This year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference titled ‘Addressing the Challenges’ will take place today in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Co. Offaly.

Presentations on animal health, breeding and contract heifer rearing will be given in the first session of the event, namely ‘Supporting Innovation in Beef Farming’.

The specific topics covered in the first session will include: the pilot IBR control programme on suckler demonstration farms; how the new Dairy Calf-to-Beef Index can increase farm profitability; and the experiences of farmers involved in contract heifer rearing.

Speakers for the opening session will include: Dr. Maria Guelbenzu, Animal Health Ireland (AHI); Dr. Donagh Berry, Teagasc; Dr. Andrew Cromie, ICBF; and Tom Coll, Teagasc.

The second session of the conference – ‘Challenges and Opportunities within Beef Farming‘ – will cover the issue of anthelmintic resistance in beef cattle and the importance of grass variety selection on beef farms.

The afternoon session will include presentations from: Dr. Orla Keane, Teagasc; and Nicky Byrne, Teagasc. In addition, Teagasc’s Alan Dillion, accompanied by a panel of beef farmers, will speak about how the extreme weather events of 2018 impacted on their farms and the effect it will have on their plans going forward.

Panel discussion

A panel discussion will take place after each session and the event – which is free – will begin at 3:00pm. Refreshments will be provided. Farmers and all involved in the industry are welcome to attend.

This is an approved Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Beef Knowledge Transfer event.