The Beef Edge is Teagasc’s podcast for all the latest news, information and advice for Irish beef farmers, presented by Catherine Egan.
Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/the-beef-edge-podcast/
The Beef Edge is Teagasc’s podcast for all the latest news, information and advice for Irish beef farmers, presented by Catherine Egan.
Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/the-beef-edge-podcast/
Copyright: © Teagasc
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:
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:
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:
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:
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
Teagasc Drystock advisor, Niall Kerins, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef edge podcast to discuss the upcoming changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Big changes are coming in 2023 with the new CAP is coming into play and which will last for the next 5 years.
Niall first discusses how the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) replaces the Basic Payment Scheme.
Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) is a new scheme this year and Niall outlines what’s involved in this as payments are front-loaded for the first 30 hectares.
A new scheme, Eco Scheme, essentially is replacing the Greening element of the payment.
Overall, BPS & Greening payments that farmers are familiar with over the last eight years will now be made up of three parts (BISS, ECO Scheme & CRISS).
Farmers can check what their expected payments will be for the coming year on the DAFM calculator.
Niall also outlines how the stocking rate requirement for ANC is reduced to 0.1 LU/Ha. All new area based schemes are paid on ‘Eligible Hectares’.
Parcels with up to 50% scrub/trees will now be 100% eligible for area based schemes. These features are now defined as beneficial feature by DAFM.
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
Philip O’Connor and Trevor Boland from IFAC, the Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative Society, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what can be done to help plan a farm transfer.
Philip & Trevor discuss farm partnerships and registered farm partnerships and with the new Basic Income Support for Sustainability replacing the previous basic payment scheme, many farmers are considering options for making changes.
Trevor outlines that with the national reserve, where land that doesn’t have entitlements, the young farmer can claim entitlements and there is no income limit as there was previously.
The Young Farmer Top up on the first 50ha at €165 per hectare is really worth looking at he says. There is a double TAMS grant with a maximum threshold of €90,000 at 60% for the young farmer and 40% for the other party. This does not apply to joint herd numbers.
Young Farmers starting off and who want to get more involved in the family farm can get their name on the herd number and bank accounts and be involved in decision making on the farm.
So with the start of a new CAP period from 2023 to 2027, new schemes and incentives, it is a good time to look at the structure of the farming enterprise and decide if a new structure is needed.
There are a number of options including a joint herd number, a registered farm partnership and perhaps a company in some cases. There is also the additional option of a succession farm partnership.
For more information go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession--inheritance/
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
In advance of calving season, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Head of Dairy, Joe Patton, to find out how to manage cow nutrition in the crucial weeks pre and post-calving.
Mineral supplementation prior to calving is essential and Joe outlines the importance of various different minerals such as magnesium at 20% inclusion rate and Phosphorus at 3-4% inclusion rate.
When picking the right mineral, it is important to ensure the correct minerals and vitamins are in the pre-calver at the correct rate.
There are a variety of options for supplementing minerals be it bolus, dusting or buckets, and in some cases, it’s a mix of boluses and dusting or by dusting the minerals that every cow is guaranteed to have received the minerals.
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 DairyBeef 500 farmer Martin Connolly is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss how he incorporated red clover last year into his beef system, the pros, cons, tips and advice he has for anyone considering red clover this year.
Martin farms part-time just outside the village of Castleplunket in Co. Roscommon, where he operates a calf-to-bull beef system.
The farm consists of 60 ha of grassland in total, which is divided into four main blocks within a 3-mile radius of the farm yard. The land itself can be described as a ‘heavy-type’ soil, which would be typical of the area.
With input costs, especially feed and fertiliser, increasing drastically this year, Martin explored various cost-saving options that would not only cut costs but also maintain high levels of animal performance.
From researching red clover swards, Martin was impressed with its enhanced ability over grass-only swards to maintain high levels of herbage production and animal performance from significantly lower inputs of chemical nitrogen fertiliser.
In early June 2022 the decision was made to reseed 10 acres of grass to a ‘red clover sward’ to see if these benefits could be obtained in his farming system.
DairyBeef500 Conference
The Teagasc DairyBeef500 campaign will be running two important conferences on January 19th and January 26th in Clonmel and Charleville.
These conferences will be of interest to both dairy farmers who want to produce more saleable calves and beef farmers who have dairy calf to beef enterprises.
Presentations on the performance of the DairyBeef500 campaign monitor farmers and the Dairy Beef Demonstration farm in Teagasc Grange will outline the key management decisions to ensure calves perform throughout their life to achieve a high level of profitability on farm.
There will be presentations and discussion from both dairy farmers outlining how they have improved the beef merit of their calves and encouraged repeat business from beef farmers and also presentations from calf to beef farmers and on what they look for when purchasing calves from dairy farms.
Further details available at:
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 we are going to hear the four presentations that were given at the Teagasc National Beef Conference panel discussion in December 2022 which was entitled, ‘Key enablers to improving profitability on beef farms’.
The panel was facilitated by Trevor Boland, Teagasc Future Beef Programme participant, and the speakers and topics were:
- Assessing the potential to improve key profit drivers on beef farms
Dr Paul Crosson, Beef Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Grange
- Abattoir lesions in cattle are associated with an increased age at slaughter
Dr Natascha Meunier, Programme Manager Beef Health Check, Animal Health Ireland
- Reducing the age at first calving for suckler cows – a key profit driver for beef farms
Dr Colin Byrne, Beef Researcher, Teagasc Grange
- Has red clover a role in your beef production system?
Dr Nicky Byrne Beef Researcher, Teagasc Grange
The conference and speakers can also be viewed on the Teagasc YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK3bFy7peTw&ab_channel=Teagasc
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
In the final episode of the Beef Edge podcast for 2022, Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Drystock advisor Christy Watson, who is based in Naas, Co. Kildare.
As Christy retires this year, he gives his insights into the changes and challenges that he has seen over the past four decades.
Christy talks through his time in Teagasc in Leitrim, Kildalton College, Wicklow and Kildare and he discusses the fodder and financial challenges farmers have experienced over the years.
There have also been major improvements in grassland management and breeding on beef farms over the years and looking to the future he offers tips and advice for farmers from his lifetime of experience.
On behalf of all in Teagasc and the farmers he has worked with, thank you Christy for everything and wishing you a very happy retirement.
Thanks to everyone for listening and wishing you all a very happy, peaceful and safe New 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
This week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast is a recording of the Teagasc National Beef Conference panel discussion titled ‘Delivering sustainability at farm level’ which took place on the 13th December in the Shearwater hotel, Ballinasloe.
It was Facilitated by Matt O’Keeffe, from the Irish Farmers Monthly and the panel participants were Professor Sinead Waters, Teagasc, Dr Dominika Krol, Teagasc, Ross Evans from ICBF & Pearse Kelly Teagasc Head of Drystock.
The topics for discussion included:
· Current research and the potential of feed additives to reduce methane emissions
Professor Sinead Waters, Teagasc
· Protected Urea/ LESS/ Anaerobic Digestion research results
Dr Dominika Krol, Teagasc
· How improved breeding can help to reduce emissions from the Irish beef herd
Dr Andrew Cromie, ICBF
· What measures are Irish beef farmers taking up to make them more sustainable, and what more can they do?
Pearse Kelly, Teagasc
The Teagasc National Beef conference panel discussion recording can also be viewed at:
https://youtu.be/TK3bFy7peTw?t=7965
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, Catherine Keena, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme also known as ACRES.
This new €1.5 billion flagship agri-environment scheme closed last week for applications of which there were 47,000 applications.
There were 27,000 in the general scheme comprising of Tier 1, 2 and 3. The farmers that are successfully accepted into the scheme will receive a letter from the DAFM. Once the letter is received farmers will also receive a detailed copy of their ACRES plan.
While Catherine advises farmers to make preparations now, it’s also important not to carry out any actions before hearing back from the DAFM.
Farmers that were unable to apply in this tranche or are unsuccessful, will have an opportunity to apply again next autumn.
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, Nicky Byrne, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss if red clover has a role on beef farms as well as previewing the upcoming National Beef Conference taking place on the 13th December in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe at 6pm.
Nicky outlines the benefits and barriers to red clover and discusses how the red clover swards performed this year at Teagasc Grange in comparison to grass swards.
Nicky will be covering this in more detail next week at the National Beef Conference and for further details go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon
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, Sean Cummins, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with interesting insights into the recent DairyBeef 500 farmer study trip to Spain.
Over the course of the trip they visited a number of farms in the Catalonia region in the north-east of Spain, with the two main enterprises being calf to beef and suckler to beef.
The key differences between both systems were that farmers were focused on producing a product for the domestic market which is generally a paler meat, produced from younger animals.
One noticeable difference was the target carcass weights. In the Spanish system, lighter carcass weights are generally preferred, with premium prices available for animals producing carcasses between 220-240kg - carcasses that are often penalised here.
Unlike Ireland, all animals are housed for the duration of their stay on-farm. Typical lifetime concentrate input per animal is 1.8-2t.
Substantial numbers can be handled with very little labour input, typically you were seeing 1-1.5 labour units per 1,000 head on the farms visited.
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
Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef farmers should be looking out for next spring when it comes to sourcing quality calves for their beef system.
There have been big changes in dairy herd numbers in the past few years, with 1.6 million dairy cows expected to calve down in 2023. While 30% will be retained as replacements, 70% of them will be split between exports and reared on Irish farms to beef.
There are many aspects to be considered when sourcing calves. Up until now the visual assessment was one of the few tools a beef farmer had. But the new Commercial Beef Value (CBV) will be a help to farmers next spring in sourcing calves.
There can be huge genetic variation with the breed of calves not to mention comparison across the breeds. Since 2010 there has been a 10% increase in the proportion of cattle slaughtered of dairy origin from 47% in 2010 to 57% in 2020.
The Teagasc Dairy conference will take place on Tuesday, 6th December in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and on Thursday, 8th December in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Westmeath. Both conferences begin at 10am.
Further details can be found here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/dairy-conference/
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 Colin Byrne joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the Maternal Herd in Teagasc Grange Co. Meath.
Colin give a background to the herd and outlines the future research being carried out, plus he discusses this year’s weanling performance and the management over the coming 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
Teagasc Beef Specialist Aidan Murray joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with some top tips on managing nutrition with high feed costs this winter.
Aidan outlines the current position with feed availability this winter and discusses the various options.
This year, he explains, it’s very important for farmers to test silage in order to reduce costs as much as possible.
Aidan also describes how to take a silage a sample from a pit or bales and he discusses the target weight gains to be achieved this winter.
Taking a sample:
Understanding your sample results:
https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/understanding-the-silage-test-results.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 heavy rainfall across the country, a lot of cattle were housed over the past fortnight.
Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the key parasites farmers should keep in mind this winter, what you should be treating for, when to dose and which product to use.
Natascha also discusses fluke, worm and lice treatments and she outlines the Beef Health Check report analysis findings and how farmers can access their report.
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’s Michael Fagan is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Newford Demonstration Farm in Athenry Co. Galway, with an insight also into the heifers that were finished.
To date, 83% or 33 out of the 40, 2021-born beef heifers have now been sold at an average age of 17 ½ months, or 527 days of age. Heifers were drafted off grass with no concentrate supplementation provided since turnout.
All 2022-born progeny have now been weaned. The male weanlings (60), which well outnumber the heifer weanlings (26) were weaned on the 12th of September while heifer weanlings were weaned on the 20th of September.
The male weanlings were weaned at 327 kg equating to an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.37 kg from birth to weaning. The heifer weanlings were weaned at 328 kg and recorded an ADG of 1.32 kg from birth to weaning.
Further details at:
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, Teagasc Farm manager of the Kildalton suckler herd, John O’Connor, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with a focus on calving at 24 months which also helps to reduce emissions.
The stock on display at the Teagasc stand at the Ploughing this year were the beef herd in Kildalton college and John describes the cow, her bull calf and the heifers that will be calving next January.
From weaning, to first winter breeding, second winter and pre and post-calving, John discusses each stage of the heifer’s life and the targets she must achieve.
To book a place at one of the calving at 24 months workshops, click on the following link:
https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/calving-heifers-at-24-months---workshops/
Teagasc Signpost Sustainability Week will take place from the 14-21st of October and full details of the activities for the week are available at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/signpost-sustainability-week-2022/
For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
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Michael McGuigan from Longwood, Co. Meath is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an insight into his beef system and his targets in detail. He is a participant in the Future Beef programme and farms part-time, managing his own company off-farm.
Michael bought the farm in 2016 and set about developing it and improving the soil fertility and grassland. He farms 23.5 hectares and it is a mixture of sandy gravel and clay soil.
Michael runs a suckling to weanling system consisting of all Autumn calvers. The males are sold as weanlings while the heifers, if not retained for breeding, are sold for export or sold in show and sales in the local mart. He is using 100% A.I. to allow him to use the best genetics available.
Further updates on Michael’s farm are available here:
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Teagasc advisor, Austin Callaghan from county Mayo, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with some key advice to help apply for ACRES and to complete your plan.
The major difference in ACRES compared to previous agri-environment schemes will be the change from action-based payments to results-based payments.
When it comes to the plan, Austin outlines that many farmers will undertake grassland actions, such as the following: low-input grassland receiving up to €450/ha; extensive grassland: €200/ha; commonage: €220/ha; and low-input grassland on peat up to €450/ha.
Austin describes a number of actions farmers may select such as planting trees, hedges, archaeological monuments, traditional dry stone walls, low-emission slurry spreading and winter bird food plot.
For further details:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Environment_August_2022_web.pdf
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Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with important tips and advice to help farm families with the process of transferring the family farm and all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan.
Succession planning can seem to be a very complex task but it doesn’t have to be with early planning, says James. Every family has a different set of circumstances, but it is always better to have a plan in place.
The worst case scenario is where the farm transfer is unplanned as a result of illness or the death of the owner, leading to tax and legal complications.
Many farmers say they will never retire, however you do not have to be retired to have a succession plan in place and there are many decent tax reliefs and benefits to encourage you to prepare a plan in good time.
To help you prepare, Teagasc is hosting six clinics across the country. You can register for your closest event at the following:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/teagasc-7739994337
These clinics are designed to help farm families through the process of and all aspects that need to be considered when transferring the family farm.
Find all our advice and guidance on Succession & Inheritance here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession--inheritance/
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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
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Teagasc organic specialist, Elaine Leavy, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into the new organic scheme opening in October, the key steps to consider in conversion as well as details on the upcoming National Organic Open Day.
Elaine outlines the changes to the new organic scheme opening in October for 8 weeks and she highlights the steps involved in conversion as well as the different payment rates.
The Teagasc organic team, in conjunction with DAFM and Bord Bia, have organised a national organic beef open day which will take place on Wednesday September 28th 2022 on the farm of John Purcell in Tipperary.
This open day offers our clients a unique opportunity to get answers to the many questions they may have about converting their farms to organic systems.
Full details of the walk and how to book can be found at;
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/organic-beef-open-day.php
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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
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Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist, Barry Caslin, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what renewable energy options are available for beef farmers.
Barry discusses the different renewable sources of interest, particularly the anaerobic digester, which may be an opportunity for farmers to supply grass and slurry.
