Beef
05 August 2020
Dealing with wet conditions on beef farms
The spring and early summer months brought near drought conditions for much of the country. Since mid-June there has been a significant amount of rain especially in some southern, northern and western areas. Drystock specialist Alan Dillon has some advice if your farm is impacted
05 August 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter 4th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including information on current and predicted grass growth, targets and tips for managing grass as we move into August and white clover update from Teagasc Moorepark.
05 August 2020
Impact of COVID-19 on farm incomes in 2020 now likely to be more limited
At present, fears of a sharp COVID-19 related drop in Irish farm incomes in 2020, seem to have been averted following a gradual recovery in commodity prices and the provision of additional supports to the sector, according to Mid Year Outlook for 2020 produced by Teagasc economists.
31 July 2020
Newford Suckler Herd Performance and the BEEP-s Scheme
An update on the performance of this year’s suckler calves at grass on the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry and how they are meeting the requirements of the BEEP scheme
30 July 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Chemical Quality Indicators
Soil health emphasises the soil biological community as a key driver of soils capacity to deliver multiple functions. Researcher Karen Daly tells us about chemical indicators that can be used to assess the health of our soils.
29 July 2020
The Importance of Lime on Your Beef Farm
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 Advisor joins Catherine Egan to discuss the importance of lime on beef farms.
24 July 2020
Pregnancy scanning benefits, timing & facilities
There are many benefits to pregnancy scanning suckler cows. Teagasc Advisor David Argue outlines the benefits of pregnancy scanning and also outlines the importance of getting the timing right & the need for good facilities for human & animal safety.
24 July 2020
Farm Safely with Tractors, Farm Vehicles and Machinery
Summer is a busy time on farms. Farmers are making the most of the long days and dry conditions to harvest grass and crops, get slurry spread and carry out work around the farmyard. Working safely must be at the core of each and every job.
22 July 2020
Adapting to climate change on livestock farms.
Animal agriculture is particularly vulnerable to more extreme weather, as seen during the recent droughts in the south and east of the Island. Farming practices focusing on adaptation may not be the same as measures designed to mitigate emissions. Researcher Donal O'Brien gives some information.
22 July 2020
Child Safety on Farms
Health and Safety Authority figures tell us that sadly 21 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents in the past 10 years. Over 80% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved.
22 July 2020
A unique grazing system that works
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.
22 July 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter July 21st
Grass growth exceeding demand. The focus this week is on: Grass quality during the last round of summer grazing, grazing management and applying K. Walk your farm every 5 days during the next few weeks so you can react to the high growth rates at present.
21 July 2020
Farm Safety for Older Farmers
In 2019 twelve farmers over 65 years lost their lives due to farm accidents. This represents 66% of the total number of fatalities. Getting older impacts on a person’s ability to undertake farm related tasks. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have some relevant advice
20 July 2020
Working Safely with Livestock on Farms
Working with livestock is responsible for 39 farm workplace deaths on Irish farms in the last 10 years. During this period 7 deaths were caused by an attack by a bull, 22 by cows and heifers and 5 were associated with cattle. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John McNamara have some advice
19 July 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Physical Quality Indicators
Soil health is described as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals & humans. Researchers investigated different types of soil physical indicators. Teagasc Researchers Owen Fenton, Dermot Forristal & Giulia Bondi give more information.
15 July 2020
Tips & Advice for Staying Safe on Farm
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.
15 July 2020
Beef Newsletter July 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team. In this month's edition: BEAM 5% reduction requirements begin; Teagasc Virtual Beef Week; Research update - Heat synchronisation and timed AI; and Health & Safety - Work at heights is dangerous.
15 July 2020
Tips & Advice for Staying Safe on Farm
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.
10 July 2020
BEAM Scheme Requirements - Don’t get penalised!!
Patricia Lynch, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport Close to €80 million was paid to just under 33,000 Irish beef farmers in 2019 under the BEAM scheme. This aid was paid to help compensate farmers for the drop off in beef prices during the period September 2018 to May 2019.
10 July 2020
Understanding the genetic basis of fertility and semen quality in bulls
In seasonal production systems, demand for semen from young genetically elite bulls often exceeds supply.
