Beef
19 October 2020
Identifying Irish beef farmers’ challenges and sharing solutions from across Europe
BovINE will hold its first Irish National Beef Event at 8pm tomorrow, 20 October. BovINE network links farmers, advisors, researchers, & all other relevant stakeholders, across 9 EU member states, to stimulate exchange of knowledge & ideas to address solutions to the challenges faced by the sector.
19 October 2020
Making Life Easier on the Farm
Andy Ryder, drystock advisor, says handling facilities are often overlooked as farms are developed. Labour on most farms is limited to the farmer and help from family members. Therefore, handling of animals requires good facilities that enables one person to complete the necessary routine tasks
18 October 2020
BDGP – Female Replacement Strategy – Deadline 31st October 2020
Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist, reminds suckler farmers in BDGP that they have only a fortnight left to the deadline to meet the 50% female replacement strategy. Under this measure farmers who signed up to the BDGP scheme almost 6 years ago have to have 50% of their reference number by Oct 31st
16 October 2020
Working Towards Positive Mental Health
Over the last number of months, farming has been challenging. COVID-19 has made the normal demands of farming even more difficult which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. Francis Bligh & John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists have some advice on Positive Mental Health.
14 October 2020
How to make the most out of weighing
Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist, focuses on the importance of weighing to ensure replacement heifers are on target for weight at mating and calving down at 24 months. She takes a look at the many benefits of weighing, and knowing cow weights, for the suckler farmer.
14 October 2020
Dairy Beef WebEx Event 2 - 15th October 2020
The second joint CAFRE/Teagasc dairy calf to beef WebEx event takes place on Thursday, 15th October at 7:30pm. It will focus on the CAFRE dairy beef KT project winter feeding regime & there will be an opportunity to hear about the research carried out by Teagasc in relation to dairy beef production.
14 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 13 October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips on the paddocks to close throughout October; holding onto AFC; Autumn checklist for farmers; Autumn closing plan for John O’Connell, Sheep GFOY Winner and more.
14 October 2020
Effective Parasite Control at Housing
Martina Harrington joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an overview of parasite control at housing.
13 October 2020
Management of Weanlings over the Winter
Donal McCabe, Drystock advisor focuses on the factors which should be considered this winter to achieve a margin from weanlings. These include concentrates, ventilation and the supply of clean water.
11 October 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar Series
A new weekly Teagasc webinar called ‘Farm Business Options’ will feature news, views and interviews on current topics relevant to farm business diversification in Irish Agriculture. Farm Business Options will be broadcast live from 11am to 12noon every Tuesday from October 13th 2020.
11 October 2020
Newford Notes
All weaning is now completed on the Newford farm. Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry gives a detailed update. Weanling weights and performance is discussed, silage results are available and he outlines the plans for the weeks ahead.
09 October 2020
Stress free weaning sucklers on Newford Farm
Iarlaith Collins, Farm Manager on the Newford Suckler demonstration farm in Athenry Co Galway gives us a brief update on the pre weaning process and explains how they aim to reduce stress during the weaning process on both the cow and calf.
08 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Tips on the paddocks to close throughout October, Autumn checklist for farmers, closing plan for dairy calf to beef farmer Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath and Autumn grazing research study Teagasc Moorepark
07 October 2020
Dairy Beef WebEx Event 1 - 8th October 2020
Invitation to attend the first of two joint CAFRE/Teagasc dairy calf to beef WebEx events. Event one provides an overview of current Teagasc dairy calf to beef research and a review of CAFREs dairy calf to beef technology project including James Hendersons dairy calf to beef enterprise.
07 October 2020
Winter weanling weight targets- Where is the ground lost?
Alan Dillon, Beef Specialist insists that silage testing is a must on farms to determine if more or less meal feeding is required. Not many farmers achieve the weanling winter target gain of 0.6kg per day. This is mainly due to feeding poor quality silage without adequate meal supplementation.
07 October 2020
Farming Innovation and Sustainability on the Inishowen Peninsula
Henry O’Donnell project manager of the Inishowen Upland European Innovation Partnership joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an overview of the project and explains how it aims to improve the economic sustainability of farming High Nature Value (HNV) land in Inishowen.
