Teagasc are delighted to invite all beef farmers and stakeholders to BEEF2018, on Tuesday 26th June at the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange Co. Meath.

The theme of this event is ‘€nhancing Knowledge’. The short term outlook for beef prices in 2018 is good; however in the medium term there will be significant challenges around Brexit, reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and climate change. The emphasis in BEEF2018 is on highlighting those technologies that will help underpin the future profitability of the beef sector.

Technologies related to grassland management, animal nutrition, beef genetics, reproductive management and animal health,
including farm planning and implementation that will be essential in increasing the competitiveness of the beef sector will be on display.

The focus of BEEF2018 will be on the application of technologies that will help beef farmers increase the profitability and sustainability of their farming family business.

BEEF2018 is your opportunity to see first-hand the results of the comprehensive research and innovation programme at Teagasc and to meet research, advisory and education staff.  We look forward to meeting with you on the 26th June.

Join our BEEF2018 Community on Facebook and be notified of all our preparations in the lead up to this day! We’ll be following our Beef team as they put together an informative and enjoyable day for all the family. We’ll also be running competitions where you’ll have the chance to win some exciting prizes so stay tuned at https://www.facebook.com/events/1440284759426680/permalink/1502440783211077

Download the BEEF2018 Flyer here

€nhancing Technologies

Farm Infrastructure

• Drainage systems & roadways
• Soil fertility & reseeding
• Fencing & water system

Suckler Calf to Beef

• Systems of production
• Beef output/ha
• Maximising profit

Dairy Calf-to-Beef

• Systems of production
• Key profit drivers
• Dairy beef crossbred cattle

High Animal Performance

• Replacement & Terminal indexes/indices
• Increasing compact calving & AI use
• Importance of herd health

Grassland Management

• Soil fertility
• Grazing management
• Role of white clover

Technology Villages

GRASS10

• Grazing demonstration
• PastureBase Ireland
• Grazing practices to increase animal output/ha

BETTER Beef Programme

• Farm planning & monitoring
• Farmers experience of putting technology into practice
• Newford & Derrypatrick suckler herd

Dairy Calf-to-Beef

• New research programme at Grange
• Choice of calf type
• Teagasc Green Acres Calf-to-Beef Programme

Health & Reproduction 

• Increasing AI usage on suckler herds
• 2-year old calving
• Parasite control and anthelmintic use

Feeding & Meat Quality

• Producing high quality silage
• Concentrate ration formulation
• Factors affecting meat quality

Being both Competitive and Sustainable

• Increasing nutrient efficiency & water quality
• Enhancing biodiversity
• Reducing carbon footprint

Education

• Pathways for a career in agriculture
• Revised agricultural training options
• Details of local education courses

Keeping yourself safe on the farm

• Safety at work
• Keeping children safe
• Identification of hazards

Highlights

Forum: ‘Sustainable Family Beef Farming Businesses’

This will be a panel discussion facilitated by Richard Curran from The Dragons Den & RTE Radio 1 ‘The Business’. The panel will include a number of successful beef farmers, as well as a representative from the beef industry. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Mr. Michael Creed will also contribute to this discussion.

Live Demonstrations: Essential technologies to enhance technical efficiency
Live demonstrations will include the design and implementation of an ideal grazing infrastructure, animals of varying suckler €uro Star Indexes, calves of varying genotype from the new Dairy Calf-to-Beef programme and AI usage in suckler herds. There will be workshops on calf rearing, Anti-Microbial Resistance, 2-year old calving and health and safety. A number of national experts have
accepted invitations to participate in the workshops.

Research to adoption: Extension methods
A wide range of extension methodologies are employed by Teagasc to transfer research fi ndings to beef farmers. Use this opportunity to meet and discuss your ideas with Teagasc staff . Teagasc have a range of specialists in all the key technology areas. You will have the opportunity to discuss one-to-one solutions to your problems using the many decision support tools developed by Teagasc.

A Supply Chain Solution

Ireland is part of a large high-value EU market that returns a high price for beef and is consequently, in a strong position to avail of the growing EU of processors and Bord Bia, Irish beef has increased penetration in the main EU markets. Kevin Dundon arguably one of Ireland’s most recognized and respected chefs, will deliver a range of cooking demonstrations live using beef recipes.

Building a Competitive Beef Sector

The beef sector is among the most important Irish indigenous industries. There are over 100,000 farms contributing to beef production in Ireland, of which 68,000 farms are involved in specialist beef production.  Total beef production increased by 4.5% to 615,000 tonnes between 2016 and 2017. Beef exports in 2017 amounted to 20% of total agri-food exports, worth €2.5 billion, representing a 65% increase in export value compared to 2010.

