The Beef Edge

Margaret Brennan, Assistant Principal Officer over Beef Schemes with the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, is on the Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) course. 

One of the eligibility conditions of SCEP participation requires that participants MUST complete the mandatory SCEP training course by 15 November 2024.

The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, with the assistance of ICBF and Teagasc, and with contributions from Bord Bia and the Health & Safety Authority (HSA), have developed the mandatory SCEP training course consisting of seven modules. 

This online training course will help participants successfully implement the actions within SCEP and advise the best practices in farm safety and livestock handling. 

Participants  must complete all SCEP online training modules by 15 November 2024 to remain in the programme. This online course is now available to all SCEP participants on the website www.sceptraining.ie

A letter outlining the details on how to access the training, including the participants pin to use when activating your account, is available on Agfood account under the link for Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme

Failure to complete all modules of the online training course by 15 November 2024 will result in you being removed from SCEP and any monies paid under the programme plus the cost of your genomics tests will be recouped.

Screenshot instructions on the process of activating accounts, logging into the training and progressing through the training modules are included in the guide, which also covers frequently asked questions here:

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/291585/cc968e73-db00-4f1a-b465-4ac1bf7cb4d3.pdf#page=null 

For any participants having technical difficulties or requiring assistance in logging into the training, help is available by email at support@sceptraining.ie or by phone at 074 9707756.

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 

David Quinn, Superintending Veterinary Inspector at Department Of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is on this week’s joint episode of the Beef Edge and the Dairy Edge with hosts Catherine Egan and James Dunne to dispel some of the myths around TB (Bovine Tuberculosis).

Ireland’s TB Eradication Scheme started in 1954. A TB forum was set up in 2018 and a new eradication strategy was launched in 2021. 

David first explains that last year there were over 30,000 cases which was an increase of 6,000 on the previous year.  Currently the incidence rate is high nationally at 5%. 

David describes the skin test carried out at the annual herd test. He outlines the issues around the false positive and false negative tests, and he discusses the ways farmers can reduce farm risks and awareness around  wildlife

Further details are available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/health-and-welfare-/tb/

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 

With the current extended rainfall, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Future Beef advisor Gabriel Trayers and Alan Dillion DairyBeef 500 manager give an update from around the country along with tips and advice to implement on farms for the coming weeks. 

Alan also discusses health issues while Gabriel outlines issues in relation to the breeding season and cow nutrition options.

With grazing rotations delayed, Alan discusses the first steps in the plan and getting silage ground on track; plus he describes some of the finishing options now that stock may not have got to grass.

Weather is improving so there is light at end of the tunnel but it is an extremely stressful time and there’s also huge financial pressure on farmers. 

Talk to neighbours and your local Teagasc advisor.  There is an extensive network of people to help, including the Teagasc National Grassland Helpline on 059 918 3155.  

The helplines are open to all farmers seeking advice in coping with the ongoing wet weather and challenging soil conditions and are open from 9am–9pm Monday to Saturday.

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 

With the difficult weather conditions, DairyBeef 500 advisor Gordon Peppard is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with some timely tips in relation to closing ground for silage.

Gordon highlights that on many farms silage ground won’t be cut but this could provide an opportunity to cut this silage earlier and hence have after grass coming into the rotation faster or the ability to close ground earlier for second cut silage if needed.

Gordon also describes the different fertiliser programme options and weed control available.

Developing a fodder plan for the farm to determine the area of ground that needs to be closed based on the amount of silage required is important while keeping the groups of stock that will be on the farm next winter, Gordon explains on the show.

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/silage-quality-improvements---ten-point-plan.php

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 

Future Beef programme farmer Trevor Boland is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on his farm, closing for silage and selecting sires. 

Trevor farms part-time in county Sligo and his main enterprise is an autumn calving suckler herd, calving August to October. 

The bull calves are sold at 10-12 months with a target weight of 500kg and the heifers are kept to calves at 24 months or sold as stores.

It has been a very difficult spring but Trevor has managed to turn out weanling heifers and bulls since early March. 

While nitrogen application and slurry applications have been delayed everywhere, Trevor has slurry applied to silage ground and intends to apply 18-6-12 to the grazing ground in the coming days.

With silage ground being closed, Trevor intends to cut silage in mid-May to make quality silage for feeding to fresh calved cows and yearlings next winter over 74 DMD.

Trevor uses 100% AI which helps him match each sire to the cow. Calving ease is very important and carcass value 30-40kg are a key focus whilst not compromising on milk

Come along on the 12th April at 5:30pm to visit Trevor’s farm at Skreen, Co. Sligo to find out more.  Eircode: F91 X535.

Further details at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/future-beef-farm-walk---trevor-boland.php

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 

DairyBeef 500 Manager, Alan Dillon, is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with some tips for rearing calves at this time of year, the financial performance update for 2023 as well as slaughter performance.  

With a difficult spring to get cattle out to grass on programme farms, Alan outlines the plan at the moment with some cattle going to be kept in and finished from the shed due to difficult grazing conditions. 

