Teagasc will host a series of beef mart events this autumn at marts across the country, focusing on breeding top quality weanlings.

They will also cover practical management strategies to help beef farmers maximise weanling performance this autumn and winter.

The events will feature live demonstrations of artificial insemination (AI)-sired weanlings, facilitated by several beef AI companies.

Teagasc advisers and specialists, together with local veterinary practitioners, will offer practical guidance on the key management decisions needed to give weanlings the best possible start this autumn and winter.

Veterinary staff from the Regional Veterinary Laboratories will also attend selected events.

Genetics - breeding better weanlings

Representatives from Progressive Genetics, Dovea Genetics and Munster AI will outline the key genetic traits farmers should be selecting for when breeding and purchasing cattle, with a particular focus on producing high-quality weanlings.

A selection of cattle will be on display, demonstrating how the correct genetic traits can make a difference at farm level - from breeding replacements to producing cattle capable of achieving strong performance and meeting market requirements.

Herd health - preventing problems before they start

Maintaining good herd health is essential to achieving the animal's genetic potential.

A proactive herd health programme can help reduce the risk of disease problems developing during the autumn and winter housing period.

Local veterinary staff will discuss practical animal health protocols and the key steps farmers can take to minimise health challenges.

Particular attention will be given to respiratory diseases and parasite control.

Regional Veterinary Laboratory staff will also be in attendance at a number of selected events to explain the diagnostic and support services available to farmers, including disease surveillance, diagnostic testing and post-mortem services.

They will highlight how these services can help farmers identify underlying problems and put measures in place to prevent them recurring.

Nutrition – maximise growth and winter performance

Correct nutrition is critical if weanlings are to grow and perform to their genetic potential over the winter.

Nutritionists will discuss the importance of taking a representative silage sample and understanding the key figures on the silage analysis report.

Farmers will learn how this information can be used to correctly balance concentrate supplementation and ensure weanlings receive the nutrients required for targeted growth.

The discussion will focus on the importance of energy and protein in the diet, along with the quality and suitability of feed ingredients.

Practical advice for the winter ahead

These events provide an excellent opportunity for beef farmers to hear the latest advice from Teagasc, veterinary staff, nutrition and breeding specialists, while also seeing top quality AI-bred stock and discussing practical management issues with other farmers.

Come along to your local beef mart event this autumn and pick up practical advice to help you to improve the quality of weanlings you produce while also learning how to maximise weanling performance, animal health and achieve maximum performance over the winter.