Solar power has created increased focus in the past number of years with farmers approached to use their land for solar panels and Barry discusses what farmers should be considering before going down this route.
Solar panels for the farm house may also be a possibility and Barry explains the grants available.
Beef Edge listeners interested in the options outlined on this episode can get more information by visiting www.seai.ie.
Further details available are also available here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/diversification/rural-development-factsheets/
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Teagasc Environment specialist Catherine Keena is on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new proposed Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme also known as ‘ACRES’.
While listeners would have participated in previous environmental schemes such as Reps and most recently GLAS, the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme has similarities and differences.
ACRES is the new Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) agri-environment scheme and is part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan that has recently been approved by the European Commission.
The following proposed actions will help farmers to prepare for it and while many farmers will undertake grassland actions, all should consider the full suite of actions available.
Please see all actions outlined in the following:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Environment_August_2022_web.pdf
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Dairy Beef 500 farmer, Richard Long, from Co. Waterford and his advisor, Sean Cummins, join Catherin Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast.
Richard and Sean describe how they developed a plan to reduce age at slaughter on the farm and its impact on profitability, plus they detail the upcoming open day being held on the farm on September 8th.
The level of integration between dairy and beef farmers is something key for this system to be profitable particularly for Richard when it comes to improvement in genetic gain on calves coming from his brother’s farm.
This use of higher quality beef sires, identified from the Dairy Beef Index (DBI), along with the recently launched Commercial Beef Value (CBV), are of superior genetic merit in terms of carcass weight and conformation than the average dairy beef calf.
Join the Teagasc DairyBeef500 team on Thursday, 8th September at 3pm on the farm of Richard Long, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford. Eircode: E91 VH67.
Further details can be found here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/dairybeef500-richardlong.php
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With parts of the country in drought and some rain arriving, Joseph Dunphy, Grass10 advisor, and Fergal Maguire, Dairy Beef 500 advisor, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with advice and tips in advance of the last rotation.
First, Joseph outlines the grass situation in the west and south, while Fergal describes the situation in the east where there’s been very little rainfall.
Building covers, reducing farm demand and extending the rotation are key now in advance of starting the last rotation closing up in October.
For farmers with a high stocking rate, Fergal advises to house cattle that are intended to be finished before Christmas to help reduce farm demand where necessary. Apply a compound fertiliser as per nutrient management plan.
Farm Walk
Aidan Maguire from Navan, county Meath was the 2021 Grassland Farmer of the Year in the Drystock Enterprise Category and he will host a walk on his farm on the evening of 31st August at 6.30pm. F
Further details are here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/gfoty-aidanmaguire.php
The 2022 Grassland Farmer of the Year competition, to promote grassland excellence among all Irish livestock farmers, has also been launched. There will be an overall award and a number of categories with an overall prize fund of €25,000 and further details can be found here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2022/grassland-farmer-of-the-year---entry-form-2022.php
Podcast Survey
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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
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Teagasc Researcher Dr. David Wall is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with top tips to manage soil fertility for the rest of the year plus details on the upcoming Johnstown Castle Open Day.
David highlights that putting a plan in place now is important as high prices are forecast for next year. There is an increase in lime being applied on farms to correct pH and there has also been a focus on many farms to incorporate clover. Improving soil fertility in advance is important.
It’s a month out for the chemical N deadline on 15th September and final applications should be applied now where needed to build covers.
Overall grass growth has been very good this year and surpluses have been taken off as bales on many farms and David says that it is important to ensure slurry is applied to compensate for P and K off-takes.
The Johnstown Castle Open Day takes place on 30th August with the focus on ‘Technologies for farms of the future’. This open day will demonstrate technologies and practices that can be adopted on farms to help to maintain farm productivity and profitability, whilst increasing overall environmental sustainability.
The latest information for successful management of grass-clover and multi-species swards under winter and spring calving dairy and dairy calf-to-beef systems will be available.
Practices to enhance on-farm biodiversity and to reduce losses of valuable nutrients from the soil will be demonstrated and you will also learn about the latest fertiliser and slurry technologies and methods for enhancing carbon sequestration and soil health.
For further details:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/farmsofthefuture.php
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Future Beef farmer, Ed Curtin from Co. Cork, discusses how he manages his autumn calving herd pre and post-calving.
Ed outlines how he manages the cow’s body condition score to ensure she is fit and not fat for calving.
Ed calves his heifers at 24 months. He describes her management from once she is born up to calving.
Heifers are penned separate to the cows to give them every opportunity to go back in calf.
100% AI is operated on the farm and Ed describes the various sires selected such as easy calving angus sires for replacement heifers and Belgian blue sires used on cows.
High quality silage over 70 DMD is fed over the winter ad lib. Ed describes the management in advance of breeding and the use of heat detection aids to identify cows such as scratch cards.
Further details on Ed’s farm can be found here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/ed-curtin-future-beef-farmer-in-cork.php
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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
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 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
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
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
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
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:
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 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
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
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
Stephen Conroy, Manager of the ICBF, Tully Bull Performance Centre, and Paul Smith, Teagasc Researcher, join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an insight into the centre, current research findings and its future direction.
Stephen explains how the research is carried out on progeny selected from Gene Ireland sires. Every year over 700 animals are put through the testing facilities in Co.Kildare over a 90 day period.
He outlines the variety of measurements that are taken such as feed intake and meat quality such as tenderness, flavour and juiciness.
Interestingly, based on the terminal index cattle, 5 stars had a feed intake of 2.5kg lower than 1 star animals and 5 star cattle had a 28kg heavier carcass compared to 1 star €5/kg at a price of this is an increase of €140 /head. Stephen also discussed the future studies taking place such as the water intake of cattle.
Methane emissions is a major challenge facing the agricultural sector and Paul described his involvement with the rumen predict project, the main mitigation strategies and what the work at Tully has shown in relation to methane emissions.
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 Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy joins Catherine Egan with an update on the recent organic scheme, how red clover and multispecies is managed on organic farms and the upcoming organic walks. Given the rise in fertiliser prices, there is an increased interest in organic farming. Over 300 farmers applied for the organic scheme and it expected to re-open again in October. Elaine outlines the biggest changes that farmers have made and lessons they have learned. Obviously organic concentrates feed are expensive above conventional and Elaine describes the importance of red clover silage on organic farms to help manage this over the winter. Multispecies and red clover have many benefits and Elaine explains how they are managed as they have been common practice on organic farms. There are also a number of events taking place around the country in June and these events are a great opportunity for farmers with an interest in organic farming to visit and see the farm in practice and meet and speak with producers and organic sectors experts. Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and organic organisations invite all farmers to attend. Further details 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
Green Acres calf-to-beef programme participant, Peter O’Hanrahan, from Co.Kilkenny discusses how he is managing costs on his farm this year on the latest Beef Edge podcast. Peter farms with his father Thomas outside Thomastown and he explains how the 220 purchased calves at 2-3 weeks of age have received good colostrum and a vaccination programme that is so important to weaning calves at 90kg. The 220 calves comprise of Aberdeen angus X, Friesian X and Hereford X and are finished as steers at 24 months of age with a carcass of 320kg. They have carried out reseeding in recent years and Peter outlines how he incorporated clover into non reseeded swards. He targets grazing these covers at less than 1,000kg DM/ha. This year’s first-cut crop of silage was fertilised with 3,000 gallons/ac of slurry and 80units/ac of artificial nitrogen. Last year silage tested 74DMD on the farm which resulted in finishing stock only receiving 5kg of concentrates per head to day. This year Peter will weigh the steers and draft the heaviest 70 and supplement them at grass to finish before housing to reduce costs. For further information go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Todays-Farm---May-June-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
With silage harvesting taking place over the coming weeks, Michael Moroney, the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Farm Contractors in Ireland (FCI), joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to best to prepare for silage 2022 when it comes covering the pit, handling of bales and the cost of making silage. Michael first outlines that good communication between the farmer and contractors is very important. The farmer needs to plan in advance with the contractors as to what is expected and when and likewise the contractor will need the lead person have the farmer’s contact details to make sure the farmer knows when they are coming and where on the farm they will be starting. Michael also highlights the importance of safety at this time, in particular that no children be carried on tractors and to be safe when tractors and machines are being operated. Furthermore, farmers and contractors need to be aware of the height of the pit and cover the pit safely. Michael highlights that checking the silage ground to avoid objects causing issues is important along with ensuring gateways are suitably visible to make the public aware of machinery and when the gates are open. Costs have increased dramatically as well and Michael describes how it cost €225 to fill a tractor (300L tank) last October when diesel costs €0.75c/l, while now at €1.30/l, it costs almost €400. The price of tyres have increased by 50% and machinery parts have also increased while there are issues in getting parts and also delays in having them delivered. With a busy few weeks ahead Michael advises farmers and contractors that while there is a lot of work to be done when the weather is fine, it is important to take breaks and stop for meals. 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, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef price you can afford to pay for stock, what impact costs will have on the bottom line and what price will be needed to cover these costs. Aidan explains that the national kill has increased by 58,000 cattle so far this year and while obviously costs have risen, he compares how prices have increased in comparison to this time last year with an increase of €200/head paid at purchase. Farmers that are doing up budgets at the moment are buying a continental steer 550kgs and paying €1,573 or €2.86kg needing €5.02 for a breakeven price. A similar price would be needed for heifers. Aidan outlined that farmers only buying these type of steers next October and finishing them over the winter would need a breakeven price of €5.43 in spring 2023. He also advised farmers that they need to maximise weight gain from grass steers over the summer and make high quality silage to feed to cattle intended to finish next 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
With breeding season around the corner Derrypatrick farm manager Michael McManus gives an insight on this week’s Beef Edge podcast into how calving went, the breeding season ahead and what sires are being selected. Michael describes how calving took place from 2nd February- 22nd April. There were 102 cows calved, 100 live calves, 1 set of twins and 3 moralities. The average birthweight was 45.5 kg and the average birth date was 2nd March. 89 cows and heifers calved in 6 weeks. The first 30 cows and calves went to grass on the 2nd March similar to last year. They were turned out in small groups of 7-8 cows as they were easily managed and avoided damaging ground They were mostly first time calves and it reduced the risk of scour outbreaks in the sheds. By mid- March the rest of the cows and calves turned out after being vaccinated and dehorned. Breeding season will start on the 3rd May. Cows will be body condition scored, weighed, scanned and tail painted this week. A new trial is starting with five Aberdeen angus sires and five Charolais sires being selected, 4 and 5 stars on the terminal index, easy calving with good reliability. The sires have also good fleshing ability to see if it determines which animals will be slaughtered at an earlier age. Michael also highlights the grassland plan for the farm in the coming weeks and he outlines the plan to over-sow white clover and to reseed red clover silage. 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 from Co.Meath, is this year’s Grass10 Drystock Grassland Farmer of the Year winner and he joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on his grassland management over the coming weeks and his plan for silage 2022. Aidan outlines how he started measuring grass when he joined the Grass10 group and the Green acres programme and describes the changes he made on the farm, increasing the number of paddocks and reducing their sizes. Through soil sampling, applying lime and slurry, he has increased the pH and P & K on the farm to index 3 and 4 which has enabled him to increase his stocking rate. He had started using red clover for feeding weanlings over the winter and the weanlings gained over 0.7 kg/head/day on silage and 1kg of concentrates which was a huge saving for him. This year he intends to reseed 5 acres more in red clover for silage with Aidan outlining his plan for which he applied slurry and protected Urea and aims to cut mid-May. For further details: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grassland-farmer-of-the-year-2021/ 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 participant Aonghusa Fahy from Co. Galway joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an insight into his plan for the breeding season ahead. Aonghusa describes the sires he selected for using on heifers and cows. He plans to synchronise the heifers and goes through the protocol. Aonghusa calves his heifers at 24 months and describes how he achieves this. When working off farm, Aonghusa highlights the benefits of a compact calving pattern and using AI. For heat detection he uses tail paint, Heat Sensor and a vasectomised bull. 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 silage ground being closed on many farms across the country at the moment, Teagasc advisor Peter Lawrence from Tinahely, Co. Wicklow is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an insight into reducing costs whilst balancing silage quantity and quality. Peter outlines the importance of completing a fodder budget to determine the amount of silage needed next winter and hence the area of ground to be closed. Farmers also need to determine the quality of silage needed - be it for spring or autumn calving cows, weanlings or finishing stock. Now is the time to ensure enough fodder is made with 70-75% of the requirement made in the first cut. Apply slurry at 2,500-3000 gallons per acre using LESS. For first cut silage the aim is to have at least 25 kg N/ha supplied from organic sources (slurry) and the remainder 60-75 kg N/ha (48 – 60 units/ac) supplied from chemical N, a total N application of no more than 100 kg N/ha (including 12-15 units of sulphur) for a crop growing from early April to late May (60 days). Peter highlights that the cutting date is important when it comes to making quality silage. Farmers should talk to their advisor about a weed control programme especially docks 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 recent launch of a number of schemes by the Department of Agriculture, including the Tillage Incentive Scheme, Beef Environment Efficiency Programme Suckler scheme also known as the BEEP-S Scheme and the Dairy Beef Calf Programme, Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist and Michael Hennessy, Teagasc Head of Tillage, discuss the main points and information on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. Michael advises when converting grassland to tillage, the first place to start is to see if seed, fertiliser and other inputs will be available and for farms in an area with little tillage, is there a combine available to harvest the crop? A careful budget also needs to be completed to ensure profitability can be achieved on the land. Due to the costs of growing any tillage crop, unfortunately there are no shortcuts. The only way to make any money is to strive for high yields of both grain and straw. This is true whether the crop is grown for whole cropping or going all the way to harvest. Farmers don’t have to complete an application form. The change on the Basic Payment Scheme application from grassland to tillage from 2021 to 2022 will trigger the payment of €400/Ha. For further details: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/crops/tillage-update-24th-march-2022.php Also on the show, Aidan highlights the criteria for farmers to apply for the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme - Sucklers (Beep-S). If you: - Are the owner of an active herd number with Herd Owner status - Submit a Basic Payment Scheme application in 2022 - Had suckler calves born in your herd between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 - Agree to complete what is known as the ‘mandatory action’ weighing action of the suckler cow and her calf - If you were in BEEP-S in 2020 and or 2021, you must apply again this year to be in the scheme for 2022. The application period is open to midnight on 25th April. Late applications that are submitted after this date will be subjected to a reduced payment and the late application facility will finally close on May 20th,2022. Online application method using Agfood.ie. For further details: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/beep-s----time-to-apply.php In addition, Aidan discusses that the Dairy Beef Calf scheme which is a support for farmers who are rearing calves from the dairy herd either a male calf of a dairy breed or a male or female calf of a beef breed sire born to a dairy breed dam in your herd. These eligible calves must have been in your herd for at least ten days before weighing and born on or after 1 July 2021. You must weigh a minimum of five eligible calves and submit the weights to the ICBF. All weights should be submitted within seven days of weighing and before 1st November 2022. Calves must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of weighing. Applications will close at midnight on April 25th 2022. 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, Deirdre Hennessy, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss what you need to know about clover swards. With the price of chemical fertiliser this spring Deirdre highlights that clover most definitely has a role on all grass based systems. Before establishing white clover, Deirdre advises on the importance of good soil fertility (soil pH 6.2-6.5, soil P index 3 or 4, soil K index 3) and good infrastructure where each paddock is grazed within 3 days on an 18-21 day rotation. She also discusses weeds – whether over-sowing or reseeding – and clover varieties, advising which clover varieties will best suit your needs. In order to reduce bloat risk, Deirdre says that, for animals accustomed to clover swards, bloat is not usually an issue. But for high risk animals, introduce them gradually to clover swards, don’t let them in hungry to clover swards and don’t move them from poor quality swards to clover ones. Alternatively feed roughage before grazing and graze when the clover sward is dry, or use bloat oil in the water (25ml/LU/Day). Grass 10 are organising a number of clover farm walks around the country for the month of April - dates and times are on the Teagasc website. Check out Teagasc.ie for further information and talk to your advisor. For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com.
