Beef
Specialised in-calf heifer producer to host farm walk
Specialised in-calf heifer producer to host farm walk Michael Cunniffe, a specialised producer of in-calf suckler replacement heifers, will open the gates of his farm next week to highlight how he makes grass work in his system. Farming approximately 50ha and purchasing 150 heifers annually, Michael’s system is based on growing these […]
27 August 2023
Signpost Update: Scanning results and 200-day weights
Signpost Update: Scanning results and 200-day weights Ruairi Cummins, participant in the Teagasc Future Beef Programme and the Teagasc Signpost Programme, provides an update on his farm from the month of August, which includes a focus on scanning results, animal performance and preparing for weaning. The cows were scanned at the end […]
26 August 2023
Kildalton farm update and open day preview
Kildalton farm update and open day preview On the latest Beef Edge podcast, John O’Connor from Kildalton Agricultural College gives an update on the suckler farm, and Joe Day, teacher in Kildalton, discusses the upcoming open day. John describes how it’s been a difficult summer and how grass is being managed at […]
23 August 2023
Autumn reseeding – timing is crucial
Autumn reseeding – timing is crucial Most grassland reseeding traditionally takes place in the autumn (August/September), with about one-third of reseeding occurring in late spring (April/May). Autumn reseeding is the preferred option on many farms. This is due to reduced pressure on grass availability, increased availability of grazing ground after second-cut silage […]
21 August 2023
Calculate fodder demand for winter
Calculate fodder demand for winter Fodder budgeting requires assessing current feed reserves on farm and forward planning now for the winter months ahead. On farms across the country, additional fodder may have been fed during drought conditions and wet weather. This has depleted reserves on some farms. It is important to complete […]
20 August 2023
Red clover a winner on suckler farms
Red clover a winner on suckler farms Red clover for silage is being established on four farms in the Future Beef Programme for the first time this year. It is not a new crop to Ireland, so why is it increasing in popularity now? Aisling Molloy, Teagasc Future Beef Programme, tells us […]
20 August 2023
Benefits for SCEP herds with joining the National Genotyping Programme
Benefits for SCEP herds with joining the National Genotyping Programme Herds participating in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) can see many benefits if they also join the National Genotyping Programme. The National Genotyping Programme (NGP), operated by ICBF, offers farmers the opportunity to genotype their herd at a subsidised cost. This […]
19 August 2023
Sizing up the National Beef Welfare Scheme
Sizing up the National Beef Welfare Scheme A new one year scheme aimed at suckler farms was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue recently and will remain open for applications until September 12th, James FitzGerald, Drystock Advisor in Ballina, expands on the scheme’s details. This scheme, with a total budget […]
19 August 2023
SCEP and dairy-beef weighing tasks
SCEP and dairy-beef weighing tasks With over 20,000 successful applications for the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and almost 14,000 dairy beef weighing scheme applications, it is important to emphasise the tasks that are required to be carried out in order to receive maximum payments in both these schemes. Suckler Carbon Efficieny Programme […]
16 August 2023
Grass10 Drystock runner up Michael Cunniffe explains his system
Grass10 Drystock runner up Michael Cunniffe explains his system Michael Cunniffe from Co. Roscommon joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his in-calf heifer system and grassland management. Michael buys in approximately 150 each year, all of different types and breeds to meet his customers’ demands. The heifers […]
16 August 2023