Michael McGuigan July/August Update 2026

Breeding

35 females, including 9 heifers were bred this year. So far Michael suspects that 4 are not in calf and will be scanning the remainder in late August/early September. Breeding lasted 14 weeks in total this year, starting on 16^th April and finishing on 24^th July.

26 of these had to be synchronised to start them cycling. In total, 1 female was served 5 times, 6 females were served 4 times, 5 females were served 3 times and 9 were served twice. Michael identified early on that there was an issue with the fertility as he would expect 70% conception rate to first serve and only 10-11 cows repeating. 21 repeating after the first serve was evidently much higher than that.

Milk samples were taken and sent for analysis. The results showed high levels of Iodine, Selenium, Cobalt and Molybdenum. Michael stopped supplementing with iodine through the water with Aquadyne tablets after receiving the results on 13^th July. He is considering investing in a water/mineral pump system to administer minerals through the water on the farm on a more consistent basis. The system itself will cost €900. Mineral options include:

• Fertility mineral blend 200kg barrel for €1495, will last 285 days (smaller barrel available)
• Fertility Mg blend 250kg barrel for €670, will last 40 days
• Fertility Mg blend 1000kg IBC for €2100, will last 158 days
• Mg barrel 200kg for €350 (variable lasting time due to dose rate dependency)

The high Iron and Molybdenum appears to be locking up copper on the farm, and iodine is also low when not supplemented so Michael is trying to identify the best way of supplementing both for the best performance.

Figure 1: Cows and calves at grass

Animal Health

Two cows tested as ‘inconclusive’ in the herd test earlier this year. After 2 negative blood tests they have tested clear in a subsequent skin test and the herd is now no longer restricted. Michael expects that 1 of these may be in calf, and the other cow was not bred and will be sold this year regardless.

Preparation for weaning is ongoing and the 2026 born calves were vaccinated with Bovipast and IBR marker live on 25^th August to help prevent respiratory disease. They will be due their Bovipast booster on 22^nd September and will be weaned approximately 2 weeks later when they will have immunity. Michael uses the anti-suckling nose paddles for weaning on the farm as he finds they work very well to break the maternal-offspring bond. They will have them for 5-7 days and then the cows will be removed from the group as the nose paddles are removed. Calves will also be fed ration for 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2 weeks after.

Performance

Back in June Michael was wondering whether to finish his store cattle from the shed or to finish them from grass. The cost comparison below estimates that he would be financially better off by €80/steer (€1,120) to start feeding in early August for finishing off of grass. It was based on 14 steers that weighed 535kg on 16^th June. Note that these options do not account for any mortality, labour or fixed costs for shed/slurry handling etc. and is based on cattle achieving the performance targets outlined below. The estimated beef price includes all potential bonuses and assumes the same price on both days.

Figure 2: Store bullocks that were born in 2025

Option 1: Feed at grass

• Feeding plan: Start 1st August at 3kg & increase to 5kg by 1st September.
• Predicted weight when feeding starts: 604kg @ 1.5kg/day
• Aim to sell: 60-90 days: ~October
• Expected weight gain: >1.5 kg/day (135kg over 90 days)
• Expected live weight at sale: 739kg
• Sales value: 55% KO = 406kg @ €6.80/kg = €2764
• Minus feed cost (from 1^st August):
  • Ration: 0.4t x €350/t = €140
  • Grass: 789 kg DM x €0.10/kg DM = €79
  • = €219
• Expected margin per head: €2,545

Option 2: Feed in shed

• Feeding plan: House end September & feed 5 kg ration + >72% DMD silage
• Predicted weight when feeding starts: 653kg @ 1.1 kg/day
• Aim to sell: 60-90 days: ~December
• Expected weight gain: >1.3kg/day (117kg over 90 days)
• Expected live weight at sale: 770kg
• Sales value: 55% KO = 424kg @ €6.80/kg = €2,883
• Minus feed cost (from 1^st August):
  • Ration: 0.45t x €350/t = €158
  • Grass: 767 kg DM x €0.10/kg DM = €76.70
  • Silage: 831 kg DM x €0.22/kg DM = €182.82
  • = €417.52
• Expected margin per head: €2,465 (-€80)

Based on this analysis Michael decided to start feeding the steers at grass. They are currently eating 3kg/head/day in one feed, along with good quality grass. Their latest weight on 11^th August showed that they averaged 614kg after gaining 1.13 kg/day since 16^th June.

Figure 3: Selection of Charolais store cattle

The 2026 born calves were weighed on 8^th July. The heifers (7) averaged 209kg and gained 1.1 kg/day since 9^th June (1.27 kg/day since birth), and the bullocks (18) averaged 213kg, gaining 1.21 kg/day during the same timeframe (1.3 kg/day since birth).