Following the National Fodder and Food Security Committee meeting last week, Teagasc Head of Drystock, Pearse Kelly, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an insight into the steps farmers can take in the coming weeks. With the current cost of fertiliser, farmers are questioning what to do and Pearse advises to apply fertiliser requirements to grow the silage crops for first cut silage. When farmers are applying fertiliser to grazing ground they should consider the impact that lower fertiliser rates will have such as less surplus bales. Increasing utilisation of grass is key to maximising weight gain and reduce concentrates. Increasing the number of paddocks to ensure stock move every 3-4 days while reducing the number of grazing groups to allow this is essential. With the current beef market, Pearse suggests that it is an ideal time to sell late calling cows and poorer performing cows and keep replacement heifers in their place. With increased number of cattle coming on sale in the second half of the year, prices are currently strong. He also says now is the time to plan ahead and to take action to reduce stress and concerns. There is help available. Talk to your Teagasc advisor, merchant and financial institution as they are available to help you ease concerns and make a plan. Further information Starting grazing – walk your farm: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/walk-your-farm--it-will-make-decision-making-easier.php The 5 minute cash flow: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/reviewing-finances-with-a-5-minute-cashflow-.php Find a Teagasc advisor: https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-regions/ For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With changes in the regulations surrounding antibiotics introduced since 28th January, Tommy Heffernan aka ‘Tommy the Vet’ is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with tips and advice. Firstly, Tommy outlines some key tips to ensure the health of calves from birth onwards. He highlights the impact the current changes in the antibiotic regulations are having at farm level and says that calf scours are an issue on most farms. Tommy discusses what farmers do to treat calves and prevent it becoming a problem. Coccidiosis & Crypto are unfortunately issues on some farms also and Tommy outlines ways to prevent it and the best treatment. Finally, Tommy outlines some tips for farmers considering implementing a vaccination programme this spring. For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Future Beef programme participant Cathal Irwin from Co. Mayo is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into grassland management on his farm this spring and planning ahead for silage 2022. Cathal operates a suckler to store system in Castlebar and farms just over 18 ha of predominantly heavy land. Cows calve in December and January so that the calves can thrive at grass when they hit the grass in April. Weanlings currently average 450/kg and have achieved 0.98kg per day since birth. Depending on the weather this week, Cathal plans on letting store cattle to grass this weekend or next depending on ground conditions. He plans to graze driest most recently reseeded paddocks then go with 30 units of urea or 2000 gallons of slurry to the acre (LESS) depending on ground conditions. Soil samples indicated lime is not too bad with most of the clay soils around 6.3 and peat soils 5.3. Phosphorus is index 3 or 4 and Potassium is index 1 or 2. Cathal plans to close up 16 acres for two cut silage system. In 2015 he put in a paddock system and has never looked back. Every paddock has access to a water trough with current paddock size around 1.6 to 2 acres and he would typically graze all store bullocks and cows and calves in one bunch. Teagasc is hosting a series of spring walks this spring and you can find your local walk here: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/spring-beef-grass-walks-2022.php You can complete a fodder budget for your farm for winter 2022 here: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Fodder-Plan-18.pdf For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Philip O’Connor, Head of Farm Support, and Trevor Boland, accountant with Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative Society (IFAC), join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what can be done to help manage costs this year on farm and how to plan and budget for the year ahead. Trevor advises to get your books and records in to the accountant early which means you will know if you have a tax bill early in the year and budget to pay it later, while if a refund is owed you get it back into your pocket straight away. It also allows for better planning on how to reduce any tax bill and allows you to make changes that allow the farm become more profitable in current year. Trevor highlights the importance of increasing grass growth and utilisation is the main thing beef farmers can do to reduce costs and increase profitability. By setting up a simple paddock system with a few pigtail posts you will get far more benefit from the grass grown and from there look to increase the amount of grass grown on the farm. Target quality grass at young stock who will gain most and most importantly ensure you have enough quality silage in the yard next winter. Regular weighing and monitoring of performance is also important to both reduce costs and increasing profitability. Philip describes the key steps when applying for a loan and dealing with the bank. Taking action early to deal with problems reduces stress and concerns. Philip advises farmers to get projections and cashflows done. Beef farmers, in particular, receive the majority of their income in the back end of the year, such as selling weanlings or BPS, BEEP, payments. Trevor highlights that there is a possibility of getting a cheaper overdraft or perhaps restructuring to a loan or rescheduling payments so as not to be using the higher overdraft rates during the year. For further details: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/financial-analysis/monitor--budget-cashflow/ Drystock cashflow planner: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2016/Cash-Flow_Dry-Stock_A4.pdf IFAC: www.ifac.ie For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
As dairy calves start to arrive on farms, Green Acres Dairy Calf to Beef participant, Shane Cranny from Co. Carlow, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to share some of his top tips when it comes to rearing calves and an update on his farm. Shane purchases calves in the autumn and has grown the number of calves to 110, purchased in 2021. Shane targets to slaughter off grass as steers at 22-24 months of age and says that buying the right calf from reliable sources, optimising the calf’s nutrition and health, along with limiting disease pressure, are absolutely critical. He also seeks information on the dairy herd’s health and feeding protocol, vaccination programme and any current or previous disease issues. Shane describes the protocol from once calves arrive on the farm with attention to detail important to minimise mortality and he highlights the importance of good housing through minimising draughts and good ventilation. For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/green-acres-calf-to-beef/farmers/shane-cranny/ For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
As the new Organic Farming Scheme opens today on the 9th February, organic specialist Joe Kelleher gives tips and considerations for conversion to organic farming on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. The government is targeting a conversion of 350,000 Ha of agricultural land to organics over the next 5 years and Joes outlines the opportunities and steps to conversion. Given the rising input costs, he also has organic farming tips that beef farmers consider even if they didn’t want to take the full leap to converting. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/events/ https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/training/ For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With the high price of fertiliser this spring, Teagasc pig development officer, Gerard McCutcheon, and Teagasc specialist, Mark Plunkett, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an insight into using pig manure as a cheap alternative and the dos and don’ts around importing slurry. Gerard highlights that each 1000 gallons is currently worth €48 (double what it is usually worth!) which is a total fertiliser value of over €23 million. 1000 gallons of pig slurry is equivalent to a bag of 19-7-20 so there is great scope when we look at the fertiliser costs and inputs on beef farms. At this stage there are around 280 to 300 farms keeping pigs commercially around the country with the majority in counties Cavan and Cork, so there are opportunities for farmers to make contact with neighbouring pig farms. Before this happens Gerard advises that the beef farmer needs to do the calculation of how much slurry they would be able to take in. This is based on the organic Nitrogen from the previous year but some is based on the chemical fertiliser to be used in the current year. Gerard highlights the importance of doing the calculation now at the start of the year and speaking to your advisor. Mark highlights how LESS (Low Emission Slurry Spreading) technology delivers the slurry in narrow bands, thus reducing its surface area and reducing Nitrogen (N) loss and improving the recovery of N from slurry. It also allows a very even distribution of nutrients across the spread width, which ensures the targeted delivery of nutrients to where they will be maximised especially the N. It also reduces odours and smells at time of application and it allows application into higher grass covers and faster return of grazing animals to grazing fields. Plus, it allows the application of slurry at times when soil conditions are better thus reducing the risk of soil compaction. Switching from splashplate to LESS and timing from summer to spring application can increase N recovery by 6 units/ 1,000gals. Mark describes how pig slurry has a very well balanced nutrient profile with 19-7-20 in terms of available N P & K. Pig slurry is a very good fertiliser for grazing fields at ~ 1,500 gals/ac or on silage fields apply 3,000 gal/ac which will supply 70% of the crops’ N requirements, all the crops P requirements and ~ 80% of the crops’ K requirements. Mark advises to leave 3 months between lime and slurry application or alternatively apply the slurry first and then apply the lime in 10 days’ time to reduce the risk of N losses. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/pigs--poultry/using-pig-slurry-to-save-money-makes-more-sense-than-ever.php For more episodes from the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
As calving season approaches on the Newford farm, Farm technician Michael Fagan gives an insight into the preparation in advance of calving and a review of performance of the herd in Athenry where there are 76 cows and 17 heifers due to calve from the start of February for 10 weeks. The cows are all in-calf to 5 star terminal bulls. Michael explains that cows are currently on ad-lib silage 66-68 DMD. However, heavy cows with good conditional score are having their silage restricted. 100g of a pre-calving mineral is given on top of the silage each day since the 1st of December 2021. All cows have been treated for fluke and lice. Lime is spread on the slats each day on the slats, which helps to control any bugs and it also helps to keep the cows’ udder and teats clean. Micheal describes the vaccination programme pre calving also, and talks through the steps taken when cows and heifers are calving. Newford yearling heifers were housed on the 7th December due to the good autumn. On Thursday 20th January they were let back to grass. They were turned out at 411 kg and they achieved an average daily gain from birth of 1.12 Kg/head/day. The aim is for a live weight of 555 Kgs at a 52 % kill out. The male weanlings were housed on the 18th November and on the 6th of January were 396 kg and they achieved average daily gain since housing of 0.67 kg/head/day. Michael describes how last year there were 38 steers of which 9 were finished off grass with concentrates. The rest were finished indoors. They graded R= 3 – with an average live carcass weight of 357 Kg at 21 months of age. There were 56 heifers of which 38 were finished off grass with concentrates. The rest were finished indoors. They graded R= 3 – with an average carcass weight of 311 Kg at 20 months. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
As the registered farm partnership deadline approaches on 11th February 2022, Teagasc Collaborative Farm specialist, Gordon Peppard, gives an insight into what you need to do to set up a farm partnership, its benefits and implications. At this time of year farmers start considering various farming options in advance of submitting the basic payment in May. Gordon explains that Registered Farm Partnerships (RFPs) are one of a number of collaborative farm business structure arrangements that will play a key role in the improvement of the social and structural demographics of Irish farms. Some of the current challenges facing Irish farmers are: age profile, land fragmentation, smaller farm size, financial viability, rural isolation, and farm safety. RFPs provide a framework where farmers can work together in a formal business arrangement, where the profits of the business are shared among the partners in that business. For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/collaborative-farming/succession-farm-partnerships/ On Registered Farm Partnerships: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/rural-economy/rural-development/diversification/1-Farm-Management----Registered-Farm-Partnerships.pdf And on the DAFM website: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b29f0-register-farm-partnership/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With technologies increasing on farms every year, on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge, John Heslin, MSD Animal Health Market Access and Marketing Manager, and part time beef farmer, gives his insights in advance of calving and breeding season. John describes how he farms with his father in Co. Westmeath operating a suckling to store and sometime finishing system. With all family members involved it makes work-life balance easier as both John and his father also work off farm as well as John being on the football field for Westmeath and St Loman’s Mullingar, GAA. John describes how having a calving camera is such an asset as he lives off-farm and his father lives on-farm and they both work. A calving camera allows them to keep an eye on the cows from their phone even if John is away with work. He highlights that, to reduce labour due to sick calves, they will vaccinate cows pre-calving. Obviously, sire selection is an important factor to minimise calving difficulty, and the fact they use 100% AI, heat detection is an issue when it comes to AI, so John installed ‘SenseHub’ which sends alerts to his phone if the animal is sick or in heat. Since 1st January 2022, all new cattle tags that farmers are ordering are electronic identification EID tags and from July all calves born will have to have EID tags, but John has been using EID tags for the past 2 years and discusses a number of benefits from using them. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Kicking off the first episode of the Beef Edge podcast for 2022, Ronan Delany from Co. Meath gives an insight into his mixed farming system, how he has managed to meet the challenge to reduce age to slaughter and his plans to progress in the year ahead. Ronan buys in 200 heifers per year and finishes the majority from grass at an average of 19.5 months of age. Ronan describes how he buys a variety of breeds of heifers online and due to online bidding, he is buying heifers in marts he would never have stood in before and it makes his life so much easier, he explains. He also has a flock of 400 ewes which he says has multiple benefits in his mixed beef and sheep grazing system. Looking to 2022, Ronan hopes to grow more grass and increase the number of heifers he is finishing. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
On the final episode of the Beef Edge podcast for 2021, Teagasc Head of Drystock, Pearse Kelly, joins Catherine Egan to look back on the year gone by and to discuss what is expected in the New Year and the outlook for 2022. In many ways, 2021 was a good year on cattle farms and Pearse outlines how beef prices began to rise in the spring and, like the tide that rises all ships, weanling and store prices followed and have remained buoyant. The recent Teagasc outlook and review webinar showed that steers, weanling and store prices all increased. Steer beef prices rose by 12% in 2021 which also resulted in higher weanling and store prices. In order to generate output you require inputs and they too have increased on average across all the cattle systems by about 8% in 2021. Pearse highlights that while predictions suggest we may see some increase in cattle supply in 2022, it will be only marginal and is likely to come on stream in the second half of the year. Looking forward to the year ahead Pearse says that the Future Beef Programme and Dairy Beef 500 Programme will be the main flagship programmes in the New Year with farm walks expected on some of the farms in early 2022. Pearse also hopes - Covid allowing – that there will be a ‘Beef 2022’open day in Teagasc Grange in July. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
For the 100th episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, to find out what beef farmers can expect from the new CAP, to discuss markets for Irish beef abroad and what is in store for the future of the Irish beef sector. The Minister told the Beef Edge that beef farmers will be supported in the next CAP. ‘The core support proposed for beef farmers is the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Scheme which will build on the work of the BDGP which came before it and also elements of BEEP-S and beef schemes to help drive the environmental and productivity efficiency on farms. It will deliver €150 per cow on the first 10 cows as opposed to the €90 per cow in the first 10 under the BDGP.' For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With Liver Fluke costing Irish farmers €90million every year, Teagasc Advisor Gary Fisher, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into fluke treatment on farm, when to dose and what products to treat each stage. Liver Fluke is a parasite on many farms and Gary explains that recent high temperatures and the extended grazing season may lead to high fluke levels on farms this year with the DAFM Liver Fluke forecast indicating high disease prevalence along the west coast. Gary describes the life cycle of fluke and the importance of using the correct product to treat the correct stage and he advises that farmers sampling for BEEP-S that would have results back from the lab, if they had a negative liver fluke result, it would not necessarily mean they had no incidence of liver fluke. Due to the life cycle of the parasite and the fact that the samples were taken before 1st October, it means the eggs may not have been in the testing sample. The Animal Health Ireland Beef Health Check Report is also a useful tool to help farmers check how successful their treatment plan is with the farm history and land type important factors to consider. For further Information: DAFM Liver Fluke forecast: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/d5152-liver-fluke-forecast-november-2021/ Beef Health Check Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1CdI-_wvQw Liver Fluke the facts: https://animalhealthireland.ie/assets/uploads/2021/06/PC-Liver-Fluke-2021.pdf?dl=1 Rumen Fluke - the facts: https://animalhealthireland.ie/assets/uploads/2021/06/PC-Rumen-Fluke-2021.pdf?dl=1 For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com.
