Beef Newsletter - September 2024

Download Publication (PDF)

In this month's edition:

• Beef Welfare Scheme 2024
  If you are interested in signing up to the Beef Welfare Scheme you have until midnight on September 24 to apply online at agfood.ie. As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, there are two components to the Scheme.
• Online SCEP training
  For those in the Suckler Cow Efficiency Programme (SCEP), one of the mandatory components is the online training course. This must be completed by November 14.
• Creep feeding
  In a year such as this where grass supply is tight on many farms, creep feeding offers a number of advantages. Firstly, for those of you selling weanlings it will boost weight gain in the run-up to sale.
• New research on organic beef systems
  Ireland has ambitious targets to increase organically farmed land to 450,000ha by 2030. Financial support is available in the form of an enhanced Organic Farming Scheme. This Scheme is proving attractive to farmers. There are ~5,000 organic farmers in Ireland, with 60% of these being converts since 2022.
• Silage testing
  Once silage is four to six weeks in the bale or pit, fermentation should have stabilised. This means that you can take a sample for testing.
• Health & Safety - PTO shaft cover grant
  The National Farm Safety Measure 2024 provides a financial contribution to participating farmers for up to four PTO shaft covers. Closing date for applications is November 1, 2024. The grant aid will be at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover. For further information talk to your advisor or go to: http://www.gov.ie/farmsafety