestibility), impacting animal performance.

Mark highlights how this spring, some ground may not be grazed before closing due to poor conditions. In these cases:

· Remove heavy covers early if possible through light grazing

· If not feasible, close, fertilise and harvest early May

· Avoid applying slurry on very heavy covers—this can lead to contamination

Mark explains that a typical fertiliser programme should aim to supply:

· Nitrogen (N): 80–100 units/acre (100–125 kg/ha)

· Phosphorus (P): 16 units/acre (20 kg/ha) where required

· Potassium (K): 80 units/acre (100 kg/ha), especially where silage is removed annually

Sulphur is often overlooked but is essential for nitrogen utilisation and good grass growth. Deficiency can limit yield even where nitrogen is applied. Including sulphur (10–15 units/acre) improves overall response.

Finally Mark highlights:

· Close remaining silage ground as soon as conditions allow

· Apply fertiliser promptly after closing

· Use slurry where conditions are suitable

· Monitor covers and plan cutting dates early

Timeliness is critical - delays now reduce both yield and quality.

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

Managing Labour on Farm: Lessons from the McCarthys Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

With many beef farmers balancing part-time work off the farm, this episode marks the first in our new monthly series, ‘Managing Labour on Farm’.

Father and son, Eamon and Donnchadh McCarthy from Youghal, and participants in the Future Beef Programme, share how they successfully run their suckler-to-beef system whilst both working off-farm.

Labour efficiency on the farm is very important and like many farms, the biggest labour pinch points during the year are calving, breeding and finishing which are managed around their off farm work.

Calving in the spring, prior to Donnchadh starting work as an AI technician, is critical and is compacted to 6 weeks.

Previously, calving in both spring and autumn had a huge impact on labour demand with the two calving seasons and breeding periods.

A good farm paddock system has helped bring cows back to the yard with roadways highlighted as a job for the future to make life easier.

Investments on the farm around housing and handling facilities have made a big difference to saving time and labour particularly handling cattle during the herd test and throughout the year.

Finishing bulls under 16 months is quite labour-intensive but most feeding is carried out with the feeder when concentrates are fed ad lib and this doesn’t need to be done daily, thus reducing labour. In the future investment in a meal store to enable the tractor and loader do most of this work is being considered.

Eamon and Donnchadh also discuss the various technologies being used on the farm to minimise labour such as SenseHub and PastureBase Ireland to measure grass.

The fertiliser dispersal stand has also been very important on the farm for health and safety and you see more on it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7uinpDPbK0

Further updates from the McCarthys are at:

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/eamon-donnchadh-mccarthy/

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

CBV in Action: Driving Beef Performance on the Conway Farm Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

For this second of a two-part series focused on the Commercial Beef Value, Ciaran Conway who runs a weanling to finishing heifer system with his son Diarmuid outside Mullingar Co. Westmeath, discusses his system and use of CBV on their farm which was awarded 2025 Suckler Finisher Award for Ashbourne.

High-CBV continental weanlings, disciplined management and a grass-driven system underpin the reliability and strong carcass results achieved.

Ciaran discusses how grass is central to his system and the key grassland management practices that drive performance.

Buying over 300 cattle a year, a good herd health plan is essential and Ciaran outlines his health protocol.

Ciaran also works off farm as a nutritionist and discusses his finishing programme for the stock when they are housed.

The system, finishing around 24 months, is tightly managed and Ciaran outlines the role CBV plays in purchasing cattle in addition to visuals and price.

For further info:

https://www.icbf.com/continental-quality-high-cbvs-driving-performance-on-the-conway-farm/

https://www.icbf.com/commercial-beef-value-cbv/

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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