Teagasc beef open day to take place in June

The challenges of reducing the environmental footprint of suckler and dairy-beef systems, along with maintaining water quality and enhancing biodiversity, will be presented by speakers.

The Teagasc Beef2024 open day this year will focus on the theme of 'securing your future'.

Taking place on June 26 at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Grange, Co Meath, the event will highlight the latest research and technologies available to farmers to build sustainable cattle businesses for the future.

The economic challenges and opportunities facing beef farmers will be addressed, with profitable systems of beef production demonstrated, Teagasc said. 

Steps to improve labour efficiency and returns per hour worked will also be discussed. 

The challenges of reducing the environmental footprint of suckler and dairy-beef systems, along with maintaining water quality and enhancing biodiversity, will be presented by speakers.

Paul Crosson, beef enterprise leader at Teagasc Grange, said that the event will "showcase the technologies that can be applied by all farmers to improve their beef farming enterprise in terms of profitability, environmental sustainability, and the lifestyle of the farming family". 

"Specifically, we will focus on grassland management and animal nutrition, beef genetics, reproductive management and animal health, and provide practical information for farmers to take home and apply on their own farms," Mr Crosson said. 

Head of the Teagasc drystock knowledge transfer department Pearse Kelly said that this year there will be a focus on "driving genetic gain and encouraging farmers to maximise daily gain from grazed grass, while also producing high-quality silage for the winter period". 

"The opportunities to reduce chemical fertiliser use by establishing red clover swards for silage and including white clover in grass swards will be of interest to all farmers," Mr Kelly said.