DairyBeef 500 farmers opting to finish indoors in 2023

A finished weight of well in excess of 500 kilos in bullocks or heifers would be needed to justify feeding indoors, according to Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Campaign Co-ordinator.

Meal was an even bigger problem, costing €330 to €340 a tonne when cattle were being finished last year.

Many DairyBeef 500 farmers didn't spread much slurry this spring, and have decided to finish cattle from the shed as they strive to maintain their high profit margins.

Reviewing profit monitors from 2022, Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Campaign Co-ordinator Alan Dillon said: “Our average farmer made about €35,000 net profit before any subsidies are included. A lot of them would have made, including subsidies, probably about €50,000 to €60,000 net profit”.