Martina Harrington, Teagasc’s specialist and programme manager, gives an insight into the new suckler beef demonstration farm programme on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. Teagasc’s Future Beef programme comprises of a network of 24 demonstration farms positioned right across Ireland. Each farm is representative of their region in farm size, soil type, system, stock numbers etc. The farm size ranges from 13ha to 122ha, while the herd size ranges from 14-suckler cows right up to 112 cows. The systems range from farms selling weanlings, finishing heifers and steers to producing under 16 month bulls, whilst four are also buying in dairy bred calves. Martina explains that when designing the programme, they wanted an ‘Operation Transformation’ type model, where there would be one farmer as ‘a leader’ for the majority of systems within the beef sector. As part of the Future Beef programme, Martina says that the programme will be supporting farmers to adopt technologies new and old to reduce the level of GHG and Ammonia emission from their farms. Improving water quality and increasing biodiversity on farm are also key aspects of the programme and Future Beef will work closely with the ASSAP programme advisors to inform the participants what can be done on farm to reduce agriculture impact on water quality. Through farm walks, discussion group visits, press articles, regular updates on the website and social media, the Future Beef programme will show these technologies working on 22 commercial farms and 2 non-commercial farms. Alongside Martina will be Gabriel Trayers and Aisling Molloy, plus local, regional unit Teagasc Business & Technology advisors and Teagasc researchers who will all be involved in the programme. For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/ Find your nearest programme participant here: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com.
Chris Daly from ICBF joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to explain the new Commercial Beef Value (CBV) which will be launched at the Teagasc Virtual Beef Conference next week on 6th December at 8pm. Chris explains how it is a new tool being made available for farmers buying in cattle and bringing them on to finish to know what the genetic merit is. The euro value will be available for commercial suckler males and uncalved females, dairy males and dairy cross males and uncalved females being brought to finish. It is comprised of the following traits: carcass weight, carcass conformation, carcass fat , feed intake and docility. Chris highlights that while there will be a range across the breed, the within breed ranges will be very interesting to farmers. Farmers will be able to access their animals’ CBV under their Herdplus account in the coming weeks. Chris says the plan is that it will be rolled out in marts in early 2022 to be available for farmers purchasing cattle to see the CBV on mart boards. The Teagasc Virtual Beef Conference takes place on Monday 6th & Wednesday 8th December at 8pm. It is free to tune in and you can register in advance at: https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon21/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With fertiliser prices skyrocketing, Teagasc Specialist Mark Plunkett is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on the outlook for the coming months and what can you do to maintain margins in light of further possible increases. The current fertiliser price increases are unprecedented and Mark explains why they have risen so dramatically - which have been caused by a number of factors across the world. While Nitrogen has spiralled out of control in the past year, Phosphorus and potassium have also increased in price but not to the same extent and from Mark’s experience, prices are set to remain for early 2022. On a recent podcast Teagasc advisor John Kelly spoke of rising concentrate prices and in light of these fertiliser price increases, Mark advises farmers to take soil samples and see what nutrients are required on your farm. Then start by correcting pH and making savings on soils at P & K Index 4. With 42% of soils deficient in lime, correcting lime will be a big help to release nutrients in the soil with nitrogen released worth up to €150/Ha. In relation to silage ground, Mark advises farmers to maximise nitrogen value of slurry by using low emission spreading techniques, applying in the spring under cool & damp conditions. For further information contact your local Teagasc advisor or to arrange taking soil samples find out more here: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/soil--soil-fertility/soil-analysis/soil-sampling/ For information on low emission slurry spreading: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2020/Low-Emission-Slurry-Spreading-Factsheet.pdf And for more information on applying lime: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/grassland/new-lime-factsheet---the-facts-on-applying-lime.php For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With legislative changes around prescription and parasite treatment coming in 2022, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast Catherine Egan is joined by Superintending Veterinary Inspectors Caroline Garvan & Damien Barrett to discuss antimicrobial resistance, future challenges to the beef herd and the upcoming Animal Health Awareness week running from the 18-24th November. For further information visit: gov.ie/animalhealth For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
For the third and final part of the ‘Getting Winter Ready’ series, this week’s Beef Edge podcast is focusing on animal housing for the coming months and Catherine Egan is joined by vet & UCD lecturer Catherine McAloon. Firstly, Catherine highlights the importance of space allowance over the winter period to maximise performance. Good ventilation is also critical and Catherine describes the two ventilation types, focusing on the size of the inlet and outlet for air to circulate in the shed. Draughts are just as bad, if not worse, than poor air movement and stuffy conditions and Catherine emphasises the importance of preventing drafts particularly on calves and young. It is important, she also says, to check water troughs regularly to ensure they are clean and working correctly. For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2016/Beef-Manual-Section8.pdf Listen to the others podcasts in the ‘Getting Winter Ready’ series: Teagasc Advisor John Kelly from Co. Offaly, discusses managing nutrition over the winter to maximise performance: https://bit.ly/GWRNutrition Vet Cara Sheridan, from MSD Animal Health, discusses how to best manage animal health over the winter: https://bit.ly/GWRHealth For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
‘Getting Winter Ready’ is a three-part series on the Beef Edge podcast focusing on nutrition, health and housing and for this second part, vet Cara Sheridan with MSD Animal Health discusses how to manage animal health over the winter. Cara highlights the importance of making adjustments to housing, fixing drinkers and ensuring cattle are dosed and vaccinated prior to housing. It is best to try and house stock on a dry day, keep stress low, divide stock bases on ages and weight and monitor stocking rates in sheds. Cara discusses in detail the anthelmintic treatment of lungworm, gutworm, fluke and lice (biting, sucking lice) for different types of cattle groups. In relation to animals that are sick or show symptoms, the animal should be isolated and Cara advises to act quick, get your vet involved to investigate and implement a targeted treatment plan. Plus, Cara highlights the benefits of learning from last year to plan for this year. For more information: AHI Heath Videos: https://animalhealthireland.ie/resources/?q=&resource_type%5B%5D=videos&prog%5B%5D=parasite-control Parasite Control at housing: https://animalhealthireland.ie/assets/uploads/2021/06/PC-at-Housing-2021.pdf?dl=1 For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
‘Getting Winter Ready’ is a three-part series on the Beef Edge podcast focusing on nutrition, health and housing. For this first part, on this week’s episode Teagasc Advisor John Kelly from county Offaly discusses managing nutrition over the winter to maximise performance. John highlights that there are a combination of factors such as management, diet and housing that impact on performance over the winter. These are overcome by trying to maximise the animals’ intake and performance whilst reducing stress and minimising any dietary upsets. When it comes to beef cattle rations, John advises farmers to look for the energy content as it is the most important nutrient, followed by protein which is needed for growth. Reading the feed label and analysing what is value for money rather than sounding good value is important he says. The first ingredient, he explains, has the highest content and work back from there. Be cautious of any fillers as their feed value versus barley are much lower. To arrange getting a silage sample tested, you can contact your local Teagasc advisor. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
In preparation for the last grazing rotation, Thomas Hogan from Nenagh Co. Tipperary, and Grass10 Beef Grassland Farmer of the Year, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his beef suckling to store system and his autumn plan. Thomas operates a spring calving system with 70 cows expected to calve down in 2022. Cows are mainly Limousin and Simmental cross and Thomas places a major focus on the replacement index to select cows with milk and sires with good conformation and easy calving. Thomas describes the grazing year to date and his plan for the rest of the year. Maximising performance on weanlings is very important to Thomas. Last year’s weanlings achieved 0.7kg/head/day over the winter period. This ensures that replacement heifers hit their targets to go in calf and calve down at 24 months. For further Information on the Grassland Farmer of the Year visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grassland-farmer-of-the-year-2021/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
As part of Ag mental health week, Conor Hammersley, Teagasc PhD Walsh scholar, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the findings of his study as part of the ‘On Feirm Ground’ project. Irish male farmers experience some of the highest levels of adverse health outcomes relative to other occupations and Conor highlights how his recent study throws new light on male farmers’ health seeking behaviour. Farmers tend to prioritise farm work and the health of their animals over their own health and safety and Conor describes how this can be overcome. There are many challenges and stressors facing farmers on a daily basis, but he says, the act of seeking help poses particular challenges for farmers as most problems encountered are universal. Conor offers some advice for farmers listening or anyone concerned about a family member. For further information on Ag Mental Health Week: https://www.facebook.com/Agmentalhealthweek https://twitter.com/AgMentalHealth https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/farm-health--safety/farmer-health/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With weanling sales taking place across the country, Teagasc Beef specialist, Aidan Murray, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss a number of finishing budgets. As no two farms are the same, Aidan advises that farmers should consider their input costs such as silage quality and concentrates, management of the beef system if it’s short or long, and stocking rates or fixed costs when completing their own beef finishing budgets. Prices for weanlings are good this autumn, compared to previous years. Aidan highlights that they have increased by 7% across all categories of stock with heavier stock up by 12%. This is the first year prices have exceeded 2015 levels Aidan says, as prices were usually much lower than 2015 prices. From the shorter keep winter finishing and bull systems to the longer autumn to autumn and weanling to beef systems, there are a number of systems Aidan discusses. In order to include a €50 margin on a winter finish system this winter, prices of €5/kg will be needed next Spring. The weanling to finishing budget takes a 280kg heifer and a 300kg weanling (steer) through to finish at 20 and 24 months. As these animals won’t be finished until 2023, its extremely hard to predict the market and prices into the future, Aidan highlights. The autumn to autumn appears to be the most attainable in terms of achieving a margin. Aidan also focuses on good silage quality and grassland management to reduce costs as much as possible with €4.26/KG required next autumn for a continental type animal to break even. Finally, he discusses a number of key considerations for farmers selling weanlings in the coming weeks. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, 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, Newford farm technician Michael Fagan joins Catherine Egan with an update on the farm and performance review of the herd in Athenry. Breeding season started on the 21st April and finished 30th June lasting 10 weeks. With 100% AI used, tail painting and two teasers bulls with chin balls alongside two Moo Heats were used for heat detection. A.I. was carried out each day at 12pm. Only 19 cows were AI’d twice out of 81 cows . Cows were checked 4/5 times daily. In total there were 107 animals for breeding, 81 mature cows and 26 maiden heifers. Cows and calves were weighed on the 28th July as part of BEEP-S. The cows average weight was 618 kg while the bull calves were on average 261kgs (ADG 1.44kg/day) and heifers were 248kgs (ADG 1.34kg/day). Michael also discussed the weaning process and the performance of the 2020-born bullock and heifers and how they will be managed from now until finish. Watch weaning in Newford in 2020 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFgOD02kVAA For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Transferring the family farm is so much more than just a simple business transaction and there are a number of complex issues to be addressed. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell, joins Catherine Egan with key advice to help farm families through this process and all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan. James discusses what the key terms succession, inheritance and farm transfer actually mean and how they differ and he explains how preparing a will is the first step. James outlines the key questions farmers need to ask as well as highlighting the tax and business issues farmers should be aware of and a range of ways to integrate farm generations. An important point to remember is that there is a huge support network available to start the transfer process with the first person your local Teagasc advisor or Agricultural consultant. ‘Transferring the Family Farm’ takes place on Zoom this year as a two part webinar on 6th & 13th October 2021 and you can register here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6kYYwFL1QM2QhhcYL6rlOg For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession--inheritance/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Teagasc Green Acres programme manager Alan Dillon joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on the dairy calf to beef programme as well as practical beef management tips for the coming weeks. Alan explains that the main points of focus for farmers in the next 6-8 weeks is building grass as well as having a closing plan and it’s important to start preparing now for the last grazing rotation. Herd health management is also essential to reduce impact on performance over the winter period and Alan outlines the important steps farmers will need to be taking in preparation for housing. He says that this is the ideal time to take silage samples to analyse the quality of the silage being fed this winter. Based on the results you will know how much and what type of concentrates to feed. The Green Acres programme is also hosting two on-farm events in the coming weeks which farmers can attend and Alan explains that each stage of the system from rearing to finishing will be discussed on the day The on-farm events are: Wednesday, 29 September at 3:30pm on the farm of JP Hammersley, Lattin, Co. Tipperary Eircode E34A389. Pre-booking is essential at (052) 6121300, Teagasc Clonmel. Tuesday, 5 October at 2pm on the farm of Irvine Allen, Mount Temple, Moate, Co. Westmeath. Pre-booking is essential at (057) 9321405 Teagasc Tullamore. For further updates: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/green-acres-calf-to-beef/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With over 34,000 audits taking place on Irish Beef & Sheep farms each year, Emma O’Gorman, Quality Assurance and Origin Green co-ordinator at Bord Bia joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to bust some myths around the audit. Emma describes how it demonstrates to customers that quality beef and lamb are produced sustainably under an accredited Scheme and provide an on-going means of demonstrating best practice at farmer level. There are 51,584 certified beef producers of which 41,770 are beef-only producers. Every 18 months farmers must complete an audit and Emma describes the preparation in advance of the audit and highlights that help is available to farmers through the website, the Bord Bia helpline and in the pre-audit pack sent out to farmers. Emma also discusses animal remedy usage recording, animal remedy purchases recording and the farm safety risk assessment as being the main areas of non-compliance and outlines how this can be overcome. With farm audits starting again on farm, Emma highlights how the auditor is there to help and make the process as easy as possible on the day. For further information: Preparing for the audit https://farm.bordbia.ie/Prepare.aspx Bord Bia website https://farm.bordbia.ie Bord Bia contacts: Call 015240410 - To speak directly to Helpdesk staff 0831800069 - To send closeout evidence by SMS (ensure herd number is included in message) closeout@bordbia.ie - To email closeout evidence (insert herd number as subject title of email) Bord Bia helpdesk, Tralee Road Industrial Estate, Castleisland, Co. Kerry - Postal address to post closeout evidence to. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
In the second of a two-part series looking at a farm to fork enterprise, Jim Ryan, owner of Ryan’s Farm, who operates a premium on-farm butchers alongside is his farm in Kells, Co. Meath joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. Jim describes how he manages the cattle from purchase to finish and gives advice for other farmers who may be considering this career path. Jim discusses how the beef enterprise is operated on the farm with heifers brought to finish alongside his 220 ewe flock. Herd health is very important and Jim has a good biosecurity and vaccination protocol drawn up for his farm. For further information on Ryans Farm go to: http://www.ryansfarm.com/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
In the first of a two part interview finding out about a farm-to-fork enterprise, on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge, Catherine Egan is joined by Jim Ryan of Ryan’s Farm. Jim operates a premium on-farm butchers alongside his farm in Kells Co. Meath and he tells his story of establishing the business back in 2007 and how he has expanded and grown the business ever since. Jim explains that it’s a family run business with his wife Pamela and children who are all very much involved and discusses how important this is. It has been a real learning curve however and Jim describes the long hours he works on a typical week, particularly days when he attends the market to sell the produce. The customer eating quality experience is very important he says and Jim discusses the types of products the customer is looking for. For further information on Ryans Farm go to: http://www.ryansfarm.com/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With approximately 20% of suckler herds operating an autumn calving system, Teagasc advisor Aisling Molloy has some key tips on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. She discusses why autumn calving is appealing to some farmers and the various different beef systems that autumn calving suits. High quality silage is very important in reducing costs over the winter period in this system and targeting early turnout. Aisling emphasises that managing the cow’s body condition score in the lead up to calving is key to reducing issues at calving and post-calving. A quarter of Irish farm accidents and one-fifth of farm deaths are livestock-related with attacks by recently calved cows a common cause of such accidents. Aisling gives some top tips on safety at calving. Calving the suckler cow and caring for the new born calf are also important tasks on autumn calving suckler herds in the coming weeks and last spring, vet Tommy Heffernan gave a two-part interview to discuss these important topics in detail which are worth listening back to. In the first part, Tommy highlights all the top tips related to calving the suckler cow: http://bit.ly/CTC21 In the second part, Tommy highlights all the key tips related to caring for the newborn calf: https://bit.ly/Care4Calf For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, 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, Teagasc Green Acres participant Aidan Maguire from Co. Meath discusses his beef system and gives an update on his farm. For the past four weeks, drought conditions have made managing grass on the farm very difficult. Aidan describes how he had to feed good quality silage ( 72 DMD) to ensure performance was not impacted. On a recent weighing, calves were achieving 0.7-0.8kg/head/day while the stores were achieving 0.9-1.1kg/head/day. Aidan discusses how he plans to introduce meal at grass in the coming weeks with the plan to finish 30 heifers. Closing up paddocks is also a focus for Aidan in the next few weeks in order to ensure there is grass available next spring. For further updates from the Green Acres programme subscribe for the free fortnightly newsletter here: https://715b076b.sibforms.com/serve/MUIEABmyHwOboyRgEW5CKKxG9Z2AtXcyr45Mamg276sYRQJ8X35qt9zgM2zFlpjivTWIjsjgANwuc8QVGrT0BYWtnjLs2WtmdljVYJHWIdGAiBmX9wE_I-4hQ1tHUOyg2hPF2Hja9awpPYpnmRHBtMLbQHG2AaaFNOzF-vw7rEDB8q3soBhfbloK1ByxnDkyOCYcDZksCNQt-LUn To find out more about the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme click here: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/green-acres-calf-to-beef/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