10 July 2020
Newford Demonstration Farm - Grass Update
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician for Newford Farm gives an update on the grass situation on the farm. Newford Farm consists of 71 Ha, which is made up of 4 farms and 2 of these are located 12km away from the home farm.
10 July 2020
Genomic selection for compensatory growth in beef cattle
In beef production systems, feed accounts for up to 80% of the total direct costs incurred by farmers. There is an opportunity to genomically select cattle with an enhanced compensatory growth potential.
10 July 2020
Developing more sustainable beef finishing strategies through improved nutrition and growth of animals
Economic sustainability of beef farming needs to be improved, while simultaneously its environmental footprint needs to be reduced.
10 July 2020
BovINE
BovINE (Beef Innovation Network Europe) has been established across 10 EU member states to focus solely on the needs of the 255,000 farmers that constitute the EU bovine meat sector.
10 July 2020
Nutritional composition and human health implications of grass-fed beef
Ireland’s climate has encouraged the development of “grass-fed” as a point of difference for Irish beef in high-value markets in Europe and beyond. Project lead Aidan Moloney tells us more.
10 July 2020
Laying the foundation for Ireland’s methane mitigation strategies
Ruminant livestock directly contribute an estimated 60% of Irish agriculture’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the production of methane.
10 July 2020
The impact of housing characteristics on welfare and performance of beef cattle
The critical issues pertaining to welfare of housed beef cattle identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission include, space allowance and flooring.
10 July 2020
Grass-forage and concentrate beef: production and quality attributes
Grass-based production systems offer an economic advantage for Irish beef farms. There is renewed interest in 100 % grass-fed beef, which is perceived as being more ‘sustainable’ by consumers.
09 July 2020
Parasite control in growing cattle at pasture
Internal parasites are one of the main threats that need to be considered for animals at grass. Researcher Orla Keane has some information and advice on Lungworm and Gut worm.
09 July 2020
Want 50kg more winter weight gain for no extra cost? Cut silage in May instead of June
Research conducted at Teagasc Grange has shown that cattle fed high quality 75% dry matter digestibility (DMD) silage gained almost 50kg additional live-weight over a 5 month winter compared to similar cattle fed 65% DMD silage. Joe Patton explains the results of this research.
09 July 2020
Winter Finishing: Grass-based systems
Even high-quality grass silage is incapable of sustaining adequate growth rates to exploit the growth potential of most cattle so concentrate supplementation is required. Mark McGee and Catherine Egan, Teagasc, AGRIC give advice on efficient feed utilisation when finishing cattle.
09 July 2020
Feeding weanlings during the winter
Grange research has shown that weanling steers and heifers generally do not require protein supplementation when fed barley-based concentrates and high DMD grass silage. Researcher Mark McGee and Specialist Catherine Egan give some information and advice.
09 July 2020
How to grow and utilise more grass on my farm?
Underpinning good grass production and utilisation is having adequate soil fertility, unimpeded drainage, targeted application of fertiliser and good grazing infrastructure, coupled with appropriate grazing management practices. Specialist Catherine Egan and researcher Mark McGee have some advice.
09 July 2020
Finishing cattle at pasture: concentrate supplementation?
In autumn the diet of grazing cattle is generally unbalanced in terms of energy and protein as there is usually excess degradable protein in autumn grass. Researchers Edward O’Riordan and Mark McGee have some information.
09 July 2020
Resilient grass-based systems for beef cattle
In beef production systems, feed provision is the single largest direct cost incurred, accounting for approximately 75% of total costs of production. Beef specialist Catherine Egan and researcher Mark McGee have advice and information.
08 July 2020
The Grand Challenges Facing the Beef Sector
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.
08 July 2020
Methane Production: How can we reduce it?
Methane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) in terms of global warming. It is 28 times more potent to the environment than carbon dioxide (CO2). Agriculture accounts for 34% of Irish GHGs emissions, with CH4 responsible for nearly 60% of agri emissions.
08 July 2020
Protected Urea - Cost Efficient N
Protected urea (ProUrea) is urea which is treated with a urease inhibitor. The urease inhibitor can be either a) coated onto the outside of the fertiliser granule or b) incorporated into the urea granule melt during manufacture.
01 July 2020
How my farm grows more grass?
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.