07 October 2020
Beef Newsletter - October 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: tidying up BEEP–S tasks; reducing the risk to weanlings; benefits of silage quality improvement; Research Update - Increasing space allowance and health & safety advice.
02 October 2020
October Farm Management Tips
Sinéad Devaney, Teagasc drystock advisor outlines some farm tasks that can be attended to this month. This includes checking the farm and farmyard is a safe place to work in for the winter ahead. She has tips for managing grassland and animals now, and scheme requirements for the month of October.
02 October 2020
Autumn Weanling Management
Katie O’Toole, Walsh Scholar, Teagasc Galway/Clare outlines some easy achievable targets to aim for when weaning spring-born calves this autumn.
30 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 29th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, grazing tips for closing paddocks, applying remaining slurry using LESS methods, Kevin Moran's closing plan and grass budget as well as a clover update from Clonakilty research farm.
30 September 2020
The latest from the Derrypatrick demonstration farm
Michael McManus, Manager of the Derrypatrick demonstration farm at Teagasc Grange joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast to give an update on the farm.
30 September 2020
Act now to save money this winter
Soon suckler calves will be weaned, castrated, sold, bought, and housed.These are all stressors on animals which weakens their immune system, and viruses already present could take hold. The main viruses of concern are respiratory - IBR, RSV and PI3. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist has the facts
29 September 2020
SmartCow H2020 project
SmartCow is a Research Infrastructures (RIs) project which aims to integrate key European cattle research infrastructures to promote their coordinated use and development and thereby help the European cattle sector face the challenge of sustainable production.
27 September 2020
Tractor Safety
Up to 50% of fatalities in agriculture involve a farm vehicle or machinery. Serena Gibbons, Teagasc Education Officer Athenry talks through some top tips to staying safe and making our farms safer when it comes to working with tractors
26 September 2020
Beef Eating Quality Index
The world’s first national multi-breed genomic evaluation for sensory-based meat eating quality has been launched at the Meat Technology Ireland Centre, Ashtown, Dublin. One of the main objectives of its research was to generate a database of genetically diverse animals for meat eating quality.
23 September 2020
Choosing a Concentrate Type for Finishing
Aidan Murray, Beef Specialist asks "Is there a difference between concentrate types i.e. standard beef mixes, “specials” and home-mixed concentrates?" He emphasises that energy is the most limiting nutrient for finishing, and he says farmers should always ask for the energy content of the ration.
23 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 22nd September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips for building or holding AFC if you are behind; Sean Barry, heavy soils farmer on his closing plan; clover update from Athenry research centre. Social media links to podcasts & webinars also
23 September 2020
Beef Edge Episode 35
Beef Edge Masterclass: Niall O’Meara explains his autumn calving suckling to weanling system
20 September 2020
What’s your Suckler Cow Replacement Strategy?
All sucker farmers should have a heifer replacement strategy. On farm there are many strategies, some good, some poor and others are non-existent, according to Austin Callaghan, Drystock Advisor. He stresses the need to replace a minimum of 15% of your herd each year.
18 September 2020
Implementing a control plan for liver fluke now
Niall Treanor, drystock advisor, warns farmers of the risk of liver fluke in their herds at this time of year. He asks why we still see a high percentage of livers in meat processing factories, from housed cattle, showing live adult liver fluke in them and advises having a fluke control programme.
16 September 2020
Focus on weaning at Newford
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast Iarlaith Collins, Farm Manager of Newford Suckler Demonstration Herd joins Catherine Egan to give an update on the farm
16 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 15th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; clean graze outs and grazing some of the more challenging areas of the farm; tips for building grass covers if you are running behind the autumn grazing targets and information on upcoming events.
16 September 2020
Beep-S Action 3 Faecal Sampling - What you need to know
Anthelmintics are convenient and reasonably priced but misuse can lead to development of resistance making them ineffective in the future. Monitoring parasites by faecal sampling can help minimise anthelmintics use and assist the effective timing of treatment Catherine Egan Beef Specialist explains
12 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Commonage/ Rough Grazing
One of the new measures to be implemented this year as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4 relates to commonage and rough grazing. This new measure will affect about 500+ farmers. Teagasc Advisor in the Galway/Clare region has some information.
