Teagasc and Dawn Meats have established a new stand-alone suckler herd at Athenry, Co Galway.

Teagasc has appointed Adam Woods as beef systems scientist, based at the Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co Meath.

Beef farmers can boost their profits by implementing the findings of scientific research into their production plans, said newly appointed Teagasc cattle knowledge transfer specialist James Keane.

Enhanced grass quality and feed efficiency will increase profit levels for beef finishers, some 400 beef farmers heard at a Teagasc open day yesterday.

Daniel Hession says purchasing of additional fodder and herd mortality compound the problem