Beef
Benefits of AI and the use of Synchronisation in Suckler Herds
Benefits of AI and the use of Synchronisation in Suckler Herds The calving season is coming to an end on farms and the focus will soon turn to the breeding season. Currently AI usage is low on beef farms with only 20% of all calves born to suckler herds by AI sires. […]
19 March 2025
Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, on managing grass this spring
Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, on managing grass this spring Teagasc Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, and his advisor, James Mullane, are on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast with an update on the farm and how Proinnsias is managing grass this spring. Proinnsias also explains his calf-to-beef system and how he manages […]
19 March 2025
Getting the calf rearing basics right
Getting the calf rearing basics right The increased price of restocking farms this spring may entice more farmers to look at rearing calves. For farmers contemplating such a move, Drystock Advisor in Teagasc Mullingar, Stephen O’Callaghan provides a refresher on the basics of calf rearing. Calf health Calf health is an important […]
19 March 2025
The common causes of scour and when do they occur
The common causes of scour and when do they occur Scour represents a significant health challenge to suckler calves. Caused by a wide array of bugs or viruses, understanding when the disease is likely to occur can aid in identifying the cause, Future Beef Programme Manager, Martina Harrington tells us more. At […]
18 March 2025
Key management strategies for reducing respiratory disease on dairy-beef farms
Key management strategies for reducing respiratory disease on dairy-beef farms Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as pneumonia, is one of the most prevalent diseases of dairy-beef calves, and is caused by a range of bacteria and viruses. It is the most common cause of calf mortality pre-weaning, and remains a consistent […]
15 March 2025
A teaser bull’s role in maximising breeding success
A teaser bull’s role in maximising breeding success Teaser bulls can help improve heat detection, shorten calving intervals, and boost breeding efficiency. These infertile but sexually active bulls help identify cows in oestrus, leading to better AI timing and a more compact calving season. Some of the key benefits of using a […]
15 March 2025
‘A farmers’ guide to suckler breeding’ focus of upcoming webinar series
‘A farmers’ guide to suckler breeding’ focus of upcoming webinar series The Future Beef team is hosting a series of webinars this March and April, which will focus on a farmers’ guide to suckler breeding. Over the course of the three night webinar series, topics such as pre-breeding essentials, breeding the ideal […]
14 March 2025
Delivering a more fertile suckler herd
Delivering a more fertile suckler herd Regardless of your suckler production system, whether that be producing weanlings, selling stores or carrying all progeny to finish, having a herd of fertile suckler cows is a cornerstone. However, making improvements to the fertility of the national suckler herd has proved a difficult nut to […]
14 March 2025
Calving difficulty scores – do they deliver?
Calving difficulty scores – do they deliver? Suckler farmers, stemming from the necessity of producing a live calf annually with minimal intervention, have become more attuned to the calving difficulty scores of the sires used on their farms. But how representative are the figures that appear in AI catalogues or the ICBF’s […]
12 March 2025
Testing for anthelmintic resistance on Irish farms
Testing for anthelmintic resistance on Irish farms Dr. Orla Keane of Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath is part of new project that will test for anthelmintic resistance in Ireland. Good worm control is a cornerstone of pasture-based beef production and is currently highly dependent on the use of wormers (anthelmintics). However, gut worms […]
12 March 2025