The Foyle Food Group welcomed many of their Angus beef suppliers to an information day held in the wonderful weather last Friday, on their Carrigans farm. Under a clear blue sky and in bright sunshine farmers gathered with interest to listen to the key speakers:
Gareth Davies – Gareth Grassland Advisory Sevices.
Gary Fisher – Local Teagasc Advisor.
Joe Burke – Bord Bia, Livestaock Sector Manager.
Gareth And Gary reaffirmed the benefits of correct grassland management, enhancing soil fertility and reseeding where needed. Emphasis was placed upon the use of grazing paddocks in suckler/ beef systems, retaining records as to the number and quality of grazing’s from each field, maintaining soil fertility and the use of strong paddocks for silage depending on grass growth.
Joe gave an upbeat report on the outlook for Irish beef sales. He noted the demand for quality product such as certified Angus beef. A caution was noted, that farmers should understand that factories and therefore producers are being required to supply better quality carcasses to avail of the maximum return. Farmers should be encouraged to feed cattle to their full potential in terms of grade, weight and financial return.
Andrew Clarke of Foyle Foods thanked farmers, speakers for attending and welcomed everybody to Angus steak meal from the BBQ.