Sourcing calves this spring there is big variation on price and delay of calves. Alan outlines some key tips for rearing calves up to weaning. The profitability for 2023 was on average €542/Ha. Alan outlines the slaughter performance for 2023 across the different categories of stock Fr, AA/HE, heifers and steers.

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 

Ken Gill operates an autumn calving, organic suckler to beef system located in Co Offaly and he joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to explain his system. 

He has 73 suckler cows calving from the end of July to mid-September and all progeny are brought to beef with the aim to slaughter at 24 months.

Ken says that one of the big changes he had to make when converting to an organic system was in relation to housing on the farm.

Being organic means that crop rotation is vital to ensure the continued health of the soil and to aid weed suppression.  Oats are grown for sale, with a small quantity retained for feeding on the farm. Red clover/perennial ryegrass is grown for quality silage and winter fodder crops are also sown in certain areas of the farm.

100% A.I. is used to avail of the best genetics available, with visual being the main heat detection aid.  Ken offers advice for farmers considering an organic system and says that it is a profitable system for him.

Ken will also feature in the first of a three part Future Beef webinar on Wednesday 20th March at 8pm.

On Monday, March 25th at 8pm the webinar will focus on getting your cow back in calf and on Wednesday March 27th at 8pm the webinar will focus on genetics for the future.

Further webinar details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/events/

You can read more about Ken’s system here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/ken-gill/

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 

When it comes to this time of year, the question of doing an agricultural course arises and with so many on offer it can be difficult to decide what Teagasc course suits best.

On the latest Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc education officer, Serena Gibbons, discusses the range of Teagasc education courses that are available and how you can apply.

Log on to www.teagasc.ie/education where you can find lots of information and also contact details of the education officers in each region.

There is also a webinar at 11am on March 20th on land based apprenticeships and the details are here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/land-based-apprenticeships-live-webinar.php

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 

This week it’s a joint episode between the Beef and Dairy Edge podcasts with dairy farmer Paul Delaney joining Emma-Louise Coffey & Catherine Egan to discuss the importance of genetics in the dairy-beef system to maximise performance and profitability. 

Paul first gives an overview of his system. Two thirds of the cows are calved to date and Paul has used a number of continental sires to breed top quality calves. Paul previously was a suckler farmer prior to converting to dairy in 2015. 

While selecting sires for gestation length and calving difficulty he has no issue with the sires he’s selected while focusing on beef characteristics. He puts a huge value on having two customers for calves that return year on year. 

Paul also discusses the value of good calf genetics can have on the whole process from calf birth to finish and further in the processors.  

For further details on the DairyBeef 500 campaign: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/

More information on the Dairy Beef Index is at: 

https://www.icbf.com/dairybeef-results/

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 

With a difficult spring leading to challenging grazing conditions, Teagasc Grass10 Manager, John Maher, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with his top tips in relation to grassland management this spring. 

John discusses the current soil temperatures and grass growth across the country and on farms where grazing has been delayed and very little grazing has taken place to date, John explains what the key steps are to get stock to grass in the coming weeks. 

John highlights the grazing targets to hit to avoid having too much grass left at the end of the rotation or having too much grazed. 

Slurry has been spread on most farms and for those planning to go with slurry in the coming weeks John advises this should be applied on silage ground.

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 

With calving season underway in the Newford herd, Teagasc Newford farm technician Michael Fagan is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into changes on the farm, preparation in advance of calving and a review performance of the herd. 

Michael discusses the big changes on Newford farm since we spoke last with the cows being moved from Athenry to Roscommon.  As the farm operated a tillage and beef enterprise, Michael discusses the work involved in making paddocks, reseeding and making pens before calving. So far just over 40 of the cows have calved and Michael discusses their performance. 

Michael also discusses how the yearlings on the farm are performing and the performance of the cattle finished before Christmas. 

Obviously heavy rainfall the past few weeks has hampered any chances so far of starting the grazing plan this spring.  Soil samples have been taken and analysed and slurry and fertiliser is being applied accordingly.

Further details are at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/newford-herd-settled-into-new-home-in-roscommon.php

Farm Walks

Coming up……DairyBeef 500 farmer, James O’Sullivan, Union Hall, Co. Cork will host a farm walk on Tuesday, 27th February @12pm, while Gareth Peoples, Co. Donegal will host a walk on Tuesday, 5th March @2pm.

Topics covered will be focusing on grassland management, silage preparation, fertiliser spreader calibration and calf management at purchase. 

For further details go to: 

www.teagasc.ie/DB500

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 

John Donlon who gives advice and tips for caring for the new born calf. 

John outlines the best practice for when the calf is just born such as feeding colostrum and care of the navel.

He also describes the key tips when stomach tubing a calf. 

Regardless of a suckler or dairy beef system, there are a number of ailments that can arise and John has important advice for management from a health perspective for a number of conditions and diseases.

Don’t forget as well to listen back to last week’s episode on managing the cow before calving and calving the suckler cow.