11 September 2020
Teagasc Green Acres Farm Walk Roscommon
Martin Connolly brought us onto his farm on Thursday September 10th for a virtual farm walk. Martin is a participant in the Teagasc Green Acres programme and he gave an excellent insight regarding his animal and grassland management practices.
10 September 2020
Planning for the end of the grazing season
Beef Specialist Alan Dillon outlines how to manage Autumn grazing and fertilsation of grassland on the beef farm under different scenarios based on whether land is wet or dry. Plan to have a supply of grass into the autumn while also preparing for next spring grazing.
10 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 – Training Course Requirement
A 3 day training course requirement is a key part of the new derogation measures introduced this year. This training, to improve knowledge transfer, must be completed in 2020 or 2021, by farmers who are in derogation.
09 September 2020
Teagasc Green Acres Virtual Farm Walk Roscommon
You will be taken on a virtual farm walk on Martin Connolly's farm where you can interact with Martin and the Teagasc Green Acres advisors on the Teagasc social media platforms. Read on for more information and details.
09 September 2020
Grassland management tips to deal with the current weather conditions
John Maher, Teagasc Grass10 Campaign Manager, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on grassland management tips to deal with current weather conditions.
09 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 8th September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; Tips to reduce demand and build grass supply as farmers struggle to hit Autumn grazing targets; Flyer for John Trant social media takeover day on Wednesday 16th September.
07 September 2020
Beef Finishing Payment and BDGP Requirements
2020 seems to be the year that keeps on giving - for the wrong reasons unfortunately. It is not all doom & gloom, eligible beef farmers can now apply for the new Beef Finishing Payment Scheme and fodder supplies seem to be significant on farm at present. Teagasc Advisor Keith Fahy tells us more.
06 September 2020
Steps to Organic Conversion
Organic farming is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, and the application of high welfare standards.
04 September 2020
Managing your weanlings this autumn to comply with BEEP-S
As autumn approaches, the performance of spring born calves must be a priority. With weather conditions deteriorating, some farmers may already be thinking about weaning. However, this year BEEP-S scheme participants must remember they have new measures to consider before weaning takes place.
04 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Biodiversity
Biodiversity loss is an on-going concern and farmers are required to implement a biodiversity measure on derogation farms. This year 2020 has seen the implementation of new measures as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4. One of these measures is to improve farm biodiversity.
04 September 2020
Beef Newsletter - September 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team. In this month's edition: Beef Finisher Payment deadline; Build grass covers; Teagasc Green Acres virtual farm walk; Lime - the double dividend; Research Update - Grange calf-to-beef system and Health & Safety - Get winter ready.
03 September 2020
Clover Swards on Derogation Farms
Have you really considered the benefits of clover? Increasing the clover content in grassland can result in increased production and quality with less nitrogen fertiliser thus improving farm sustainability. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information.
02 September 2020
What you can do to help improve your water quality
Noel Meehan, Manager of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme (ASSAP) joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast to discuss the progress of the Programme and what you can do to help improve water quality.
02 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 1st September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; switch focus back from wet weather management to the autumn grazing targets; sward quality at Clonakilty and the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
02 September 2020
Four Important Deadlines in September
Beef farmers need to be aware of four important deadlines in September. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist has some information and advice on the upcoming deadlines for the Beef Finishers Payment Scheme (BFP), BDGP and the deadline for the application of chemical Nitrogen & Phosphorous.
01 September 2020
Training on Grassland Management & Recording of Grass Production on Derogation Farms
Grazed grass is the cheapest animal feed available to Irish farmers, in order to manage it successfully, to underpin profitability, it needs to be measured. The potential reward of utilising more grass in livestock production is huge. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information
31 August 2020
Closing date extended for Grassland Farmer of the Year
The closing date for applications for the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year has been extended. Applications will now close on Friday September 11th 2020.
31 August 2020
Does the benefits of pregnancy scanning cows far exceed the cost?
