Niall Claffey

Niall Claffey Profile Picture

Niall is the beef specialist with AgriLand. The University College Dublin (UCD) graduate took up this post in September 2017. In this position, Niall covers technical and news content - at both a national and international level. Hailing from an agricultural background, he is involved in the running of a suckler farm in Westmeath. He also sits on the management team of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf-to-Beef Programme. Along with hands-on knowledge here in Ireland, Niall has significant experience in the international agricultural industry - in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and France. During his time in UCD, he travelled to New Zealand as part of his Professional Work Experience, gaining valuable knowledge on a dairy enterprise extending over 2,700ha. Upon finishing his degree in UCD, Niall travelled to Australia where he managed a large-scale beef enterprise. He also participated in sowing and harvesting for a season where he operated a wide range of machinery. When Niall returned home, he took up a position with Liffey Meats, working at their Ballyjamesduff site and also in France. Niall is also a council member of the Irish Grassland Association (IGA).

An abundance of confidence ringside
An abundance of confidence ringside

Over the past number of weeks, the mart trade has performed very well, with strong prices achieved right across the...

Reaction: What do these farmers think of the €100/head Beef Finishers Payment?
Reaction: What do these farmers think of the €100/head Beef Finishers Payment?

As announced on Wednesday, August 5, the Covid-19 related compensation package – the Beef Finishers Payment (BFP) – will consist...

GrowthWatch: Beware of reduced grass quality
GrowthWatch: Beware of reduced grass quality

By Teagasc Green Acres programme advisor James Fitzgerald The higher than normal levels of rainfall over the last number of...

Gross margins on beef finishing farms to fall by 5% – Teagasc
Gross margins on beef finishing farms to fall by 5% – Teagasc

On Tuesday, August 4, Teagasc released its mid-year update for 2020. In this article, we will look at the findings...

‘Calf trade remains buoyant’ – Candler
‘Calf trade remains buoyant’ – Candler

While the number of calves offered for sale at Kilkenny Mart yesterday, August 5, was on the low side, George...

Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme webinar takes place tonight
Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme webinar takes place tonight

The Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme manager, Alan Dillon, will facilitate tonight’s ‘Let’s Talk Cattle and Sheep’ webinar...

Northern Irish demand for stores and beef lots at Carnew Mart
Northern Irish demand for stores and beef lots at Carnew Mart

Last Saturday’s sale at Carnew Mart featured 710 cattle and 60 calves, according to the mart’s manager David Quinn. Cattle...

Beef trade: Prices unchanged as supplies break 1 million
Beef trade: Prices unchanged as supplies break 1 million

While the majority of cattle are still trading at 370-375c/kg for bullocks and 375-380c/kg for factory-fit heifers, agents are keen...

How many cattle have been exported this year?
How many cattle have been exported this year?

Live cattle exports are vital for both the Irish beef and dairy industries. However, exports – up until July 20...

Has the suckler calf registration rebound continued?
Has the suckler calf registration rebound continued?

In May of this year, AgriLand looked at the total number of suckler calves born in 2020. At that time, suckler-bred calf...

Should I offer meal to my spring-born calves?
Should I offer meal to my spring-born calves?

As we move through 2020, most spring-calving suckler herds will be looking to sell this year’s calf crop at sales...

Have you completed a winter fodder budget?
Have you completed a winter fodder budget?

Completing a fodder budget will allow you to know exactly what you have and need. From this, farmers can make...

What was the most popular beef AI sire during spring 2020?
What was the most popular beef AI sire during spring 2020?

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) recently released data outlining the most popular beef AI sires in suckler herds for...

Nitrogen: To spread or not to spread?
Nitrogen: To spread or not to spread?

As we move nearer the closed period for spreading chemical fertiliser – which starts mid-September – attention must now turn...

Target weights achieved in the ‘short-grass county’
Target weights achieved in the ‘short-grass county’

By Teagasc Green Acres Programme advisor James Fitzgerald Farming on the Kildare/Carlow border, just outside Castledermot, Peter Byrne and his...

Pics: Loading 1,900 bulls bound for Libya in Co. Cork
Pics: Loading 1,900 bulls bound for Libya in Co. Cork

On Wednesday morning, July 29, Curzon Livestock – the Cork-based exporting firm – loaded approximately 1,900 bulls on a boat...

Have you weighed your heifers?
Have you weighed your heifers?

Achieving target weights is important for heifers; those that fail to reach target before calving will produce less milk in...

GrowthWatch: Focus turns to building grass covers for the autumn
GrowthWatch: Focus turns to building grass covers for the autumn

By Teagasc’s Seán Cummins and James Fitzgerald Over the last three months, grassland management on the Teagasc Green Acres Calf...