Labour-efficient DairyBeef 500 participants to host national farm walk
Operating a predominantly early maturing steer system in Cappadavock, near Tuam, Co. Galway, DairyBeef 500 participants, Olivia and Keith Lowry will host a national farm walk on Thursday, July 9. John Kilboyle, Drystock Enterprise Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare, previews the event.
An interactive farm walk will take place on the farm of DairyBeef 500 participants, Olivia and Keith Lowry on Thursday. Rearing 70-80 calves annually on 31ha of free-draining land, the farm has undergone significant development in recent years, focusing on grassland management, calf performance, animal health and infrastructure improvement.
The system is designed around labour efficiency, with Olivia and Keith both working full-time off-farm while successfully managing a growing calf-to-beef enterprise. The target for this year is to finish approximately 40 cattle at 22 months at a min. 300 kg carcass, demonstrating the potential of a well-managed, grass-based dairy-beef system.
Calf rearing
The farm currently rears both autumn and spring-born dairy-beef calves, sourcing stock from a small number of trusted dairy farms to maximise consistency and health status. In 2026, all autumn calves were sourced from a single farm, while spring-born calves were purchased from just three farms, helping to simplify management and strengthen biosecurity.
Speaking ahead of the event, DairyBeef 500 Advisor to the farm, Tommy Cox explained: “Olivia and Keith have undergone huge development in recent years since joining the programme. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for farmers to see practical innovations in action, discuss performance targets and exchange ideas on improving profitability within calf-to-beef systems.”
DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Tommy Cox tells us more in the below video:
Calf health
Central to the Lowry’s system is a comprehensive calf health programme, incorporating vaccination against respiratory disease, IBR and clostridial infections, along with targeted parasite control. The farm follows a structured calf-rearing programme with excellent attention to nutrition, weaning and transition to grass.
More from grass
Grassland management has been a major focus area on Olivia and Keith’s farm. Extensive investment in paddock infrastructure and water systems has transformed grazing management across the farm. One out farm block has been redesigned from five large fields with a single water point into a highly efficient grazing platform consisting of a central roadway, sixteen paddocks and fourteen drinkers.
Soil fertility improvements
A focus on soil fertility improvement has also delivered results. More than 200 tonnes of lime were applied between 2023 and 2025 to address soil pH deficiencies. Recent soil analysis shows no further lime requirement, while phosphorus fertility has improved significantly, with 68% of the farm now at Index 3 or 4. Potassium remains a focus area, with a planned programme of Muriate of Potash (MOP) applications to continue building soil reserves.
Reseeding and quality silage
Reseeding continues to play a key role in improving productivity, with 35 acres reseeded since starting in DairyBeef 500 programme. All silage produced in 2026 will come from reseeded swards, with the objective of improving forage quality, reducing concentrate requirements and driving better animal performance. The target is for the weanlings to gain >0.6kg/head/day over the winter period with minimal concentrates.
Topics to be discussed on the evening include:
- Farm overview and profitability
- Calf health and parasite control programmes
- Grassland management and grazing infrastructure
- Reseeding and post emergence management
This is a great opportunity to meet with the DairyBeef 500 team, Teagasc advisors and industry stakeholders and sponsors of the DairyBeef 500 programme Corteva Agriscience, Drummonds, Liffey Mills, Munster Bovine, MSD animal health and Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Ltd.
Also commenting ahead of the event, Teagasc Regional Manager in Galway/Clare, Pat Clarke said: “The DairyBeef 500 programme continues to demonstrate the significant progress that can be achieved when farmers adopt best practice and focus on key performance indicators.
“This farm walk will showcase the excellent work being carried out by Olivia and Keith and provide valuable insights for anyone looking to improve the efficiency, sustainability and profitability of their calf-to-beef enterprise,” Pat Clarke added.
When and where?
All are welcome to attend, Thursday, 9th July at 6:30 pm, Cappadavock, Tuam, Co. Galway Eircode H54 HW77
The above first appeared in Agriland as part of a DairyBeef 500 series of articles and was adapted for use on Teagasc Daily.
For more information from the DairyBeef 500 Programme, visit here.