Key industry experts from Bord Bia, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Irish Farmers Journal, Health & Safety Authority, University College Dublin and Meat Technology Ireland will be present on the day to discuss individual farmer queries.

There will be a live animal interactive stand on selecting tomorrows Suckler Cow with the Irish Farmers Journal/ICBF/Bord Bia.

This major Open Day will provide the roadmap to deliver new goals for the Irish Beef industry.

Teagasc acknowledges with gratitude the support of:

Contact Details:

For further information please contact:
Ms. Loreto Ferguson
Tel: 076 – 1112914
Email: loreto.ferguson@teagasc.ie

The annual Gigginstown House Aberdeen-Angus herd production sale of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus bulls and heifers takes place at Fennor Farm, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on Saturday, April 28^th at 12 noon. Last year’s sale produced a total clearance across both bulls and heifers with an average price of just over €3300 recorded in the sales ring. The Gigginsotwn House Aberdeen-Angus herd was one of the stops at last summer’s World Angus Forum tour of Ireland and all visitors were mightily impressed with the standard of stock on display.

For more details about the upcoming sale, please contact Joe on 087 7809113 or Gerry on 087 2587715

View catalogue on www.gigginstownhouse.com/

Booked for today's Annual Spring Angus Sale and Special Dry Cow Sale
 Ring 1 @ 11am 30 Weanling Bulls 160 Bullocks
 Ring 2 @ 11.30am 60 Dry Cows 10 Weanling Heifers 170 Heifers
 Sheep Sale @ 10.30am
 Note order of Sale
 Enquires to Mart Office on 071 9183364

Angus Beef Ireland are proud to be associated with the annual sale of Aberdeen Angus and contential bullock/ heifer sale. Leading export customers will be in attendence.
Aurivo Livestock Mart Ballymote,
Fairgreen Road, Ballymote
F56 H795 Sligo, Ireland
(071) 918 3364

The National Aberdeen-Angus Calf show took place last Staurday in Carrick on Shannon and was a resounding success. The new indoor  venue proved popular with an improved crowd in attendance on previous years.

The main winners on the day are as follows:

Junior Stockperson (open to boys and girls aged 12 years and under)

1^st: Zara Sheahan, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

2^nd: Avril Crowe, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

3^rd: Paul Bohan, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

4^th: Joshua Cronin, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

Senior Stockperson (open to boys and girls aged 12 – 18 years)

1^st: John Smyth, Oldcastle, Co. Meath

2^nd: Jack Cronin, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

3^rd: Stephen Crowe, Mohill, Co. Leitrim

Bull born between 01.09.2016 – 31.10.2016

1^st: Albert DeCogan’s Mogeely Memo S467 by Wall Royal Leo L837

2^nd: Michael Culkeen’s Blackfield Lord Sandy S557 by Rawburn Edge J983

3^rd: Albert DeCogan’s Mogeely Black Catch S475 by Mogeely Joe H979

4^th: John McEnroe’s Liss Bobby S653 by HF Rebel 53Y

Bull born between 01.11.2016 – 31.12.2016

1^st: Thomas Mulligan’s Clooncarne Nathan by Clooncarne Kyle

2^nd: Eustace Burke’s Clontead Master S224 by Rawburn Ettrick P897

3^rd: Richard Crowe’s Broomstreet Red Eland S131 by Killanley Red Linnet P642

Bull born between 01.01.2017 – 15.02.2017

1^st: Bernard Kerins’ Kerins Provider by Redwood Eiger

2^nd: Cathal Duignan’s Laheens Presley by Westellen Diego M734

3^rd: Albert DeCogan’s Mogeely Lord Hannibal T494 by Wedderlie Blackbox J935

4^th: Pat & Finbarr Cahill’s Shankill Moonlight T142 by Eastfield Black Buddy K155

Bull born between 16.02.2017 – 31.03.2017

1^st: Tom Reynolds’ Knockadrinan Blackboy T644 by Mogeely Joe H979

2^nd: Alan Morrison’s Drummeer Blackburn T457 by Blelack Duke J262

3^rd: Joe Kelly’s Glostermin Lord Harlod T019 by Westellen Diego M734

4^th: John McEnroe’s Liss Matthew T695 by Mogeely Lord Harrow M191

Bull born after 01.04.2017

1^st: Thomas Mulligan’s Clooncarne Prince by Beryl Jamey

2^nd: Thomas Mulligan’s Clooncarne Prestige by Clooncarne Frank

3^rd: John McEnroe’s Liss Butcher T705 by Fordel Mighty Paudie R248

4^th: Pat & Finbarr Cahill’s Shankill Lord Hank T149 by Eastfield Black Buddy K155