In the second of a two-part series on planning in preparation for weaning, Teagasc Specialist, Aidan Murray, advises how to reduce stress at weaning. Weaning can be a stressful time on farms both for cow and calf and there are many different weaning strategies with benefits to each process, which Aidan describes. As part of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme-Sucklers (BEEP-S), farmers may have selected the optional measure under Action 2 to feed concentrates to weanlings for which they get €30 per calf weighed up to a max of 100 calves. The objective of this measure is to introduce calves to meal feeding for 4 weeks pre weaning and a further 2 weeks post weaning with the aim being to reduce the stress of weaning on the calf. Aidan describes the process here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91mJKsEcDC8 Depending on farmers’ systems, farmers may be considering castrating bull weanling and this can add stress at weaning (https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/castration--best-practice.php). Aidan outlines that calves can be castrated, other than by a veterinary practitioner, before it reaches 6 months of age, using a Burdizzo or before it reaches 8 days of age using a rubber ring (S.I. 127 of 2014), in both cases without the use of anaesthesia and analgesia (S.I. 107 of 2014). Over these age limits, local anaesthesia, using a prescription only medicine (POM), must be administered by a veterinary practitioner to animals intended for castration. Finally Aidan advises that farmers should put a plan in place in the coming weeks to ensure the weanlings have a stress free weaning. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
In the first of a two part series on planning in preparation for weaning, vet Charles Chavasse, Area Veterinary Manager with Zoetis, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge to discuss how to prevent pneumonia. Charles first describes how most pneumonia is caused by a mix of viruses and bacteria. Vaccines are an aid to the control of pneumonia as the vaccines reduce lung damage caused by viruses allowing antibiotics to work more effectively on bacteria. This reduces the need for antibiotics. Charles discusses the cost of vaccines compared to the cost of a pneumonia outbreak. Preventing one severe case (or two mild cases) of pneumonia would cover the price of the vaccination of 50 calves. As part of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme- Sucklers (BEEP-S), farmers may have selected the optional measure under Action 2 to vaccinate weanlings which they get €30 per calf weighed up to a max of 100 calves. Charles outlines the two options that are available for the vaccination programmes. Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7isaicS6j6o Charles also warns that vaccines need careful handling and he advises to: 1. Store the vaccines in a functioning fridge . For live vaccines, once mixed, use within 4 hours; for dead vaccines, once broached use within 10 hours 2. Live vaccines need to be mixed – sterile needles and syringes – do NOT return to fridge 3. Have good facilities and take your time For further information consult your local vet and for more on vaccination best practice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q931So5-9zo For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
As part of #FarmSafetyWeek, beef farmer Tommy Holmes from Co. Mayo, discusses farm safety on his farm along with his Teagasc advisor Tom Kelly, Teagasc Ballina on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. Tommy outlines his store to finishing system and describes how he has moved from suckler cows to bull beef and now to bullocks. A large proportion of all fatal workplace accidents occur in agriculture each year and Tommy outlines how he has made his farm safer with good handling facilities. Tommy also highlights how he services his tractor twice a year and is always checking the safety guards are in place. Tom Kelly his local Teagasc advisor gives tips for farmers to stay safe on their farm, in particular, carrying their mobile phone so they can contact someone in an emergency. Tom explains that farmers can apply for TAMS grants for various safety equipment on their farm ranging from head scoop to calving gates while he recommends farmers complete the Teagasc safety course and regularly update their Farm Risk Assessment Document which is available here: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_and_Forms/Publications/Agriculture_and_Forestry/Farm_Safety_Code_of_Practice_Risk_Assessment_Document.pdf For further information on farm safety week: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/farm-health--safety/farm-safety-week-/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com Pic source: Irish Farmers' Journal
Chris Maughan, Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, and Teagasc Beef specialist, Alan Dillon, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss weed control on farm. It has been a difficult spring on farm relating to grass, particularly getting an opportunity to control weeds. Chris discusses control of docks nettles, thistles, buttercups and ragwort. He also discusses the correct spraying procedures and records that farmers need to keep. Alan describes how there has been an increase in rush infestation in parts of the country over the last few years and the impact they can have on grassland. He also outlines the main strategies of controlling them, particularly on land eligible for the basic payment scheme. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Orla Keane, Senior Researcher at Teagasc Grange, has some timely advice in relation to updating your herd health plan and parasite control on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. It’s a good time of year when calving is over for a spring calving herd and before it starts on an autumn calving herd to review the herd health plan now and Orla highlights the importance of biosecurity and hygiene and outlines the process for disinfecting calving pens and slatted sheds at this time of year. She explains that anthelmintic resistance refers to the ability of parasitic worms to survive a dose that should kill them. There are currently only 3 classes of anthelmintics licensed in Ireland for the control of gut worms in cattle. These classes are benzimidazole (commonly known as white wormer), levamisole (commonly known as yellow wormer) and macrocyclic lactones (commonly known as clear wormer). Anthelmintics from different classes have different modes of action. However, within the same class all products share the same mode of action and therefore when resistance develops to one product within a class generally other products in the same class are affected. Actions to take to slow the further development of anthelmintic resistance are: • Use grazing management to reduce exposure to worms • Use anthelmintics only when necessary • Use an appropriate product for the worms being targeted • Use the correct dose rates and proper dosing technique • Have a biosecurity protocol for bought-in stock For animals at grass, one of the major health threats is internal parasites. At this time of year gut worms and lungworm are the major internal parasites of concern which Orla discusses treatment strategies here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYe0WxOEKs0&ab_channel=Teagasc DAFM Disinfectant list: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/e1453-disinfectants/ For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/parasite-control-in-growing-cattle-at-pasture.php For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Teagasc Green Acres dairy calf to beef participant, Martin Connolly, from Co. Roscommon gives a Beef Edge Masterclass on this week’s podcast episode. He gives an insight into his 21-22 month Friesian bull beef system and discusses the key points from managing the calf up to weaning, emphasising the importance of calf health in the early weeks of life. He discusses how he manages the stock at grass with the target to graze each paddock in three days. Making top quality silage is a key focus on the farm allowing Martin to reduce costs over the winter while still maximising weight gain and he outlines how bulls will be housed in the coming weeks and finished within 100-120 days. Further information from Martin’s Virtual farm walk held last year are here: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/green-acres-calf-to-beef/events/martin-connollys-virtual-farm-walk/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With an increase in grass growth in the past few weeks the challenge now on farms is to maintain quality in the sward. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Grass 10 Manager John Maher gives top tips in relation to managing grass quality. John highlights the two main ways to manage grass at the moment. Firstly, it involves targeting ideal covers to graze of 8-10 cm and that may lead to paddocks being skipped or let grow on to bulk up as silage. Secondly, the mechanical method of topping or pre-mowing and although this will lead to some grass wastage it will ensure quality in the next grazing. John advises that fertiliser applied on farm at the moment will largely depend on stocking rate. Phosphorus and potassium are essential to be applied to improve any damaged paddocks from earlier in the spring. Nitrogen application can be decided upon based on the amount of grass on the farm and demand. For further information visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/ You can also view the latest Grass 10 Newsletter here: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-newsletter/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
This week’s Beef Edge podcast finds out about the Certified Irish Angus Schools competition that challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months while completing a research project and which is organised in partnership with ABP Ireland and Kepak Group. Catherine Egan is joined by Darragh Barlow, a student at the Abbey School Tipperary town which is one of the five finalist schools, his Ag Science teacher Michael O’Dwyer, and William Delaney from the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. Darragh describes their journey to date and how the calves have been managed and how they have performed. Darragh highlights how the Angus breed suits a sustainable farming system and he says that there are numerous advantages to being a finalist in the competition, encouraging other students to participate. Agricultural Science teacher Michael O’Dwyer outlines the benefits of the competition as a teacher and says that the extent of the competition has gone far beyond just the actual students in the competition and has been a great experience for the entire school. William Delaney, organiser of the competition encourages other schools to get involved and highlights the steps are required to get into the competition. The next competition will be launched in September with further details are available here: https://www.certifiedirishangus.ie/certified-irish-angus-schools-competition/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Contract rearer Kieran Kielty from Co.Sligo joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how he operates a contract heifer rearing system. Kieran explains how he has developed the system over the past number of years and he outlines the importance of grassland management and quality silage in this system. As Kieran works off farm he highlights the benefits of contract rearing while maintaining a work life balance. Being a part of the local contract rearing discussion group is also a benefit to Kieran as he gets to visit other farms and discuss management decisions with other like-minded farmers in the same system. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With many drystock farmers looking for possible alternative income opportunities for their farms, contract heifer rearing has increasingly become an option and Teagasc advisor Tom Coll and specialist Gordon Peppard join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what’s involved. Gordon says it is a very attractive option with a lot of benefits such as providing a steady monthly cash flow, reduced investment and reduced risks associated with beef prices with potentially more profits if managed correctly. Gordon also discusses the contract heifer rearing agreement and outlines the costs involved for the rearer - the highest cost periods to the contract rearer will be during calf rearing and winter housing. Tom Coll has been working with around twenty farmers that have started contract rearing on their farms over the past eight years and as a result, established a discussion group with these farmers. Tom outlines why farmers consider this as an alternative system for their farms and he emphasises that improving silage quality and maximising grass in the diet is important. There have been a lot of lessons learned from the farmers which Tom discusses in detail from management, health, breeding, grass and meeting targets. For contract heifer rearing to be a success it must be a win–win situation for all parties. A level of trust, honesty and flexibility must exist between parties. Events may change and things will go wrong, so good communication and a give and take attitude are required. It is important to have a written agreement so that the responsibilities of each party are clear. Payment on time is important and fulfilling requirements set out at the start are essential. Further information is available at: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/collaborative-farming/contract-heifer-rearing/ https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/diversification/contract-heifer-rearing-/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Derrypatrick herd Manager, Michael McManus, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the breeding season. There is 100% AI used in the herd and Michael describes how sires are selected and what sires are being used this year. It has been a very difficult year on the farm managing grass like other farms around the country and he highlights how some of the silage ground had to be grazed and will be cut at the end of June. Michael then gives an overview of how last year’s cattle performed and the plan for the rest of the year. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the various beef schemes. Firstly, Aidan outlined the actions that farmers had to continue to do in order to comply with the BDGP 1 extension and Aidan advised on various scenarios such as a stock bull being injured or replaced. Next Aidan discussed the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) as applicants committed to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 as compared with the period 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. Aidan said that farmers can choose to defer the commitment to reduce the production of bovine livestock manure nitrogen on the holding by 5% for the period 01 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 as compared with the period 01 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. Penalties for non-compliance were also outlined. Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme – Sucklers (BEEP-S) was launched earlier in 2021. Aidan highlighted the various actions that farmers need to complete based on what was selected at application. The dairy calf to beef programme, is a new scheme launched in 2021 and Aidan discussed in detail the requirements that farmers must complete to comply. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Teagasc drystock advisor Terry Carroll and beef farmer John Phelan join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the importance of harvesting silage and the ensiling process in making top quality silage. Given the last few weeks with poor grass growth on farm, Terry advises farmers to make the best quality silage possible now and meet your requirements for good quality silage first depending on the stock you intend to keep over the winter. He says that by delaying harvest date, it will reduce the dry matter digestibility of the crop and overall quality. This will lead to increased cost next winter due to increased concentrates. Terry said that farmers can get a sample of grass tested in their local Teagasc office by contacting their advisor to determine sugar content or if there are concerns over nitrates. Kilkenny store-to-finish farmer John Phelan explains that due to weather in the past month he will be delaying harvest by ten days and intends to cut silage on 25th May - weather depending. John also discusses the silage process on his farm and he highlights the importance of quality silage on his farm particularly for reducing costs on farm and achieving maximum weight gains next winter. He then discusses the importance of health and safety during this period on farm also. For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2016/Teagasc-Quality-Grass-Silage-Guide.pdf For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Teagasc specialist Catherine Keena joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the new Results Based Environment Agri Pilot Programme also known as REAP. REAP is an agri-environment pilot project that pays farmers to maintain and improve the environmental conditions of their land. Farmers will bring in between 2ha and 10ha of land which will be scored in year one to establish its environmental condition. Farmers will work with their advisers to undertake environmental improvement works on the land that can increase the environmental score in year two. REAP will focus on improving existing farm features rather than the creation of new features and habitats. Farms with higher environmental scores will receive larger payments. The pilot will test the ‘Results-Based’ approach and prepare farmers, Advisors and DAFM for the Agri Environment Scheme in the new Rural Development Programme in 2023. There is no guarantee of entry. The deadline to apply is the 10th May and contact your advisor or local Teagasc office to apply. Further info can be found here: https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/schemes--regulations/reap/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
With calves being weaned on dairy calf to beef farms across the country, Teagasc Green Acres programme advisors Sean Cummins & James Fitzgerald join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with top tips on weaning, advice for the year ahead and an update on the farms. Firstly, Sean has an update on the calves’ performance in the Green acres programme this spring. He highlights the key targets up to weaning and the weaning process. Sean also discusses the herd health plan of the calves to date and key targets for grazing season ahead. James discusses the performance of the weanlings over the winter and over the spring so far. He also reviews the slaughter performance of the stock in 2020. Sean and James conclude with three main tips that the farmers will be focused on for the coming weeks and months. For further updates click here: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/green-acres-calf-to-beef/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Teagasc Drystock advisor Joe Hand joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to maximise silage yield this year on your farm. Firstly, Joe highlights a number of factors which influence silage yield such as soil P, K, and pH levels, soil compaction, reseeded swards and fertiliser applied to the crop Joe advises that sub-optimal soil fertility is probably the core reason that target silage yields and digestibility are not achieved. Through experiments carried out on-farm with Walsh fellowship student Louise Pearse, Joe explained the findings. He noted a difference in yield of 3.8 t vs 5t from following recommended fertiliser rates which is a difference of 1.2 tonne yield dry matter per hectare or a 30% increase yield. A silage quality guide to complete for your farm developed by Joe & Louise is available here: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/beef/Silage-Quality-2021.pdf For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
