The Beef Edge

In advance of the National Ploughing Championships, Teagasc Beef Specialists, David Argue and Niall Kerins, give an insight into what’s in store for beef farmers at the Teagasc stand this year.

Nutrition is such an important part of beef production and David outlines the key nutritional areas farmers should be thinking about at the moment. Silage quality can have a huge impact on animal performance and Niall discusses what beef farmers should be looking out for when assessing the quality of their silage and whether their silage is actually meeting the nutritional requirements of their cattle.

David encourages farmers to visit the stand  to discuss winter fodder requirements and find out what they should be considering when choosing feed ingredients for beef cattle this winter.

In addition to the beef ingredient display there will be lots to see at the Teagasc stand so make sure to call to Row 7 Stand 137.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

In advance of Generational Renewal Week 2026 which takes place from Monday 7th to Friday 11th September, Teagasc specialist Ruth Fennell joins the Beef Edge podcast to discuss succession planning and preview the week. 

The week will consist of a hybrid programme of events on generation renewal and included are three webinars and two farm walks.  Whether you are just starting to consider succession planning or are ready to take the next step, Generational Renewal Week has something for everyone.

It will highlight career paths for young farmers and support for older farmers in stepping back. It covers tax, succession, and collaborative models like partnerships, share farming, and leasing to help families to start the transition.

See details of what’s taking place throughout the week below

 Further information at:

https://teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/generational-renewal-week/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

DairyBeef 500 manager, Alan Dillon, and DairyBeef 500 farmer, James O’Sullivan from Co. Cork, discuss James’ farm system and upcoming farm walk. 

James works off-farm as an AI technician and has four young children so labour efficiency is very important.

He achieved over €2,600/ha net profit in 2025 and Alan compares the profitability to other dairy beef farmers nationally, while James discusses the investments on the farm and the grazing strategy and fodder deficit options. 

With around 27 tonnes of beef supplied annually, James says management decisions are most important to ensure the Angus cattle achieve the required carcass specifications. 

James is hosting the National DairyBeef 500 farm walk on September 3rd @5:30pm and for further details go to:

https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-farm-walk-james-osullivan/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Future Beef farmer, James Skehan, from county Clare is on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss his spring-calving suckler-to-beef enterprise while also working off-farm.

Over the past number of years he has made significant changes to improve the profitability, efficiency and sustainability of his business, like many suckler farmers, James has adapted his system to make better use of the resources available on his farm. 

He has moved from selling weanlings to finishing cattle, invested in grazing infrastructure to maximise grass utilisation, focused on improving soil fertility, and placed a strong emphasis on breeding a compact, efficient spring-calving herd. These changes have helped him reduce labour demands while maintaining high levels of animal performance.

As a participant in the Teagasc Future Beef Programme, James has been benchmarking his performance and implementing practical changes that are delivering real improvements on the ground. 

In this episode, he shares the lessons he's learned, discusses how he balances farming with an off-farm career, explains his approach to grassland management, breeding and herd health, and outlines how he prepares calves for weaning.

** Due to the passing of a retired Teagasc colleague, James Skehan’s farm walk has been postponed to Friday 11th September at 5pm.**

Visitors will have the opportunity to see his farming system first-hand and hear about the management practices that are helping drive performance and profitability.

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/futurebeef-farm-walk-james-skehan

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Cork dairy-beef farmer, Philip O'Neill, who operates a calf-to-store beef enterprise alongside a tillage enterprise, while also working off-farm, and his Teagasc advisor, Alan Carey, join this week’s Beef Edge podcast.

Philip O’Neill farms in a Registered Farm Partnership with his mother Denise, and he manages multiple enterprises during the busy spring period which means labour efficiency is essential and in recent years Philip has transformed his calf-rearing system by investing in an automatic calf feeder.

Philip explains what prompted the investment, the practical lessons he learned during the first season using the feeder, and how it has changed the day-to-day management of calves. 

He discusses the labour savings achieved, how technology helps identify health issues at an early stage, and the management practices that have maintained excellent calf health and performance. Philip also shares the importance of planning, from sourcing calves over a short period to ensuring they are weaned before peak tillage work begins.

His Teagasc advisor Alan Carey, discusses the wider lessons for dairy-beef farmers. As many farmers begin reviewing this year's calf-rearing season, Alan outlines the key areas that should be assessed before next spring, including labour requirements, calf health protocols, housing, nutrition and overall system efficiency. 

He also discusses how farmers can control input costs and identify future investment opportunities, including supports available through TAMS, to improve labour efficiency and long-term profitability.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Cork beef farmer, Noel McSweeney, and his Teagasc advisor, David Hallissey, explain how they prepare for this year's Tullamore Show on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.

Noel runs a progressive beef enterprise where he combines commercial cattle production with an embryo transfer breeding programme to produce top-quality show and fatstock cattle. 

He discusses his journey as a young farmer, the evolution of the farm and how he has developed a successful breeding programme while balancing an off-farm career.

With the Tullamore Show just days away, Noel takes us behind the scenes to explain the planning, preparation and attention to detail that goes into getting cattle ready for one of Ireland's premier agricultural events. 

He also shares the key lessons he has learned from showing cattle and offers practical advice for anyone thinking about getting involved.

David Hallissey discusses the increasing interest in commercial show cattle, the importance of breeding for both performance and profitability, and the key areas Noel is focusing on to further develop the farm.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, and Future Beef Programme Manager, Martina Harrington, discuss management tips during current drought conditions and advise on key actions to be taken.

With severe soil moisture deficits on farms at the moment, Nikki gives an overview of the current situation across the country, while Martina outlines how farmers are dealing with the issues on the ground. Martina also discusses management for first-calvers and thin cows as they all have different nutritional demands.

With grass quality and quantity both falling, Nikki outlines the best supplementation strategies. Martina recommends protecting younger stock first. First-season dairy-beef calves are more vulnerable during drought and she discusses supplementing weanlings. 

Martina and Nikki also outline strategies for fertiliser and slurry if rain comes in the coming days

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

In advance of the Irish Grassland Association Open Day on the 30th July in Co. Cavan, Sebana Moynagh joins the Beef Edge to give an insight into her Breffni Pedigree Charolais Herd and to discuss practical beef production and grassland management strategies relevant to both pedigree and commercial suckler farmers.

The Breffni Charolais herd runs approximately 90 pedigree Charolais cows in a performance-recorded, grass-based system, operating a 100% AI breeding programme with predominantly autumn-calving cows. The herd is focused on breeding functional, milky and fertile females, whilst also producing bulls with high carcass weight, fleshing ability and calving ease for suckler farmers.

Topics on the evening will include breeding strategy and genetic selection, herd health planning, paddock design and grazing management, reseeding strategies and the development of labour-efficient systems to improve overall farm performance.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view cows and calves, weanling bulls and heifers, along with cattle handling and housing facilities on the farm.

Food will be served to all attendees who arrive at 6.00 pm sharp, with the farm walk beginning promptly at 6.30 pm.

For more information:

https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/beef-event-2026/ 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Roscommon suckler and sheep farmer, Olivia Hynes, joins Catherine Egan and Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damien Costello, to give an overview of her system and a preview of the FutureBeef National Farm Walk taking place on her farm on 29th July at 6:30pm.

Olivia runs an intensive mixed grazing enterprise, with 49 cows calving in 2026.  In 2024, Olivia moved to a 100% AI breeding programme, a major shift following fertility issues with stock bulls. She now uses a mix of Belgian Blue, Charolais, Limousin, and Simmental sires, supported by two vasectomised bulls for heat detection.

Her goal is to breed all replacements from within her own herd, improving herd health and reducing both disease risk and costs associated with purchasing animals. Selecting the right genetics for maternal performance, fertility, calving ease and carcass quality remains central to building a productive weanling system on Olivia’s farm. 

Weanlings are targeted for the export market and sold in the local mart from September. Last year the weanling heifers weighed 359kg and the bulls weighed 361kg at time of sale. Olivia has placed great emphasis on increasing weight gain from grass while selecting AI sires with high carcass and conformation.

Olivia complements the suckler enterprise with an early to mid-season ewe flock of 230 ewes. Scanning & weaning percentages are excellent with all lambs either finished off grass to factory specification or sold live in Roscommon mart. 

With lambs weaned on the farm, thoughts are moving to selecting ewes for breeding season 2026 and carrying out the ram NCT. This will be a practical demonstration at the farm walk and which will be of huge interest to sheep farmers. 

Reducing labour on the farm when managing sheep will also be discussed on the evening with a discussion around TAMS equipment.

Join us on Wednesday, 29th July at 6:30pm for a FutureBeef National Farm Walk on the farm of Olivia Hynes, Kilcash, Co. Roscommon. The event will be signposted from Knockcroghery village.

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/futurebeef-farm-walk-olivia-hynes/ 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

This is a bonus episode of The Beef Edge featuring a recording of the Beef Pulse forum on ‘Driving Sustainable Calf to Beef Systems’ which was chaired by Breffni O’Brien, Beef specialist with Agriland. 

On the panel were

-       Amie Coonan, calf to beef farmer from Co. Tipperary

-       Charles Smith, General Manager at Certified Irish Angus

-       Margaret Kelleher, Genetics Operations Manager at the ICBF

-       Alan Dillon, Teagasc DairyBeef500 programme manager

-       Liam Gannon, Feed for Growth nutritionist

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Technologist to the Tipperary Dairy Calf-to-Beef Demonstration Farm, Chloe Millar, joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the farm and an insight into the National Open Day taking place on the farm on Wednesday 22nd July @ 11am. 

Chloe first outlines how calves are sourced and reared on the farm.  With over 400 calves purchased annually, the key criteria when sourcing calves, and how important are genetics in determining lifetime performance is outlined.

Chloe discusses the health protocols to minimise disease risk and maximise thrive and she discusses grassland management in the current weather conditions and how some cattle were drafted for finish. 

Chloe also discusses the key technologies and management practices that have delivered benefits for both profitability and environmental performance on the farm.

Finally Chloe welcomes all the listeners to attend the open day on Wednesday 22nd  July at 11:00 am on Ballyvadin Beef Farm Ltd. Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 E0X3, for a practical open day focused on Labour Efficient Dairy Beef systems. 

This event will showcase the latest research and best practices to help farmers improve efficiency and sustainability on farm.  For more, visit:

Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm Open Day - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

This is a bonus episode of The Beef Edge featuring a recording of the Beef Pulse Forum on Market & Policy Outlook from the recent Teagasc BEEF2026 Open Day.

Sean Doorley, Teagasc Beef & Sheep Adviser, was joined by Frank O’Mara, Director, Teagasc, Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy, Teagasc, and Joe Burke, Senior Manager of Meat and Livestock with Bord Bia.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

It was another hugely successful Open Day at Teagasc Grange this year with the theme of ‘Driving Sustainable Performance’ showcasing the latest technology and insights into Irish beef farming.

For this week’s Beef Edge, Catherine Egan spoke to some of those in attendance including Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O’ Meara, Joe Burke from Bord Bia, Kevin Hanarahan Head of Rural Economy with Teagasc, Adam Woods Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Breifne O’Brien, Agriland Beef Specialist and Deputy President of the IFA, Alice Doyle, as well as a number of beef farmers to find out what they thought of the day.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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.

Tommy outlines the key grassland management tips for dairy-beef farmers currently and into July and August, particularly in a year with variable growth rates and weather conditions. 

He discusses the liveweight gains farmers should be targeting for grazing cattle over the summer months, and how can they monitor performance effectively. 