Heifer born between 01.09.2016 – 31.10.2016

1^st: Eustace Burke’s Clontead J Patriot S218 by Rawburn Boss Hogg N630

2^nd: Albert DeCogan’s Mogeely Lady Hazel S471 by Rosemead Karona J957

3^rd: Eustace Burke’s Clontead Pamela S214 by Friarstown Ideal Pete K202

4^th: Matthew Goulding’s Goulding N Missie 808 ET by Blelack Duke J262

Heifer born between 01.11.2016 – 31.12.2016

1^st: Alan Morrison’s Drummeer Blackbird S376 by Gretnahouse Blacksmith L500

2^nd: Adam Woods’ Dungimmon Nibbles ET by Mogeely Joe H979

3^rd: John Brady’s Lisnafanna Darling S304 by Mogeely Lord Harrow M191

4^th: John McEnroe’s Liss Darl S654 by HF Rebel 53Y

Heifer born between 01.01.2017 – 15.02.2017

1^st: Thomas Beirne’s Drumbeera Lady Thatcher T226 by Bova Lord Blackwood H175

2^nd: Adrian Parke’s Coolermoney Frances T703 by Hallington Edition M362

3^rd: Richard Crowe’s Broomstreet Red Jilly T135 by Killanley Red Linnet P642

4^th: Kenton Crowe’s Aughakil Lady Laura T421 by Coneyisland Legend E112

Heifer born between 16.02.2017 – 31.03.2017

1^st: Matthew Goulding’s Goulding Pamela 834 by Nightingale Proud Jake G405

2^nd: John McEnroe’s Liss Biluri T693 by Mogeely Lord Harrow M191

3^rd: Edward Dudley’s Castlelough Miss Betty T179 by Clontead Ecco

4^th: Paddy Farrell’s Sheemore Phyllis T502 by Rawburn Lord Rocket F609

Heifer born after 01.04.2017

1^st: Adrian Parke’s Coolermoney Rosita T736 by Ankonian Elixir 100

2^nd: Kenton Crowe’s Aughakil Rose T425 by Westellen Diego M734

3^rd: Gerard Lynch’s Ceanannus My Betsy T715 by Mogeely Lord Harrow M191

4^th: Paddy Farrell’s Sheemore Pansy T515 by Gear Fury N290

Overall Supreme Male Champion, Mogeely Memo S467 with Albert DeCogan (exhibitor)

Overall Supreme Female Champion, Drumbeera Lady Thatcher T226 with Patrick Beirne (exhibitor)

As the dust (perhaps water) settles on another Ploughing Championships I came across some pictures from this years event. Memories to treasure!!!

A promising start weather wise.                                                                            Friends come and vist.

That sinking feeling!!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Where’s Justin’s shovel.

Spent a very cold, wet and windy day at the farm of Angus Beef Ireland and Slaney Foods supplier Mr. Michael Ryan, Ballymore, Co Westmeath. A most impressive and imformative day outlining what can be achieved, in relation to production and profitability, by a 100 acre part-time farmer and his family. Hereunder are some pictures of the day.

Well done to Michael for hosting the event and being so open with his information, Teagasc Mullingar and Gordon Peppard for coordinating the day and John McDonald / Dennis Brennan for enlightening farmers as to factory requirements for the Angus production system.

Contact your local Teagasc office regarding similar events in your area.

A huge thank you to all who took part in our charity effort at this year’s Ploughing Championships. All monies raised were doubled by our partner factories and the entire proceeds were donated to Cycle Against Suicide charity. €5,000.00 was presented to the charity by Anna May McHugh of the NPA, our partner factories and the Irish Aberdeen Angus Association.

Minister of State, MrJim Daly T.D., also showed his support for the charity by visiting us at the ploughing.

The competition winners and results are listed hereunder:

Guess the Weight winner
Thomas Clarke, Ballina,Co Mayo.

Eartag
Number                   Breed     Grade        Age             Carcass Weight Kg
351273531224         AAX         R-3+        19 mths              340.1
231331320121         AAX         R-4-         19 mths              348.9
311618620666          AAX        R+4-        22 mths              403.1
                                                                                        Total 1092.10

Congratulations to the winners of the stock judging competition
Samuel Keating, Rosscahill, Co Galway.
Francis Lyons, Claremorris, Co Mayo.
Ciaran McPolin, Warrenpoint, Co Down.

Dawn Meats and Macra na Feirme “Young Beef Farmer Sustainability Programme” contestantsalso engaged in the stock judging competition as part of their programme.
The joint winners of this challenge within the “YBFSP” group were
Robert McGuiness, Slane, Co. Meath  and Thomas O Connor, Athy, Co. Kildare.

SThis year’s National Ploughing Championships take place in Screggan, Tullamore from Tuesday 19th September to Thursday 21st September 2017.

Come visit us on our stand on Block 1; Row 24; Stand 542. Beside Gate 12.

