The Beef Edge

Teagasc

The Beef Edge is Teagasc’s podcast for all the latest news, information and advice for Irish beef farmers, presented by Catherine Egan. Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/the-beef-edge-podcast/

  1. Commercial Beef Value (CBV): The Profit Difference in Your Cattle

    -3 J

    Commercial Beef Value (CBV): The Profit Difference in Your Cattle

    Over the last few years, farmers have become more aware of the Commercial Beef Value – or CBV – and so, this week is the first of a two-part series on the importance of CBV.   The ICBF’s Research Project Co-ordinator, David Kelly, who is based in the Tully Research Centre, joins the show to discuss the latest information and findings at Tully with regards to CBV.    David highlights the fact that farmers finishing cattle are seeing measurable margin differences between high and low CBV cattle. He discusses continental, dairy beef and dairy cross dairy cattle.    He outlines the impact on profitability on the high-CBV dairy-beef cattle finishing earlier and grading better and he explains that while genotyping significantly improves CBV reliability, it is also influencing breeding decisions on farm.     For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    11 min
  2. Beef Road Map 2030: Performance, Profit & Progress

    4 MARS

    Beef Road Map 2030: Performance, Profit & Progress

    Over the last decade the Irish agriculture and food sector has grown, developed and modernised. Teagasc recently launched the Teagasc Enterprise Road Maps and on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Head of Drystock, Pearse Kelly, and Beef Enterprise Leader, Dr. Paul Crosson at Teagasc Grange, discuss current performance, market outlook, sustainability priorities and future targets for Irish beef.   Beef farming is one of the larger sectors in Irish agriculture and accounts for one third of overall agricultural output due partially to a strong period of increased prices. Approximately 80% of Irish farms carry some beef animals with 55% of Irish farms considered to be specialist beef producers.    In recent years there has been an increase in the volume of beef produced from animals born in the dairy herd (now approximately 60% of the total) in comparison to progeny from the suckler herd and we have seen a decrease in the number of suckler cows over the same period. Suckler cows account for approximately a third of the total cows (beef and dairy) in Ireland.   Beef farm input costs have remained stable, while output values have risen due to a strong export market. As a result, farm income from production is expected to grow. However, the sector remains highly dependent on income support measures to maintain profitability.    Teagasc will continue integrating research and knowledge transfer efforts to enhance the economic sustainability of the Irish beef sector. Our focus remains on lowering production costs, improving performance and sustainable output, and accelerating genetic progress at the farm level   New and emerging technologies may provide opportunities to optimise farm operations, improve animal performance, and support more sustainable and profitable beef production. Teagasc will evaluate the potential impact of these new technologies on Irish beef farmers and demonstrate their benefits by collaborating with our network of demonstration farmers who are actively implementing them on their farms.   Further details at: Teagasc Road Map Series 2030 – Overview of Irish Agriculture and Food - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority     For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    24 min
  3. Soil First: Planning Your Nutrient Strategy for 2026

    25 FÉVR.

    Soil First: Planning Your Nutrient Strategy for 2026

    Mark Plunkett from the Teagasc Signpost Programme joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss soil fertility and planning for the year ahead.    Mark outlines how only 13% of the soil on drystock farms is optimum for pH, P and K. While there has been a big rise in recent years with the amount of lime being applied, in 2026 another 500,000 tonnes are still needed.    Mark explains the benefits of lime on climate and production and says that farmers should use soil test results to prioritise where fertiliser money is spent through updating the nutrient management plan.     Mark also discusses the application of nitrogen and slurry this spring to maximise efficient use and he says it is important to target slurry to silage ground.   Further details on the Signpost Programme are at: https://teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change-air-quality/signpost-programme/   For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    17 min
  4. Weather Challenges & Grazing Opportunities This Spring

    18 FÉVR.

    Weather Challenges & Grazing Opportunities This Spring

    Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, and Grass10 Manager, John Maher, are on this week’s Beef Edge with an update on the current situation around the country and planning for the spring ahead.    John gives a review of 2025 which was a great year for most farmers in relation to grass.   January was significantly wetter than average, especially in eastern and southern counties, contributing to saturated ground and flooding risk.    Nikki outlines the importance of walking the farm and picking the right slurry for the right ground and highlights the importance of correcting P and K.   They both outline managing grass and getting started grazing in the first rotation and how to rectify any damage   There are also a number of beef spring grass workshops taking place around the country in the coming weeks focusing on the practical aspect of grazing this spring with live demos focused on fertiliser, slurry and infrastructure.    Further details at: https://teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grassland-events/#Springgrass   For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    21 min
  5. Dairy Calf to Beef (Part 4): Feeding for Performance: Milk Replacer Dos and Don’ts

