Beef
Aidan and Luke Maguires’ approach to calf rearing
Aidan and Luke Maguires’ approach to calf rearing Between autumn 2024 and spring 2025, Aidan and Luke Maguire will rear over 160 calves. DairyBeef 500 Advisor to the farm, Fergal Maguire takes a close look at the calf rearing programme, which prioritises rumen development. The primary goal of the calf rearing process […]
26 February 2025
DairyBeef 500 tips on calf sourcing
DairyBeef 500 tips on calf sourcing Close to 400,000 calves will move between dairy and beef farms over the next few months. DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Tommy Cox shares insights from the demonstration farms as to how they are sourcing calves that will perform on their systems. With 15 farmers enrolled in the […]
25 February 2025
Preparing for a successful calving season – Michael Biggins’ approach
Preparing for a successful calving season – Michael Biggins’ approach Michael and Niall Biggins, a father and son team from Glencorrib, Co. Mayo, have left no stone unturned in their preparations for the spring calving season ahead. Participants in the Teagasc Future Beef Programme and carrying a herd of ~70 suckler cows, […]
25 February 2025
The calving jack hack you need to know
The calving jack hack you need to know Did you know the calving jack’s uses extend further than just a calving aid? Often used to assist in complicated calvings, a calving jack can also be a useful tool in caring for the newborn calf, especially those which may have inhaled fluid during […]
24 February 2025
Data on calving times
Data on calving times Noeleen Brereton, Mark Mcgee, Peter Doyle and Bernadette Earley of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath report on the calving times of suckler cows over a 16-year period. At Teagasc Grange, the calving times of 1,535 spring-calving suckler cows were recorded […]
23 February 2025
Nutritional Management of the Dairy-Beef Calf
Nutritional Management of the Dairy-Beef Calf From arrival on beef farms to weaning, nutritional management of the dairy-beef calf is key to ensuring strong, healthy growth. The Teagasc DairyBeef 500 team, along with Teagasc researchers, have compiled tips to get the essentials right to maximise growth and minimise setbacks. Key Targets of […]
22 February 2025
Using the calving jack – slow and steady wins the race
Using the calving jack – slow and steady wins the race After being left in storage for almost nine months, the days or nights for which the calving jack will be reached for are approaching on many spring-calving suckler farms. A vital piece of equipment to aid in difficult calvings, provided you […]
21 February 2025
Shane Keaveney’s actions to protect water quality
Shane Keaveney’s actions to protect water quality Shane Keaveney, a suckler farmer from Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon, is going above and beyond to lessen the impact of his farming practices on water quality – specifically the watercourse bounding his farm. In this article, Dr Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications and Engagement Specialist, Aisling […]
20 February 2025
Calving the suckler cow: When to intervene?
Calving the suckler cow: When to intervene? Have you found yourself puzzled on a cold and wet February or March night wondering: ‘Should I intervene now or does the cow need more time to calve?’ A move to part-time suckler farming for many – although aided to a certain extent by the […]
19 February 2025
Making spring grass count at Newford
Making spring grass count at Newford Maximising weight gain from grass is a priority at Newford Farm. Michael Fagan tells us how this starts with early turnout and making the best use of spring grass. 2025 marks the second spring since our move to Roscommon, and we’ve taken advantage of suitable grazing […]
19 February 2025