Over 8,000 beef farmers are at the Teagasc Beef Open Day in Grange, Co. Meath today.

In case you are not one of the thousands of farmers in attendance at todays Teagasc Beef 2014, below is a snapshot of the day so far in pictures.

Speaking at the event today, Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle said: “Beef farmers have faced difficult market conditions over the last six months. We see it every day through our advisory services when working with beef farmers. Today’s event, beef 2014, is focused on the technical improvements that individual farmers can make inside their own farm gate to improve their efficiency, productivity and protect their businesses from market shocks. We can provide the best research-backed technical advice to improve their business.” 

Pease Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, said: “It is critically important that beef farmers have a farm plan in place and that this sets out the production strategy for the farm including breeding, pasture management and system such as weanling, store, or finishing, to optimise profitability.”

And it’s not too late to get there. Still to happen today is the forum which kicks off later this afternoon. The tent has capacity for 400, but with crowds well over the predicted 5,000 it is expected seats will go early.