Factory representatives will be on hand to discuss Angus beef bonus specifications and market requirements.

Richard Dudgeon, Beef Specialist with Alltech Ireland will speak on Wednesday and Thursday on finishing Angus cattle to meet factory and market requirements.

Angus Beef Ireland and our partner factories are proud to be again support Cycle Against Suicide chartity  with our “Guess the Carcass Weight” and ” Stock Judging” competitions. Generous prizes on offer to the winners.

Come join us over the 3 days and why not sample an Irish Aberdeen Angus steak sandwich or an Irish Aberdeen Angus beef burger from our on site caterer.

Class 202: AIB National Livestock Show Senior Angus Championship.

Champion: Class 199 No. 2:  Albert DeCogan’s Cheeklaw Jake Eric R535 by Cardona Proud Punch L752

Reserve Champion: Class 195 No. 6:  Albert De Cogan’s Mogeely Miylo P291 by Rosemead Karona J957

John Blackburn (Judge), Derek Lovell (Judge), Albert DeCogan’s Cheeklaw Jake Eric            (Champion), Albert De Cogan’s Mogeely Miylo (Reserve Champion), Lee Wilson (Judge).

Class 203: Angus heifer born between 01.09.2015 and 31.08.2016

1, Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Nancy by Cudlobe Millenium

2, Tom Mulligan’s Clooncarne Nicky by Baronagh Producer N662

3, John McEnroe’s Liss Duchess R569 by HF Rebel 53Y

4, Joseph & Michael Moran’s Powerstown Molly by Drumcrow Piping Hot M517

Class 204: Angus Junior heifer born between 01.09.2016 and 31.12.2016

1, Eustace Burke’s Clontead Pamela S214 by Friarstown Ideal Pete K202

2, Keith Vickery’s Carbery Nicole by Goulding Jumbo King K436

3, John McEnroe’s Liss Tilda S648 by HF Rebel 53Y

Class 205: Angus Heifer calf born in 2017

1, Martin Mulcahy’s Rathfort Mel T085 by Aughnanoma Jimmy

2, Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Petra by Bunlahy John G

3, Michael Dullea’s Carrigroe Polly by Rathosheen Hugo

4, Thomas Beirne’s Drumbeera Lady Thatcher T226 by Bova Lord Blackwood H175

Class 206: AIB National Livestock Show Junior Angus Female Championship.

Champion: Class 203, No. 1: Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Nancy by Cudlobe Millenium

Reserve Champion: Class 204, No. 1: Eustace Burke’s Clontead Pamela S214 by Friarstown Ideal Pete K202

Class 207: Angus bull born between 01.09.2015 and 31.08.2016

1, John McEnroe’s Liss Darl R561 by Te Mania Berkley B1

2, Anthony Scanlon’s Owenmore Nick by Owenmore Kit

3, Alan Gibbon’s Kilteevan Nicky by Maine Dragon

4, Dermot Lynch’s Tomriland Enigma S293 by Mogeely Lord Hugh M204

Class 208: Angus Junior bull born between 01.09.2016 and 31.12.2016

1, Albert DeCogan’s Mogeely Memo S467 by Wall Royal Leo L837

2, Albert DeCogan’s Mogeely Black Catch S467 by Mogeely Joe H979

3, Shane McKiernan’s Drumcarbin Nutcracker by Retties JFK M195

Class 209: Angus Bull Calf born in 2017

1, John McEnroe’s Liss Butcher T705 by Fordel Mighty Paudie R248

2, Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Prizeman by Rawburn Eventer 2^nd

3, Michael & Niamh Barron’s Grange View Pride by Mogeely Joe H979

4, Martin Mulcahy’s Rathfort Jon Eric T088 by Bunlahy Myles

Class 210: AIB National Livestock Show Junior Angus Male Championship.

Champion: Class, 207 No. 1: John McEnroe’s Liss Darl R561 by Te Mania Berkley B1

Reserve Champion: Class 208, No. 5: Albert DeCogan’s Mogeely Memo S467 by Wall Royal Leo L837

Class 211:AIB National Livestock Show  Junior Angus Championship.

Champion: Class 203, No. 1: Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Nancy by Cudlobe Millenium

Reserve Champion: Class, 207 No. 1: John McEnroe’s Liss Darl R561 by Te Mania Berkley B1

John Blackburn (Judge), Derek Lovell (Judge),Conor Craig & Amanda Bogan’s Millbawn Nancy by Cudlobe Millenium (Champion), John McEnroe’s Liss Darl R561 by Te Mania Berkley B1 (Reserve Champion), Lee Wilson (Judge).

Our many thanks to Tullamore Show, the ring stewarts, the judges and the exhibitors who supported our sponsored classes at Tullamore Show last Sunday. A fantastic day.