Future Beef farmer, Michael Biggins from Co. Mayo is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his suckler beef system, weanling management and the upcoming farm walk taking place on his farm.
Michael farms with his son Niall in Ballynalty, Headford, Co.Mayo, and he gives an overview of his spring calving suckling to weanling system.
All suitable heifers are kept on the farm for breeding and those not kept are sold. This year, AI was used on over half the cows as well as a synchronisation programme. Michael discusses the experience, and the selection of AI sires used on the farm.
Given the current prices and market, maximising weight gain is more important than ever. Calves are being creep fed concentrates to maximise weight gain for sale as weanlings.
Maximising quality grass in the diet is important, and Michael discusses the plan to build covers into the autumn.
Listen to the full episode of the Beef Edge podcast below:
Upcoming event
The Biggins family will host the National Future Beef farm walk on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6pm. The focus of the event will be ‘Running a profitable weanling system in Mayo’.
Topics to be discussed include:
- How to make a weanling system profitable
- Learn about AI, synchronisation and sexed semen
- Maximising cheap weight gains with grass and red clover
- Bonus Insights: Water quality, soil health, demos for TAMS eligible equipment, biodiversity and more
Find out more about the Teagasc Future Beef Programme here.
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com, more episodes and information are available on the Beef Edge podcast show page.