Tommy explains the different options for farmers to consider before introducing concentrates to grazing cattle, and what factors should influence that decision. 

He also warns about some of the main animal health risks during late summer particularly lung worm, including parasites and respiratory issues, and what preventative measures should be taken.

The National DairyBeef 500 Open Day takes place on Keith and Olivia Lowry’s farm  just outside Tuam, Co. Galway on 9th July @ 6:30pm. 

Operating a predominantly early-maturing steer system on 30.6 hectares of free-draining land, the farm has undergone significant development in recent years with a strong focus on grassland management, calf performance, animal health and infrastructure improvement. 

The farm currently rears both autumn and spring-born dairy-beef calves with 80 calves being reared on the farm and John explains how the Lowrys put a strong emphasis on sourcing calves from a small number of trusted dairy farms and the benefits this has meant in terms of calf performance, health and overall management. 

A lot of investment has gone into grazing infrastructure, with the new paddock system, roadway and water network which has improved grass utilisation, production and labour efficiency. 

John also discusses how reseeding has been a key part of the farm development plan and the benefits in terms of silage quality and animal performance.

Topics to be discussed on the evening include:

·      Calf sourcing and rearing strategies

·      Calf health and vaccination programmes

·      Grassland management and grazing infrastructure

·      Silage quality and winter feed planning

·      Labour-efficient farming systems

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, Drummonds, Liffey Mills, Munster Bovine, MSD Animal Health and Volac.

Further details available at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-farm-walk-keith-and-olivia-lowry/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Researcher, Peter Doyle, and Grass 10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, join this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the grazing demonstration at BEEF2026which is taking place at Teagasc Grange.

Nikki outlines how the demonstration focuses on pre-grazing and post-grazing sward heights. 

Many farmers are facing difficult decisions this year due to variable grass growth and Nikki outlines the key indicators that farmers should monitor to maximise cattle performance.

The grazing demonstration compares grass-only and grass-clover swards and Peter discusses the performance differences that are being achieved and the potential fertiliser savings from incorporating white how grass-clover swards which also help improve environmental sustainability.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc ASSAP programme manager, Cathal Somers, and Teagasc Specialist with the Signpost Programme, Mark Plunkett, discuss the importance of lime and soil fertility and the impact it can have on water quality, production and profitability.

Water quality continues to be a major focus for farmers and Cathal outlines the main pressures affecting water quality on beef farms and the eight key actions in the Better Farming for Water campaign.

Mark highlights how farmers have invested heavily in lime over recent years and the impact this is having and what further gains are possible from improving soil fertility.  Mark also describes how farmers can assess the health of their own soils.

At the BEEF 2026 Open Day there will be demonstrations of practical ways to improve soil health and water quality.

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/beef2026/

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/grange/beef2026-open-day/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc researchers, Paul Smith and Emily Roskam, discuss the latest research on growing and finishing cattle, how this is being implemented on farms and look ahead to the upcoming National Beef Open Day, BEEF2026, taking place on July 1st at Teagasc Grange.

Emily says the biggest opportunities to improve feed efficiency in growing cattle without increasing costs on farm is through good grassland management and silage quality. Teagasc research shows that increasing concentrate levels increases liveweight gain and carcass gain. This is hugely influenced by the dry matter digestibility being fed in silage and Emily highlights the various feed rates depending on silage quality and animal type.

The national age at slaughter remains significantly higher than that achieved on research and top-performing commercial farms and Paul discusses the main barriers preventing farmers from finishing cattle at 22–23 months of age. Many listeners will have heard of the Beef Quest project, Paul outlines some of the key findings.

At the BEEF 2026 Growing and Finishing village a central feature of the event will be a live cattle handling and finishing demonstration, facilitated by Teagasc specialist and advisory staff alongside factory procurement personnel. 

Farmers will see first-hand the key areas to assess when selecting animals for sale, including the correct and incorrect levels of carcass fatness and the fat scores and grades required under the Quality Payment Scheme (QPS).

Nationally, a relatively high percentage of cattle are being slaughtered at excessively high fat scores. This represents an economic cost through the use of grazed grass, silage or concentrate on animals with declining carcass performance efficiency. Selecting animals at the appropriate fat score is a must have skill for all farmers finishing beef animals. 

Frank O’Sullivan, vet at Teagasc Grange, will outline key animal health considerations, while space allowance will be covered, including the correct areas required and their impact on performance. 

Nutritional factors will also be discussed, focusing on winter and finishing diets.

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/beef2026/

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/grange/beef2026-open-day/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Research Technologist, Edwin Carroll, and Future Beef Programme Manager, Martina Harrington, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the suckler beef research taking place in Teagasc Grange and how this is being implemented on the Future Beef Programme farms.  Plus they preview the upcoming National Beef Open Day - BEEF2026 - taking place on July 1st in Teagasc Grange.

Edwin gives an insight into the Maternal and Derrypatrick herds at Teagasc Grange whilst Martina outlines the key factors that underpin profitable suckler beef production systems.

Martina and Edwin also discuss the most important drivers of suckler herd profitability, particularly breeding performance.

Silage quality has a huge impact on winter performance and Edwin discusses how silage harvesting is going and removing surplus bale,s with Martina highlighting the benefits that the Furture Beef farmer participants are seeing in implementing a paddock system.

On July 1st call to the Suckler Beef village where you can find out about:

·      Research trial updates from Teagasc Grange

·      Breeding the ideal suckler cow

·      Synchronisation to improve fertility & labour efficiency

·      Herd health: cows & calves from birth to weaning

·      Derrypatrick and Maternal Research Herds

·      Newford Demonstration Herd

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/beef2026/

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/grange/beef2026-open-day/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

DairyBeef 500 Manager, Alan Dillon, and Teagasc researcher, Jamie O’Driscoll give an update on the dairy beef research taking place in Teagasc Grange and how this is being implemented on the DB500 Programme farms.  Plus they preview the upcoming National Beef Open day BEEF2026 taking place July 1st in Teagasc Grange.

Alan and Jamie discuss the importance of the CBV when purchasing calves and the impact that it can have, with Alan outlining the importance of good grazing infrastructure, high quality silage and good calf rearing facilities.

On July 1st call to the Dairy Beef village as Jamie outlines all that will be on offer, including:

·      Profitable dairy-beef systems

·      Utilising the Commercial Beef Value (CBV)

·      Efficient calf-rearing practices

·      Maintaining calf health

·      DairyBeef 500 Demonstration Farms

·      Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Far

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/beef2026/

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/grange/beef2026-open-day/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Future Beef programme farmer, John Dunne, from Co.Offaly  is on the Beef Edge podcast this week to give an update into his suckler beef and dairy beef finishing systems, the breeding season, their grassland management and the upcoming National Beef Open Day taking place on 5th June.

John farms alongside his son James just outside Portarlington, operating a highly profitable and progressive beef system, combining 79 suckler cows with a dairy calf-to-beef enterprise where 140 dairy calves are purchased annually and brought right through to finish or stores under 24 months of age .

John discusses breeding season and the use of AI on the farm and the difficulty of managing grass in the current weather conditions. 

Silage will be harvested this week on the farm and John outlines the management of the dairy beef calves up to weaning and the importance of visually assessing calf health in addition to  the management of health and nutrition on farm. 

The farm borders the River Barrow catchment area and John explains the range of key measures being adopted on the farm to improve water quality.

The Future Beef National Open Day takes place on Friday 5th June @ 6:30p and fo further details go to: 

https://teagasc.ie/event/futurebeef-farm-walk-john-and-james-dunne/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com  

Grass10 advisor Nikki Kennedy has the monthly grass update from around the country and tips for the month ahead.

Nikki highlights that drought conditions are being experienced in the east and she discusses management tips for grazing in the weeks ahead. With silage being harvested in the coming weeks Nikki describes the actions to ensure quality silage, whilst also assessing the categories of animals on the farm needing the different qualities.

Finally Nikki gives her top tips for the month ahead and has details on the upcoming grassland village at BEEF 2026 taking place 1st July in Teagasc Grange.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com  

Future Beef Programme farmer, John Pringle from Co. Wicklow, joins this week's Beef Edge to give an insight into his suckler beef system finishing bulls at under 16 months, preparing for silage and the upcoming National Beef Open Day taking place on 29th May at 6:30pm.

John details his sheep and beef enterprise and how the farm has evolved over the last number of decades. 

He describes the management of the bulls from weanling to finish on the farm and the plans for bulls being finished in 2026. 

The role of good health measures play an important factor in reducing stress and maintaining thrive. 

John is highly focused on efficiency and grass utilisation and describes how the system changed in recent years with improved utilisations, closing farm in the autumn and applying lime since joining the Future Beef programme. The plan is to harvest silage in the coming week with the target to make over 70 DMD.  

Breeding season has been going well so far and John has implemented a synchronisation protocol for the heifers for the second year in a row. 

The investment in sheep and cattle handling facilities along with a new shed has improved labour efficiency and health and safety on the farm.

Join us on Friday, 29th May at 6:30pm for a Future Beef National Farm Walk on the farm of John Pringle, Kilacloran, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow. Eircode: Y14 PT99.

For further details: 

FutureBeef Farm Walk - John Pringle - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com  

With breeding season under way, Teagasc researcher, Peter Doyle, joins this week’s show to give an update on the Derrypatrick herd.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Pat Joyce from Co. Galway, who operates a contract heifer rearing system, and his Teagasc advisor, Charlie Devaney, join this week’s Beef Edge to give an overview of the farm and the steps that Pat takes to make good quality silage.

Pat farms outside Williamstown in Co.Galway; having previously operated a suckling system, he changed in 2017 to contract rear heifers for a dairy farmer. This system has grown and expanded to over 100 heifers bring reared in recent years on two blocks of land.

Maximising weight gain as cost efficiently as possible is key, Pat advises, and this is achieved on farm by increasing grass utilisation through an extensive paddock system.

Breeding is a labour intensive part of the system with close observation of heifers on the home block used to detect heifers, along with tail paint and scratchcards. The am/pm rule is used for AI on the farm. This year Pat has installed SenseHub to aid heat detection on the outblock.

Managing costs on the farm is very important especially making quality silage which is something Pat has focused on a lot on in recent years. Pat has also red clover on the farm and he discusses how it is managed so far this year and the plan for the year ahead.

Plus, Pat highlights a few tips for any farmer considering going contract rearing.

Local Teagasc advisor, Charlie Devaney, concludes with advice for farmers making silage this year, particularly where ground hasn’t been grazed.

If you missed the recent Silage Webinar, watch it here: 

Gearing up for Silage 2026 - Webinar

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss transitioning calves to grass.

When calves underperform during their first season at pasture, it makes it difficult to achieve key performance targets, irrespective of systems further down the line. 

Failing to hit an average daily gain targets of 0.7-0.8 kg/day results in delayed slaughter, the production of lighter carcasses and/or the introduction of additional concentrates to try and recover the loss in performance recorded over the first grazing season. Therefore, ensuring calves perform to their optimum over the first 12 weeks of life is important.

Tommy highlights the fact that the majority of calf-to-beef producers opt to wean their calves prior to moving them from the calf shed to the field. During this period, calves may suffer a post-weaning growth check and subsequently disease outbreak as a result of: the low intake of dry feed up until weaning; the high intake of low-energy, bulky forages; or stress when feeds are changed. 

He advises to feed concentrates before, during and after weaning to limit the level of growth check experienced. 

Calves should be offered concentrates (1-2 kg/day) for 2-3 weeks post-turnout.  Concentrate supplementation provides the calf with adequate time to become accustomed to grazing before an all-grass diet is offered.