Teagasc Grass 10 Manager John Maher is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with top tips in relation to grassland management. With a difficult spring leading to challenging grazing conditions, John discussed and gave advice for the different scenarios on farms where grazing has been delayed and very little grazing has taken place to date or where farms are on target starting the second rotation. John also highlighted the importance of using Phosphorus and Sulphur at this time of year on grazing ground. To ensure quality in the sward John advised to grow the grass for 3 weeks and graze it in 3 days. For further information go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
With only 20% of beef farmers using AI, suckler & sheep farmer Martin Shaughnessy from Co. Mayo joins Catherine Egan on this week’s podcast for a Beef Edge Masterclass to discuss his beef system & how he uses AI on his farm. Martin explains that he operates a niche suckler to weanling system targeting breeding quality Belgian Blue weanlings for the export market. He has a compact calving season calving 18 cows from January to mid-March while he also lambs 120 ewes. Martin uses a vasectomised bull to help with heat detecting especially as he works off farm and he discusses using AI on his farm and how he selects sires. Any cow that does not go in calf is culled he says. A paddock system is used on the farm which utilises grass. Martin allows the calves to creep graze in front of the cows by using a plastic horse fencing post to raise the polywire. Martin then talks about his catchment area and how he protects it. You can watch a video of Martin’s farm here: https://youtu.be/vtJXHJMhbVQ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
With breeding season around the corner on many farms, Teagasc drystock advisor David Argue, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast and with over 80% of beef farmers using stock bulls, David discusses some top tips when selecting a new stock bull. David advises farmers to examine their herd of cows first and figure out the exact genetic traits they are lacking and that the farmer is looking to improve upon. Knowing what system of production the farmer is in is important, as selecting a bull to breed replacement heifers will be very different to selecting a bull to breed beef cattle. David highlights that it is important to keep in mind that the breeding of any individual bull should be taken into consideration as bulls bred from different lines within breeds can vary hugely when it comes to individual traits. In addition to the traits, David gives his top tips on carrying out a visual assessment of a new bull. Ideally buy a bull that is fertility tested and from a disease free herd. ICBF also have a tool available on their web page where a farmer can type in an animals tag number and the information in relation to that animal will be displayed. The stock bull finder is also available on the ICBF website at: https://webapp.icbf.com/v2/app/bull-finder David also warns that there has been a number of deaths on Irish farms over the last few years along with farm accidents relating to bulls and warns to ‘avoid being careless around the bull, there is no such thing as a quiet bull, they can turn at any time’. For further information on the examination of bulls for breeding soundness go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2018/examination-of-bulls-for-breeding-soundnessan-illustrated-guide.php For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme advisors Mary Roache & Meabh O’Hagan join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast as part of Water Quality Week to highlight correct weed control management & tips on carrying out drainage work to reduce impact on water quality. Firstly, Mary discussed the main types of weeds farmers want to control. With docks being the most common, Mary discussed the chemical and non-chemical methods of control. Mary also advised farmers as to what they must look out for when using pesticides to avoid getting any into our water supplies such as correct application rate, method and buffer zones. To conclude Mary advised farmers to look at the Basic Payment pack they received recently to complete the necessary recording paperwork for cross compliance. Only a DAFM-registered professional user can apply Plant Protection Products that are authorised for professional use. It is a requirement for sprayers over 3 years of age to have passed a Pesticide Application Equipment Test before being used to apply professional use Plant Protection Products. Meabh then discussed how land drainage impacts water quality and how farmers can minimise the impact. When it comes to carrying out new drainage works, Meabh advised to consider the bigger picture in relation to new environmental schemes in the future and to talk to your advisor in advance of undertaking any work. Meabh highlighted that drain maintenance should only take place when needed and after spawning has occurred from July- Sept. She also advised on the ways to minimise the amount of maintenance drains require. Farmers get more information about how to appropriately carry out drainage and drain maintenance here: https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/soil/soil-drainage/ For further information on Water Quality Week: https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/water-quality-week/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
As part of the Teagasc & ICBF breeding week, Teagasc researchers Nicky Byrne & Alan Twomey join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Dairy Beef Index (DBI) and an insight into its impact in the future. The Dairy Beef Index is a breeding goal for Irish dairy and beef farmers to promote high quality beef cattle bred from the dairy herd that are more saleable as calves and profitable at slaughter yet, they have minimal consequences on the calving difficulty or gestation length of the dairy cow. Alan explains that it is delivering easy calving for the dairy farmer and high carcass merit for the beef farmer and going forwards in the future it will have a greater impact as it is still early days for being implemented on farm. Nicky advises that the DBI is a great development as it will allow for the identification of bulls with the balance of traits needed to bring better integration of the needs of both dairy and beef farmers, and it will allow for individuals to be identified across a range of breeds, which will become important in flattening the supply curve of dairy beef animals born from a seasonal system. He says that ‘a higher proportion of beef calves will bring greater system efficiency in terms of feed, carcass and probably younger ages at slaughter compared to pure dairy males’. It is especially important for the various bonus and QA pricing system which are in place, which generally require animals to be of a conformation score of greater than O-. Conformation is the number one to increase the value of every kg of beef, similar to our protein and fat in a milk pricing scenario. Both Alan and Nicky believe that beef farmers need to insist that all beef calves are by high genetic merit beef sires to secure their investment and level of risk, so rather than premium prices, it should be a basic requirement. Finally, Nicky concludes with an update of the research in Teagasc Grange on the DBI. Further information on the Dairy Beef index go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/understanding-the-dairy-beef-index-dbi.php For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
25% of the annual feed budget consists of grass silage and silage accounts for 40% of the feed costs for the year. Hence it’s so important to make the best quality silage as possible. On this week’s Beef edge podcast Teagasc Drystock advisor Terry Carroll and Kilkenny beef farmer John Phelan join Catherine Egan in a two part series on making quality silage. On this first episode John and Terry highlight all the top tips relating to grazing, fertilising and closing silage ground. John also explains his mixed beef and tillage enterprise. He finishes 300-350 heifers per year and consistently makes excellent quality silage >75DMD. John details the benefits of making good quality silage including reduced costs and good performance with 0.8kg/head/day being achieved with 1kg or concentrates and top quality silage over the winter period. He believes that he would need to feed 3-4 kg of concentrates to achieve the same performance with poorer quality silage. Terry Carroll, Teagasc advisor in Kilkenny advises that farmers should graze silage ground to increase the quality and reduce dead material in the sward. He suggests that farmers need to have a plan as to when they want to cut silage and how much top quality silage the farm needs - every farm is different. By closing at the end of March, the aim is to harvest the crop mid-May, depending on the weather. Terry also advises on the fertiliser required to grow the crop and how farmers can assess for weeds, particularly docks. For further information on the 10 steps to making better quality silage go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/10-steps-to-making-better-quality-silage.php Or watch this video: https://fb.watch/47q9VdsXAz/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Teagasc specialist Tim Hyde joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, also known as TAMS which in January, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine announced it was extending. Grant aid is 60% for young trained farmers or 40% in all other cases up to a maximum of €80,000 spend for individuals or €160,000 for partnerships. Minimum spend is €2,000 (all figures exclude VAT). There have been 20 tranches of TAMS and the Minister also announced some amendments to the scheme for the new tranche which opened on 16th January. Tim highlights these amendments along with going through a list of what farmers can apply for including animal handling equipment such as fixed and temporary handling facilities, head scoops and weighing scales and feeding system for rearing calves. He also advises that farmers have to apply for planning permission for sheds and the steps needed. For further details talk to your local Teagasc advisor. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Last week the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine advised farmers that the application process for the 2021 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Scheme has now opened online. Over the past few days, farmers have been receiving a BPS information pack in the post containing maps and land details and on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Farm Management Specialist James McDonnell, joins Catherine Egan to discuss all you need to know about your basic payment application online form. James went through all elements of the Direct Payments Schemes (BPS, Greening, Young Farmers Scheme, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements, and the Areas of Natural Constraint Scheme). The closing date for BPS applications in 2021 is Monday 17th May and with Covid-19 restrictions, applications will be completed over the phone with your advisor. He advised farmers to check through maps and applications before and after the appointment. James urges farmers to avail of the early opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
If you want to reduce fertiliser bills on your farm, listen to this week’s Beef Edge podcast with Teagasc specialist Mark Plunkett joining Catherine Egan for top tips and advice Mark advises that the starting point on every farm is to have up to date soil sample results. In 2019 , there were 7,863 samples taken on drystock farms. These results show that 18% of these soils are optimum for lime, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Once samples are taken a nutrient management plan can be developed for the farm to ensure that fertiliser is applied efficiently. Certain paddocks on the farm can be targeted with lime , slurry and fertiliser as needed. Initially the pH status should be corrected to ensure that nutrients applied are utilised efficiently. Slurry is a valuable source of P and particularly K. 1,000 gallons of slurry is equivalent to a bag of 9-5-32. Mark advises that it should be targeted to silage ground which will help build P & K as cheaply as possible and reduce fertiliser costs for the silage crop. Based on soil samples fertiliser can be sourced by pricing around for the best value and using the correct rate and amount particularly for compound fertilisers e.g 18-6-12. For further information: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/soil--soil-fertility/soil-analysis/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
James Madigan, a suckler farmer from Co. Kilkenny, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast for the latest in the show’s Masterclass series. James outlines his suckling to finishing system with bulls finished under 16 months and heifers under 20 months and he describes how he operates a split calving 50/50 spring and autumn calving herd with 100 cows put to the bull. The spring herd calves December-March and the autumn herd calves in August/September. He achieves great weight gain in his stock up to weaning and credits it due to the grass and milk in his cows. There are three Charolais stock bulls on the farm of which two are terminal and one is maternal. He breeds his own replacement heifers and purchases limousin cross from the dairy herd. James outlines the key targets he has to achieve to finish bulls under 16 months. This year’s weanlings achieved 0.54kg/head/day for the first two months at housing. James also highlights that achieving excellent quality silage is necessary to reduce cost and to ensure he makes a profit with 76DMD silage made last year. The type of cow on the farm is also essential to provide top quality stock that meet the spec requirements while having milk to rear the calf. James insists ‘Look after the cow and she’ll look after you.’ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Calving the suckler cow and caring for the new born calf are important tasks on every spring suckler herd in the coming weeks and for the second in a two-part interview, vet Tommy Heffernan joins Catherine Egan to discuss the key tips for caring for the newborn calf. Tommy first outlines how building the immunity of the calf is important through quality colostrum and describes the 1-2-3 rule of colostrum and how to administer it with a stomach tube if necessary. Hygiene is also very important and use of adequate amounts of straw is a big help. Treating the calf’s navel is the first point to avoid issues of infection and Tommy discusses the types and treatments of calf scour particularly Cryptosporidium and Coccidiosis. He also explains that respiratory infections and diseases are one of the main causes of deaths in unweaned calves, highlighting the main causes and treatments. Finally, Tommy advises on the use of vaccinations to prevent clostridial diseases and unfortunately it is often too late when detected. For further information please consult your local vet. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Calving the suckler cow and caring for the new born calf are important tasks on every spring suckler herd in the coming weeks. Vet Tommy Heffernan joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast for a two-part interview to discuss these important topics in detail. In the first part this week, Tommy highlights all the top tips related to calving the suckler cow. One issue on farms is when a farmer intervenes too soon, and Tommy advises how long to wait to intervene and how long is too long? Tommy describes when handling a cow, what a normal presentation is and advises what to do if a calf is presenting with leg or the head is back or coming backways. Tommy also discusses the key things to be aware of when using the calving jack and important points for farmers to keep in mind. Preparation is key and avoiding any situation where there is a health and safety risk is essential. Correctly restraining the cow is important at calving time. For further information please consult your local vet. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
As part of the Animal Health Ireland & Teagasc Calf Care Virtual Week, Teagasc researcher Emer Kennedy & Joe Patton, Teagasc nutritionist, join Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss the guidelines for feeding milk and concentrates in the diet of the calf. Emer outlines the importance of feeding six litres of milk to the calf. She highlights the importance of following the correct guideline for making up the milk replacer by following the guideline of the product being used. Purchasing in dairy calves Emer advises on feeding electrolytes after transport for the first feed and depending on distance a second feed of electrolytes may be required. Once per day feeding can be introduced from one month of age but Emer warns of the need to check calves twice per day. Joe highlights that although consumption of concentrates is low it is important to introduce calves to it in the first week. Feeding good quality concentrates makes management post weaning easier. He also advises on the importance of measuring and monitoring the concentrate intake of the calves to ensure they are meeting their requirements. Introducing fibre is necessary to allow this to happen also. Clean good quality straw is preferred to hay. For further information of feeding milk click here: https://youtu.be/lyhwegNyjls And for further information on feeding concentrates click here: https://youtu.be/EJ9Sa7CCg3w You can tune into the Dairy edge podcast this week to hear about the 1,2,3 of colostrum management, colostrum quality & managing Johnes disease at calving here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d073ad20 For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
After years of uncertainty since the Brexit referendum in 2016, a deal on the future relations between the European Union and the UK has finally been sealed and on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy and Development Programme at Teagasc, outlines what this deal actually means for the Irish Beef sector. With over 50% of Irish beef going to British markets and the imposition of tariffs and quotas gone, a huge threat has been removed, but Kevin warns that there will be challenges ahead. Overall, farmers should have some reassurance of the deal versus previous fears of a no deal. Kevin discusses the likely impact for beef exports, live exports and trade in Ireland, north & south of the border. While Beef exports into the UK will now avoid tariffs, it may be the second half of 2021 before we will know the real implications. With current Covid-19 restrictions and the Brexit deal, the projections will have to be updated but outlook for the beef sector is to remain steady for the first half of 2020. However, Kevin does warn that there will be longer-term negative implications for Irish beef exports to the UK market in the future if the UK strikes trade agreements with major beef exporters from outside the EU. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Michael Fagan, Technician on the Newford Demonstration Herd joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with a review of the farm in 2020. With 89% of the herd proving in calf, the focus on the farm at the moment is calving 2021. Michael explains how the finishing steers and heifers preformed in 2020. There were 59 heifers and 46 steers on Newford farm to be slaughtered this year. All of them were sired from 5 star terminal sires Fiston, Gamin, and Mullary Intrepid were used on the mature herd, and Tow Thorpe Dubai and Elderberry Galahad were used on the first calvers. Click here for more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/newford-farm-winter-finishing-of-beef-bullocks-and-sales-2020.php 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. 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
