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Teagasc Dairy Calf to Beef Course: Learn the skills to a profitable future

Teagasc Dairy Calf to Beef Course: Learn the skills to a profitable future

Teagasc will commence a new advanced Dairy calf to beef course for new and existing dairy calf to beef farmers who wish to up skill and learn what it takes to run an economically and environmentally sustainable dairy calf to beef system. Fergal Maguire, DairyBeef 500 Advisor gives us the details.

The course will involve visits to the Teagasc Grange research centre and farms that have  being operating a successful dairy calf to beef enterprise, as well as the opportunity to engage with leading Teagasc and industry beef experts.

Why do the course?

  • Potential to earn a net margin of €500 + in Dairy calf to beef production before farm payments
  • Get access to top researchers and specialists involved in Dairy calf to beef production
  • Learn from already successful Dairy calf to beef farmers
  • Learn and improve the farm skills that are required for a successful Dairy calf to beef enterprise

About the course

This course is designed to help you plan and implement a Dairy calf to beef system on your farm, which will allow you to maximise your resources while at the same time hitting the KPIs that need to be met to ensure that your farm is operating at a high level of profitability. Up to date research will be used throughout the course to steer you in the direction of profitability and a sustainable work life balance. The course will be practical and interesting, and will focus on key areas such as animal health, infrastructure, calf rearing and grassland management. In summary, the purpose of this course is to equip the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to effectively plan and carry out a successful dairy calf to beef enterprise.

Course Structure

The course will be offered over four full days. The first day of the course will start on the 20th of October 2022 in the Teagasc Beef Research Centre in Grange Co Meath. The following three days will take place on local existing Dairy calf to beef farms that are operating at a high level.

Course Content

The 4 days of the course will cover

  • Infrastructure/Cost of start up
  • Expected costs and returns
  • Calf Rearing
  • Grassland management/Grazing infrastructure
  • Importance of Silage Quality
  • Clover Management
  • Animal health & biosecurity
  • Housing
  • Finishing Diets

Course Benefits

On successful completion of the course, participants will have gained valuable knowledge and skills to assist with the establishment and running of a successful dairy calf to beef enterprise. This course is a must for all farmers who are considering converting to dairy calf to beef farming and existing farmers who want to up skill themselves on how to improve farm profitability.

Course Location
The first day of the course will be held in Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Centre, Grange Co Meath. The remaining three days will be held regionally depending on demand.  Please indicate on the application form which location would be more suitable for you to attend. 

Course Fees
The cost of the course is €200 per participant.

More information can be found here