Gain more from grass – attend BEEF2026
Grazed grass is the cheapest feedstuff available on Irish cattle farms, whether that be suckler or dairy-beef. Despite its importance, many beef farmers continue to leave weight gain behind over the grazing season.
To aid farmers gain more from grass, the BEEF2026 Open Day, taking place at Teagasc, Grange, Co. Meath on Wednesday, July 1, will offer farmers practical advice through the Grassland and Forage Village.
Speaking ahead of the event, Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy said: “Beef farmers, like all farmers nationally, haven’t been immune to heightened fertiliser prices this year. Through our Grassland and Forage Village at BEEF2026, we’ll be sharing practical tips and advice for farmers to get the most from grass, starting at the precursor to excellent grass – soil fertility and working right through to the correct pre-grazing swards.”
In many ways, lime is the forgotten fertiliser on many beef farms. National data shows that 64% of soil samples analysed on beef farms by Teagasc fall below the optimum of pH 6.3. At the open day, farmers will be able to see the impact of correcting soil pH has on grass growth but also the potential to save money on fertiliser through the release of soil nitrogen and phosphorus reserves.
More and more farmers have also included clover in their grazing swards. At BEEF2026, farmers will be able to hear the latest trial results from the Derrypatrick Herd, a suckler beef system carrying all progeny to beef on either white clover or grass-only swards. For a practical viewpoint, practical tips will be shared to help farmers get clover swards working on the farm to not only improve animal performance but to potentially save of fertiliser N inputs.
“The Grassland and Forage Village at BEEF2026,” Nikki Kennedy added, “will also examine the cost of feedstuffs on beef farms, wether that be grazed grass, silage or concentrate. Although first-cut silage has been wrapped up on many farms, we’ll be delving into the importance of silage quality, be that for suckler cows, growing animals or finishing animals on farm and we’ll share the latest on our red clover silage research from Teagasc Grange.”
A big draw in the Grassland and Forage Village at the BEEF2024 Open Day was the infrastructure demonstration and this is set to make a return this year. Teagasc staff will be on hand to demonstrate best practice in wire tying, water trough location and paddock set-up for your farm.
For farmers who improved soil fertility and grazing infrastructure on their farm, the final piece in the grassland management puzzle is reseeding. Providing a taster of what to expect in this regard, Nikki Kennedy added: “Teagasc researchers will share the latest results of variety evaluations, both perennial ryegrass and white clover, explaining why all grass varieties are not the same when it comes to early season growth, utilisation or yield.”
About BEEF2026
BEEF2026 will showcase systems and technological advances that can be utilised by cattle farmers from across the country, to increase production and drive income in a sustainable way. Information boards and talks on the main topics of interest to cattle farmers will be presented. These will be combined with live demonstrations and interactive sessions focusing on the latest animal and grassland research and technologies of benefit to Irish beef farmers.