Beef Newsletter - February 2022

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In this month's edition:

• Fertiliser prices
  With the increased cost of fertiliser, applying the same amount of fertiliser as in previous years is simply not an option for most beef farmers.
  The aim this year will be to maximise grass growth while at the same time using chemical fertiliser strategically to boost growth where most needed.
• Calf rearing – key tips
  One of the many key elements to the success of a calf-to-beef system is ensuring animals are adequately fed. It is critical that calves double their birth weight by eight weeks of age (e.g., 40kg to 80kg in 56 days).
• Research Update - Fluke 
  Orla Keane of Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath reports on what farmers need to think about when it comes to fluke. Fluke control programmes should be discussed with your vet or advisor and a number of factors taken into account when assessing the risk of disease due to fluke, including results from the BEEP-S action.
• Health & Safety - Give safety first priority
  In 2021, nine farm workplace deaths occurred in agriculture (crop and animal production), two in forestry and logging, and one was related to farm construction (provisional data). Thus, 12 workplace fatalities occurred on farms.