“Getting Winter Ready” on-farm beef events
Teagasc and Animal Health Ireland (AHI) are running a series of on-farm beef events throughout October to highlight the importance of housing, nutrition and animal health to maximise performance over the winter months.
The first in the series of nine events arranged across the country, will take place on Wednesday, 4 October, on the farm of Tom Jackson, Quitrent, Kildorrery, County Cork.
Assessing lying and feeding space requirements, along with ensuring there is adequate air movement and ventilation in sheds, will be highlighted at these farm walks.
There will be an opportunity for farmers to discuss winter housing diets for weanlings, stores, finishing cattle and suckler cows, with local Teagasc advisors and cattle specialists.
AHI will have veterinary expertise at all of the events to explain the different strategies farmers can use to control the many different parasites that can impact the performance of livestock over the winter months.
There will also be a focus on the steps that can be taken before stock are housed to reduce the risk of accidents taking place on the farm. Simple measures can go a long way to avoiding injuries to both farmers and their stock.
Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc said; “Winter is starting early on many beef farms due to the wet weather showing no sign of easing off. These farm walks are an ideal opportunity for beef farmers to attend and discuss how small changes in housing, nutrition and parasite control programmes can have a huge impact on animal performance over what may be a long housing period for many”.
Natascha Meunier, Programme Manager with the Beef HealthCheck and Parasite Control programme in AHI said; “We are delighted to be partnering with Teagasc in running these “Getting Winter Ready” events and we encourage farmers to use this opportunity to come ask questions on how best to apply the information discussed to their own situations.”