All aspects of a dairy calf to beef farm in action will be on full display

On Thursday, 10 July at 7pm, we welcome you onto the farm of Charlie and Charles Smyth, Virginia, Co. Cavan, Eircode A82 DA00 where all aspects of a dairy calf to beef farm in action will be on full display.

This farm walk promises to offer a lot of valuable information and experiences to attendees and anyone with an interest in dairy calf to beef system is welcome to attend.

Charlie Smyth is a demonstration farmer of the DairyBeef 500 Programme, the aim of which is to promote and demonstrate DairyBeef systems, which are socially, environmentally and financially sustainable.

What to expect on the night?

On the night, all aspects of a dairy calf to beef farm in action will be on full display.

Stand 1: Calves at Grass

At the first stand, attendees will have the opportunity to see Charlie’s calf rearing shed and they will also see calves grazing in a nearby paddock. Topics discussed at this stand will include:

• The importance of the correct transitioning of young calves from a milk to grass diet
• Whether to continue feeding concentrates at grass or not?
• Parasite control in the first grazing season

Stand 2: Maximising Grass Production and Improving Water Quality

Stand two will outline how the Smyth’s maximise grass production whilst improving water quality. As part of a European Innovation Partnership (EIP), practical demonstrations will show small actions that can be taken to improve water quality without affecting grass production and also the financial benefits of joining an EIP scheme will be outlined.

Stand 3: Live Heifer Demonstration

At stand three, there will be a selection of heifers grazing and a live demonstration of how to select heifers from this group that are ready to start feeding for slaughter in 50 – 60 days’ time will take place. Decisions based on age, weight, fat cover etc will be discussed in more detail.

Stand 4: Financial Performance of Smyth’s Calf to Beef System

Stand four will highlight the financial performance of Charlie Smyth’s calf to beef system. There will be information on the costs involved in rearing a calf from two weeks of age to slaughter and the important topic of ‘Have you done your sums!’ will be addressed. Information on the beef price required or the calf price that can be paid if farmers want to have a viable margin left for themselves will allow for a lively debate!

See their new slatted finishing unit!

Also, on display on the night will be a new slatted finishing unit that the Smyth’s recently built and attendees will have an opportunity to see and access this shed in the farmyard.

Chat to Advisors and Specialists!

Teagasc advisors and specialists will be available on the night for interactive discussions and to answer all questions that arise. There will be a lot of valuable information and experiences to be shared on the night and anyone with an interest in dairy calf to beef system should feel free to attend. We look forward to welcoming you on the night.

For more information on the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Programme

Diary Date: If you can’t make this farm walk, there will be another DairyBeef 500 walk on the farm of Peter O’Hanrahan, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny on Thursday, 4 September. More details available here.