Ger McSweeney – Suckling to Beef System

 

Ger McSweeney farms with his wife Karen and daughter Ella in Tooreenbawn, Millstreet, Co. Cork. He farms a total of 25.3ha (adjusted), which is divided into four blocks. Tooreenbane is 918 feet above sea level and the average rainfall is 1685mm annually which brings with it specific challenges.  He runs a suckling to beef system consisting of 35 spring – calving suckler cows. The males are finished as under 16 month bull beef, while the heifers, not retained for breeding, are finished at 23-24 months.

Challenges: 900 ft above sea level and high rainfall area.

Farm Advisor: Aisling Molloy, Teagasc, Kanturk

Signpost Farm Measures Undertaken

Protected Urea

Ger has replaced urea and all of his CAN with protected urea. Protected Urea works well throughout the whole year

Breeding

Ger uses 100% A.I. as it allows him to use the best genetics available. By using the best genetics Ger is achieving increased liveweight gain on his finishing stock leading to a reduction in the age at slaughter for all stock  (bulls 15.5 months and heifers 20 months).

Animal Health

Ger has a detailed health plan on the farm with a very robust vaccination programme, which has reduced his antibiotic usage while also improving animal performance. 

Soil Fertility

Soil fertility is also improving with pH, P and K all increasing in the last 4 years. Lime improves the soil pH and releases nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from soils.

Extended Grazing

Ger is measuring grass on PastureBase Ireland to improve his grassland management and extend his grazing season each year.

Clover

Ger is including and managing clover in his grassland swards to reduce chemical Nitrogen spread on farm.