Scanning offers so many advantages and is a vital tool used on well managed herds around the country. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist gives some information.
30 August 2020
Reduction in the Crude Protein content of Concentrates fed to Grazing Dairy cows/Livestock
All Nitrate Derogation farmers should now be aware that there are reduced levels of crude protein permissible in concentrates fed to grazing livestock from 1st April to the 15th September, 2020. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment
Agriculture is estimated to be responsible for 99% of ammonia losses in Ireland, while slurry and farmyard manure spreading is thought to be responsible for 30% of those losses. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Today's Farm September - October
The September - October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on getting into dairy farming. Recent entrants to dairy farming are profiled. Find out more about the Dairy Start-up Course.
28 August 2020
Farm Scale Liming Programme
All derogation farmers must now adopt a farm scale liming programme based on a current Nutrient Management Plan and associated soil analysis results. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
27 August 2020
Attention Derogation Farmers: Closing time is approaching!
We are less than 3 weeks away from the start of the closed period for chemical fertilisers (14th Sept is the last day N & P fertiliser can be spread). Right now is a good time to check back with your fertiliser plan and see how you are progressing.
26 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 25th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips during this sustained spell of wet weather for keeping grass in the diet and testimonials from the four category winners in the 2019 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
26 August 2020
The importance of pregnancy scanning cows
The importance of pregnancy scanning cows is the topic on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast and Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Researcher Professor David Kenny and Teagasc Advisor Sinead Devaney.
26 August 2020
The Power of Fresh Clean Air
The three main factors influencing performance at housing are Nutrition, Health and Environment. Good ventilation plays a key role in two of these pillars: health and environment. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist has some information and advice.
24 August 2020
Are you a new entrant to farming?
Could you be Ireland’s best new entrant farmer? This competition invites entries from people who have recently taken up farming or have diversified their farming business
20 August 2020
High rainfall making grazing conditions challenging
High rainfall across parts of the country has left grazing conditions extremely difficult. Paudie O'Brien, Heavy Soils Farmer in Kerry gives an update on how he is managing grazing during the wet weather. Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor gives some advice on managing grazing.
19 August 2020
Beef Finisher Payment - Applications Now Open
The Beef Finisher Payment (BFP) scheme is a one off, exchequer funded grant aid scheme which aims to support beef finishers in Ireland who have been severely impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist gives an overview of the scheme along with the eligibility criteria.
19 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 18th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Autumn Grazing targets and information on the Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
19 August 2020
How to apply for the Beef Finishers Payment Scheme
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast to discuss the Beef Finishers Payment Scheme (BFP).
19 August 2020
Health is your wealth!
September brings a change of season & shift in focus. A housed animal is the most expensive animal on the farm eating silage & concentrates in a costly shed. We need to do everything to ensure that there's nothing hampering their performance. Martina Harrington Teagasc Beef Specialist tells us more.
17 August 2020
Redstart – Managing a Forage Crop this Autumn
Beef farmers are constantly looking for solutions to remain viable. Eddie Webb, Drystock Adviser in Tuam met up with a farmer who opted to sow the forage crop redstart to shorten the winter housing period.
14 August 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Single Suckling Enterprise Factsheet
The 2019 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data on 825 farms representative of over 90,000 farms nationally. In total data was recorded on over 250 single suckling farms. The performance of the single suckling enterprise in 2019 is summarised here
12 August 2020
What do I need to know about the Beef Data and Genomics Programme?
Over 24,000 suckler herds across the country are participating in the Beef Data & Genomics Programme 1 & 2. Following the latest BDGP genomic evaluation, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Catherine Egan highlights the key dates that you need to be aware of to ensure that you comply with the programme.
12 August 2020
All You Need to Know about the BDGP
Chris Daly from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast to discuss all you need to know about the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP).
10 August 2020
InstaLive with Teagasc Grass10 & PastureBase Ireland
John Douglas from Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland joined us on an Instagram live on Wednesday, 5 August to answer your questions on Autumn Grazing Management.
