The Beef Edge

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com  

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  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 ConferenceThe 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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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 Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com  Image: FarmersJournal.ie