Calf diarrhoea and calf pneumonia the leading causes of death in Irish calves pre-weaning. Vet Doreen Corridan joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to explain why vaccinations should be used. Preventing disease, less antibiotics and less labour are major benefits Doreen highlights for using vaccinations. As scour accounts for more than 50% of all calf deaths Doreen recommends vaccinating pre calving to avoid issues on your farm. She outlines the vaccinations and protocols in detail. Cryptosporidium also known as crypto can’t be vaccinated for but Doreen give tips and advice on how best can it be treated and prevented. Hygiene at calving is important to ensure the calf gets a good start in the first few hours after birth along with adequate colostrum. Doreen gives a number of tasks for farmers to do on their farm in to get every calf. For further information: https://youtu.be/6ZcTMN1Aax8 For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The extension of contracts under GLAS & the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) are to be extended for a rollover period of one year in 2021. Teagasc beef specialist Alan Dillon & Teagasc environment specialist Catherine Keena join Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge Podcast to explain more about these schemes. The deadline to apply for GLAS extension is 31st December 2020 while the deadline to apply for BDGP 1 extension is 15th January 2021. Further information is here: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/52789-mcconalogue-confirms-rollover-of-farm-schemes-in-2021/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Do you have a spring calving suckler herd? Then you need to hear what Teagasc Nutritionist Joe Patton has to say in advance of spring calving season 2021 to find out how to manage your suckler cows' nutrition in the crucial weeks pre and post-calving. On this week’s Teagasc Beef Edge Podcast, Joe highlights the importance of nutrition and particularly the body condition score of the cow in reducing health problems around calving. There are countless testimonials from farmers that had issues in their herd and started feeding pre-calving minerals which solved the problem. Joe advises that every herd should be feeding a pre-calving mineral with no added Calcium, Phosphorus - depending on silage P levels - and Magnesium. He recommends using minerals dusted on the silage. Micro minerals such as selenium, iodine & vitamins can be given as boluses or included in the mineral dust. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Just over 3% of herds in Ireland will go down with TB in any given year and on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by Philip Breslin, Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine to discuss all things related to bovine TB. Philip outlines how the herd test works and why farmers have to do a herd test every year. Wildlife have been shown to play an important role in spreading TB to cattle in Ireland. The department are responsible for removing badgers from areas where there are severe TB outbreaks and introduced badger vaccination in recent years. Philip discusses the Wildlife Unit’s work in reducing the risk of passing infection from wildlife to badgers. Unfortunately, too many herds experience TB breakdowns and farm families are all too familiar with the stress that this can cause. Philip discusses how the proposed new strategy to eradicate TB will reduce the number of affected farms. He also provides some practical tips on what steps farmers can take to reduce the risk of TB in their herd For further information visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Where stock are to be grazed over the winter months, many farmers will be beginning to transition stock on to fodder crops over the coming days and managing this transition needs to be carefully considered. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by suckler farmer Michael Flynn from county Waterford to discuss his beef farm system and to find out how he is managing winter fodder crops on his farm at this time of year. There is often a fear among farmers as to when to start grazing in case of N poisoning or that they will run out of the fodder crop too early in the spring. Micheal explains that he plans to graze it for 2 months from now to the end of January 2021. Through his experience of grazing cows, weanlings and replacement heifers, Micheal gives key management tips such as double wires and a good electric fence. The total forage crop proportion of the diet should not exceed two-thirds of the diet on a dry matter basis. A source of long fibre is required to make up the remainder of the diet of which Micheal provides through bales of silage strategically located in the crop. There is also a risk of toxicity in the spring when the crop flowers, so ideally farmers should aim to have the crop grazed by the end of January. Micheal explains how one year he increased the stocking rate to try to graze the crop faster before flowering. If there is freezing weather conditions in the coming months Micheal has a plan B in which we will feed silage instead of the fodder crop For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The 2020 Animal Health Awareness Week organised by the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine is taking place this week from 23rd-28th November. On this week’s Beef Edge Podcast, Mícheál Casey, Head of DAFM Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVL) gives an insight into the many services they provide to farmers. The RVL network provides animal post-mortem examinations, surveillance of disease and laboratory diagnostic services and expertise to the farming community via veterinary practitioners. Mícheál highlights that like farmers, the laboratories are busy in the spring with issues arising around the time of calving resulting in post-mortems being done. The RVLs also encounters cases from issues incurred from respiratory diseases in calves resulting from poor ventilation or death as a result of calf scour outbreaks. In the past few weeks a common finding has been death from lung worm where owners suspect treatments have been ineffective, but in fact the laboratories believe it is the effect of heavy infestations after treatment. Surveillance of disease is also a major part of the role of RVL as they are on the front line to detect exotic diseases. Mícheál recalls the outbreak of Foot and Mouth in 2001 which farmers will never forget, and which reminds us of the need for ongoing vigilance and early detection. Tomorrow, Thursday 26th you can tune into the webinar titled ‘Problems and Opportunities - Cattle Health from different perspectives’. You can register here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/82fdd-animal-health-awareness-week-webinar-registration/ Further details on the Animal Health Awareness Week are here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/2e0be-animal-health-awareness-week-programme-of-events/ Find your nearest Regional Veterinary Lab here: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/laboratoryservices/regionalveterinarylaboratories/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
John Maher, Manager Grass10 Campaign, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on grassland management tips to deal with current weather conditions. Managing grass in the coming weeks will play an import role in extending the grazing season and John highlights that each additional day at pasture is worth €2/LU. While there is huge variation across the country, John also discussed a number of issues that have been seen on farms at the moment. With the deadline to apply chemical Nitrogen and Potassium approaching on the 15th September, John advises to select the drier paddocks to apply fertiliser whilst also targeting responsive leafy swards such as reseeded or silage ground with good soil pH. Also, Potassium (K) is very important this time of year particularly on paddocks where surplus bales were removed. Watch previous GFOY winner Trevor Boland explain why he entered the competition: https://youtu.be/jTRgSrk9D2Q The link to the application form and for further information is: https://bit.ly/GFOY2020 For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Noel Meehan, Manager of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme (ASSAP) joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge to discuss the progress of the programme and what you can do to help improve water quality. Farming plays an important role in the Irish economy and landscape and approximately two-thirds of the Irish land area is in agricultural use. The quality of the water in our rivers, lakes and groundwater needs to improve and farming practices play a key role in this improvement. Noel states that the programme is a unique collaborative approach and has keen interest and involvement from farmers. Most often it’s a combination of approaches really and not a one size fits all approach when it comes to water quality. Noel gives some simple useful tips to improve water quality such as: - improved nutrient management with more targeted use of slurry and fertiliser - new approaches to land management to reduce nutrient losses in critical source areas - better farmyard management and practices For further information on the ASSAP programme go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/water-quality/farming-for-water-quality-assap/assap-in-detail/ For further information on The Signpost Series visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/ For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The importance of pregnancy scanning cows is the topic on this week’s Beef Edge podcast and Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Researcher Professor David Kenny and Teagasc Advisor Sinead Devaney. David highlights the many benefits of scanning of cows as well as the importance of the correct timing of scanning to identify date of calving next spring, twins and possibly the sex of the embryo. Sinead then advises on the key points to be aware of this year when culling empty cows if you participate in the BEEP, BEAM or BDGP schemes. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the Beef Finishers Payment scheme (BFP) which is an Exchequer-funded scheme of €50 million to provide income support for farmers with beef finishing enterprises, who have been impacted by the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has opened for applications. The Beef Finishers Payment scheme is open from August 19th and Aidan discusses how you can apply. An estimated 42,000 farmers will be eligible to apply for the scheme, which will be based on the number of cattle sent for slaughter in the period from 1 February to 12 June 2020, subject to a limit of 100 animals per herd. Based on estimates of eligible animals, a rate in the region of €100 per animal will be payable. The closing date is 9th September 2020 and full details of the measure including terms and conditions are available at www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemesandpayments/BFP Applications can be made online through the agfood.ie portal or contact your local Teagasc Advisor. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Chris Daly from ICBF joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss all you need to know about BDGP. Chris outlined that there are over 22,500 farmers in BDGP I and the key upcoming date of the 31st October 2020 is very important to ensure that you must have 50% of the reference number of animals, genotyped 4 or 5 star on the Replacement Index. They must be at least 16 months of age, so born before the 30th June 2019. For BDGP II herds, on the 31st of October 2020 you must have 20% of the reference number of animals, genotyped 4 or 5 star on the Replacement Index. Chris also reminded farmers to complete their Carbon Navigator if they have not done so already to avoid penalties and receive payment in December 2020. For any further queries in relation to BDGP contact your local Teagasc advisor or contact ICBF on 023 883 2883 or email query@icbf.com. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Teagasc Dairy specialist Patrick Gowing joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Teagasc Dairy Start-Up course. Patrick highlighted the fact that converting to dairy involves a major commitment and sizeable capital outlay, therefore you need to be sure you are making the right decision. Patrick discussed the importance of selecting the right cow type, parlour, infrastructure and capital budget. The six day course starts this autumn and the locations of the course depend on demand. You can register interest online and for further details click here For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Soil pH plays a key role in soil fertility and it is also critical for maximising the availability of nutrients (N, P & K) applied in organic and chemical fertilisers. On this episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Shane Devaney Teagasc Business & Technology Drystock Advisor joins Catherine Egan to discuss the importance of lime on beef farms and a campaign he organised in 2018 in Co. Longford ‘Time 2 Lime’. Shane highlights the fact that lime is continually being lost from the soil and needs to be replaced as part of a nutrient management programme. During the ‘Time 2 Lime’ campaign the aim was getting farmers to apply two tonnes of lime per acre on part or all of their farm. As a result of the campaign, there was 5,340 tonnes of lime applied on the farms over the 3 years which was nearly three times as much lime applied in 2018 versus 2017 and 2016. Feedback was very positive with the general quote that ‘the land that got the lime greened up very quickly’. Shane advises that now and over the coming months is the ideal ‘Time 2 Lime’. For more on the campaign click here and for further advice on liming click here For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
If you don’t measure grass you can’t manage it. On this episode of the Beef Edge podcast, suckler farmer Thomas O’Connor from Co. Kildare joins Catherine Egan to give an insight of his farming system. The farm is run as a partnership by Monica, Tom and their son Thomas. It is a truly mixed farm with four enterprises comprising beef, sheep, tillage and pigs. In 2015, Thomas was the winner of the FBD Young Beef Farmer of the Year Award. The beef enterprise consists of 70 suckler cows with all-male progeny finished as bulls under 16 months and heifers at 21 months, with 200- 300 additional cattle purchased for finishing. The unique feature of this farm is the way the O`Connors paddock graze the cattle in large groups during the grazing season. This is the first year AI was used and Thomas gives an insight into how it went. Grassland management is excellent with all the farm laid out in 2 ha (5 acres) paddocks, with the provision for subdivision of all paddocks. Thomas will feature as part of the Irish Grassland Association Virtual Beef event from 27th- 29th July 2020 along with beef farmers Tom Halpin, Co. Meath & Paul Turley Co. Down on the Irish Grassland Association social media channels: Facebook.com/Irish Grassland Association and Twitter @IrishGrassland. For further details click HERE For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
Accidents on farms are a continuing cause of concern and on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Health & Safety specialist John McNamara, joins Catherine Egan with some tips for farmers in advance of Farm Safety Week. Ireland and the UK have joined forces for Farm Safety Week 2020, taking place from July 20th to 24th and John highlighted the importance of safety around machinery and livestock. As farmers undertake maintenance work at a height, an assessment of the task needs to be considered to carry out the repair safely. John also urges farmers to update their Farm Risk Assessment Document. For further details on Farm Safety Week keep an eye on Teagasc social media and www.teagasc.ie. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Recently appointed Teagasc Beef Enterprise Leader at Teagasc Grange, Paul Crosson, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to address the ‘Grand Challenges’ facing the beef sector. Paul gives an overview of the facilities and areas of research at Teagasc Grange and the two most recognised research projects in Grange are the Dairy Calf to Beef and Derrypatrick research experiments of which Paul gives a progress update. Obviously the Common Agricultural Policy accounts for over 100% of farm income on beef farms and although CAP discussions are ongoing there are some indications of greater restrictions on fertilizer, chemical spray and anti-microbial usage. Paul highlights to what extent this will shape beef production systems in the future. Tune in on Friday 10th July as part of the Teagasc Virtual Beef Week as Paul will feature as part of the Beef Talk at 12pm and there will be Live@Grange at 7pm ‘Addressing the Grand Challenges Facing the Irish Beef Sector’ which will be discussed by Prof. Gerry Boyle (Director of Teagasc), Tim Cullinan (President of IFA), Mairead McGuinness (MEP Vice President) & Barry Cowen, Minister for Agriculture, Food & The Marine, moderated by Thia Hennessy, (Professor of Agri-Food Economics at UCC) For further information click here www.teagasc.ie/virtualbeefweek For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Sean Roddy, suckler farm manager of the Lyons Demesne farm Co. Kildare, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss grassland management on his farm. Last Spring, Sean calved 90 stabiliser breed cows with all stock brought to finish at 18-20 months. By measuring grass on a weekly basis it allows him to utilise grass better. His main aim is to finish all progeny off grass with little or no concentrates. Sean’s excellent grazing management on the farm is evident in the high animal weight gain he can achieve from grass. Sean will be featuring as part of the Teagasc Virtual Beef Week on Thursday 9th July at 7pm where he will also be joined on the panel by his Teagasc advisor Christy Watson and Edward O’Riordan, Teagasc Grange, and will be available for you to ask him questions facilitated by Beef Specialist Aidan Murray. For further details https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/todays-farm-july-august-2020.php For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Producing Irish beef sustainably is important and poses many challenges as reducing Greenhouse Gases (GHG) is something farmers have heard about a lot lately, especially with agriculture accounting for 34% of Irish GHG emissions. On this episode of the Beef Edge, Catherine Egan is joined by Prof Sinead Waters, Researcher in Teagasc Grange and Dr Dominika Krol, Researcher in Teagasc Johnstown Castle to find out more. One of the mitigation measures is protected urea as it reduces losses of both ammonia and Nitrous Oxide compared to conventional N fertilisers whilst consistently yielding as well as CAN and at similar cost. Dominika highlights the importance of the 4 Rs: Right fertiliser source, Right rate, Right time, Right place. Sinead discusses the preliminary findings one of the projects, RumenPredict, which is a collaboration with the ICBF in Tully, where they are studying methane emissions from large numbers of beef sucklers, and it suggests that reducing methane production enhances on-farm profitability. On July 8th, the day will be dedicated to ‘Sustainable Beef Production - Where policy meets practice’ as part of the Teagasc Virtual Beef Week. The challenges and the solutions in improving water quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maintaining and enhancing biodiversity will be discussed. For more information click here. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Since 2013 there has been research in dairy calf to beef systems in Teagasc Johnstown Castle and on this episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Ruth Dunne, research technologist in Teagasc Johnstown Castle, joins Catherine Egan to discuss the current research findings. Ruth highlights how results from the previous production systems research have shown that systems where a high proportion of weight gain was achieved from grazed grass were the most profitable. Current trials are investigating optimum stocking rates for grass-based production systems. There are three ‘farmlets’ with three stocking rate intensities, high which is stocked at 3.2 LU/ha, medium at 2.9 LU/ha, and low at 2.6 LU/ha. Alongside this trial, there is also a sire evaluation trial in conjunction with ABP. The aim is to find the ideal bull that can achieve good calf growth rates and beef traits, while having the desirable easy calving and short gestation traits. Ruth also discusses current performance on farm and how she is coping with current weather conditions. Ruth will be featuring in the Dairy Calf to Beef Day as part of the Teagasc Beef virtual week on the 7th July to discuss the trials in Johnstown Castle and how to optimise stocking densities on farms. For further details about the Teagasc Beef Virtual Week click here. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Gut worm infection negatively impacts the performance of grazing calves. In grass-based beef production systems good gut worm control is highly dependent on the availability of effective wormers (anthelmintics).
