Animal Health Ireland announce details of next series of CalfCare Roadshow
All AHI CalfCare events will begin at 11am.
The details of the winter 2025/spring 2026 CalfCare series have been announced, with 16 farm families set to host.
The Animal Health Ireland (AHI) series will see 16 farm families across the country host on-farm events in collaboration with Teagasc’s DairyBeef500 Programme and supported by Feed For Growth/Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Limited.
This year’s theme “Healthy Calves, Your Profitable Future” aims to highlight the connection between good calf health, animal welfare, and farm profitability.
Commenting on the return of the CalfCare series, AHI’s Dr Michelle McGrath said: “There is no middle ground when it comes to producing a healthy calf, be that for sale or for entering into your own herd. The health and well-being of the calf is critical to rearing a quality calf.
"Taking the important steps outlined at the AHI CalfCare series will help ensure that calves are healthy and well-reared in order to be profitable for farmers.”
The shows will demonstrate the steps that can be taken before the calf lands right through weaning, and the first year of life will ensure the next generation of the herd is ready to deliver for the farmer.
The roadshows will run from December 8, 2025, to January 22, 2026, and will deliver practical science-based insights to support farmers in achieving the highest possible standard in calf development.
Supported by the agri-food industry, including dairy co-ops and meat processors, each event will showcase best practice in calf husbandry, management, and performance.
DairyBeef500 Programme Manager at Teagasc, Alan Dillon, added: “We’re delighted to once again partner with AHI for the CalfCare series. Whether it’s dairy or dairy-beef calves, it’s vital to reinforce the importance of excellent calf management for both dairy and beef systems.
"Following the strong engagement with last year’s events, continued collaboration across sectors will deliver real on-farm benefits.”
National Sales Manager at Feed For Growth/Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Limited, Úna Hickey, said: “The AHI 2026 CalfCare Roadshow gives farmers an opportunity to refresh their knowledge on best practice of calf nutrition, housing, and husbandry. We are eager to, once again, support the AHI CalfCare events, as getting it right from the start means healthier calves and a more profitable future.”
All CalfCare events start at 11am and will be hosted on participating farms nationwide.
Venues for the roadshow are:
- December 8, 2025: Cork - Padraig Motherway, Rathcallan, Ladysbridge, P25 PX70
- December 9, 2025: Waterford - Kilmagemogue Dairy Ltd. – Shane Fitzgerald, Kilmagemogue, Portlaw, X91 RY18
- December 10, 2025: Wexford - Clifford & Harry Deacon, Coolaught, Clonroche, Enniscorthy, Y21 RX81
- December 16, 2025: Cork - Brian Buckley, Pluckanes North, Donoughmore, P32 Y772
- December 17, 2025: Galway - Aidan and David Treacy, Lissnacody, Eyecourt, Ballinasloe, H53 FW98
- December 19, 2025: Tipperary - The Breen Family, Gorteen, Emly, E34 FW93
- January 8, 2026: Kerry - Pat Stack, Dromuhur, Moyvane, Listowel, V31 FF97
- January 8, 2026: Kilkenny - Seandara farm Ltd. – Brendan Joyce, The Islands, Urlingford, E41 TR68
- January 12, 2026: Cork - Michéal McCarthy, Belrose, Upton, T12 FW24
- January 13, 2026: Wicklow - Derek Beattie, Coolroe, Tinahely, Y14 PH96
- January 14, 2026: Laois - John, Patricia & Rory McEvoy, Clonaheen House, Rosenallis, Portlaoise, R32 XK44
- January 15, 2026: Galway - Sean Keane, Tobberoe, Athenry, H64 EC52
- January 16, 2026: Louth - Patrick & Aaron Callan, Phillipstown, Dunleer, A92 NND6
- January 20, 2026: Cavan - Seamus Dolan, Killynaff, H14 K583
- January 21, 2026: Donegal - Patrick Kelly, Waterwheel Farm, Ballyarrell, Kilgordon, F93 P657
- January 22, 2026: Sligo - Marty Lenehan Liggan, Ballyconnell, Ballinfull, F91 YD53