    11 FÉVR.

    Dairy Calf to Beef (Part 4): Feeding for Performance: Milk Replacer Dos and Don’ts

    For this final part of the ‘Dairy Calf to Beef’ series on the Beef Edge, Liam Gannon from Volac discusses feeding the calf up to weaning and the key dos and don’ts around feeding milk replacer.    Liam explains the ingredients one should focus on when selecting a milk replacer and the key benefits of feeding a high-quality milk replacer in terms of nutrition and calf performance cannot be underestimated. If you are happy with the replacer your feeding that is key.   Liam highlights a recommended feeding program for spring-born calves in terms of volume, frequency and dilution rates up to weaning.   He also outlines the common digestive issues when feeding milk replacer, and how farmers can prevent them.   It’s worth noting that consistency has come up throughout this podcast series in relation to feeding milk replacer for calf health, hygiene, timing and mixing.   To conclude Liam discusses the importance of the current dilution rate and advises farmers to take into account the cold weather temperatures and impact that can have and to account for this when feeding replacer.   For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge   Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    17 min
  6. Dairy Calf to Beef (Part 3): Healthy Starts, Strong Finishes

    4 FÉVR.

    Dairy Calf to Beef (Part 3): Healthy Starts, Strong Finishes

    For the third part of our ‘Dairy Calf to Beef’ series, vet Tommy Heffernan discusses the key areas to ensure a healthy calf and developing a sustainable profitable dairy beef system.    Tommy says that pneumonia, scour and coccidiosis are some of the main issues with calves. The damp, cold spring weather impacts calf health and increases risks.    Tommy outlines ways to rescue pneumonia and scour outbreaks in calves, plus he highlights the best procedure for calf arrival on farm that he has seen working well in terms of electrolytes, housing etc.   Tommy also explains that prevention planning with a vet plays a huge role in advance of purchasing calves this spring.   For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    12 min
  7. Dairy Calf to Beef (Part 2): From Purchase to Performance - Rearing Dairy-Beef Calves

    28 JANV.

    Dairy Calf to Beef (Part 2): From Purchase to Performance - Rearing Dairy-Beef Calves

    For the second part of the 'Dairy Calf to Beef’ series’ on the Beef Edge, Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue, discusses what to be aware of when sourcing calves and the essential things to get right during the rearing process.   David explains that when sourcing dairy-beef calves this spring, the health of the calf, breed and genetic make-up are very important.   Avoid any signs of ill health, and minimise stress around purchase and transport.  Good ventilation, bedding, and stocking density are important to reduce disease.   David says that a good milk replacer is essential an keeping a routine at feeding time is important.   Daily liveweight gain should ideally double from purchase at 3 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age gaining 0.8kg/head/day.     It is essential that the calf has a well-developed rumen and maximises early life performance to ensure good thrive going forward. David also highlights that developing a farm-specific health plan with a vet is key to ensure issues from previous years are resolved and overcome.   Further details at: https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/dairybeef-500-factsheets/nutritional-management-of-the-dairy-beef-calf/   Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026  The Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026 will take place on Thursday, January 29th at 7pm at Ballykisteen Hotel, Limerick Junction, County Tipperary, E34 VK12.   For more information on the conference:  https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-conference/   For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    15 min
  8. Dairy Calf to Beef: Building a Profitable System

    21 JANV.

    Dairy Calf to Beef: Building a Profitable System

    In the first part of a ‘Dairy Calf to Beef’ series on the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast, DairyBeef 500 Manager, Alan Dillon, discusses the key performance indicators of a sustainable, profitable dairy beef system.   Alan outlines the importance of increased grass utilisation, improved silage quality, a good herd health plan and daily liveweight gains and the impact breed and commercial beef value can have in a dairy beef system.    Age at slaughter is fam and system specific and Alan discusses the impact both have on margin. Completion and analysis of the DairyBeef 500 profit monitors is currently underway. Alan discusses variable and fixed costs on the farm and the impact calf price can have.   Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference The Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference 2026 will take place on Thursday, January 29th at 7pm at Ballykisteen Hotel, Limerick Junction, County Tipperary, E34 VK12.   Featuring an array of expert speakers, the conference will cover some of the important areas of dairy calf to beef production. A panel discussion with farmers and advisors will discuss the areas of focus for 2026 while also reflecting on the positives from 2025.   For more information on the conference, visit here:  https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-conference/     For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge  Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

    24 min
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À propos

The Beef Edge is Teagasc’s podcast for all the latest news, information and advice for Irish beef farmers, presented by Catherine Egan. Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/the-beef-edge-podcast/

Informations

  • Chaîne
    Teagasc
  • Création
    Teagasc
  • Années d’activité
    2019 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    334
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Teagasc
  • Site web de l’émission
    The Beef Edge

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