Gut worms can develop resistance to the wormers used to control them. This is known as anthelmintic resistance. Orla highlights the importance of treating for the correct parasite, using the correct product and administering the correct rate of dose for the product.
Orla gives her opinion on the future of Anthelmintic Use in the Suckler Herd. She highlights some very interesting changes that farmers need to be aware of in relation to the future EU regulation changes.
Farmers can hear more about this on the Teagasc Beef Virtual Week on 6th July in the evening panel discussion.
For further information click here
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Currently the west is growing more grass than the east, heavier ground is growing more grass than drier ground, newer ryegrass swards are growing more grass than old pasture and farms with higher soil fertility are growing more grass in general than those with poorer soil fertility.
Demand is also very variable; some drystock farms that have a low daily demand for grass will only need a few minor tweaks while others have a very high demand so each farmer needs to look at their own individual situation.
Further information here
https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/information-for-drystock-farmers-dealing-with-current-very-dry-weather.php
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Kildalton Beef Unit operates a mixed grazing system for the cattle and heifers with the sheep flock and all grazing groups rotate around paddocks. Two paddocks are reseeded each year and the grass seed includes clover.
The herd operates a 50% AI and 50% stock bull breeding programme for 12 weeks. Billy Fraher does the AI across the herd and between good conception and culling they don’t carry barren cows. Billy splits the herd into high replacement star cows plus their calves run with the replacement heifers and get material AI straws while the main herd is a mix of stock bull and selective AI. A Fr x steer with a chin ball is used for heat detection along with tail painting.
The herd is there for skills training of the students in Kildalton and WIT. The staff demonstrate various systems, breeds, skills and management to students through the suckler herd. The aim is to have a 4-5 star herd of cows that can leave a gross margin of over €1000 annually from a high input high output system with good grassland management allowing the farm to carry +2.6 LU / ha annually on a sustainably run farm.
For further details click here.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
The second phase of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme was launched in April 2019 and Pat Collins, Green Acres calf to beef participant joins Catherine Egan to give an update on his progress.
Located just outside Castlemartyr, Co. Cork, Pat operates a mixed farming system, consisting of 28ha of leased grassland and a tillage enterprise.
Having first ventured into calf rearing in 2017, with the purchase of 50 calves, numbers have grown considerably since. All of the calves are sourced from local dairy herds and this reduces the calves’ exposure to disease.
Initially, Pat operated a calf to store system, with animals sold to meet rising demand from grass buyers. Over recent years, Pat has invested heavily in grassland. As some of the ground was previously under tillage, a large degree of reseeding has been undertaken with high-yielding perennial ryegrass varieties.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
As we approach the final year of Beef Data Genomics Programme 1 with over 22,500 participants, Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan to discuss the key dates farmers need to be aware of this year.
On the 31st of October 2020 you must have 50% of the reference number of animals genotyped 4 or 5 star on the Replacement Index. They must be at least 16 months of age, so born before the 30th June 2019 and born after 1st January 2013.
If you do not meet these criteria you face a 140% penalty.
ICBF ran a genomic evaluation on the 24th of March 2020.If you login to ICBF, click on BDGP Eligibility you will see your position. This is a live profile, updated daily. If you click on the female tab you will see all your females and their star ratings.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
As the silage season fast approaches, Joe Patton joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge episode to discuss the importance of silage quality on beef farms.
Nationally, silage quality is 65 DMD. The farmers who consistently make good quality silage always have a plan in place. Short and long-term planning is required to maximise the yield and quality of silage with a target cutting date in mind of mid-late May.
The key factors that affect digestibility are discussed in detail; these include a delay in harvesting, old pasture, lodging and dead material in the crop. All of these factors cause a reduction in Dry Matter Digestibility.
Joe highlights the steps that farmers can take in order to increase the quality of their crop in 2020. The impact of the decisions made now in relation to making good quality silage won’t be discovered until next winter.
However, there will be a reward of reduced supplementation of concentrates and reduced costs on the farm if action is taken now.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Established in the spring of 2018, the Grange dairy calf to beef trial is headed up by researcher Nicky Byrne and technician Donal Fahy to compare the physical and financial performance of progeny from both Holstein Friesian and Aberdeen Angus sires used in the dairy herd.
These sires vary in breeding value for carcass weight and conformation and are managed in a grass-based system, aiming to be finished as steers under 24-months.
Nicky Byrne, researcher in Teagasc Grange joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to give an update on the latest results from the trial. For further information click here
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
As we approach the start of the beef breeding season Dr.David Kenny, researcher in Teagasc Grange joins Catherine Egan to discuss key aspects of a synchronisation regime for a suckler beef herd.
Currently 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.
David highlights the advantages and disadvantages to AI in the beef herd and he also outlines key checks on your stock bull.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
As we start aiming for ground being closed for first cut silage, David Wall, Soil Science researcher based at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, joins Catherine Egan to discuss fertiliser application for silage and grazing ground.
This year, due to extremely wet weather from mid-January to mid-March, a large amount of ground that would have typically been grazed before closing may not be grazed due to late turnout.
David discusses options and recommends fertiliser programmes to ensure the crop is ready to cut on time. David also highlights the importance of sulphur to the crop and gives fertiliser recommendations for grazing ground.
For further information go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/planning-1st-cut-silage-on-beef-farms.php
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
As we approach peak calf sale season, Ray Doyle from the Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society (ICOS), joins Catherine Egan on the latest episode of the Beef Edge to discuss the limited range of essential services that marts are able to offer during Covid-19.
Over 1 million cattle are sold through Irish Livestock Marts on an annual basis and Ray outlines that there a number of farmers purchasing cattle now at the start of the grazing season and to make contact with their local Livestock Mart.
Similarly, any farmer that wants to buy cattle should first make contact with their local mart to express an interest. Different Livestock Marts are offering different services during these challenging times and current restrictions.
A new Teagasc telephone helpline to assist farmers with queries in relation to the current COVID-19 challenge has also been set up. The information line phone number is +353 76 1113533 and will be open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
With the launch of the new €35 million Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme Sucklers scheme (BEEP-S) on March 12th, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Aidan Murray, joined Catherine Egan to discuss the details and objectives of the programme. Please note, the deadline to apply is 15th May 2020.
About BEEP-S
The Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme Sucklers scheme (BEEP-S) was launched on March 12th 2020. The scheme will target the weaning efficiency of suckler cows and calves - measuring the live weight of the calf at weaning as a percentage of the cow's live weight. Aidan Murray , Teagasc Beef Specialist joins Catherine Egan to discuss the new €35 million BEEP suckler scheme.
If programme participants complete all of the mandatory and optional actions available, they will be eligible for a payment of up to €90 for the first ten suckler cow/calf pairs per herd, and up to €80 per pair thereafter, subject to an overall maximum of 100 pairs per herd
Programme actions are as follows:
Mandatory weighing action: €50 per first ten cow/calf weighing per herd (and €40 per cow/calf weighing thereafter). This action measures the ratio of calf weight at weaning to maternal weight, enabling farmers to “readily identify” their most economic and environmentally efficient suckler cows in their herd;
Optional action: €30 for an additional welfare action, with a choice of either a vaccination programme or a pre-weaning meal feeding programme.
Optional action: €10 for a further option – participation in a faecal egg testing programme.
The deadline to apply is the 15th May 2020.
The terms and conditions are available here
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/beep/
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
As the country reels from the impact of Covid-19 coronavirus, Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc joins Catherine Egan to discuss the impact to Teagasc Advisory Services.
All Teagasc Basic Payment appointments will now be processed over the phone rather than an office consultation. Teagasc staff will contact farmer clients in the coming weeks. BPS application for clients, in so far as possible, will be done over the phone.
Pearse highlights that the transfer of information and knowledge to farmers and students will be through regular digital communication methods. While on farm Teagasc farmer discussion group meetings are being replaced with one hour phone meetings between farmers and their advisor.
All Teagasc events have been postponed until further notice. This includes farm walks, conferences, and seminars. Pearse advises that every farmer should have a plan in case that they become ill, as to who will fill their boots. As children are off from school at the moment Pearse highlights some simple suggestions that could help farmers in relation to health and safety on the farm
For the latest Covid-19 information go to HSE.ie
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist joins Catherine Egan on the latest episode of The Beef Edge to discuss the key targets heifers need to be achieving to calve at 24 months.
Only 22% of beef heifers calve at 22-26 months. However, this figure has hovered between 27-17% over the past decade.
For more information go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/calving-beef-heifers-at-24-months-of-age.pdf
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Trevor Boland, a part time suckler farmer from Dromard in Co Sligo, joins Catherine Egan on this episode of the Beef Edge to give an update on spring grassland management. Trevor was awarded the Grass 10 Grassland Farmer of the year Beef category award winner in 2019.
Spring 2020 has been a difficult spring to get stock out grazing with heavy rainfall and poor grazing conditions. Trevor discusses his success of managing grass through improved soil fertility, an excellent paddock system and measuring grass on a weekly basis.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Pic: Irish Farmers Journal
Alan Dillon, Beef Specialist & Green Acres Programme Manager, joins Catherine Egan, to give an update on the Green Acres programme and to discuss the key targets of the calf rearing phase.
The second phase of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme was launched in April 2019. This programme is demonstrating profitable dairy calf to beef systems on a whole farm basis through a network of demonstration farms. The primary aim of the programme is to achieve a net margin of €500/ha (excluding premia).
The main areas discussed include:
· Calf Rearing
· Animal Health
· Grassland Management
· Soil Fertility
· Financial Management
· Farm Planning
For further information log on to the Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/green-acres-calf-to-beef/
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Pic: Agriland Media
The Beef Data and Genomics Program (BDGP) and the Beef Environmental and Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) were introduced with the objective of using genetics/genomics to address the decline in key maternal traits within the national suckler herd. Andrew Cromie, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation Technical Director joins Catherine Egan to discuss how BDGP and BEEP improve the profitability and carbon efficiency of our livestock sector.
Andrew discusses results and analysis of the first females that calved into BDGP herds showed that on average, 5 star females calved 59 days earlier than 1 star females and had a 13.6 days shorter average calving interval.
In terms of progeny carcass performance, age at slaughter and profitability results demonstrate the effectiveness of the initial €uro-Star genomic predictions as a means to accurately identify more profitable and sustainable suckler herd replacements.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Animal welfare is a key consideration for every Irish beef farmer and on this episode, Dr. Bernadette Early, researcher in Teagasc Grange, joins Catherine Egan to highlight the welfare advantages experienced by animals in our systems and results from recent research studies relating to animal housing, castration, and transport.
Bernadette also outlines the key legal and welfare requirements relating to calf disbudding and to castration. Welfare and performance of finishing beef heifers in relation to space allowance showed that increasing space allowance above 3.0m2 had no effect on animal intake or performance.
Bernadette has been involved in research relating to transporting cattle nationally and internationally with data from these studies used to inform policy makers and national and EU level.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Derrypatrick herd manager, Michael McManus, joins Catherine Egan to give an update on the performance of the Teagasc research farm.
The research demonstration farm was established to explore new ideas and research different system comparisons using a herd of 105 suckler cows in a finishing system on 65 ha at Teagasc, Grange.
It is a spring-calving, suckler calf-to-beef system with a rotational paddock grazing system is in operation on the farm. Michael highlights the benefits of grass in the system and management of stock over the winter period. He also outlines the preparation being done in advance of the calving season.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit teagasc.ie/thebeefedge.
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
Pic: Independent.ie
It has been a tough year for Irish beef farmers and with the need to look to different international markets, Bord Bia Meat & Livestock Senior Manager Joe Burke joins Catherine Egan to discuss the potential new markets for Irish Beef.
Joe highlights the fact that beef prices have fallen in Ireland in 2019, for example, the R3 steer price has fallen by 6.5% while similar price decreases have occurred in the UK (7%) and continental Europe (5%). Over the last number of years Irish cattle prices have generally moved closer to and exceeded EU average male cattle prices.
With the significant increase in exports to international markets and live exports - live exports of cattle from Ireland increased by more than 20% in comparison with 2018, and are likely to reach 300,000 head by the year-end - Joe outlines the key market trends and overall impact for the industry in 2020 as well as the possibility of new markets for Irish Beef going forwards.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
On the first episode of the Beef Edge, Teagasc's new podcast for beef farmers, specialist Alan Dillon joins Catherine Egan to discuss his top tips for winter weanlings management.
Alan emphasises the importance of housing, cash flow and silage quality in terms of keeping weanlings over winter. He also highlights how farmers can ensure weanlings are achieving 0.6kg/head/day over the winter period.
When deciding between different concentrate options Alan explains that straights are currently good value if facilities are available on farm. Additionally, checking the current constituents in a ration mix needs to be examined and fed according to the silage test results
He also estimates the cost of keeping weanlings over the winter period and proposed costs required next spring. In addition, options for storing cattle over the winter as part of a current contingency plan are discussed.
For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit teagasc.ie/thebeefedge.
The Beef Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
The Beef Edge, Teagasc's new podcast for Irish beef farmers, is launching on December 4th and presented by Catherine Egan.
With guest interviews, tips and advice, it will be bringing you all the latest information and advice to help you improve your beef farming.
Subscribe and listen on Spotify or Apple and Google podcasts and never miss a show.
The Beef Edge, for Irish beef farmers, live from December 4th.
For more information, go to https://www.teagasc.ie
The Beef Edge is produced by LastCast Media