A Co. Tipperary dairy-beef demonstration farm will host an open day later this month.

Teagasc, in partnership with Dawn Meats and Shinagh Estates Ltd, will hold the event at Ballyvadin Beef Farm Ltd in Fethard, Co. Tipperary.

Taking place on Wednesday, July 22, all farmers are invited to visit the farm which delivered €1,620/ha net profit in 2025 and a €74/hour return on labour, Teagasc said.

Open day

The open day will focus on building highly-profitable, sustainable, and labour-efficient dairy-to-beef systems.

Following a recent 25ha expansion in October 2025, the standalone commercial unit now spans 134ha.  

Dr. Padraig French, head of the Teagasc livestock systems research department, said: “Attendees will have an opportunity to see live animal demonstrations and practical research showcasing how elite dairy-beef genetics, proactive animal health, and strategic finishing, work together to optimise herd performance and increase margins.

"I would encourage all cattle farmers and dairy farmers to take this opportunity to see this top-class farm business."

Technical knowledge

The open day will guide visitors through technical knowledge stations across the farm.

Attendees will get an in-depth look at Ballyvadin’s audited accounts, capital costs, and its return on labour, Teagasc said.

The event will also showcasing how the farm’s contract calf supply model with nine dairy farmers secures high Commercial Beef Value (CBV) genetics to ensure better animal performance.

In terms of animal health and calf rearing, there will be discussions on how proactive vaccination protocols are used to minimise calf mortality and regular parasite monitoring to minimise resistance to anthelmintics.

On labour and calf rearing, practical farm-automation setups designed to save hours during peak spring workloads will be showcased.

Farmers will also learn more about finishing and drafting steers and heifers for slaughter to ensure all cattle reach factory carcass specification at a young age.

Grassland management and water quality discussions are also on the agenda.

Gates open at 11:00a.m, with free admission.

Integral part

Cattle originating from the dairy herd accounted for 62% of the beef cattle processed in Ireland in 2025, according to data presented at BEEF2026.

Research conducted by Teagasc noted that dairy-beef is now "an integral part of Irish beef production".

The contribution of cattle derived from the dairy herd to beef output has increased in recent years in line with the 40% increase in dairy cow numbers since 2015, according to the paper.