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 

On this week’s Beef Edge podcast, it’s the first of a two-part episode with Teagasc Researcher and Vet, John Donlon, who gives his insights and top tips in relation to managing the cow before calving and calving the suckler cow.

Calving will be taking place on farms over the coming weeks and John discusses the nutrition to be aware of in the final stages with mineral and vitamins and ensuring that cows are fit and not fat.  

 
John then discusses giving assistance at calving and about the presentation of the calf and essential items to have ready.

Finally, he describes using the calving jack and some of the key things to be aware of.

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 

January is a good month to review your 2023 financial performance before you start focusing and putting a plan in place for 2024 and on this week’s joint episode with Ciarán Lynch from Teagasc’s Ovicast sheep podcast, we discuss financial management tips on drystock farms with Teagasc Financial Specialist Kevin Connolly.

Kevin first outlines the benefits of completing a profit monitor. He discusses the data that’s required and how farmers make use of the data for their system. 

Kevin explains the reports that can be developed and the importance of benchmarking the farm as volatile market or weather conditions can really impact financial performance 

One year is a starting point and after completing it for 3-5 years it enables the farmer to develop a plan with their advisor to make decisions on the system, on farm investment and future direction of the farm.

Further details are available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/financial-analysis/farm-profit-analysis/

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 

Dr.Siobhan Kavanagh from the Signpost Programme is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what areas you can focus on to make your farm more sustainable in 2024.

The Signpost  programme is a multi-annual campaign to lead climate action by all Irish farmers. The programmes aims to achieve early progress in reducing gaseous emissions from Irish agriculture and to also improve water quality, maintain and in some cases improve bio-diversity, reduce costs and create more profitable and sustainable farming enterprises.

There are two elements to the programme:

- A network of Signpost Farms, which will act as demonstration farms for the programme and sites for carbon sequestration measurements. These will point the way forward towards climate smart farming, and are central to the second element

- The Signpost Advisory campaign which will engage with all farmers and support them to move towards more sustainable farming systems

Siobhan discusses a number of actions such as using protected urea in 2024. Applying Lime and slurry using LESS and incorporating clover are discussed as ways to improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemical fertiliser. 

Improving grassland management on the farm is important by utilising grass with a paddock system, walking the farm weekly and extending the grazing season to reduce emissions. 

Siobhan discusses having a good herd health plan, breeding policy and reducing the age at slaughter and the impact these have on reducing emissions.  

Find your local Future beef farmer here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/ 

Find your local Dairy Beef 500 farmer here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/farmers/ 

You can also subscribe for the newsletter at the following link:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/newsletter-subscription/

If you would like to apply for the sustainability awards, the form is at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/sustainability-awards/

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 

Teagasc Cattle Specialist, Niall Kerins, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast with an update on the nutrient management legislation and developing a nutrient management plan for your farm. 

The Nitrates Action Programme underwent a number of changes last year, with stronger measures introduced for the protection of water quality. There were a number of changes in particular that all farmers with a grassland stocking rate above 130kg of N/ha must take soil samples.  In addition to this, for arable farmers, all sown arable land must be soil sampled.

Further details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/environment/6-key-changes-to-nitrates-regulations-for-2023.php

Niall also mentions that soil sampling is mandatory on all farms participating in ACRES.  Niall discusses taking soil samples and the importance of developing a nutrient management plan with their advisor.

 
The opening date for spreading slurry is this week for a number farmers depending on the county that the farm is located in:

-       Farmers in Zone A will be permitted to spread organic fertiliser (both slurry and farm yard manure) from Saturday, January 13th

-       Farmers in Zone B will be permitted to spread organic fertilisers from Tuesday, January 16th

-       Finally, farmers in Zone C will be permitted to spread organic fertiliser from Thursday, February 1st

The end of the closed period is not essentially a ‘green light’ for farmers to go out spreading slurry, and weather conditions should be looking favourable before slurry spreading goes ahead. 

Niall advises how farmers can best maximise the value of slurry nutrients, including using slurry on silage ground. There are numerous benefits of using Low Emission Slurry spreading techniques. 

With very high prices for fertiliser over the past number of years, Niall outlines the prices that are expected in the coming year.

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 

With calving kicking off on many dairy farms, on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, discusses the key areas you need to focus on from sourcing calves and rearing up to weaning. 

There are over 2,500 calves reared across the country on dairy beef farms and Tommy highlights that, in addition to the physical health of the calf, it is important to look at the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) to get an insight into the genetic make-up of the calf. 

After transporting the calf, electrolytes are given for its first feed and the calf is monitored. Tommy discusses the feeding regime and getting the rumen set up for the grazing season ahead. 

While ventilation is important in the calf shed it is critical to avoid any draughts.  Early diagnosis and disease prevention are important to the lifelong health of the calf. Tommy outlines a number of  protocols being carried out on farms. 

The welfare & safety of the farmer has to be addressed also and Tommy discusses ways to reduce labour and stress and increase safety in the system.

