James Madigan

Address: Derrynahinch, Ballyhale, Co. Kilkenny

Farm Size: 64 adj. Ha (15 Ha rented)

Soil type: Clasmore soil series (Coarse loamy drift with siliceous stones) - Free draining farm suitable for early turn-out in spring

Farming system: 50% spring & 50% autumn calving calf-to-beef system

Farm plan: The aim is to achieve a gross margin of €1000/ha by 2016. This will be done by increasing output of beef on the farm whilst keeping production costs under control. To increase cow numbers to 80 with a 50:50 split in the spring and autumn herd. Maximise animal liveweight gain from grazed grass to reduce production costs and maintain tight calving pattern and keep calving interval close to 365 days. Replacements are homebred and sourced from a local dairy farmer. Male calves are castrated under 8 months of age and are finished at 22-24 months and beef heifers are slaughtered at 22 months of age.

This farm will aim to showcase an efficient grass-based calf-to-beef steer production system