Richard Jennings

Address: Newbrook, Claremorris, Co.Mayo

Teagasc Advisor: Alan Nolan

Farm Size: 36ha all owned

Farming system: The suckler herd contains 56 cows calving from November to January. The cows are bred to Belgian Blue sires with weanlings targeted for the live export trade. 100% AI is used on the farm. Milkier cows are crossed with Limousin sires to give suitable replacements for the herd. The farm also carries 65 Suffolk crossbred ewes, which are crossed with Texel and Charollais rams.

Farm Plan: To maximise profit from this system and maintain a gross margin of €1000/ha. The aim is to increase output on the farm from grass. By focusing on grassland management with a good reseeding plan this can be achieved. Selecting AI sires to breed excellent quality export weanlings will be essential. Using maternal star rated sires to breed milky replacements on the farm is a main area of focus.