Profitability best when calving aligned with start of grazing

Profitability is greatest where the calving date for suckler cows is aligned with the commencement of the grazing season, said Teagasc researcher Paul Crosson at the recent Teagasc National Beef Conference.

He said a net margin per hectare of €454 can be achieved in suckler calf-to-beef production, where there is a long grazing season of 243 days. If the season is short, at just 178 days, the margin falls to €185.

John Kelly, a suckler farmer from Co Longford, outlined how he produces 0.96 live calves per cows per year, compared to the national average of 0.79. He said: “This means that, if I calve 100 cows, I will have 96 live calves to sell versus 79 calves. This is a difference of 17 weanlings to sell each year, which at an average value of €850 per weanling is equal to €14,450.”