For further information: 

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/dairybeef-500-factsheets/the-first-12-weeks-at-grass-for-dairy-beef-calves/

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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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On this week’s joint episode of the Beef Edge along with Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast, Chris Maughan Technical Manager, Whelehan Crop Protection, discusses weed control and planning for the year ahead.

It’s been a cold wet start to year with grass growth hampered this spring and Chris outlines dock control options on grazing and silage ground.

He also explains general weed control and ragwort control and where clover needs to be retained in established grassland and new sown leys, Chris outlines the range of  options available. 

Plus, Chris discusses best practice relating to water quality and disposal of empty spray containers and highlights the importance of using the correct nozzles to reduce drift.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With rising input costs and tighter margins, it’s never been more important to understand your costs of production and where your system stands. 

On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc beef specialist, David Argue, who has been working through a range of beef budgets for autumn 2025 and spring 2026, discusses everything from under-16 month bull systems, to forward store finishing, as well as dairy calf-to-beef enterprises, looking at the assumptions behind them and how they stack up financially. 

David also outlines the impact that increases in concentrate, fertiliser and contractor charges will have on break even and margin in the systems. 

Good health and management are essential as well and David discusses some of the opportunities to cut costs without affecting performance highlighting the importance of completing a budget for your farm and system. 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc technician on the Newford demonstration farm, Michael Fagan, gives an update from the farm, breeding season ahead and the breeding open day taking place on April 22nd.

The event will focus on the key drivers of suckler herd efficiency, offering attendees the opportunity to see proven systems in action. With the breeding season fast approaching, the timing  is ideal for farmers looking to fine-tune their approach and maximise results in the months ahead, particularly those considering AI.

A central theme of the day will be breeding efficiency, with a strong emphasis on the genetics behind the Newford herd. Farmers will gain an understanding of the terminal sires being used to deliver both performance and profitability. The importance of selecting the right genetics to meet farm objectives will be explored, helping farmers make more informed breeding decisions.

Whether you are looking to improve breeding performance, reduce workload or future-proof your suckler enterprise, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn and see best practice in action.  A number of industry stakeholder stands will be present, where farmers can meet and ask questions.

The event takes place on Wednesday, 22nd April at 4pm at Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Scrine, Co. Roscommon (Eircode F42 AH57).

Newford Farm is a joint partnership between Teagasc, Dawn Meats and McDonald’s.

Further details at:  www.teagasc.ie/event/newford-open-day/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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It was a very challenging spring this year and for the monthly Grass10 update, Nikki Kennedy and John Conroy give updates from around the country and plan for the month ahead.

John says that while some ground has been grazed, there is still a lot not grazed yet in the west and it is unlikely that silage ground will be grazed at this stage. 

Nikki has an update from Teagasc Grange and says a flexible approach is needed to utilise grass this spring with it being important to walk the farm and assess grass re-growths.

Finally Nikki and John give their top tips for the month ahead.

For more, you can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc Specialist Mark Plunkett, from the Signpost Programme, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss fertiliser application for silage this year.  

As we move through a challenging spring, many farmers are reassessing their silage strategy. Weather disruption, fertiliser costs, and environmental pressures all mean that getting the basics right has never been more important. Mark outlines the importance of achieving high-quality silage while maintaining yields and controlling input costs.

Closing date is one of the most important drivers of silage quality. Earlier closing (late March to early April) results in higher digestibility and better feed quality, but typically lower yields. Delayed closing increases bulk but reduces DMD (dry matter digestibility), impacting animal performance.

Mark highlights how this spring, some ground may not be grazed before closing due to poor conditions. In these cases:

· Remove heavy covers early if possible through light grazing

· If not feasible, close, fertilise and harvest early May

· Avoid applying slurry on very heavy covers—this can lead to contamination

Mark explains that a typical fertiliser programme should aim to supply:

· Nitrogen (N): 80–100 units/acre (100–125 kg/ha)

· Phosphorus (P): 16 units/acre (20 kg/ha) where required

· Potassium (K): 80 units/acre (100 kg/ha), especially where silage is removed annually

Sulphur is often overlooked but is essential for nitrogen utilisation and good grass growth. Deficiency can limit yield even where nitrogen is applied. Including sulphur (10–15 units/acre) improves overall response.

Finally Mark highlights:

· Close remaining silage ground as soon as conditions allow

· Apply fertiliser promptly after closing

· Use slurry where conditions are suitable

· Monitor covers and plan cutting dates early

Timeliness is critical - delays now reduce both yield and quality.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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With many beef farmers balancing part-time work off the farm, this episode marks the first in our new monthly series, ‘Managing Labour on Farm’. 

Father and son, Eamon and Donnchadh McCarthy from Youghal, and participants in the Future Beef Programme, share how they successfully run their suckler-to-beef system whilst both working off-farm.

Labour efficiency on the farm is very important and like many farms, the biggest labour pinch points during the year are calving, breeding and finishing which are managed around their off farm work. 

Calving in the spring, prior to Donnchadh starting work as an AI technician, is critical and is compacted to 6 weeks. 

Previously, calving in both spring and autumn had a huge impact on labour demand with the two calving seasons and breeding periods. 

A good farm paddock system has helped bring cows back to the yard with roadways highlighted as a job for the future to make life easier. 

Investments on the farm around housing and handling facilities have made a big difference to saving time and labour particularly handling cattle during the herd test and throughout the year. 

Finishing bulls under 16 months is quite labour-intensive but most feeding is carried out with the feeder when concentrates are fed ad lib and this doesn’t need to be done daily, thus reducing labour. In the future investment in a meal store to enable the tractor and loader do most of this work is being considered.

Eamon and Donnchadh also discuss the various technologies being used on the farm to minimise labour such as SenseHub and PastureBase Ireland to measure grass. 

The fertiliser dispersal stand has also been very important on the farm for health and safety and you see more on it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7uinpDPbK0

Further updates from the McCarthys are at:

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/eamon-donnchadh-mccarthy/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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For this second of a two-part series focused on the Commercial Beef Value, Ciaran Conway who runs a weanling to finishing heifer system with his son Diarmuid outside Mullingar Co. Westmeath, discusses his system and use of CBV on their farm which was awarded 2025 Suckler Finisher Award for Ashbourne.

High-CBV continental weanlings, disciplined management and a grass-driven system underpin the reliability and strong carcass results achieved.

Ciaran discusses how grass is central to his system and the key grassland management practices that drive performance. 

Buying over 300 cattle a year, a good herd health plan is essential and Ciaran outlines his health protocol.

Ciaran also works off farm as a nutritionist and discusses his finishing programme for the stock when they are housed.

The system, finishing around 24 months, is tightly managed and Ciaran outlines the role CBV plays in purchasing cattle in addition to visuals and price.

For further info:

https://www.icbf.com/continental-quality-high-cbvs-driving-performance-on-the-conway-farm/

https://www.icbf.com/commercial-beef-value-cbv/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Over the last few years, farmers have become more aware of the Commercial Beef Value – or CBV – and so, this week is the first of a two-part series on the importance of CBV.

The ICBF’s Research Project Co-ordinator, David Kelly, who is based in the Tully Research Centre, joins the show to discuss the latest information and findings at Tully with regards to CBV. 

David highlights the fact that farmers finishing cattle are seeing measurable margin differences between high and low CBV cattle. He discusses continental, dairy beef and dairy cross dairy cattle. 

He outlines the impact on profitability on the high-CBV dairy-beef cattle finishing earlier and grading better and he explains that while genotyping significantly improves CBV reliability, it is also influencing breeding decisions on farm.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Over the last decade the Irish agriculture and food sector has grown, developed and modernised. Teagasc recently launched the Teagasc Enterprise Road Maps and on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Head of Drystock, Pearse Kelly, and Beef Enterprise Leader, Dr. Paul Crosson at Teagasc Grange, discuss current performance, market outlook, sustainability priorities and future targets for Irish beef.

Beef farming is one of the larger sectors in Irish agriculture and accounts for one third of overall agricultural output due partially to a strong period of increased prices. Approximately 80% of Irish farms carry some beef animals with 55% of Irish farms considered to be specialist beef producers. 

In recent years there has been an increase in the volume of beef produced from animals born in the dairy herd (now approximately 60% of the total) in comparison to progeny from the suckler herd and we have seen a decrease in the number of suckler cows over the same period. Suckler cows account for approximately a third of the total cows (beef and dairy) in Ireland.

Beef farm input costs have remained stable, while output values have risen due to a strong export market. As a result, farm income from production is expected to grow. However, the sector remains highly dependent on income support measures to maintain profitability. 

Teagasc will continue integrating research and knowledge transfer efforts to enhance the economic sustainability of the Irish beef sector. Our focus remains on lowering production costs, improving performance and sustainable output, and accelerating genetic progress at the farm level

New and emerging technologies may provide opportunities to optimise farm operations, improve animal performance, and support more sustainable and profitable beef production. Teagasc will evaluate the potential impact of these new technologies on Irish beef farmers and demonstrate their benefits by collaborating with our network of demonstration farmers who are actively implementing them on their farms.

Further details at:

Teagasc Road Map Series 2030 – Overview of Irish Agriculture and Food - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Mark Plunkett from the Teagasc Signpost Programme joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss soil fertility and planning for the year ahead. 

Mark outlines how only 13% of the soil on drystock farms is optimum for pH, P and K. While there has been a big rise in recent years with the amount of lime being applied, in 2026 another 500,000 tonnes are still needed. 

Mark explains the benefits of lime on climate and production and says that farmers should use soil test results to prioritise where fertiliser money is spent through updating the nutrient management plan.  

Mark also discusses the application of nitrogen and slurry this spring to maximise efficient use and he says it is important to target slurry to silage ground.

Further details on the Signpost Programme are at:

https://teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change-air-quality/signpost-programme/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, and Grass10 Manager, John Maher, are on this week’s Beef Edge with an update on the current situation around the country and planning for the spring ahead. 

John gives a review of 2025 which was a great year for most farmers in relation to grass.

January was significantly wetter than average, especially in eastern and southern counties, contributing to saturated ground and flooding risk. 

Nikki outlines the importance of walking the farm and picking the right slurry for the right ground and highlights the importance of correcting P and K.

They both outline managing grass and getting started grazing in the first rotation and how to rectify any damage

There are also a number of beef spring grass workshops taking place around the country in the coming weeks focusing on the practical aspect of grazing this spring with live demos focused on fertiliser, slurry and infrastructure. 

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grassland-events/#Springgrass

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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For this final part of the ‘Dairy Calf to Beef’ series on the Beef Edge, Liam Gannon from Volac discusses feeding the calf up to weaning and the key dos and don’ts around feeding milk replacer. 

Liam explains the ingredients one should focus on when selecting a milk replacer and the key benefits of feeding a high-quality milk replacer in terms of nutrition and calf performance cannot be underestimated. If you are happy with the replacer your feeding that is key.

Liam highlights a recommended feeding program for spring-born calves in terms of volume, frequency and dilution rates up to weaning.

He also outlines the common digestive issues when feeding milk replacer, and how farmers can prevent them.

It’s worth noting that consistency has come up throughout this podcast series in relation to feeding milk replacer for calf health, hygiene, timing and mixing.

To conclude Liam discusses the importance of the current dilution rate and advises farmers to take into account the cold weather temperatures and impact that can have and to account for this when feeding replacer.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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For the third part of our ‘Dairy Calf to Beef’ series, vet Tommy Heffernan discusses the key areas to ensure a healthy calf and developing a sustainable profitable dairy beef system. 