CalfCare Events

CalfCare events are held each January to keep farmers informed of best practice husbandry and management practices to deliver best performance from calves in their care. Rearing healthy calves has always been the focus of CalfCare events and 2024 will be no different, but for the first time, a new dimension will be introduced as beef farmers rearing dairy beef calves will host some of the events.

Both beef and dairy farm performance is built on the foundation of good calf rearing and all farmers rearing calves are encouraged to attend to prepare for 2024 rearing period.

Topics to be discussed include:

- Calf health management

- Managing calves for sale

- Optimal calf housing

- Pre-weaning nutrition

For further details visit: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/CalfCare-Events/

Upcoming DairyBeef 500 webinars

The first webinar is taking place on Tuesday, 16th January, and will focus on Preparation for Calf Rearing in 2024, while the second webinar, taking place on Tuesday, 30th January, will focus on Sourcing and Feeding Dairy Beef Calves in 2024.

For more, go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/events/

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 

Teagasc Cattle Specialist Aidan Murray is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into the outlook for the coming year and what farmers can expect.

Farmers have seen only a minor reduction in production costs in 2023 compared with 2022 and Aidan reviews the 2023 performance from the outlook conference and discusses the outlook for 2024.

Aidan highlights what’s expected in 2024 and explains some of the key requirements of SCEP and the actions farmers need to keep in mind 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

For the final episode of 2023, Teagasc Researcher Peter Doyle is on this week’s Beef Edge to give a review of the Derrypatrick herd in Teagasc Grange in the past year.
 
Weaning started on the 9th October and the weanling performance this year was: Males = 326 kg (1.3 kg/day) and Females = 305 kg (1.2 kg/day). The weanlings remained outdoors for another month post-weaning and they received 1 kg concentrates/head/day.

The cows were body condition scored in December with an average body condition score of 3.0 and  live-weight of 650 kg.

Overall the 2023 breeding performance in Derrypatrick was very good. There was a 9 week breeding season with 87% of the cows scanned in calf. 85% of these are calving in the first 6 weeks.

Grassland management and performance in 2023 was very difficult. Grass was measured on a weekly basis and recorded on Pasturebase Ireland. It yielded 12 t DM/ha.
 
Peter also discussed the slaughter performance and explained that he will be establishing a grass clover group in the new year. For interested farmers, Peter can be contacted at peter.doyle@teagasc.ie.

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

Rupert Claxton, Livestock Director from GIRA Consultancy (UK), is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with his presentation from the Teagasc National Beef Conference giving an overview of the Global Beef Market and highlighting the likely trends for input prices as we move into 2024.

Rupert’s presentation is available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/Rupert-Claxton/

Full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

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

Anaïs L’Hote from the French Livestock Institute is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with her  presentation from the Teagasc National Beef Conference discussing how farmers can be paid for reducing their carbon footprint based on the experience in France.

Anaïs’s presentation is also available at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/Anais-LHote/

Full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

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

Dr Siobhan Kavanagh from the Teagasc Signpost Programme is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with her presentation from the National Beef Conference examining the main drivers of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) on beef farms and the steps that farmers can take to reduce them.

Siobhan’s presentation is available at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/siobhan-kavanagh/

Full conference details are here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

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

As a bonus Beef Edge episode, Dr. Maria Guelbenzu from Animal Health Ireland (AHI) who presented at the Teagasc National Beef Conference, discusses the prevalence of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), and why Ireland needs to move towards a national eradication programme.

Maria’s presentation is available at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/Maria-Guelbenzu/

Full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

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

This week’s Beef Edge podcast features Ellen Fitzpatrick from Teagasc Johnstown Castle who gave an interesting presentation at the Teagasc National Beef Conference describing how to make the most of a Low Input/High Output Dairy Beef system.

Ellen’s presentation is also available here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/ellen-fitzpatrick/

And full conference details are here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/

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

It is expected that more than €1.8 billion in payments will be issued to farmers before the end of the year. 

Teagasc Advisor, Keith Fahy, based in Athenry Co. Galway, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to outline some of the payment dates later this year.

Keith outlines how BISS, CRISS, Eco-Scheme and ANC have started to be paid already or in the coming weeks. 

ANC advance payments commenced issuing to cleared cases since 17th October, while BISS and CRISS advance payments commenced issuing to cleared cases from 24th October; Eco-Scheme advance payments commenced issuing to cleared cases on 31st October 

Balancing payments across all the above four schemes and the CISYF payment will commence issuing to cleared cases in December 2023. 

The National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme, payments commence issuing to cleared cases from 4th December with Keith describing the requirements for the schemes. 

The Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) and National Beef Welfare Scheme payments commence issuing to cleared cases from 11th December 2023.

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

DairyBeef 500 manager, Alan Dillon, and programme advisor, Fergal McGuire, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the programme and they also discuss winter management on farms. 

Alan describes how the difficult weather conditions have decreased performance this year and it is important to get silage quality tested and balance rations accordingly. 

Fergal highlights that due to early housing this autumn, heavy covers will need to be grazed in early spring. 

