The Beef Edge

National Cattle Breeding Centre Beef Programme Manager, Rose Goulding, joins the Beef Edge to explain how important the right genetics are when selling weanlings.  Plus she previews the upcoming Teagasc Mart events taking place across the country.Genetics can have a major influence on the performance and profitability of a beef herd and Rose outlines the key traits farmers should be focusing on when selecting bulls or replacement females.She highlights the individual traits that farmers need to focus on such as milk and carcass confirmation in details within the terminal and replacement indexes.While the genomic evaluations are now widely used, the additional information of the myostatin gene can be utilised on farm and Rose discusses selecting sires to breed weanlings on plainer type cows that are non carriers of the gene or vice versa.Using a synchronisation programme is a great way to use AI on sucker farmers and the 0-7-10 programme for heifers greatly helps when working off farm and reduces heat detection aids.  For more, see page 62 of the Suckler-Catalogue-2025.pdf. Teagasc will host a series of Beef Mart Events at marts across the country this autumn, providing practical advice to help farmers breed high-quality weanlings and maximise animal performance over the winter. The events will feature live demonstrations of AI-sired weanlings, alongside advice from Teagasc advisors and specialists, AI breeding companies, nutritionists and veterinary practitioners.Further information is available at:Events - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development AuthorityFor more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedgeProduced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Following on from the Tully ICBF Open Day, the ICBF’s Niall Kilrane joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge with an insight into their latest research findings in relation to beef farmers.For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedgeProduced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

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/thebeefedgeProduced 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 belowMonday, 7th September | Generational Renewal in Action Live WebinarTuesday, 8th September | Understanding the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) Live WebinarWednesday, 9th September | Dairy Farm Walk – Exploring Collaborative Farming OptionsThursday, 10th September | Agricultural Tax Reliefs and Collaborative Farming Options for Farm Families Live WebinarFriday, 11th September | Beef, Sheep & Tillage Farm Walk 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/thebeefedgeProduced 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