09 August 2020
Maximising Days at Grass this Autumn Using the Pasturebase Grass Budget
As we enter August, our focus turns to autumn grass management on farms. Join Micheal O'Leary, Pasturebase Ireland and Donal Patton, Teagasc Specialist on Wednesday, 12 August at 8pm for a live interactive discussion on how to best use the Pasturebase Autumn Grazing Budget to maximise days at grass.
09 August 2020
Beef Newsletter August 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team. In this month's edition: Castration dos and don’ts; Catch up on all things Virtual Beef Week; Faecal sampling for BEEP–S; Research Update - Breeding more sustainable beef cattle.
07 August 2020
Teagasc Fodder Survey July 2020 - National picture secure but 10% of farms have deficits
Over the last number of weeks, Teagasc advisors have completed almost 700 winter fodder budgets for drystock and dairy farmers nationwide. This was carried out as part of a new initiative to promote better feed security planning on livestock farms.
07 August 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Cattle Finishing Enterprise Factsheet
The 2019 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data close to 900 farms. The performance of the cattle finishing enterprise in 2019 is summarised in this factsheet and is based on data for 103 farms.
06 August 2020
Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 launched
The Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary, T.D at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Dublin this week.
05 August 2020
Are you interested in converting to dairy?
Teagasc Dairy specialist Patrick Gowing joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Teagasc Dairy Start-Up course.
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
ICBF: Breeding for more Sustainable Beef Production
ICBF uses performance, ancestry and genomic data from over 15 million beef cattle. The goal is to identify the superior animals within the breeding program for key traits such as maternal milk, female fertility, cost of calving, cost of feed & carcas growth rate.
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.
08 July 2020
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)
Cattle slurry is a valuable source of N, P & K produced on farm. The nitrogen (N) in cattle slurry is in the ammonia form similar to N in urea fertilisers and as such can be easily lost to the atmosphere.
08 July 2020
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP)
The ASSAP is a new government / industry collaborative initiative running from 2018 - 2021. The programme offers a free support and advisory service (20 Teagasc and 10 Dairy Co-op advisors) and participation is voluntary. Its aim is to improve water quality through working with farmers.
07 July 2020
Teagasc Green Acres Dairy Calf to Beef Programme
The second phase of Teagasc Green Acres Calf-to-Beef Programme started in 2019. It includes 12 commercially-operated calf to beef demonstration farms located nationwide. This programme is supported by two Teagasc specialised advisors. Programme manager Alan Dillon has more information
07 July 2020
Teagasc Grange dairy calf-to-beef system study
The current research focus of the dairy beef unit at Teagasc Grange is to compare the performance of three DAIRY-BEEF genetic groups. The systems used have achieved exceptional performance. Nicky Byrne and Donall Fahy give an update on the research.
07 July 2020
Growing your potential; Grass-to-Beef
Grazed grass is the cheapest source of energy for ruminants and is capable of supporting high levels of animal performance. Nicky Byrne, Donall Fahy and Michael O’Donovan have some advice.
07 July 2020
Dairy-beef performance under three stocking rate intensities
The current research programme in Johnstown Castle is evaluating the effects of herbage allowance (by using three stocking rates) on the performance of dairy × beef crossbreed cattle. Ruth Dunne, Wayne Hayes, Richard Lynch and Padraig French have further information on the research.
07 July 2020
Prevention of common infectious & parasitic diseases affecting dairy beef calves
Dairy beef calves can be susceptible to a number of infectious & parasitic diseases. Niamh Field has advice and information on the prevention and management of coccidiosis, gutworm, lungworm and viral pneumonia.
07 July 2020
Understanding the Dairy Beef Index (DBI)
The Dairy Beef Index (DBI) is a tool to produce quality beef cattle from the dairy herd that have both desirable calving attributes for the dairy herd (i.e. easy calving and short gestation) and valuable carcass merit attributes for the finisher.
06 July 2020
Calving Beef heifers at 2 Years Old
Find out the reasons for calving your beef heifers at 2 years old; why farmers are reluctant to try it and get some key statistics to help make the decision.
06 July 2020
Castration- Best Practice
Castration is considered to cause a degree of pain and stress and has been shown to elicit physiological stress, inflammatory reactions, pain-associated behaviour, suppression of immune function and a reduction in performance.