Alan then outlines animal health treatments on farms this winter while Fergal describes the dairy calf to beef courses starting again in December. 

You can register your expression of interest for the courses at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairy-calf-to-beef-course/

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

To explain the upcoming improvements that are being made to both the Terminal and the Replacement beef indexes, Teagasc Beef Enterprise Leader Paul Crosson, in Teagasc Grange, and Dr Margaret Kelleher from ICBF, are on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge. 

They discuss the changes being made and Margaret outlines how the replacement and terminal index have progressed over the past decade. 

Changes are needed to keep up with market prices as it is eight years since it has been updated. There are also new traits added to increase genetic gain.  

The impact these changes are likely to have on breeding choices over the coming years is also highlighted by Margaret. 

Paul focuses on changes to the replacement index particularly on the traits added and how these have impacted on the emphasis within the indexes. 

Paul will also discuss these changes in further detail at the National Beef Conference which will take place on Tuesday, 21st November in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, H53 F5P9 at 5pm. 

The theme of the conference is 'Improving our Beef Sectors Green Credentials'.

Further details are here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/national-beef-conference-2023.php

Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) held an online webinar which can be accessed here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/breeding--genetics/improving-genetics/

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

With farmers seven times more likely to have cardiovascular disease, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is  joined by Croí’s, Annie Costelloe, Head of Patient & Community Engagement, and Community Nurse, Caroline Dermody, to discuss tips and advice relating to farmer health.

People usually think of cardiovascular disease as an older person’s problem but small changes matter and it’s never too late to start.

Annie first discusses the background of Croí and the impact a demanding lifestyle such as farming can have. 

Caroline highlights the risk factors to be aware of and what can be done to decrease these risks. 

Annie explains what she has seen first-hand that comes up at the events they attend at marts and discusses the process and the benefits of taking just five minutes to sit and meet with the nurse.

For further details go to: 

https://croi.ie/

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

An Garda Síochána Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick, discusses, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, top tips and the steps you can take to reduce the possibility of theft on your farm.

As the evenings are getting darker earlier, Sergeant Fitzpatrick says it’s an ideal time for farmers to review their farm security and he advises farmers on how to protect theft of livestock. 

Locking up and securing sheds and gates regularly should also be part of the day-to-day work on a farm. 

In relation to theft of farm machinery, he suggests a number of tips for farmers, while house security is also very important and John gives homeowners advice on how to best secure their home.

Find out who is your local crime prevention officer: 

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/

And for further details visit: 

https://www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/community-engagement/crime-prevention-advice-on-farm-security.html

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

DairyBeef 500 farmer, Gareth Peoples from county Donegal, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his winter management on his dairy beef system.

Gareth discusses the importance of good quality silage and matching the results with the correct protein percentage in the ration.

Ventilation, feed space, lying space are also important he says, plus implementing the correct health plan on the farm is essential.

Further updates from DairyBeef 500 are available at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/demonstration-farmers/dairy-beef-500/

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

As part of Sustainability Week, on the latest Beef Edge podcast, DairyBeef 500 farmer, James O’Sullivan from West Cork, discusses the steps he’s taking to improve the sustainability of his farm by increasing animal performance and incorporating clover and multi-species on his farm. 

James highlights the steps he takes from purchasing calves and management on the farm.  Maximising weight gain from grass is very important and James outlines the steps he takes to have good quality grass available.

Having incorporated multi-species, white and red cover into his system, James highlights how the benefits have resulted in reducing chemical nitrogen whilst also maintaining yields. 

Going forward James intends to incorporate more of these swards on his farm.

For more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/events/sustainability-month-2023/

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

With the housing of animals coming around again, farmers’ thoughts are turning to parasite control, and on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Dr. Natascha Meunier, Beef Health Check Programme Manager with Animal Health Ireland, discusses the parasites to look out for and how to treat them, as well as top tips for housing this winter.

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

Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, gives an insight into his beef system and how he maximises performance over the winter. 

Proinnsias farms with his wife Máire and sons Ciarán, Aodhán and Diarmuid. The farm is located outside Macroom, Co. Cork and he is farming 33.31Ha of variable land with a good bit of rough grazing ground.  

There is a lot of heavy soil in the farm with some reclaimed over the past few years. The farm is in one block and is situated roughly 720ft above sea level and gets an average rainfall of 55-60 inches per year. 

It’s been a difficult few months and Proinnsias discusses how he is managing grass at the moment. The ground conditions have made it difficult for finishing heifers at grass this year resulting in silage being fed and heifers housed for a number of weeks. 

Proinnsias outlines his health plan on the farm and his selection process at housing weighing and penning stock according to weight. Gaining as cheap weight gain as possible is important, and Proinnsias says that lying space, ventilation, water and nutrition are important to maximise performance over the winter period.

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

Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef price you can afford to pay for stock, what impact costs have on the bottom line and what price will be needed to cover these costs.

Aidan first compares the figures to date to show that the national kill has decreased from the same time last year. 

