Newford Farm welcomed its new farm manager Shane McGuinness, a Roscommon native from a beef farming background, this summer.
A graduate of Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Shane brings practical and technical expertise, supported by casual labour, contractors and students. The farm thanks outgoing manager Stephen Frend for his valuable contribution over the past three years.
Watch the video below, where Shane discusses the importance of scanning and the latest results from the cows:
Newford Farm passed its annual tuberculosis (TB) test in August. On July 9, 31 maiden heifers were scanned after a six-week AI breeding programme using 100% AI, Moocall HEAT collars, and a teaser bull. Results were very positive, with 24 heifers (77%) confirmed in calf, ensuring a solid base for calving at 24 months.
About Newford Farm
Newford Farm, established in 2015 by Teagasc and Dawn Meats with the support of McDonald’s, is a leading demonstration farm for suckler to beef production in Ireland. In 2024, the farm relocated from Athenry, Co. Galway, to its new home in Athleague, Co. Roscommon.
The herd consists of 90 spring-calving suckler cows, mainly first-cross Angus, Hereford, and Aubrac types from the dairy herd. The farm uses 100% artificial insemination (AI), with terminal Charolais, Limousin, and Aubrac bulls used. Performance in 2024 resulted in heifers finished at 21.3 months at an average carcass weight of 270kg, while bullocks finished at 22.5 months at 318kg carcass weight. The farm spans 63ha (156 acres) across two leased blocks located near Athleague.
For more information on Newford Farm, read its most recent Future Beef update here.