Tommy says that pneumonia, scour and coccidiosis are some of the main issues with calves. The damp, cold spring weather impacts calf health and increases risks. 

Tommy outlines ways to rescue pneumonia and scour outbreaks in calves, plus he highlights the best procedure for calf arrival on farm that he has seen working well in terms of electrolytes, housing etc.

Tommy also explains that prevention planning with a vet plays a huge role in advance of purchasing calves this spring.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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For the second part of the 'Dairy Calf to Beef’ series’ on the Beef Edge, Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue, discusses what to be aware of when sourcing calves and the essential things to get right during the rearing process.

David explains that when sourcing dairy-beef calves this spring, the health of the calf, breed and genetic make-up are very important.

Avoid any signs of ill health, and minimise stress around purchase and transport.  Good ventilation, bedding, and stocking density are important to reduce disease.

David says that a good milk replacer is essential an keeping a routine at feeding time is important.

Daily liveweight gain should ideally double from purchase at 3 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age gaining 0.8kg/head/day.  

It is essential that the calf has a well-developed rumen and maximises early life performance to ensure good thrive going forward. David also highlights that developing a farm-specific health plan with a vet is key to ensure issues from previous years are resolved and overcome.

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/dairybeef-500-factsheets/nutritional-management-of-the-dairy-beef-calf/

Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026 

The Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026 will take place on Thursday, January 29th at 7pm at Ballykisteen Hotel, Limerick Junction, County Tipperary, E34 VK12.

For more information on the conference: 

https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-conference/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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In the first part of a ‘Dairy Calf to Beef’ series on the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast, DairyBeef 500 Manager, Alan Dillon, discusses the key performance indicators of a sustainable, profitable dairy beef system.

Alan outlines the importance of increased grass utilisation, improved silage quality, a good herd health plan and daily liveweight gains and the impact breed and commercial beef value can have in a dairy beef system. 

Age at slaughter is fam and system specific and Alan discusses the impact both have on margin. Completion and analysis of the DairyBeef 500 profit monitors is currently underway. Alan discusses variable and fixed costs on the farm and the impact calf price can have.

Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference

The Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026 will take place on Thursday, January 29th at 7pm at Ballykisteen Hotel, Limerick Junction, County Tipperary, E34 VK12.

Featuring an array of expert speakers, the conference will cover some of the important areas of dairy calf to beef production. A panel discussion with farmers and advisors will discuss the areas of focus for 2026 while also reflecting on the positives from 2025.

For more information on the conference, visit here: 

https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-conference/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc Beef Specialist, Niall Kerins, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with some of the key management tips for the weeks ahead. 

Niall discusses the importance of using a pre-calving mineral on farm and he outlines some key things to have on hand in advance of calving cows and purchasing calves. 

Niall also explains the importance of updating your nutrient management plan on the farm in 2026 and says now is an ideal time to take soil samples in advance of slurry being applied.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Pearse Kelly, Teagasc Head of Drystock, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to reflect on beef supply, market and beef prices in 2025 and how to plan for 2026. 

Bord Bia had forecast the national kill would be back 70,000-90,000 in 2025 but that has been closer to 200,000. This is likely to remain similar in 2026. 

Pearse’s long term outlook is positive but he says that farmers should complete a profit monitor in 2025 to assess performance and costs prior to 2026. 

Rupert Claxton also spoke at this year’s Beef Conference giving a broad global view of beef with further details here: 

https://teagasc.ie/publications/national-beef-conference-2025/

You can also watch the recent beef webinar at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJD2zfLVmM

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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For this special Christmas episode of The Beef Edge, we’re re-visiting our 300th episode of the podcast that was recorded earlier this year with Matt Dempsey, whose career spans multiple decades and various roles in agricultural journalism and beyond.

Matt has been instrumental in driving innovations in Irish agriculture through his work as a journalist, farmer and chairman of various industry groups and he gives his outlook for the Irish beef industry. 

Matt discusses intervention, suckler incentive scheme, beef tribunal, BSE and Foot and Mouth to name but a few.

Matte highlights the work done by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation as a significant breakthrough as well as the emphasis on easy calving, and also of marbling of beef.

He also comments on the emergence of grazing management, fertiliser, and especially grass varieties and reseeding that have been revolutionary.

Matt discusses a previous campaign that the Farmers' Journal and the IFA carried out in relation to Brazilian beef which succeeded in getting the actual import regime changed at Brussels level when the beef trade in Ireland and Europe looked as if it was going to be fundamentally undermined.

A huge thanks to everyone that has appeared on the Beef Edge podcast over the past 300 episodes and to all the listeners for making the podcast such a success - wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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For a special joint podcast on bluetongue, with Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge and Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast, this week’s Beef Edge is joined by vet John Donlon to find out more about bluetongue.

Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for increased awareness in the Republic of Ireland. 

Early action, identification and isolation will be key in reducing the potential for further virus spread.

Temperature is a major factor in the transmission of bluetongue. The typical transmission period usually runs from late spring to early autumn, especially during the summer months. During the winter, the risk of disease spread is much lower.

Bluetongue is associated with many symptoms. Typically, in affected cattle and sheep, the main symptoms may include: fever and loss of appetite; drop in milk yield (dairy cows); reddening of mucous membranes; sores on the nose, gums or dental pads; swelling of the face, lips or tongue (‘blue tongue’); breathing difficulties, drooling or nasal/eye discharge; lameness due to inflammation at the top of the hoof; abortion or foetal deformities; and, in severe cases, infection can result in death.

For further info:
Teagasc urges vigilance on bluetongue - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, meaning anyone who suspects an animal may have the disease is legally obliged to notify DAFM without delay.

To report a suspected case of Bluetongue virus to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), you should immediately contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the National Disease Emergency Hotline. 

Contact Details:

·      During office hours (9 am - 5 pm): Contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO)

·      Outside office hours (operational 365 days a year): Ring the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Dr. Paul Crosson, Beef Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Grange, is on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the latest research being carried out in 2025 and the plans for 2026.

Pauls highlights the current research underway on the Derrypatrick and Maternal Herd and he outlines the findings from the dairy beef work being carried out as well as the latest research relating to additives.

You can also watch the recent Teagasc Beef Webinar with Paul at: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJD2zfLVmM

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, outlines the changes affecting beef and sheep farms this year on this week’s joint Beef Edge and OviCast podcast.

From 1st December, new rules on veterinary medicines came into effect as part of Ireland’s national strategy to tackle antimicrobial and anti-parasitic resistance. 

These changes mean that a range of commonly used products will now require a veterinary prescription, and all prescriptions will be issued and recorded through the National Veterinary Prescription System, or NVPS.

To help explain what this means day-to-day on your farm, Rebecca looks back at the background to AMR and APR, and she discusses why moving certain products to prescription-only status is necessary.

Rebecca explains that all prescriptions must go through NVPS, the national online system. While farmers can still choose where to buy, retailers just need the valid NVPS prescription. She says it is important to start planning earlier with your vet, especially during busy dosing seasons.

For more information: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/national-veterinary-prescription-system/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Ronan Lynch, agronomist with Deeside Agri, and suckler and beef finisher, Brian Kirk from Co. Louth, are on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the opportunity of using native grains in rations. 

Ronan explains that of the 7 million tonnes of grains used in the country, only 2 million are produced in Ireland. 

He highlights the benefits of oats and reducing the carbon footprint by incorporating homegrown grain ore in rations such as oats. 

We often hear that barley is the premium grain, and oats are just a second-best option for livestock. However, Teagasc trials showed that when feeding finishing beef cattle on a grass silage-based diet, rolled oats performed just as effectively as rolled barley. 

Brian then details his suckling and finishing system and discusses how performance on his farm has improved by using oats in the rations.

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/publications/oats-a-high-performing-native-grain/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Image: FarmersJournal.ie 

Rupert Claxton, Meat & Livestock Director, GIRA, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast discussing the global outlook for the beef industry. 

Rupert highlights that the supply of beef is tight, while demand from the consumer is remarkably robust. The result of good global demand and tight supply are the high prices seen today.

Rupert explains how several UK retailers have included beef from a variety of non-European sources on their retail shelves during 2025, however, outlook for 2026 is a continuation of the current trend, both in Europe and globally. 

He says that Ireland is well placed to produce more beef in a way that is both environmentally and commercially sustainable and he emphasises there are opportunities for investment in the beef sector but rationalisation at industry and farm level is needed to deliver efficiencies.

For more visit:

https://teagasc.ie/publications/national-beef-conference-2025/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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With the Teagasc National Beef Conference taking place on Tuesday, the 18th of November at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry, County Galway, Future Beef farmer, John Barry from Nenagh, County Tipperary, is on this week’s Beef edge podcast to explain his suckling-to-weanling system and how he balances shape and quality to meet both home and export market demands.

John Barry runs a 90-cow suckler herd full-time and since taking over the farm in his own name a decade ago, John has steadily developed the enterprise with significant investments, including new sheds, upgraded laneways and fencing, and the installation of a new cattle crush to make vaccinating and dosing more efficient.

The herd is split between spring and autumn calving, with around 60 cows calving from February to April and the remainder from August to October. The preferred cow type on the farm is a Limousin–Simmental cross, although Charolais and Belgian Blue crosses also feature in the herd. Most cows are R+ to U– grade animals with good milk.

Artificial insemination (AI) is used on more than 75% of the herd. John selects sires from Belgian Blue, Charolais, and Limousin breeds, while a Limousin stock bull is used for mop-up. Red Angus sires are also used on Belgian Blue-type heifers. John produces top-quality U and E grade weanlings for both the local and export markets.

In recent years, John has placed a strong emphasis on grassland management, focusing on growing and utilising grass more efficiently to reduce costs. He has also incorporated red clover and undertaken arable reseeding to improve farm sustainability and productivity.

John is speaking at this year’s National Beef Conference discussing his role in meeting future market demands.

Whether you're looking to improve your breeding, plan ahead for tax, or start the conversation about passing on the farm – this event will have something for you. It is a free event and all are welcome. 

Further details available at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/national-beef-conference/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Pearse Kelly, Teagasc’s Head of Drystock, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into what’s in store at the Teagasc National Beef Conference which is taking place on 18th November in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Co.Galway, starting at 5pm.

This year’s theme is ‘Beef Farming 2025: Value, Profit and Renewal’, with a strong focus on producing high-value weanlings, managing farm profitability, and supporting generational renewal. 

There are two action-packed sessions featuring expert speakers, farmer insights, and panel discussions:

Session I: High-Value Weanlings – From Breeding to the Market

Time: 5.00pm
 Chair: Keith Fahy, Teagasc Drystock Advisor & Host of Country Life on Galway Bay FM

Speakers and topics include:

·      Prof. David Kenny, Head of Animal & Bioscience, Teagasc Grange – Managing the suckler cow before and after calving for better fertility and performance

·      Dr. Katie Quigley, Geneticist, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation – Understanding the myostatin gene and finding the right balance between muscling and calving ease

·      John Barry, Future Beef programme participant, will share his approach to breeding weanlings in demand at home and for export

·      Thomas O’Connor, Beef finishing farmer from Co. Kildare, will discuss what he is looking for when buying cattle to finish on his farm

·      Brendan Egan, Manager, Castlerea Mart – What the market wants and how to meet that demand

Following this, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to meet Teagasc advisers and industry stakeholders

Session II: Beef 2025 and Beyond – Prices, Profits & Passing on the Farm

Time: 7.15pm
 Chair: Damien O'Reilly, former presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s Countrywide

·      Rupert Claxton, Meat Director at GIRA – Global beef market trends, what’s driving prices, and where the market is going

·      Trevor Boland, Beef Farmer & IFAC Accountant – Farm profits in 2025 and beyond: practical advice on tax planning and staying profitable

Following this is a panel discussion on Generational Renewal – tackling the challenges and solutions of succession on Irish beef farms. 

