DairyBeef 500

Sustainable Dairy Beef Production Programme

DairyBeef 500 Newsletter                          

Teagasc is running a 5 year campaign focused on maximising the potential of beef production from the dairy herd. It will run from 2022 to 2026

Aim

The aim of DairyBeef 500 is to promote and demonstrate DairyBeef systems, which are socially, environmentally and financially sustainable.

Objectives

DairyBeef 500 objectives include

• Targeting a net margin* of €500 per hectare;
• Creating greater integration between Beef and Dairy industries;
• Improving the beef merit of calves coming from the dairy herd;
• Increasing the adoption of best practices, especially in relation to grassland management and calf rearing;
• Reducing the environmental footprint of DairyBeef production;
• Establishing a cohort of profitable DairyBeef producers.

*Net Margin of €500/ha does not include farm family labour or land costs.

Key Pillars of the Programme

There are six key pillars of the programme which will be underpinned by a coordinated campaign of events and activities activities these pillars are:

• Tipperary Demonstration Farm

  The 112 ha dairy calf-to beef demonstration farm is based in Ballyvadin, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. It is a joint venture between Teagasc, Dawn Meats and Shinagh Estates Ltd. The Tipperary farm will demonstrate the deployment of best technologies in sustainable beef production.

• DairyBeef 500 Demonstration Farms

  Demonstration farms will be a key pillar of the DairyBeef500 Campaign. There are fifteen demonstration farms spread throughout the country illustrating key technologies including calf rearing, grassland management, animal health, nutrition, financial management and environmental sustainability.

• A strong Knowledge Transfer supporting programme

  Delivered by the Teagasc team of advisors and specialists. Targeting information at both Beef and Dairy clients in the form of discussion groups and events. The DairyBeef500 aims to establish sole DairyBeef discussion groups which will focus on important aspects of DairyBeef while also working with dairy groups in areas including breeding/genetics and calf management. For those looking to join a group, please contact your local Teagasc office.

• Upskilling farmers, advisors, lecturers/teachers and students

  Enhancing the knowledge and capacity of advisors, lecturers/teachers, technicians, farm staff, farmers and students through regular training, short courses and the development of a dairy beef manual which addresses the relevant key aspects relating to dairy beef production.

• A supporting Research and Education Programme

  Relevant ongoing research projects within Teagasc specific to DairyBeef production.

• Weekly Communication

  Communication of the key messages through print and digital channels.

  The Teagasc DairyBeef 5oo team regularly contribute to Teagasc Daily and the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast, see recent updates below:

Making dairy beef pay: James O’Sullivan’s farm system

Alan Dillon, DairyBeef 500 Manager, and James O’Sullivan, DairyBeef 500 farmer from Co. Cork, discuss James’ farm system and upcoming farm walk on this episode of the Beef…

31 August 2026

Labour efficient and profitable DairyBeef 500 farm to host farm walk

Focused very much on making a dairy-beef system as labour efficient as possible, DairyBeef 500 participant, James O’Sullivan will host a farm walk on September 3rd, DairyBeef 500…

19 August 2026

Dry weather taking its toll on Cork DairyBeef 500 farm

In this Signpost update, DairyBeef 500 participant, Denis Hickey shares how he’s managing through the extended dry spell, focused on keeping young stock performing despite the shortage of…

19 August 2026

Six Steps to Protect Dairy-Beef Cattle’s Performance During Dry Weather

The current spell of prolonged dry weather has significantly reduced grass growth on many farms, particularly across the south and south-east of the country. While grass supplies remain…

22 July 2026

Signpost update: Helping later-born calves catch up

Regardless of year, dairy-beef farmers will often end up with a cohort of lighter calves. Here, DairyBeef 500 Programme participant, Denis Hickey outlines his strategy to keep younger…

17 July 2026

To feed or not to feed?

At this time of year, one of the most common questions asked is whether calves should continue to receive concentrates during the summer months. DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Fergal…

8 July 2026

See All Daily Articles »

More information on the DairyBeef 500 Programme is available in the programme booklet here DairyBeef 500 Programme Booklet (pdf)