High-value weanlings out west
With West of Ireland farmers being the backbone of the Irish suckler herd, Keith Fahy, Drystock Advisor in Athenry, writes why the upcoming Teagasc National Beef Conference is a must attend event.
The West of Ireland has long been associated with the Wild Atlantic Way, stonewalls, traditional Irish music and of course quality weanlings. Year in, year out, farmers in the West of Ireland produce top quality stock, that’s no surprise given the density of suckler cows along our western shores. When we look at ICBF figures for instance, we see that County Galway has the largest number of suckler herds standing at 4,836, with the average number of cows calved per herd being 16.2.
With many specialist weanling producers and sales in Galway, it’s fitting that the tribal county hosts this year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference, which takes place on Tuesday, November 18 from 5pm in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry.
Performance, costs and genetics
2026 has been a good year for weanling producers. Higher prices secured at the weanling ring has boosted confidence in the sector, but that shouldn’t be a reason to gloss over technical performance, it should be a driver to enhance it.
The theme of this year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference is ‘Beef Farming 2025: Value, Profit and Renewal’.
For the first session, the theme is ‘High-Value Weanlings from breeding to the market’, and there is an excellent line up of speakers to cover very topical and important issues.
The cost of keeping the suckler cow has been one of the main areas of discussion for many years. Having cows in optimal condition throughout the year can significantly reduce the cost of keeping the cow during the winter whilst increasing profits. Prof. David Kenny, Head of Animal & Bioscience, Teagasc Grange, will cover the importance of managing the suckler cow before and after calving. Fertility and performance will also be discussed in detail.
When we look at the top-grading E and U type weanlings at specialist sales, we see the significance of the myostatin gene and how it can considerably increase the price per kg and the conformation of the animal. A large proportion of these animals are also best suited to specialist orders for shippers and, in many cases, these animals are exported to the likes of Italy, where young bull beef production is a considerable market. Dr. Katie Quigley, Geneticist, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, will cover ‘Understanding the myostatin gene and finding the right balance between muscling and calving ease’.
Market needs
Research, education and management are vital in any profitable farming system, however it is vital that all these cogs in the wheel work together. It is vital that farmers can combine the research and learning on their farms to be as profitable as possible. John Barry, who is a participant in the Teagasc Future Beef Programme, will discuss his system and how he breeds weanlings for both the domestic and export market. John uses top AI bulls in his 90 strong herd of suckler cows.
For more on John Barry’s farming system, listen to his recent appearance on the Beef Edge podcast below:
While producing high-quality weanlings is vital, we must ensure that animals being presented for sale have a high health status. Purchasers of these animals are investing a lot of money and indeed trust when buying weanlings. So, it is vital that these customers continue to return year on year. 2015 FBD Young Beef Farmer, Thomas O’ Connor – a large beef finishing farmer – will discuss the importance of buying and sourcing quality and healthy weanlings and will give a buyer’s perspective and what he looks for when purchasing weanlings.
Livestock marts are the heart and soul of many towns around the country and have been for years. Thousands of stock pass through local marts every week so it is fitting we get an insight from their perspective also. Brendan Egan, Manager of Castlerea Mart, will cover the importance of marketing weanlings and what exporters and farmers alike are looking for when purchasing quality stock.
There will be numerous stands including advisory, water quality, Future Beef Programme and of course CROI will be conducting health checks on farmers before and after the conference also. Local health initiatives like Healthy Galway and Taking Stock will also be present, offering resources and support. Experts from Teagasc and industry will be available on the night to answer your questions. So, there will be something for everyone.
The Teagasc National Beef Conference is an excellent opportunity to learn more about what’s happening in terms of research, monitor farm details, market specifications and outlook, and indeed there will be numerous information stands also. It is a free event and there is an excellent line up of speakers, so be sure to attend this year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry on Tuesday the 18th of November.
For further insights on the Teagasc National Beef Conference, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer, Pearse Kelly joined Catherine Egan on a recent episode of the Beef Edge podcast to preview the event. Listen in below:
For full details on the Teagasc National Beef Conference, visit here.