Panellists include:

·      Dr. Emma Dillon, Teagasc National Farm Survey Economist

·      Ruth Fennell, Collaborative Farming Specialist, Teagasc

·      Trevor Boland, Beef farmer & IFAC Accountant

·      Eamonn & Donnchadh McCarthy, suckler farmers from Youghal

The evening wraps up by 8.45pm. 

Experts from the following Teagasc programmes will be available on the night to answer your questions:

·      Future Beef & DairyBeef500

·      Teagasc Organic Team

·      Signpost Programme

·      Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme

As International Men’s Day falls on 19th November, the conference will also highlight farmer health and wellbeing. There are information stands and free health checks with Croí, plus foot care advice and mental health supports, while local health initiatives like Healthy Galway and Taking Stock will also be present, offering resources and support.

For further details: 

https://teagasc.ie/event/national-beef-conference/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

For the final part of the special series, ‘Getting Winter Ready’,  Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss ‘Health at Housing’.  

As always, there  are liver and rumen fluke, lice and mites, and going in to housing, gutworms or lungworm (hoose) might still be problematic. 

Natascha says to be particularly careful about lungworm as it has been ideal conditions over the last few weeks. 

She outlines the products for treating worms and fluke and says the product is very important, particularly when it comes to performance over the winter. 

Immature flukes keep growing and affect the animal’s performance, so Natascha advises that you might need to go in again a number of weeks later with the same type of product, or you could use a product that targets the younger life stage of the parasites. 

Natascha then discusses the products to be used for biting and sucking lice and she also outlines the importance of a health plan for purchasing cattle on the farm.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast and to listen back to the other two episodes in the ‘Getting Winter Ready’ series, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Grass10 Manager, John Maher, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge with grassland management tips for the month ahead.

John discusses current grazing conditions and explains the different scenarios across the country.

John discusses an action plan for closing up paddocks and he highlights the importance of being flexible and to ensure swards that are closed are not re-grazed again before winter.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

James Strain, nutritionist with Inishowen Co-op, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to discuss ‘Winter Nutrition’. 

James highlights the importance of a good herd health plan which is key before looking at nutrition to maximise winter performance. 

When assessing silage quality James explains Dry Matter Digestibility, Dry Matter, Crude Protein and pH, while he also discusses feeding rates to gain 0.5-0.6 kg/head/day on a weanling over the winter.

When it comes to rations, James highlights at to look out for on the label, with ideally 5-6 main ingredients:

-       Energy is the most important nutrient

-       Protein is needed for growth

Information is power – read the feed label carefully & speak with your merchant.

For finishing farmers that have cattle housed, James explains what to look for in a ration and building up cattle on ad lib to be managed without any issues.

When it comes to mineral inclusion rates James discusses what is important in a pre-calving mineral.

Finally, James highlights the upcoming mart events taking place in Donegal on 22nd Oct at the Donegal Livestock Mart, 29th Oct at the Inishowen Livestock Mart and on 4th Nov at Milford Livestock Mart.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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In the first part of a three-part series, ‘Getting Winter Ready’, on the Beef Edge, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Niall Kerins, discusses ‘Winter Housing’.

Housing is a key part of maximising winter performance, farmers can have the nutrition of the animal correct and the animal treated to have them healthy and yet still not be achieving 0.6kg/head/day over the winter period on weanlings.

Space allowance is important to determine, how many weanlings/stores/cows should be housed per bay.

Feed barrier spacing is often overlooked. Good ventilation is also critical, we often see sheds and maybe there is an issue even though you would think there’s loads of air coming in at either end of the shed. Draughts are just as bad, if not worse, than poor air movement and stuffy conditions.  Niall outlines what farmers can do to avoid draughts and assess sheds.

Every winter a significant number of cattle are housed and fed in rented sheds. Niall outlines what are the key things to consider if you are interested in renting a shed.

Further details at: 

https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/4-key-winter-housing-considerations/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to discuss beef markets and budgets. 

David outlines current beef markets and highlights the national weekly kill has risen in the last week of September to 30,000/head. 

David emphasises the importance of completing a budget tailored to each farm based on input costs and fixed costs of the farm

Each budget calculates a breakeven selling price (cents/kg carcase weight) for that particular system and takes account of the purchase price and all the associated variable and fixed costs incurred. Any proposed margin per head will be additional to the breakeven price.

It is important to remember that these budgets serve as a guide. It is recommended that each individual work out their own budgets in conjunction with their local Teagasc Advisor to best reflect their own farm situation.

For more information:

https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-regions/

Purchase prices are based on the prevailing market value at the time for weanlings and store cattle. Inputs required for finishing are also set at current market values.

Further details available at:

https://teagasc.ie/publications/teagasc-beef-budgets-2025-2026/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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IFAC Accountant, Trevor Boland, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss financial planning and managing cash flow for the rest of the year.

Suckler and beef farmers are currently receiving higher prices than ever before for their livestock sales, both through the live trade and through beef prices received from processors. 

Trevor says that farmers need to be aware of what their farm profits are for 2024: what tax is payable on these profits and what the likely farm income is going to be for 2025?

Many farmers in the past, Trevor explains, would look at income tax filing deadlines as a target and not need to worry about a tax bill, as quite often many, particularly farmers with off-farm income, found themselves with a low tax bill or indeed a refund. 

But the IFAC review of 2024 figures to date and projections for 2025 show the majority of suckler and beef farmers across the country will not only have larger income tax bills than normal, but in some cases significant tax bills.

For farmers looking at their 2024 figures and expected income for 2025, there are possibilities to reduce income tax bills, invest in the farm for the future, invest in family and make the farm a safer place to live and work. 

Some options to reduce income tax bills include: Stock Relief, Family Wages ,Income Averaging Pension Contributions and Facility and Safety Improvement.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Farm Management specialist, James McDonnell, and Succession Ireland mediator, Clare O’Keeffe, join Catherine Egan and Ciaran Lynch on this week’s joint episode of the Beef Edge podcast and Ovicast to discuss all aspects of generation renewal, succession and mediation.

James highlights the importance of Generation renewal while Clare outlines the importance of a mediator to aid the process. It is essential for every farmer to have a farm succession plan in place. There are complex legal and taxation rules that, if planned for, can be managed easily. If not planned for, however, there could be a major impact on the viability of the farm business.

Teagasc run Transferring the Family Farm clinics every year. These clinics are designed to help farm families through the process and all aspects that need to be considered when transferring the family farm. 

In 2025, clinics will take place at six venues throughout the country. Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession-inheritance/transferring-the-family-farm/

If you missed the Generation Renewal Webinar , you can watch it back here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcKGV0E2InM

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Grass10 Manager, John Maher, joins Catherine Egan for this month's Grass10 update and he discusses the situation across the country, outlining the actions to take to develop an autumn rotation plan on farms

Red/Yellow rust has started to appear on grass plants across the country and John discusses management at this stage of the year.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Researcher, Peter Doyle, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast with an update on breeding performance and grassland management for the Derrypatrick herd.

Peter discusses this year’s calves’ performance and weaning management.

Peter also outlines how he is managing red clover on the farm currently and how it has performed to date.

Plus he explains the plan for finishing cattle and the current research taking place on the farm.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

On this special 300th episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Matt Dempsey, whose career spans multiple decades and various roles in agricultural journalism and beyond joins host Catherine Egan.  

Matt has been instrumental in driving innovations in Irish agriculture through his work as a journalist, farmer and chairman of various industry groups and he gives his outlook for the Irish beef industry. 

Matt discusses intervention, suckler incentive scheme, beef tribunal, BSE and Foot and Mouth to name but a few.

Matte highlights the work done by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation as a significant breakthrough as well as the emphasis on easy calving, and also of marbling of beef.

He also comments on the emergence of grazing management, fertiliser, and especially grass varieties and reseeding that have been revolutionary.

Matt discusses a previous campaign that the Farmers' Journal and the IFA carried out in relation to Brazilian beef which succeeded in getting the actual import regime changed at Brussels level when the beef trade in Ireland and Europe looked as if it was going to be fundamentally undermined.

A huge thanks to everyone that has appeared on the Beef Edge podcast over the past 300 episodes and to all the listeners for making the podcast such a success. Be sure visit us at the Teagasc stand at the Ploughing next week!

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Margaret Brennan, Assistant Principal Officer over Beef Schemes with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new Beef Welfare Scheme announced recently and to give an update on all things scheme related.

The objective of the Beef Welfare Scheme 2025 (BWS) is to further increase the economic efficiency of and enhance animal health and husbandry on suckler farms. 

You can apply if you: 

- are aged eighteen years or over on the date of submission of the application for participation

- are the holder of an active herd number with Herd Owner Status. Herd Keeper is not acceptable

- are farming a holding in respect of which a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Application is submitted in 2025 to the Department

- are a suckler beef farmer i.e. have eligible calves born to eligible suckler cows in the period 1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025

- are an “Active Farmer” as defined in the Terms and Conditions

There is one mandatory action that must be completed. You can select optional actions: Action 1 – Meal Feeding (Mandatory Action). Participants must introduce meal feeding for a period of 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2 weeks post-weaning to reduce the stress on calves at weaning time.

Action 2 – Vaccination (Optional Action). If action 2, vaccination, is selected at application stage, participants must implement a vaccination programme against clostridial diseases and/or calf pneumonia in suckler calves and record details of the vaccination.

Action 3 – Faecal Testing / Forage Testing (Optional Action). If action 3, Faecal Testing/Forage Testing is selected at application stage, participants must: carry out two (2) faecal tests (with a minimum of four (4) weeks between each test) for specified parasites and submit for testing or take three (3) forage samples and submit for testing. All sampling kits must be purchased no later than 13 October 2025.

Participants will be presented with the number of eligible calves born on their holding between 01 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 at application stage. Participants will have the option at application stage to select the number of calves for participation in the scheme.

Rate of payment:

Action 1 – Meal Feeding (Mandatory): the rate of payment is €35 per eligible calf up to a maximum of 45 eligible calves.

Action 2 – Vaccination (Optional): The rate of payment is €15 per eligible calf up to a maximum of 45 eligible calves. 

Action 3 – Faecal Testing / Forage Testing (Optional): The rate of payment is €25 per eligible calf up to a maximum of 45 eligible calves.

Payments will commence to cleared cases in December 2025.

Applications must be made on agfood.ie The closing date for applications is 23.59:59hrs on 24 September 2025. You must read the Terms and Conditions for full information.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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DairyBeef 500 farmer, Peter O'Hanrahan from Co. Kilkenny, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his dairy beef system, grassland management on the farm and the upcoming farm walk taking place. 

Peter explains how calves are sourced from five farms within 15 minutes of his own farm. They are reared on automatic feeding system which he discusses in detail . They are grazed in two groups with lighter calves forming a third group and rotated every 3 days in a paddock system.

Currently, calves are performing well gaining 0.84kg/head/day. Stores will be weighed at the end of the month and drafted for feeding indoors. This year’s silage quality is very good at 72-275DMD which will reduce the concentrates to be fed over winter.  

Peter also describes the excellent handling unit facility that is used to easily handle large groups of cattle and labour safely and efficiently.