While beef prices for purchasing are increasing, the variable costs have decreased since last year. 

Aidan then outlines a number of different beef systems and the expected prices.

For a full breakdown of the beef budgets launched this week at the National Ploughing Championships visit Teagasc.ie.

Contact your local Teagasc advisor to discuss further:

https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/advisory-regions/

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

As the grazing of the last rotation approaches, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by the Grass10 team, John Maher, Joseph Dunphy and John Douglas, with tips and advice.

Grazing has been difficult nationwide however recent weather conditions have made a huge difference and John Maher says don’t be tempted to graze paddocks that are closed first in the rotation. 

Meanwhile, John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy advise on multispecies and clover swards.

For further details visit: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/

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

DairyBeef 500 farmer, Pat Collins, from Castlemarter Co. Cork, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give his personal experiences of his dairy calf to beef system, management on the farm and his upcoming open day.

This year there were 300 calves reared on the farm. Pat discusses how his beef system has changed over the years.

It’s been a difficult few months weather wise and Pat describes how he is managing grass on the farm and red clover swards.  He also outlines how the bulls are being managed at their finishing stage.

Pat will host an open day on September 12th at 5pm with a live forum in which Chris Daly, from ICBF, will discuss the new Commercial Breeding Value; Martin Kavanagh, from Munster Bovine, will discuss animal health issues; while Laurence Shalloo, Teagasc, will give his views on the future of the dairy industry and the outlook/options for dairy calves being produced in the future.

The forum will be chaired by Doreen Corridan, Munster Bovine.

Further details available at: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/dairybeef500-patcollins.php

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

Future Beef suckler farmer, Ger McSweeney, from Millstreet Co.Cork, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast  to give an update on his beef system, plus he discusses how AI on his farm is increasing performance and reducing age to slaughter and previews his upcoming open day. 

Ger operates a spring calving suckler system with bulls finished U16 months and heifers U21 months. 

There is 100% AI used on the farm which has allowed Ger increase his replacement index and match each cows to a particular sire. 

Ger discusses how he has managed grass on the farm and the performance of the heifers and the calves. 

With weaning around the corner, he also discusses how he reduces stress on his farm at weaning time and how he implements the herd health plan.

Ger will host an open day on his farm on September 7th @ 2pm.
For further details go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/futurebeefwalk-mcsweeney.php

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

On the latest Beef Edge podcast, John O’Connor from Kildalton Agricultural College gives an update on the suckler farm, and Joe Day teacher in Kildalton, discusses the upcoming open day. 

John describes how it’s been a difficult summer and how grass is being managed at the moment in Kilkenny.

He highlights the breeding performance of the herd this year and how the finished cattle have performed and John also reflects on his career and we wish him every health and happiness on his retirement.

Joe Day then discusses the upcoming open day on the farm on 8th September 2023 @ 2:30pm with further details here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/autumn-beef-event.php

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

Michael Cunniffe from Co. Roscommon joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss his in-calf heifer system and grassland management.

Michael buys in approximately 150 each year, all of different types and breeds to meet his customers’ demands. The heifers are vaccinated and dosed when purchased. They are fed on a grass only diet on a paddock grazing system and silage only over the winter. 

The heifers are selected based on their characteristics to run with a Limousin stock bull. The heifers are then sold to farmers across the country operating different farm systems.

Michael discusses his paddock system and efforts he has made to increase soil fertility on the farm. In recent years clover and multi-species are being incorporated on the farm to help reduce nitrogen input on the farm .

Charlie Devaney local Teagasc advisor also outlines the farm walk being held on Michael’s farm at Mount Prospect, Co. Roscommon on Thursday, 31st August at 6:30pm which will discuss his heifer system and management of grass on the farm. 

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cunniffefarmwalk.php

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

Teagasc researcher Peter Doyle joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Derrypatrick herd in Grange.   

Peter discusses how calving went this spring and how breeding season went on the farm. The pre-breeding scan was well worthwhile this year, Peter explained, and helped resolve any issues before they arose. Perter discussed the traits that sires were selected on and which sires were used.

Being the wettest July on record Peter also discusses the impact this has had on performance and getting second cut of silage harvested.

With a lot of clover sown this year Peter explains how he went about over-sowing it. He also outlined all the areas of focus for the coming month in advance of weaning and the herd health protocol.

We also wish Michael McManus well in his new post and wish Niamh Doyle all the best in Derrypatrick.

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

With the launch of the new National Beef Welfare Scheme by the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine, which replaces Beep-S, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Beef specialist Aidan Murray to get all the details.

The new scheme which is funded by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is a one year programme and it essentially replaces the old BEEP-S scheme where applicants had to weigh the unweaned cow and calf, with the option of either meal feed pre & post weaning or vaccinate calves and optional faecal sampling. 

For the new scheme the weighing component no longer features as it now part of the Suckler Cow Efficiency Programme (SCEP) while the faecal sampling and the calf vaccination have also been dropped.

