Teagasc Dairy Calf to Beef Course
Advanced dairy calf to beef courses commence each year in autumn/winter. The course is designed for new and existing dairy calf to beef farmers who wish to upskill and learn what it takes to run an economically and environmentally sustainable dairy calf to beef system.
Download the Dairy Calf to Beef Course flyer (PDF)
There will be visits to the Teagasc Grange Animal & Grassland Research Centre, Co. Meath and farms operating a successful dairy calf to beef enterprise. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with leading Teagasc and industry beef experts.
Why do the course?
- Potential to earn a net margin of €500+ in Dairy calf to beef production before farm payments
- Get access to top researchers and specialists involved in Dairy calf to beef production
- Learn from already successful Dairy calf to beef farmers
- Learn and improve the farm skills that are required for a successful Dairy calf to beef enterprise
In the below clip, Alan Dillon, DairyBeef500 Programme Manager, Teagasc gives an overview of the course. Shane Cranny, dairy calf to beef farmer and DairyBeef500 programme participant explains that by working with Advisors changes have been implemented on the farm around calf rearing, grassland management and finishing. These changes has helped increase the net profit margin on the farm from €423 per hectare to €1,342 per hectare.
About the course
This course is designed to help you plan and implement a Dairy calf to beef system on your farm. This will allow you to maximise your resources while at the same time hitting the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that need to be met to ensure that your farm is operating at a high level of profitability.
Up to date research will be used throughout the course to steer you in the direction of profitability and a sustainable work life balance. The course will be practical and interesting. It will focus on key areas such as animal health, infrastructure, calf rearing and grassland management.
The main purpose of this course is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to effectively plan and carry out a successful dairy calf to beef enterprise.
Course Structure
The course will be offered over five full days. The first day takes place in the Teagasc Grange Animal & Grassland Research Centre, Co. Meath. The following four days will take place on local existing Dairy calf to beef farms that are operating at a high level.
Course Content
The 5 days of the course will cover
- Infrastructure/Cost of start up
- Expected costs and returns
- Calf Rearing
- Grassland management/Grazing infrastructure
- Importance of Silage Quality
- Clover Management
- Animal health & biosecurity
- Housing
- Finishing Diets
Course Benefits
On successful completion of the course, participants will have gained valuable knowledge and skills to assist with the establishment and running of a successful dairy calf to beef enterprise. This course is a must for all farmers who are considering converting to dairy calf to beef farming and existing farmers who want to upskill themselves on how to improve farm profitability.
Course Location
The first day of the course will be held in Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Centre, Grange Co Meath. The remaining four days will be held regionally in the North, South East and South West depending on demand. Please indicate on the application form which location would be more suitable for you to attend.
Course Fees
The cost of the course is €200 (€150 for Teagasc clients) per participant.
If you are interested in the Dairy Calf to Beef Course, please complete the expression of interest form below to register your interest.