The DairyBeef 500 farm walk on Peter’s farm takes place on Thursday, 4th September at 6pm and the address is: Kiljames, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, R95 N25H.

All aspects of the O’Hanrahan’s dairy calf to beef system will be on full display and for further details go to:

https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-ohanrahan-php/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Future Beef farmer, Michael Biggins from Co Mayo, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his suckler beef system, weanling management on the farm 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.

The Biggins family will host the National Future Beef farm walk on Wednesday September 3rd @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 & sexed semen

·       Maximising cheap weight gains with grass & red clover

·       Bonus Insights: Water quality, soil health, demos for TAMS eligible equipment, biodiversity & more

Find out more about the FutureBeef Programme at:

https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Grass10 Manager, John Maher, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge with grassland management tips for the month ahead.

John discusses current grazing conditions and explains the different scenarios across the country.

He also details an action plan for dealing with drought, deficit and surpluses and he highlights the plan for the weeks ahead to ensure quality swards are available for building covers going into the autumn.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

The winner of the Drystock Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year, Peter Byrne from Co Kildare, and Dairy Beef 500 advisor, Fergal Maguire, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss Peter’s dairy beef system, grassland management on the farm and the upcoming walk taking place there. 

Peter’s current system is 19- 22 month heifers and 22-26 months steer beef. Up until 2008, he was running a suckling to beef and sheep enterprise on the farm, alongside a tillage enterprise. Over time, the farm has transitioned away from suckler and sheep production to a calf-to-beef enterprise.

Peter has placed a huge focus in recent years on reseeding and increasing clover on the farm to reduce chemical N being used.

Soil fertility on the farm is good with pH being targeted over the years especially.

Grazing Infrastructure is important with four grazing groups currently on the farm, rotated every 2-3 days.

Join us on Thursday, 21st August at 6:30pm for the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year Farm Walk on Peter Byrne’s farm at Newtown, Castledermot, Athy, Co. Kildare, R14 R763.

Further details at:

https://teagasc.ie/event/sgfoty-walk-drystock-winner/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Climate and Sustainability advisor, Enda Geoghegan from Ballina Co. Mayo, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss actions implemented on farms that increase efficiency while reducing emissions and the recent findings from the Signpost Programme Report .

Farmers participating in the Dairy Beef 500 and Future Beef Programmes are also part of the Signpost Programme and Enda explains how he liaises with the local advisors, programme advisors and ASSAP programme advisors in his role. 

Enda outlines the importance of having a nutrient management plan, applying lime and correcting P and K within the farm gate, plus he highlights the importance of farm management practices on reducing emissions.

The Signpost Programme Report highlighted how over 5,000 soil samples were taken on programme farms and how the number of beef and dairy beef farmers using protected urea has increased and Enda discusses how a number of small changes can have a significant impact.

There will also be regional workshops taking place across the country in the autumn with further details from your local Teagasc office. 

Further details on the Signpost Programme Report are available at:

https://teagasc.ie/publications/signpost-report-2025/

For more on the Signpost Programme go to:

https://teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Head of Schemes Support Unit, Aidan Murray, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the upcoming scheme deadlines and the newly launched Long Established Young Farmer scheme.  

The maximum payment for this is €5,000 per eligible farmer and Aidan discusses the criteria these farmers will have to meet to be able to apply.

Further details are here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/scheme-to-support-long-established-young-farmers/

Aidan also discusses the deadlines in relation to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme and National Dairy Beef Weighing scheme.

The 2025 Suckler Beef Welfare Scheme is expected to open for applications on 12th August and Aidan outlines the expected actions required.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Mark Waters from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the National Genotyping Programme which has recently opened for applications.

The National Genotyping Programme is a collaborative initiative enabling Ireland to take the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national herd, based on a cost-sharing model between the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, the beef and dairy industry and participating farmers. 

Genotyping the national herd will provide a huge opportunity for both the dairy and beef industry to accelerate the rates of gain of our national breeding indexes (e.g. EBI, Eurostar & DBI), which will enhance farm sustainability & reduce carbon emissions.

Mark outlines a number of benefits including:

-       Labour-saving - farmers who sign up to the NGP will have exclusive access to Double Tissue Tags. By sampling animals at birth, farmers don’t have to wait for button tags or hair-cards for SCEP or Pedigree Societies and then round up and bring in animals for sampling at a later stage. It is also much safer and easier to tag and sample newborn animals than more mature animals

-       Cost - herds accepted into the National Genotyping Programme will genotype any remaining ungenotyped breeding stock FREE. From 2024 to 2027 (inclusive), farmers will be required to genotype ALL calves born at a reduced cost of approximately €6. (This is an estimate and includes the farmer’s contribution of €4 towards genotyping, plus the additional cost associated with a double tissue tag and postage cost.). Herds participating in SCEP will only incur the €6/calf cost of those calves not counted towards their annual 70% SCEP genotyping requirement

-       Parent verification - parentage errors (which currently sit at an average of 15% nationally) lead to incorrect Eurostar figures and create paperwork to correct once the animal is already registered. Genotyping at birth will confirm parentage & correct any errors before registration

-       Genomic Eurostar figures - animals sampled at birth will receive genomic evaluations at the earliest possible opportunity, thereby increasing the reliability of their Eurostar figures well before they are selected or sold for breeding and confirming their eligibility for SCEP

-       Commercial Beef Value (CBV) - genotyped weanlings and store cattle that are being traded through marts will have their CBV displayed on mart screens.

Further information is available at: 

https://www.icbf.com/national-genotyping-programme/

Or contact the ICBF on email: query@icbf.com or phone: 023-8820452

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Grass10 Manager, John Maher, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge with grassland management tips for the month ahead.

John discusses current grazing conditions and explains the different scenarios across the country.

He also details an action plan for dealing with drought, deficit and surpluses and he highlights the plan for the weeks ahead to ensure quality swards are available for building covers going into the autumn.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Future Beef Farmer, Kay O’Sullivan from county Cork, is on this weeks’ Beef Edge podcast to discuss her organic beef finishing system, current management on the farm and the upcoming national beef walk taking place on her farm. 

Kay explains her conversion to organics, current grass/clover and multi-species management as well as her herd health plan.

 
The Future Beef farm walk will take place on Friday, 25th July at 6pm on Kay O’Sullivan’s farm at Mourneabbey, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 Y62D.

Topics to be discussed include:

·          Financials

·          Breeding strategy and animal performance

·          Animal health strategies in an organic farming system

·          Using multispecies swards to improve performance and biodiversity

·          The role of red & white clover in an organic system

·          Composting of FYM demo

Plus  there will be stands on biodiversity, forestry, breeding and more.

Watch this short promo video to find out more: 

https://teagasc.ie/event/futurebeef-kay-osullivan-php 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Scheme Support Unit Specialist, Seamus Nolan, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme - known as TAMS - to discuss items that are eligible for grants to make various improvements to farms. 

TAMS consists of ten different schemes and seven of these, including: the Animal Welfare, Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSS); the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS); the Organic Farming Capital Investment Scheme (OFCIS); the Dairy Equipment Investment Scheme (DES); the Low-Emissions Slurry Spreader Scheme (LESS); the Tillage Capital Investment Scheme (TCIS); and the Pig and Poultry Capital Investment Scheme (PPIS) were previously available under TAMS 2. 

The Women Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS), the Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme (FSCIS) and the Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS) are new additions to TAMS 3.

There is grant-rate of 60% in respect of investments under the Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment, Organic Capital Investments and Farm Safety Investments.

The scheme consists of a €90,000 ceiling for individuals, joint ventures and companies, while a higher ceiling will be in place for DAFM-registered farm partnerships. 

For the full list of eligible items and reference costs, click here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/4255c-targeted-agricultural-modernisation-scheme-3-tams-3/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc DairyBeef 500 farmer Charlie Smyth is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into his dairy beef system and upcoming farm walk on 10th July at 7pm.

Charlie explains how he purchases and rears 100 dairy beef calves every spring and operates a steer and heifer finishing system. Whether sourced directly from farms, or through local marts, calf selection is based on strong beef genetics and high Commercial Beef Values (CBV), with Charlie placing a firm emphasis on quality.

Despite sourcing calves from a wide range of suppliers, a strict health plan keeps calf mortality low. All calves are put on a vaccination programme for pneumonia and IBR shortly after arrival.  Calves are outdoors about three weeks now, and they will receive their first worm dose shortly.

Charlie highlights the extensive paddock system on the farm with 24 extra drinking troughs installed this year to improve grass utilisation. As the farm is fragmented in 5 blocks, managing stock groups to match demand is important and to date over 200 bales have been removed as surplus.  

Along with the Smyths, Teagasc advisors and specialists will also be available on the night of the farm walk for interactive discussions and to answer all questions that arise. There will be a lot of valuable information and experiences to be shared and anyone with an interest in dairy calf-to-beef systems should attend and admission is free.

For further information on the event go to: 

https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-smyth-php/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Noel Prunty and Liam McWeeney, from Teagasc Ballyhaise College, join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to give an update on breeding season and how the bulls performed finishing under 16 months.

Noel gives a review of calving season 2025 and discusses how AI was used for the start of the breeding season before the stock bull.

Liam highlights the management of the heifers calving at 24 months while Noel discusses grassland management on the farm and managing the different grazing groups to maintain quality. 

Liam also highlights the U16 month bull performance and the management of the bulls during the finishing period.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

With surplus grass on most farms, Grass10 Manager, John Maher, has grassland management tips for the coming weeks.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Technician, Chloe Millar, from the Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm in Co. Tipperary gives an update on this week’s Beef Edge podcast on rearing calves this spring and management on the farm currently. 

There were 381 calves sourced on the farm this spring with the calves sourced from seven farms from specific sires with high dairu beef indexes. There was a focus on selecting sires with high CBV and beef carcass in the sub-indexes.

Chloe talks through the process from once the calf arrives on the farm up to weaning. They were on average 80 days of age and 93 kg at weaning.

Chloe also outlines the key targets for these calves over their lifetime and how the cattle finished last year.

Performance at grass is very important to every beef system with Chloe outlining the management at grass currently and the reseeding that was carried out this year.

The farm is hosting an AHI Teagasc calf care event on the farm on the 24th June @ 7pm and further details are at:

https://animalhealthireland.ie/event/calfcare-event-ballyvadin-beef-farm/

There are a number of calf care events taking place from 23rd-26th June and for further details go to: 

https://animalhealthireland.ie/event/calfcare-event-peoples-farm/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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As part of Men’s Health Week, Laurence Gaughan, Regional Project Manager in the west of Ireland with the HSE, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with some tips and advice on mental health for farmers.

Farmers tend to prioritise farm work and the health of their animals and Laurence discusses how to keep healthy.  He also outlines financial planning actions that can also help overcome stress and worry and he discusses the new mental health initiative, Taking Stock.

Further information is available on www.westbewell.ie and you can also contact:

·      Samaritans, 116 123 (24 hours)

·      Pieta, 1800 247 247 (24 hours)

·      Your Mental Health, 1800 111 888

·      Text About It, 50808

·      MABS, 0818  072 670 (Money advice service, Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm)

·      Alone, 0818 222 024 (National support and referral line for older people, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm)

·      Citizens Information, 0818 07 4000 (Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm)

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Tim Meagher from Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, who will host this year’s Irish grassland Association Beef Event, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his farm system, while Paddy Casey from the Irish Grassland Association highlights what to expect at the event.

It will take place on Tuesday June 10th, with the event kicking off at 6:30 pm sharp and will conclude at 8:30 pm. 