There are no optional components this time around, both required measures are mandatory:

1. IBR Testing - Each participant must commit to participate in the IBR testing action managed by ICBF on behalf of DAFM. They are required to engage a PVP who will blood sample and test up to twenty bovine animals per herd, ideally 9 months old (if feasible) or above if present in the herd, or all ages if there is less than 20 in the herd for IBR gE antibodies.

Where a herd has twenty or more bovines, a minimum of twenty must be tested. Where a

herd has less than twenty bovines, ALL must be tested.

No. of bovines tested Payment per herd

Between 2 to 6 animals (inclusive)​€120

Between 7 to 10 animals (inclusive) ​€180

Between 11 to 15 animals (inclusive)​€250

Between 16 to 20 animals (inclusive) ​€300

2. Meal Feeding – Participants must introduce meal feeding for a period of 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2 weeks post-weaning to reduce the stress on calves at weaning time. Eligible suckler calves are those born between 1stJuly 2022 and 30th June 2023. 

The rate of payment is €35 per calf for a maximum of 40 calves.

Applications 

Applications are open online at www.agfood.ie and will remain open until midnight on 12th September. Applicants may apply themselves online or they can get their approved FAS adviser to apply. It is important to note that there is no late application facility with this scheme so 12th September will be the final date for applications

Once you make an application it will be up to you to make contact with the vet (PVP) to arrange the IBR blood testing. The vet will then send the samples to one of the DAFM approved labs.

Because DAFM hope to make payments for the scheme before the end of 2023, both actions of meal feeding and IBR testing will have to be undertaken by 1st November.

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

The Certified Irish Angus Schools competition challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months while completing a research project, and is organised in partnership with ABP Ireland and Kepak Group. 

On this week’s Beef Edge podcast, the students from Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan Co. Westmeath discuss their involvement in the competition and their journey to date. The team comprises of fours students Chloe McDermott, Mary Ellen Colton, Trása Bracken and Sinéad Bracken.

With the theme of ‘Exploring the opportunities of low carbon beef’ in mind, the students have developed a five-point plan to support sustainability in the Irish Angus breed of cattle.

Trása and Sinéad discuss their experience of the calves being reared on the farm and highly recommend the competition to other students thinking of participating. Mary discusses her experience and the skills she developed by participating in the competition. Mary highlights that being from a non-farming background, it has given her a better understanding of beef production systems in Ireland.   

The students will have the cattle on display on Sunday 13th August at the Tullamore show at the Teagasc stand. Call in to the stand to discuss the competition and their progress in more detail

Further details of their journey is available on the link below:

https://padlet.com/irishangusbreedtosucceed/certified-irish-angus-competition-by5dxwyw7lbwjm0r 

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

Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the recent launch of the Signpost Advisory Programme and details on how you can take part.

This public programme is available to all farmers and it will build on the network of Signpost Demonstration Farms by providing enhanced advisory and training support to farmers to commit to, select and implement climate and sustainability actions that will be appropriate and impactful on their farms. Participating farmers will be given the opportunity to commit to taking action for their farms.

A ‘Know My Number – Make My Plan ‘component of the programme, supported by the Sustainability Digital Platform, will allow farmers to see and understand their carbon emissions and sequestration profile as a baseline from which to act. A team of advisors are available in each advisory region.

With advisory support, farmers will make a plan to improve by adopting positive changes and technologies, and advisors will help them with the implementation of the plan, and tracking of progress.

This will also create trust and build capacity for supporting the adoption of new technologies as they emerge. 

The ambition of the programme is to engage with 50,000 farmers between now and 2030.

For further details, you can sign up to the Signpost Advisory Programme at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-action/signpost-advisory-programme/expression-of-interest/

Or contact your local Signpost advisor at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/signpost-advisory-programme/advisors/

Or via the Teagasc website:

https://www.teagasc.ie/about/farm-advisory/signpost-advisory-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

Ruaraidh Petre, Executive Director, Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast.

Ruaraidh discusses the work of the Global Roundtable that is carried out across 24 countries working together to produce sustainable beef. 

Originally from Ireland, but now living in New Zealand, Ruaraidh discusses comparison between the countries’ beef systems.

Further details are available at:

https://grsbeef.org/

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

DairyBeef500 advisor, Tommy Cox, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the programme, as well as discussing grassland management and the upcoming National Open Day on the farm of Austin & Jarlath Ruane in county Mayo on Thursday 13th July at 6pm.

For further details of the event go to:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/jarlath-and-austin-ruane-dairybeef500-farm-walk-tickets-637952331597

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 

Gearóid Slattery from ICBF joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the National Genotyping Programme.  

The National Genotyping Programme is a collaborative initiative enabling Ireland to take the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national herd. The scale of the programme is a world first and sees Ireland placed firmly at the forefront when it comes to national sustainability efforts.

The NGP has been developed based on a cost-sharing model between the programme partners, consisting of the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM), Dairy Industry Ireland (DII), Meat Industry Ireland (MII) and participating farmers. 

