Teagasc and Kepak host knowledge transfer event for beef discussion groups

At the Knowledge Transfer event for beef advisory groups were Pearse Kelly, head of Teagasc Drystock Knowledge Transfer; Eilis Greene, marketing executive, Kepak; Sam Myles, farm manager, Kepak; Professor Frank O’ Mara, Teagasc director, Brian Tormey, chief executive of Kepak Meat Division Ireland; Martina Harrington, Teagasc Future Beef Programme; and Mick O’Dowd, head of Agri-Business at Kepak.

More than 200 farmers attended a full day of insight, innovation, and hands-on demonstrations focused on building more efficient and sustainable beef production systems.

The dedicated Knowledge Transfer event for beef advisory groups hosted by Teagasc, in partnership with leading Irish food company Kepak, took place on Tuesday, May 20.

The day combined expert-led talks at Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Co Meath and Kepak Farm — a beef and tillage enterprise in Clonee, Co Meath, where attendees saw how practical changes on-farm can deliver measurable improvements in performance, sustainability, and profitability.

Rotating sessions covered animal health, nutrition, breeding, carbon efficiency, slurry use, and more. Kepak’s store-to-beef system, finishing 5,000 cattle annually, offered a real-life view of high-performance beef farming. Farmers gained exclusive insights into Teagasc and Kepak-led research, farmer programmes, and environmental best practices.

“Kepak has a long and proud track record of collaborating with industry stakeholders for the betterment of the overall industry,” said head of Agri-Business at Kepak Mick O’Dowd. 

“Kepak Farm, in particular, has been a shining light in that regard and yesterday we were proud to work with Teagasc in providing practical information that we hope the 200 farmers in attendance found beneficial. Kepak will continue to work together with farmers to move our sector forward.”

"Events like this matter because they bring real world insight to the fore,” said Brian Tormey, chief executive of Kepak Meat Division Ireland. 

Farmers are facing more pressure than ever, and they need advice that’s practical, credible, and relevant to their own systems. That’s what today was about, helping farmers make better decisions on the ground. 

"We're pleased to work closely with Teagasc to support progress in efficiency, sustainability, and profitability right across the sector.” 

Head of the Teagasc Drystock Knowledge Transfer Department Pearse Kelly said: “Farmers in beef discussion groups are to the fore in adopting the latest and newest technologies to improve their farm business. 

"The event highlights the current and future research being undertaken in Teagasc Grange and being adopted on farms like the Kepak farm. We would encourage all those in attendance to take home some of messages being communicated today and adopt them on their own farms.”

Teagasc director, Professor Frank O’ Mara added: “Our advisory programme is underpinned by a strong research programme which addresses the future needs of the suckler beef and dairy beef enterprises to ensure they remain competitive and profitable, while also providing the science to assist farmers address the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving water quality and enhancing biodiversity on farms.”