Farm plays host to all difficulties

The difficulties experienced by all farmers this year due to the weather were mirrored at the Teagasc Derrypatrick Suckler Beef Herd in Grange, Co Meath.

Rainfall on the farm was 215% greater than in 2011 and 30% greater than the long-term average. Sunshine intensity was 11% lower than in 2011.

These conditions combined to lower grass yields, led to difficult grazing conditions, lower silage yields, and higher feed and fertiliser costs.

The gross profit margin for 2012 in the Teagasc Derrypatrick suckler beef herd in Grange is predicted to fall 43% compared to last year, to €658 per hectare.

Teagasc researcher Paul Crosson told farmers attending an open day on the farm that 20% of the reduction is directly due to the weather, 16% is due to herd performance (partly attributed to bad weather), and 7% is due to inflation in farm input prices.

The higher cost of replacement heifers coming into the herd was also a factor.

The Derrypatrick farm grew and utilised about 30% less grass dry matter in 2012, compared to 2011.

The suckler beef demonstration and research farm was set up in 2009.

The research emphasis has now switched to use of the new suckled cow maternal index when selecting replacements; use of both early and late maturing sires; and taking the male progeny to finish as either bulls or steers.