Tim operates a store-to-beef system on 88 ha of grassland and 24 ha of tillage. When he took over the reins, he pushed suckler cow numbers to 90 – they were predominately Limousin which were crossed with a quality Charolais stock bull; heifers at the time were ran with an Angus bull. Separately, weanlings were also purchased from the west of Ireland. At the time, the farm was also home to roughly 200 ewes. 

However, over a decade ago, Tim moved to simplify the operation and focused on moving to a traditional store-to-beef enterprise, prioritising on incorporating as much grass into the diet as possible. 

Looking at the stock present on the farm, it’s evident that Tim - who does all the purchasing from marts in the west of Ireland - has a keen eye for quality. Heifers and bullocks are bought in September and October each year weighing in the 500 – 520 kg bracket. These are then finished the following year from July to October as they come fit for slaughter; all cattle are slaughtered under 30 months-of-age. 

Currently, there is 252 head of cattle on the farm - 160 bullocks and 92 heifers. During the grazing season, the cattle are run in large batches of roughly 40-50 head in a paddock system; there are roughly 43 paddocks on the farm. Strip wires are also used to achieve desired clean outs and to manage paddocks correctly. 

In the springtime, all cattle are grouped according to age (January, February, March and April-born calves) to ensure easy management during the summer period. 

Tim places a huge focus on preserving top-quality silage as a winter feed. If he can hit 75% plus DMD silage, he can cut out the need for meal over the winter.  However, due to weather conditions in 2024, silage quality ranged from 68% to 73% DMD on the three cuts harvested last year. 

As part of the operation, Tim places a big focus on animal health to ensure all animals reach peak performance during their stay on the farm. Vaccination and dosing are carried out when required, and Tim has invested in state-of-the-art handling facilities to manage animals efficiently and safely. 

Tim first introduced clover onto the farm in 1998 and now both red and white clover play a pivotal role in silage production and on the grazing platform. Since incorporating clover into the system, he has reduced the reliance on chemical nitrogen (N), while not negatively impacting the kilograms of beef sold off the farm. 

A slurry aeration system is also present on the farm. Tim places a huge emphasis on health and safety and outlined his handling facility and technologies he uses to be safe and labour efficient

Paddy Casey said that the Irish Grassland Association National Beef Event is an event not to be missed. Following such a fantastic event on Martin Shaughnessy’s farm in Mayo last year, Paddy says really it’s a very social evening for all beef farmers. 

Everyone is invited to the free event kindly sponsored by FBD Insurance and the move this year from a suckling farm to a finishing farm will showcase the top quality stock that Tim is purchasing in the west and finishing efficiently with grass key to his system.

Further details available at:

https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/beef-event-2025/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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DairyBeef 500 farmer, JP Hammersley from Co. Tipperary, is on this week’s Beef Edge with an update on his farm, management of calves at grass and the plan for finishing cattle on the farm.

JP outlines his dairy calf to beef system with cattle finished at 20-24 months of age. All the calves are sourced locally from a nearby dairy farmer. 

He discusses how calves are reared and managed up to now and in the coming weeks. The yearling cattle are at grass since February and JP explains how they will be managed at grass for the coming months and rotated in the paddock system to maximise weight gains.

Good quality silage is very important to the system, and JP says that while there is a lot of silage still left over from last year, his aim is to maximise quality this year if that leads to less yield overall but higher quality.

Herd health planning is also a critical part of the system and JP highlights the vaccination programme being used on the calves and his plan to faecal sample during the year to ensure they are treated for worms timely and correctly.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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As we are at a critical stage of the breeding season, Dr. David Kenny, researcher in Teagasc Grange, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss breeding on spring calving suckler herds and he has key tips to be aware of.

David says that overall this spring has been good and cows were in good condition going to grass early and fit for breeding. 

This spring we have seen the impact of the challenging year last year, with cows calving to second cycle and cows calving later on most farms overall. Body condition score of cows and good nutrition to resume cyclicity is important.

David outlines key tips around AI use and in relation to farmers using a stock bull. It is still important to record when cows are showing heat so that the number of repeats can be monitored. Young bulls should be particularly monitored event though they may be fertility checked.

Talking with farmers, like every year, there are issues with stock bulls cropping up. David explains that if the bull has had an infection or a rise in body temperature, this may cause the bull to become sub fertile.

Scanning of cows may take place after 30-35 days to identify cows that are in calf and the fertility of the bull and to check for any issues.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Grass10 Manager, John Maher, is on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss grass management on the farm at this critical stage of the year. 

John gives an update on farms at the moment with some farms having had the best spring in years while other farms are looking for rain. Rain was very localised earlier this week and with not much rain forecast, it will be challenging on some farms.

John says that balancing quality is key at the moment to ensure good animal performance and avoid stem in the sward building up for the season ahead.

Removing surpluses will be important to ensure quality while making top quality silage for next winter. Some farmers depending on stocking rate and allowances may be tempted to stop applying N and John discusses various options with utilising slurry and including sulphur in fertiliser is essential.

The length of time stock spend in a paddock this time of year can also have a big impact on grass growth and quality. The target to maintain is three days per paddock.

First cut silage will be harvested on farms in the coming weeks and John outlines the nutrient requirements for second cut on farms where needed.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Stephen Frend from the Newford demonstration herd in Co. Roscommon is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give a review of calving, an update on the current breeding season and a look into management for the coming weeks. 

Stephen says that calvings have gone well this spring, cows calved over a compact 10 weeks and went to grass earlier this year in comparison to last year. 

With breeding season underway and 100% AI being used, Stephen discusses the sires being used and heat detection on the farm as well as a synchronisation programme being used on the heifers this year.

In relation to the yearling heifers and steers, Stephen highlights the performance to date and current management. 

Cattle will continue to be rationally grazed over the coming weeks and if a surplus is available paddocks will be removed as baled silage.

Silage ground is closed with the plan to harvest in late May.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Chris Maughan, Product and Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, discusses weed control on grazing and silage ground on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. 

Chris highlights the opportunity to control weeds, particularly docks in silage ground and grazing paddocks.

Nettles and thistles are possibly the most common weed on farm and he outlines the best control method. 

Chickweed is also an issue on some farms, maybe more so in new leys and Chris advises on treatment options. 

In relation to reseeds, Chris says post-emergence spray is critical. However, in red clover and multispecies swards, it is more difficult to control weeds in these swards. 

In addition, he outlines some options for condoling ragwort and rushes also.

Finally, Chris highlights the regulations as well as the health and safety aspects of springs and maintaining a buffer of 3 metres.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Mary McEvoy, Technical Development Manager with Germinal, joins Catherine Egan and Ciaran Lynch on this week’s joint episode of the Beef Edge and OviCast podcasts to discuss all aspects for carrying out reseeding.

Given the weather this spring, in comparison to previous years, many farmers across the country are considering carrying out reseeding on their farm. 

Mary outlines the important points to consider before reseeding such as soil fertility, yield of paddocks and quality of the swards. 

Mary explains there are numerous benefits to reseeding in the late spring versus in the autumn. 

She discusses the various methods and key tips for preparing the seedbed. Using the Pasture Profit Index is key when it comes to selecting varieties suitable for delivering for grazing, silage and soil type. 

With the inclusion of clover in mixes increasing, Mary advises a mix of small and medium leafed clover for grazing on beef and sheep farms. 

She also describes the key management tasks post-reseeding with the use of post emergence sprays and good grazing management.

There are a number of reseeding events taking place at the moment across the country and for further details go to: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/news/2025/grass-reseeding-events.php 

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Beef farmer, Sophie Tyner, from county Wicklow, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss her beef system, her plans in the coming weeks closing for silage and how good quality silage is so important on her farm.

Given that all the cattle are finished on the farm, good quality silage is very important to her system to reduce concentrates fed. 

Sophie discusses winter performance achieved on the farm and how the crop is fertilised and discusses the importance of N,P & K and Sulphur. 

Silage is harvested mid-May, ensiled correctly and the pit is sealed to avoid silage heating and waste.

Silage season is a very busy period on farm and Sophie also discusses key steps in relation to health and safety on the farm.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Margaret Brennan, Assistant Principal Officer over Beef Schemes with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme that was announced recently and to give an update on all things scheme related.

Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme

Margaret, outlines the 2025 Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme which is open for applications. It is open to dairy farmers rearing their own dairy-beef calves or farmers rearing dairy beef progeny from the dairy herd, and a total of €4 million has been allocated to the scheme, resulting in payment rates of €20 per eligible calf. 

To be eligible, participants must have a minimum of five eligible calves, while the maximum payment rate is on 50 calves. 

Applications for the 2025 Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme must be lodged online through agfood.ie before midnight on Thursday, 15 May 2025. 

Late applications will be accepted, subject to payment deductions, until midnight on Monday, 9 June 2025.

These eligible calves must have been:

-       At least 12 weeks of age at the time of weighing and has been registered on the holding s/he is being weighed on for a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of weighing;

-       In the applicant’s herd for at least 10 days before weighing;

-       Born between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025.

Through the scheme, participants will be required to weigh eligible calves and submit weight data to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). 

Weight data should be submitted within seven days of weighing and before 17.30 hours on 1 November 2025. 

Farmers should note that they will only be paid on the number of calves in respect of which they submit liveweight data.

SCEP

In relation to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), 2025 is an important year for farmers involved in this scheme as applicants are required to ensure that by the 31st October 2025 at least 65% of their yearly reference number are eligible females that are genotyped 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index (on a within or across breed basis) at the time of purchase (for replacements brought into the herd) or at the time of genotyping (for those replacements bred within the herd).

Finally Margaret also highlighted the deadline for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) is May 15th.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc researcher, Sarah Burke, is on this week’s Beef edge podcast to discuss her latest research on grass-white clover and multi-species sward systems. 

A source of inefficiency in beef cattle production systems is the failure to meet live weight targets throughout the animals’ lifetime, resulting in animals being older at slaughter. Consequently, lifetime production costs, which are mainly feed-related, and the associated environmental emissions, particularly methane and nitrogen, are increased. 

Nationally, mean age at slaughter for late-maturing suckler-bred steers, the predominant breed type from the suckler herd, is 28-months. This is five months later than achieved in grass-based research systems and high-performing commercial farms. Within beef production systems, older animals at slaughter are generally less profitable and have a substantially higher environmental footprint.

Sarah highlights that for many decades, perennial ryegrass has been the dominant, sometimes the only, constituent included in grass seed mixtures used to renew grassland. More recently, white clover has been included. Compared to ‘grass’ based swards, Teagasc Grange research has shown the capacity of white clover inclusion to fix atmospheric N, resulting in annual savings of chemical fertiliser, equivalent to 100-150kg N/ha, for beef cattle grazing systems. 

There is now increasing interest in using ‘multi-species’ swards to further exploit complementarity between pasture species which include:

·      grasses - perennial ryegrass and other grasses

·      legumes - white and red clover

·      herbs/forbs - e.g chicory and plantain

Sarah’s research investigated the growth and carcass characteristics of late-maturing suckler steers genetically divergent for carcass fatness, produced on grass-white clover and multi-species sward systems and finished at 19, 23 or 26 months of age. 

It was based on the two years data collected to date at Teagasc Grange and it concluded that growth performance of suckler beef cattle grazing grass-clover and multi-species swards, or offered silages conserved from these pastures, was similar.

Sarah also discussed how the Fat-EBV steers achieved greater carcass fat scores and a similar carcass weight compared to lean-EBV steers.

Sarah will be presenting her research at the British Society of Animal Science 2025 conference next week 8-10 April in Salthill in Galway where the theme will be ‘Supporting Livestock’s Role in a Global Society’. 

