Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 8
This latest issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter, this December, has a farmer update from Ciaran Bartley, Boher, Co. Limerick, key management tips, details of silage quality on Green Acres farms and information on Space requirements for weanlings. Read it here
Issue 8 - 08 December 2021
Ciaran Bartley, Boher, Co. Limerick
We are well and truly into the winter period here in Boher, Co. Limerick, as stock have been housed and are now on a winter diet of grass silage supplemented with concentrate. Achieving the desired levels of weight gain for weanlings over the winter period is my main target between now and turnout; my key aim is to ensure that animals achieve a minimum daily gain of 0.6kg/day. In previous years, animals on the farm here have failed to reach this target, resulting in animals taking a longer period of time to achieve the desired carcass weights for sale.
Key Management Tips
- Complete a silage analysis if not already done so and balance winter diets on the basis of forage quality.
- Prioritise soil sampling over the coming weeks and identify any fields that may require applications of lime to correct soil pH.
- Complete a closing cover on farm and assess grass production for 2021.
- Ensure both finishing and younger stock have adequate feeding and lying space.
- Check animals have access to clean and fresh water.
- Check fences and carry out any necessary repairs.
Silage quality on Green Acres farms
Silage testing has been completed on all of the Teagasc Green Acres farms at this stage. Due to challenging weather conditions in the latter stages of May, which resulted in a two-week delay in harvesting on many farms, quality has fallen slightly when compared to the feedstuff available on farms last winter.
Space requirements for weanlings
Careful attention should be paid to the size of the shed available, as overcrowding can lead to a significant reduction in animal performance.
The Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter will issue monthly and you can read it here each month on on Teagasc Daily.