Articles

Signpost update: Recovering from this summer’s drought

Focused on using nutrients efficiently, DairyBeef 500 and Signpost Programme participant, Denis Hickey writes on how his farm is recovering after this summer’s drought and his finishing plan for heifers and steers.
24 September 2026

Updated Angus and Hereford bonus schemes – plan now to maximise payments

Changes to the Certified Irish Angus and Irish Hereford Prime bonus schemes mean farmers can now potentially earn up to 20c/kg bonuses on qualifying cattle. DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Gordon Peppard expands on how the full payment depends on meeting requirements across three key areas: breed, genetics and sustainability.
23 September 2026

Top tips on finishing dairy-beef cattle at grass

Finishing suitable dairy-beef animals off grass before housing can reduce winter feed requirements and free up shed space, DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Fergal Maguire shares some top tips in this article.
9 September 2026

Making dairy beef pay: James O’Sullivan’s farm system

Alan Dillon, DairyBeef 500 Manager, and James O’Sullivan, DairyBeef 500 farmer from Co. Cork, discuss James’ farm system and upcoming farm walk on this episode of the Beef Edge podcast.
31 August 2026

Labour efficient and profitable DairyBeef 500 farm to host farm walk

Focused very much on making a dairy-beef system as labour efficient as possible, DairyBeef 500 participant, James O’Sullivan will host a farm walk on September 3rd, DairyBeef 500 Programme Manager, Alan Dillon previews the event.
19 August 2026

Dry weather taking its toll on Cork DairyBeef 500 farm

In this Signpost update, DairyBeef 500 participant, Denis Hickey shares how he’s managing through the extended dry spell, focused on keeping young stock performing despite the shortage of grass.
19 August 2026

Six Steps to Protect Dairy-Beef Cattle’s Performance During Dry Weather

The current spell of prolonged dry weather has significantly reduced grass growth on many farms, particularly across the south and south-east of the country. While grass supplies remain adequate in other regions, some farmers are already supplementing cattle at grass with silage and concentrates. Gordon Peppard, DairyBeef 500 Programme Advisor, shares his top tips to protect performance during dry weather.
22 July 2026

Signpost update: Helping later-born calves catch up

Regardless of year, dairy-beef farmers will often end up with a cohort of lighter calves. Here, DairyBeef 500 Programme participant, Denis Hickey outlines his strategy to keep younger and lighter calves thriving at grass.
17 July 2026

To feed or not to feed?

At this time of year, one of the most common questions asked is whether calves should continue to receive concentrates during the summer months. DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Fergal Maguire shares some essential reading.
8 July 2026

Keeping Dairy Beef Performance on Track This Summer

DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, gives some top tips to manage your dairy beef system in the coming weeks and Teagasc advisor, John Kilboyle, previews the National DairyBeef 500 Open Day on the farm of Keith and Olivia Lowry taking place on the 9th July in Co Galway.
3 July 2026