For further details go to: 

https://www.bsas.org.uk/conference-2025

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Grass10 Advisor Niamh Doyle has her grassland management tips for the month ahead.

Niamh comments on current grazing conditions, grazing  the first rotation and regrowths on the first paddocks.

She also discusses closing up for silage and the importance of completing a fodder budget and using slurry efficiently. It is critical to assess the correct balance between quality and quantity.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

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Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue, is on this week’s Beef Edge discussing cattle finished so far this year and, given current increasing beef prices, budgets for the coming months.

So far this year up to March 16th, 398,076 cattle have been finished according to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. This is an increase of almost 11,000 head of cattle in comparison to the same time last year.

With regards to live exports, tighter cattle supplies across Europe and movement restrictions implemented in some key cattle trading markets due to the spread of bluetongue, are key contributing factors behind the continued firm demand for Irish cattle in key export markets in the early weeks of 2025.

The 2025 calf trade has been slower to start in line with later calf registrations, however, it has increased strongly in week ending 2nd March. There has been a total of 18,963 calves exported since the start of 2025, a 58% decrease on the same time period in 2024. 

Quotes from major processors have continued to trend upward and this has been reflected in a balance between supply and demand currently in favour of producers. 

With farmers with forward stores questioning whether they should go to grass or be kept in and finished, David highlights some key considerations and costs of production ranging from €215 to €311.

When looking at a 400kg store animal, David discusses the costs of production for a 20 months store or 24 month finished steer with costs ranging from €126 to €476.

David advises the importance of looking at the costs of the production system and take all other factors into account.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, and his advisor, James Mullane, are on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast with an update on the farm and how Proinnsias is managing grass this spring. 

Proinnsias also explains his calf-to-beef system and how he manages balancing working off farm.

The excellent paddock system on the farm has been a big benefit to improving his grazing management and Proinnsias discusses spring grazing and his plan in the coming weeks.

Proinnsias is hosting a spring grass walk on his farm on 26th March @ 3pm, while Future Beef farmer, Cathal Irwin, from Castlebar, Co. Mayo, will also host a walk on his farm on Friday 28th March @ 5pm.

For more details go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/events

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc Future Beef programme advisor, Aisling Molloy, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Future Beef programme and to review profitability for 2024.  

Aisling first discusses the plan at the moment to get cattle to grass across the country. 

On review of the eProfit Monitor, the profitability for farmers in the programme has increased in 2024. But there is huge variation depending on the system and the investment in fixed costs on the farm. 

The main focus for the year ahead is to increase output per livestock unit and increase fertiliser and slurry utilisation while increasing daily liveweight gains from grass.  

Some of the farms are using AI and stock bulls and preparation is underway for breeding. 

The Future Beef Webinar series, starts on 18th March at 8pm, runs every Tuesday for 3 weeks. With an exciting line up of speakers, Aisling highlights what can farmers can expect. 

For more, go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/events/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Grass10 Advisor Niamh Doyle has her grass management tips for the month ahead.

Niamh discusses turn out of cattle and the spring rotation plan on farms and she highlights the key targets this spring.

Niamh encourages farmers to apply slurry on soils that require Phosphorus and Potassium, particularly the silage ground. Based on soil samples and a nutrient management plan Niamh also discusses chemical fertiliser applications in the weeks' ahead.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

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Teagasc Researcher, Orla Keane, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss parasite control and anthelmintic resistance. 

Orla highlights the importance of reviewing your farm health plan at this time of year and she discusses the project that she is involved in called the, ‘Managing Anthelmintic Resistance in Cattle Sustainably' (MARCS) project.

MARCS is a collaborative project between Teagasc, University College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, Animal Health Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Its aims are to determine the extent of resistance to wormers on Irish cattle farms; identify major risk factors for the development of resistance so we can target mitigation strategies; and use models of worm population dynamics to apply sustainable parasite control to Irish farms.

Farmers can participate directly or vets can recruit their clients as participants.

Testing is the only way to know if a wormer is highly effective as other methods identify resistance too late. By participating in the MARCS project, valuable information about the anthelmintic resistance status of your farm or your clients’ farms will be obtained.

The test for resistance is a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). This test involves collecting individual faecal samples from a cohort of calves before and after wormer treatment and submission of the samples to the laboratory. A short survey on parasite control practices must also be completed.  Full guidance on the testing protocol will be provided and the sample testing will be provided free of charge.

If you are interested in testing for anthelmintic resistance on your farm or in recruiting your farmer clients to test for resistance, complete the form by clicking the button below, or contact marcsparasitology@gmail.com

Click here to get involved in the MARCS project:

https://form.jotform.com/243186865978377

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc DairyBeef 500 advisor, Fergal Maguire, discusses key tips around milk replacer to maximise performance on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.

Fergal explains the pros and cos around skim based or whey based milk replacer before outlining the concentrate of replacer and its components.

Temperature of milk is very important, he says, as well as consistency of feeding at the same time daily. 

Fergal also discusses the feeding of calves once a day after 4 weeks of age and how a farmer can best manage this transition to avoid any setbacks in animal performance.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, discusses calf housing to maximise performance on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.

Tommy says that good ventilation, adequate space, good drainage and warm sheds that are clean and comfortable are essential.  Good ventilation to ensure air is fresh and no draughts are important. Natural ventilation is used in the vast majority of calf houses.  Tommy recommends to provide 2.0-2.3 m2 pen area per calf. 

Good drainage is something that is often overlooked.  Tommy says that calves spend about 80% of their time lying down so they need a dry bed. A dry environment will also reduce the spread and growth of bugs. All calf houses should be built with a damp-proof course to prevent rising dampness. A slope of 1:20 in the calf pen area is recommended

Calves perform best at 15-20 degree Celsius, but they don’t generate sufficient heat to insulate themselves from colder temperatures until after they are weaned. Deep beds of straw are effective in protecting calves from the cold. Hygiene is obviously very important. Floors and walls should be easily cleaned.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Continuing the two-part series on fertiliser application, Teagasc specialist Mark Plunkett from the Teagasc Signpost programme, joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast to discuss fertiliser application and the fertiliser register.

Mark reviewed 2024 regarding fertiliser usage and particularly chemical N.  There was a 10% increase, he said, compared to 2023. Chemical N use was at an all-time low in 2023 and in addition, 2024 proved to be a challenging grass growing year and was perhaps the reason for increased N use.  

In 2024 the straight N market increased by 2% in 2024 to 58%.  Compound N market increased by 6% compared to 2023 and in 2024, 17% of the total N was Protected Urea (+4% on 2023). 

There were 28,736 tonnes of phosphorus (P) applied in 2024.  Phosphorus reduced by 6.6% in 2024. There were 88,058 tonnes of potassium (K) applied in 2024 which was an increase of 7.45%. 

The continued decline in the use of P is a real concern for soil fertility and N use efficiency on farm. 

While the increase in K application is positive, Mark highlighted the importance of lime, especially as 65% of soils are deficient in lime; if lime was corrected on grazing ground there are multiple benefits. 

Mark has also said that weather conditions played a huge part in poor grass growth last year and farmers should use protected urea in the year ahead. Fertiliser should be applied when ground is dry enough to travel on with tractor and spreader without causing damage.  

Soil temperatures are above 5ºC and rising and with 4-5 days of dry weather forecast, you want fertiliser and slurry to stay where you spread it.

Finally, Mark explained the benefits of using compound fertiliser based on a nutrient management plan and highlighted the importance of sulphur.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
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Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, has her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead.

Niamh discusses over-winter growth and the importance of assessing opening covers and the need to ensure conditions are suitable before spreading.

Niamh also encourages anyone who has soil samples to collect to do so in the coming weeks to address soil fertility this year.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

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As thoughts on farms move to fertiliser application, Teagasc specialist Tim Hyde joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast for the first of a two-part podcast on the rules and regulations surrounding nitrates.  

Tim reminds listeners of the open period for chemical fertiliser, farm yard manure and slurry across the different zones, plus he outlines the regulations around roadways, storing bales and buffer zones. Tim then discusses the differences between grassland and whole farm stocking rates and the rules that apply.

He describes the low emission slurry spreading for farmers stocked over 130kg organic N/ha and >100kg organic N/ha from 01/01/2025.

In relation to ⁠P build-up, Tim describes what extra allowances there are for farms stocked over 130kg organic N/ha.

For ⁠non-derogation farmers that are stocked over 170kg but exported slurry to remain compliant, Tim explains the additional rules that are applicable to these farms.

Finally Tim comments on the importance of fertiliser planning to know your allowances for the fertiliser register and to allow for more accurate nutrient management planning.

Next week, Mark Plunkett from the Teagasc Signpost programme will go through all the requirements in relation to fertiliser application and the fertiliser register.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com  

Chris Daly from ICBF joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new Mart Tracker and the Commercial Beef Value (CBV). 

Chris outlines the benefit of the Mart Tracker and the impact that it will have for farmers.

He also discusses the CBV and how important it is for farmers buying as well as selling calves and cattle overall. 

Chris describes the values farmers should be looking for in cattle that are suckler, dairy x beef and dairy x dairy. 

Mart Tracker available here 

https://webapp.icbf.com/v2/app/mart-tracker

How to use the Mart Tracker 

https://www.icbf.com/how-to-use-the-new-icbf-mart-tracker/

If you have any issues accessing the Mart Tracker or CBV values for your herd please contact ICBF.

Email support is query@icbf.com or phone 023-8820452 during office hours (9am – 5.30pm).

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com  

For the final part of our special series in advance of spring calving on the Beef Edge Podcast, Teagasc vet, John Donlon focuses on caring for the newborn calf.

John discusses the importance of colostrum and the 1,2,3 of colostrum in which you use the first milk (colostrum) from the cow; feed the calf colostrum within the first two hours of birth; and calves must be offered at least 3L of good quality colostrum.

John outlines the importance of dipping or spraying the calves navel to prevent infection.

Obviously we expect the calf to get up and suck the cow straight away, but John describes the correct way to use a stomach tube if needed.

Regardless of a suckler or dairy beef system, there are a number of ailments that can arise, in relation to calf scour and respiratory issues and John highlights the importance of administering electrolytes.

Crypto and coccidiosis are unfortunately an issue on some suckler farms, with John detailing the preventative actions and best treatment measures.

Respiratory infections and disease are a main cause of calf deaths and John explains the best ways to prevent and treat this.

Clostridial diseases can cause a number of conditions in cattle. One of the most common conditions is blackleg. Unfortunately it is often too late when detected and there was a rise in reported deaths in 2024.  John advises that it is a two shot vaccine and it’s critical the instructions are followed correctly to ensure it is effective.

If you missed either of the first two parts in the series, listen back to Teagasc Nutritionist Aisling Claffey on nutrition pre and post calving, and John Donlon on calving the cow.

The FutureBeef Webinar Series 

The final part of the FutureBeef webinar Series is on Thursday, 23rd  January at 8pm which will focus on Calving and Post-Calving Management.

Click here to register:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UXK1_LHDSE-W_WDlb9HyGg#/registration

The webinar will be chaired by James Mullane, Future Beef Programme Advisor and will feature Dr John Donlon, Beef Herd Health Research Officer, Teagasc; Dr Doreen Corridan, CEO of the National Cattle Breeding Centre (NCBC); and Michael Biggins, Future Beef Farmer. 

This webinar will centre on the calf, covering topics such as the first principles of calving, managing the calf’s first month, and getting the cow back in calf.

For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com