06 July 2020
Breeding for improved resistance to bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a multifactorial disease affecting cattle of all ages. Internationally and in Ireland, it represents the most significant cause of bovine morbidity and mortality.
06 July 2020
Clinical diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in cattle.
06 July 2020
Novel diagnostics for bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
At Teagasc, Grange, new technologies are being used for the identification of viral and bacterial infectious agents causing bovine respiratory disease (BRD), commonly known as pneumonia.
06 July 2020
Livestock-handling on Irish beef farms: Implications for the human-animal-relationship
Livestock production systems consistently rank as one of the most hazardous with regard to farmer safety. Between 2009 and 2018, 16% of total fatalities in the Irish agricultural and forestry industry occurred in these production systems.
05 July 2020
How to achieve high performance in a dairy calf-to-beef system
Due to the expansion of the Irish dairy herd over recent years more dairy-origin calves are available for beef production, but considerable scope exists for integration of beef and dairy farmers’ needs. Nicky Byrne & Alan Dillon have advice on achieving high performance.
04 July 2020
Lessons from the Derrypatrick herd – Q & A
Beef specialist, Aidan Murray along with researchers Paul Crosson, Bernadette Earley and Orla Keane give us some information on the lessons learned from the herd to date.
03 July 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on - Thursday
Grass Management for Sustainable Beef Production
03 July 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on - Friday
Virtual Beef Week - Day 5 - Friday July 10th
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.
01 July 2020
Lungworm in Cattle
Hoose or lungworm infection, can be widespread and infection this year may be more severe with the heavy rain that followed the long dry spell. Drystock Specialist Martina Harrington has advice on the identification, management and treatment of the disease.
01 July 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on - Wednesday
Virtual Beef Week - Sustainable Beef Production Day 3 of Virtual Beef Week Wednesday July 8th
30 June 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on Tuesday
Virtual Beef Week - Dairy Calf to Beef Production Day 2 - Tuesday July 7th
29 June 2020
Virtual Beef Week July 6th – 10th
Virtual Beef Week replaces the planned major Teagasc Beef 2020 Open Day, which was due to take place at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation centre, Grange, County Meath.
29 June 2020
Lower production costs and exceptional aid measures led to a modest increase in average farm income in 2019
The average family farm income rose by 2% in Ireland in 2019, according to a new report by Teagasc. A combination of factors were responsible for the increase in income in 2019, which averaged €23,933.
27 June 2020
Gurteen College Beef Farm Update
Currently the suckler beef unit at Gurteen College has 79 sucker cows and split calving with 43 spring calving cows and 36 autumn calving cows. The unit aims to educate students on the running of a sustainable drystock business.
20 June 2020
Bales can kill with lethal force
According to Health and Safety Authority (HAS) show falling bales account for about 5% of farm workplace deaths. There are many safety issues around working with bales.
19 June 2020
Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland publish the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report
Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland have published the first Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report. The report focuses on the establishment and implementation of the ASSAP in 2018 and interaction with farmers up until the 31st December 2019.
17 June 2020
Finishing cattle at grass
During the next few months a considerable number of beef cattle will be slaughtered. If you are targeting to slaughter off grass Alan Dillon, Cattle Specialist has some useful advice.
17 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmer Donal Keane
Donal and Frederique Keane, Camelton Stud, Summerhill, Co Meath are organic suckler to beef and cereal farmers. A farm walk was due to take place on their farm. Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy got an update from Donal.
17 June 2020
5 Minutes to get your Cash Flowing
Teagasc are highlighting the importance of Cash Flow Planning as a vital business tool that all farmers should engage in.
15 June 2020
Teagasc announce details of ‘Virtual Beef Week’
Teagasc are holding a ‘Virtual Beef Week’ from Monday 6th to Friday 10th July, to demonstrate best practice and communicate the latest research results relevant to beef farmers.‘
13 June 2020
Summer Season – Keeping up with the Grass Plant!
Maintaining adequate high quality grass mid-season is the most cost effective way of achieving good animal performance - Anne O’Malley, Drystock Advisor in Ballina has some advice.