Alan O'Connor

Alan O

Alan is from a farming background in Co. Meath. He has recently completed a ruminant nutrition PhD researching protein metabolism in grass-fed beef cattle, having previously studied Animal Science in UCD. He has a particular interest in the dairy, beef and sheep sectors.

Cattle marts: Heifer prices increase, but feedlot buyers dwindle

Beef

Cattle marts: Heifer prices increase, but feedlot buyers dwindle

The number of cattle presented for sale has remained high – especially in the midlands, west, east and north, while...
High replacement index sired bulls gained 2.2kg/day on average

Beef

High replacement index sired bulls gained 2.2kg/day on average

After an 84-day finishing period, high replacement index sired bulls – from the Gene Ireland Progeny test centre at Tully,...
What effect will replacing grass silage with maize silage have on dairy cow performance?

Dairy

What effect will replacing grass silage with maize silage have on dairy cow performance?

The boost in the area of forage maize planted in 2018 has been welcomed by many dairy farmers around the...
What can Irish agriculture do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Environment

What can Irish agriculture do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Speaking at the Shinagh dairy farm open day on November 13, Teagasc’s Donal O’Brien highlighted the key areas where Irish...
‘Action on climate change is not a choice – it’s a must’

Dairy

‘Action on climate change is not a choice – it’s a must’

“Everyone has to put their shoulders to the wheel when it comes to reducing climate change.” These were the opening...
What’s happening to dairy calves at grass?

Dairy

What’s happening to dairy calves at grass?

“A number of dairy calves are displaying wasting symptoms post weaning and after turnout; many of the calves affected are...
‘Fat dairy cows will be the most problematic at calving’

Dairy

‘Fat dairy cows will be the most problematic at calving’

While the majority of farmers across the country have already body condition scored (BCS) their herd and prioritised thinner cows,...
Sheep trade: More bite to the spring lamb trade this week

Sheep

Sheep trade: More bite to the spring lamb trade this week

More life has entered the sheep trade in recent days, with some processors opting to increase quotes for lambs by...
Mart trade: Reduced demand for cattle, but quality still the main driver of price

Beef

Mart trade: Reduced demand for cattle, but quality still the main driver of price

Over the past number of days, some mart managers across the country have noted a reduced demand for cattle. Well-known...
Is good-quality silage on the menu for your dairy cows?

Dairy

Is good-quality silage on the menu for your dairy cows?

In order to achieve high milk yields, dairy cows need to be offered good-quality silage in order to optimise performance....
What’s acceptable and what’s not under the Clean Livestock Policy?

Sheep

What’s acceptable and what’s not under the Clean Livestock Policy?

With the recent wet weather, grazing conditions on some sheep farms will become less favourable. As a result, the number...
Finishing lambs on your farm? Here are some options

Sheep

Finishing lambs on your farm? Here are some options

When considering strategies to finish lambs during autumn, grazed grass is the low-cost option. In order to maximise average daily...
Heavy rain bringing grazing season to an end

Dairy

Heavy rain bringing grazing season to an end

For many dairy farmers around the country the grazing-season is coming to an end, with plans to house cattle in...
Scanning ewes in early lambing flocks should be high on the priority list

Sheep

Scanning ewes in early lambing flocks should be high on the priority list

As winter draws nearer, the next significant event on most sheep farms will be scanning the flock. While this may...
Sheep trade: Little change in spring lamb quotes

Sheep

Sheep trade: Little change in spring lamb quotes

Spring lambs appear to be holding steady with little change in most factory quotes; the consensus is that there is...
Mart trade: Large numbers and increased demand for suckler-bred stock

Beef

Mart trade: Large numbers and increased demand for suckler-bred stock

Mart managers across the country have reported that large numbers of cattle were presented for sale last week, with strong...
How can good grassland management in autumn affect silage quality next year?

Grass

How can good grassland management in autumn affect silage quality next year?

Producing high dry matter digestibility (DMD) silage is the objective on dairy farms across the country and good grazing management...
‘The best investment in the farm is in grassland management’

Beef

‘The best investment in the farm is in grassland management’

Richard Milligan from Robertstown, Co. Kildare, farms 49ha consisting of 40 spring-calving suckler cows with all progeny brought to beef....