Building farm cover to extend the grazing season

Donnchadh and Eamon McCarthy on their farm at Carrigeen, Youghal, Co. Waterford. Photograph: Patrick Browne

We are running a suckling to beef enterprise split into spring (60%) and autumn (40%) calving consisting of 55 suckler cows. The males are finished as under-16-month bull beef, while the heifers, not retained for breeding, are finished at 18-20 months. Own heifers are kept for breeding.

Grassland management