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

    5D AGO

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

    JAN 28

    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
  3. Dairy Calf to Beef: Building a Profitable System

    JAN 21

    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
  4. Pre-Calving Prep and Planning Ahead for 2026

    JAN 7

    Pre-Calving Prep and Planning Ahead for 2026

    Teagasc Beef Specialist, Niall Kerins, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with some of the key management tips for the weeks ahead.    Niall discusses the importance of using a pre-calving mineral on farm and he outlines some key things to have on hand in advance of calving cows and purchasing calves.    Niall also explains the importance of updating your nutrient management plan on the farm in 2026 and says now is an ideal time to take soil samples in advance of slurry being applied.   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

    19 min
  5. Beef Outlook 2025–26: Supply, Prices & Profit on Irish Farms

    12/31/2025

    Beef Outlook 2025–26: Supply, Prices & Profit on Irish Farms

    Pearse Kelly, Teagasc Head of Drystock, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to reflect on beef supply, market and beef prices in 2025 and how to plan for 2026.    Bord Bia had forecast the national kill would be back 70,000-90,000 in 2025 but that has been closer to 200,000. This is likely to remain similar in 2026.    Pearse’s long term outlook is positive but he says that farmers should complete a profit monitor in 2025 to assess performance and costs prior to 2026.    Rupert Claxton also spoke at this year’s Beef Conference giving a broad global view of beef with further details here:  https://teagasc.ie/publications/national-beef-conference-2025/   You can also watch the recent beef webinar at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJD2zfLVmM     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

    14 min
  6. Repost: Matt Dempsey on Brazilian beef and the future of the Irish beef industry

    12/24/2025

    Repost: Matt Dempsey on Brazilian beef and the future of the Irish beef industry

    For this special Christmas episode of The Beef Edge, we’re re-visiting our 300th episode of the podcast that was recorded earlier this year with Matt Dempsey, whose career spans multiple decades and various roles in agricultural journalism and beyond.   Matt has been instrumental in driving innovations in Irish agriculture through his work as a journalist, farmer and chairman of various industry groups and he gives his outlook for the Irish beef industry.    Matt discusses intervention, suckler incentive scheme, beef tribunal, BSE and Foot and Mouth to name but a few.   Matte highlights the work done by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation as a significant breakthrough as well as the emphasis on easy calving, and also of marbling of beef.   He also comments on the emergence of grazing management, fertiliser, and especially grass varieties and reseeding that have been revolutionary.   Matt discusses a previous campaign that the Farmers' Journal and the IFA carried out in relation to Brazilian beef which succeeded in getting the actual import regime changed at Brussels level when the beef trade in Ireland and Europe looked as if it was going to be fundamentally undermined.   A huge thanks to everyone that has appeared on the Beef Edge podcast over the past 300 episodes and to all the listeners for making the podcast such a success - wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.   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

    31 min
  7. Bluetongue Explained: What Beef Farmers Need to Know

    12/18/2025

    Bluetongue Explained: What Beef Farmers Need to Know

    For a special joint podcast on bluetongue, with Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge and Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast, this week’s Beef Edge is joined by vet John Donlon to find out more about bluetongue.   Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for increased awareness in the Republic of Ireland.    Early action, identification and isolation will be key in reducing the potential for further virus spread.   Temperature is a major factor in the transmission of bluetongue. The typical transmission period usually runs from late spring to early autumn, especially during the summer months. During the winter, the risk of disease spread is much lower.   Bluetongue is associated with many symptoms. Typically, in affected cattle and sheep, the main symptoms may include: fever and loss of appetite; drop in milk yield (dairy cows); reddening of mucous membranes; sores on the nose, gums or dental pads; swelling of the face, lips or tongue (‘blue tongue’); breathing difficulties, drooling or nasal/eye discharge; lameness due to inflammation at the top of the hoof; abortion or foetal deformities; and, in severe cases, infection can result in death.   For further info: Teagasc urges vigilance on bluetongue - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority   Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, meaning anyone who suspects an animal may have the disease is legally obliged to notify DAFM without delay.   To report a suspected case of Bluetongue virus to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), you should immediately contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the National Disease Emergency Hotline.    Contact Details: ·      During office hours (9 am - 5 pm): Contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) ·      Outside office hours (operational 365 days a year): Ring the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026   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

    25 min
  8. The latest research findings from the Derrypatrick herd

    12/11/2025

    The latest research findings from the Derrypatrick herd

    Dr. Paul Crosson, Beef Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Grange, is on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the latest research being carried out in 2025 and the plans for 2026.   Pauls highlights the current research underway on the Derrypatrick and Maternal Herd and he outlines the findings from the dairy beef work being carried out as well as the latest research relating to additives.   You can also watch the recent Teagasc Beef Webinar with Paul at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntJD2zfLVmM     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

    23 min
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About

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/

Information

  • Channel
    Teagasc
  • Creator
    Teagasc
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    329
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Teagasc
  • Show Website
    The Beef Edge

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