Thousands of cattle farmers from across the country are expected to attend Beef 2016 which takes place on Tuesday, July 5 at Grange in Dunsany, Co. Meath.
At this time of uncertainty in the beef sector, Teagasc says that Beef 2016 will focus on the application of technologies which will help Irish beef farmers to increase the profitability of their farming business.
The main issues facing both suckler beef and dairy calf-to-beef producers will be addressed at Beef 2016.
Both the flagship Derrypatrick and Maternal Index herds will be on display, while technical updates will be provided on how to exploit superior genetics, improve performance from pasture and plan your herd’s health.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Pat Dillon, Head of the Teagasc Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation programme, said that global forecasts are for increased demand for protein, in particular protein from meat, and increased economic prosperity in many emerging markets present opportunities for increased exports of high quality, safe and sustainable Irish beef to international markets.
“The strong reputation of Irish grass-based beef production can ensure greater penetration of high-value markets both in the EU and in third countries,” he said.
Technologies
The first five technical stands on the day will provide technical and financial updates on ‘Suckler Beef’, ‘Exploiting Genetics’, ‘Dairy Calf-to-Beef’, ‘High Performance from Pasture’, and ‘Profitable Breeding and Herd Health’.
Then the event will open out into a series of interactive villages covering the’ BETTER Farm Beef Programme’, ‘Feed to Meat’, ‘Improving Animal Health’, ‘Business of Beef Systems’, ‘Breeding Village’, ‘Sustainable Farm Environment’, ‘Grassland Demonstration’ and ‘Health and Safety’.
PastureBase Ireland has identified that the advantage of creating one new paddock on a farm will give five extra grazings on the farm for the year.
Therefore, Teagasc says that a consequence of sub-dividing a farm into paddocks will result in increased number of grazings in conjunction with increased DM production.
Health and safety
The Health and Safety exhibition will have an enhanced focus covering all the main risk areas on farms, from livestock, machines, slurry gases, electricity etc, and will provide advice on how to manage the dangers effectively.
Industry partnership
Key industry experts from Bord Bia, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland, Department of Agriculture and University College Dublin will join with Teagasc at the various villages and on stands to present and discuss individual farmer queries.
In addition, meat industry representatives, the main beef breed societies and AI breeding companies will be represented on the day, Teagasc has confirmed.
Live demonstrations
Reseeded pastures outperform old swards in terms of grass production, so Teagasc has confirmed that there will be demonstrations on the different establishment options for sowing grass and clover.
A live exhibition will also take place on the ideal animal to meet market specifications for different market outlets.
Farmers’ forum
At the end of the day there will be a special forum on ‘Young Farmers in Beef’.
This will include a panel discussion with a number of young beef farmers on how they are planning to develop sustainable family beef farming business into the future.