This evening’s Live@Grange panel discussion – as part of Virtual Beef Week – will have a focus on calf selection, and will be facilitated by Teagasc’s Pearse Kelly.
Firstly, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation’s (ICBF’s) Siobhan Ring will discuss the tools available such as the Dairy Beef Index (DBI) and how they can be effectively used by dairy and beef farmers.
A feature video will focus on the Long brothers – Richard, Michael and Liam – who operate independent dairy and beef enterprises.
The brothers have taken an integrated approach by selecting beef sires that satisfy the needs of both farm systems, which provide a guaranteed route to market for calves.
L-R: Beef farmer Richard Long and dairy Liam Long
Additionally, Dr. Nicky Byrne will discuss different calf-to-beef systems and how to select the most appropriate for your farm.
Aidan McGuire, a participant in the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme, will discuss his farm system and why he has chosen the system.
Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme participant Martin Connolly will also talk about his farming system, vaccination and silage cutting on his Co. Roscommon based holding.
Martin Connolly
Finally, Sean Cummins will discuss lifetime liveweight target for calf-to-beef systems and will provide an update on the animal performance from the Teagasc Green Acres programme.
Again, Live@Grange will be available on all AgriLand and Teagasc platforms at 7:00pm.