The Beef Edge

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
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

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
 
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

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