The Beef Edge

Teagasc technician on the Newford demonstration farm, Michael Fagan, gives an update from the farm, breeding season ahead and the breeding open day taking place on April 22nd.
 
The event will focus on the key drivers of suckler herd efficiency, offering attendees the opportunity to see proven systems in action. With the breeding season fast approaching, the timing  is ideal for farmers looking to fine-tune their approach and maximise results in the months ahead, particularly those considering AI.
 
A central theme of the day will be breeding efficiency, with a strong emphasis on the genetics behind the Newford herd. Farmers will gain an understanding of the terminal sires being used to deliver both performance and profitability. The importance of selecting the right genetics to meet farm objectives will be explored, helping farmers make more informed breeding decisions.
 
Whether you are looking to improve breeding performance, reduce workload or future-proof your suckler enterprise, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn and see best practice in action.  A number of industry stakeholder stands will be present, where farmers can meet and ask questions.
 
The event takes place on Wednesday, 22nd April at 4pm at Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Scrine, Co. Roscommon (Eircode F42 AH57).
 
Newford Farm is a joint partnership between Teagasc, Dawn Meats and McDonald’s.
 
Further details at:  www.teagasc.ie/event/newford-open-day/
 
For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

It was a very challenging spring this year and for the monthly Grass10 update, Nikki Kennedy and John Conroy give updates from around the country and plan for the month ahead.
 
John says that while some ground has been grazed, there is still a lot not grazed yet in the west and it is unlikely that silage ground will be grazed at this stage. 
 
Nikki has an update from Teagasc Grange and says a flexible approach is needed to utilise grass this spring with it being important to walk the farm and assess grass re-growths.
 
Finally Nikki and John give their top tips for the month ahead.
 
For more, you can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/
 
For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Specialist Mark Plunkett, from the Signpost Programme, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss fertiliser application for silage this year.  
As we move through a challenging spring, many farmers are reassessing their silage strategy. Weather disruption, fertiliser costs, and environmental pressures all mean that getting the basics right has never been more important. Mark outlines the importance of achieving high-quality silage while maintaining yields and controlling input costs.
 
Closing date is one of the most important drivers of silage quality. Earlier closing (late March to early April) results in higher digestibility and better feed quality, but typically lower yields. Delayed closing increases bulk but reduces DMD (dry matter digestibility), impacting animal performance.
 
Mark highlights how this spring, some ground may not be grazed before closing due to poor conditions. In these cases:
· Remove heavy covers early if possible through light grazing
· If not feasible, close, fertilise and harvest early May
· Avoid applying slurry on very heavy covers—this can lead to contamination
 
Mark explains that a typical fertiliser programme should aim to supply:
· Nitrogen (N): 80–100 units/acre (100–125 kg/ha)
· Phosphorus (P): 16 units/acre (20 kg/ha) where required
· Potassium (K): 80 units/acre (100 kg/ha), especially where silage is removed annually
 
Sulphur is often overlooked but is essential for nitrogen utilisation and good grass growth. Deficiency can limit yield even where nitrogen is applied. Including sulphur (10–15 units/acre) improves overall response.
 
Finally Mark highlights:
· Close remaining silage ground as soon as conditions allow
· Apply fertiliser promptly after closing
· Use slurry where conditions are suitable
· Monitor covers and plan cutting dates early
 
Timeliness is critical - delays now reduce both yield and quality.
 
For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With many beef farmers balancing part-time work off the farm, this episode marks the first in our new monthly series, ‘Managing Labour on Farm’. 
 
Father and son, Eamon and Donnchadh McCarthy from Youghal, and participants in the Future Beef Programme, share how they successfully run their suckler-to-beef system whilst both working off-farm.
 
Labour efficiency on the farm is very important and like many farms, the biggest labour pinch points during the year are calving, breeding and finishing which are managed around their off farm work. 
 
Calving in the spring, prior to Donnchadh starting work as an AI technician, is critical and is compacted to 6 weeks. 
 
Previously, calving in both spring and autumn had a huge impact on labour demand with the two calving seasons and breeding periods. 
 
A good farm paddock system has helped bring cows back to the yard with roadways highlighted as a job for the future to make life easier. 
 
Investments on the farm around housing and handling facilities have made a big difference to saving time and labour particularly handling cattle during the herd test and throughout the year. 
 
Finishing bulls under 16 months is quite labour-intensive but most feeding is carried out with the feeder when concentrates are fed ad lib and this doesn’t need to be done daily, thus reducing labour. In the future investment in a meal store to enable the tractor and loader do most of this work is being considered.
 
Eamon and Donnchadh also discuss the various technologies being used on the farm to minimise labour such as SenseHub and PastureBase Ireland to measure grass. 
 
The fertiliser dispersal stand has also been very important on the farm for health and safety and you see more on it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7uinpDPbK0
 
Further updates from the McCarthys are at:
https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/eamon-donnchadh-mccarthy/
 
For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

For this second of a two-part series focused on the Commercial Beef Value, Ciaran Conway who runs a weanling to finishing heifer system with his son Diarmuid outside Mullingar Co. Westmeath, discusses his system and use of CBV on their farm which was awarded 2025 Suckler Finisher Award for Ashbourne.
 
High-CBV continental weanlings, disciplined management and a grass-driven system underpin the reliability and strong carcass results achieved.
 
Ciaran discusses how grass is central to his system and the key grassland management practices that drive performance. 
 
Buying over 300 cattle a year, a good herd health plan is essential and Ciaran outlines his health protocol.
 
Ciaran also works off farm as a nutritionist and discusses his finishing programme for the stock when they are housed.
 
The system, finishing around 24 months, is tightly managed and Ciaran outlines the role CBV plays in purchasing cattle in addition to visuals and price.
 
For further info:
https://www.icbf.com/continental-quality-high-cbvs-driving-performance-on-the-conway-farm/
https://www.icbf.com/commercial-beef-value-cbv/
 
 
For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com