The first year of the programme will be funded by the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR).  For the remaining four years, the genotyping costs of €18 per sample will be divided equally between the three Programme Partners; 1. DAFM, 2. DII & MII and 3. Participating farmers (i.e. €6 contribution per programme partners).

Genotyping the national herd will provide a huge opportunity for both the dairy and beef industry to increase its sustainability credentials on a global scale. Ireland will become the first country in the world to provide a DNA-verified traceability system. 

It will lead to an acceleration in the rates of gain of our national breeding indexes (e.g. EBI, Eurostar & DBI), which will enhance farm sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.

The closing date for applications for dairy herds is 14th July 2023. The closing date for beef herds is yet to be announced.

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 

DairyBeef500 Manager, Alan Dillon, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on how farmers in the programme are recovering from the drought conditions, grassland management in the coming weeks and information on the upcoming national open day in Co. Limerick.

Alan outlines fertiliser programmes and closing for second cut silage and he advises farmers to continue feeding until growth increases on farms. 

Join the Teagasc DairyBeef500 team on Thursday, 29th June at 6pm on the farm of Ciaran Bartley, Boher, Co. Limerick. Eircode: V94 AWT0. 

Further details can be found at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/dairybeef500-bartley.php

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 

Niall Kilrane from the ICBF Tully Test Performance Centre is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update from the research centre which is the national commercial progeny test centre located on the edge of Kildare town. 

Historically, pedigree bull breeders used to bring their young bulls to the centre for performance testing. However, following a review in 2011, ICBF then began to purchase the commercial progeny of new AI sires that have been progeny tested through the Gene Ireland breeding programme. 

At any one time there are approximately 200 animals on site and to date almost 5,000 commercial animals have been through the centre. These animals are a mix of bulls, steers and heifers from both suckler and dairy dams. 

The data captured is growth rate, feed efficiency, methane emissions and even meat-eating quality. 

They are currently in the early stages of setting up a system that will capture the water intakes of the animals. Some of these traits have a direct impact on the genetic evaluation of the AI sire concerned whilst some of the data is in its infancy but could be extremely useful in the future. 

All of work is only possible through collaboration with industry partners including herd owners, AI companies, breed societies and the DAFM.

For further details go to: 

https://www.icbf.com/tully-bull-centre/

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 

Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss parasite control, managing resistance on farms and the Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH).

As part of the TASAH, a Parasite Control TASAH consult, between trained veterinary practitioners and their clients will continue to be available for 2023.  This is a free and voluntary programme supported as part of the Rural Development Plan 2014-2022, co-funded by the Irish government and the EU. All Irish herds and flocks are eligible to take part in the programme for 2023.

Farmers nominate a trained Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP) to carry out a herd or flock visit to look at various aspects of parasite control management on-farm. 

The PVP will make recommendations and will conduct two faecal egg count tests for roundworms (stomach or gut worms). There is no cost to the herd or flock owner, as this is fully funded by DAFM.

All herd and flock owners who were registered in 2022 will be automatically re-enrolled for 2023 and be eligible for a visit. 

New registrations are welcome for further details go to: 

https://animalhealthireland.ie/training/targeted-advisory-service-on-animal-health-tasah/

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 

Roscommon Future Beef Farmer, Shane Keaveney, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast  to discuss the breeding season to date and to give an update on the farm. 

Breeding season is underway and Shane discusses using AI. He outlines the sires used on the farm and as Shane is finishing bulls at under 16 months, he talks through how they are managed from once they were housed and performance to date.

With a lot of silage has been cut around the country in the past fortnight, Shanes discusses his plan this year. 

He is trying red clover also and he discusses how he went about reseeding it and its management to date.

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 

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Joseph Dunphy, is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss grazing management on farms at the moment and the dos and don’ts when it comes to harvesting silage. 

Joseph outlines steps farmers are taking to overcome the difficult spring and for paddocks that may have got damaged, he discusses how they can they be rectified now. 

With silage ground closed late on farms, Joseph discusses the options for cutting and the impact delaying harvesting will have on quality and grass growth for the rest of the year.

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 

Donall Fahy from Newford Farm joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the Newford Farm and to preview the upcoming open day on Tuesday 23rd May from 2-6 pm. 

Donall discusses the busy breeding season with 100% AI being used on the farm at the moment. 

He outlines the sires being used on the farm and selection criteria being used to select these sires. 

Grassland management has been difficult on the farm this Spring and Donall discusses this in detail .

With the open day around the corner, Donall highlights that open day will focus on all the changes and lessons learned since the project was initially set up in 2015.

Topics covered on the day will include:

- System Overview

- Breeding & Genetics

- Sustainability practices

- Grassland management

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/diary-date-major-open-day-at-newford.php

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 

With 95% of beef Quality Assured at point of slaughter and 54,000 audits taking place on Irish Beef & Sheep farms, Damien Murray, Operations Co-ordinator Origin Green with the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme, busts some myths around the audit on this week’s Beef Edge podcast .

One of the requirements of the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme is that the farm has to be quality assured and Damien discusses what is required and the preparation needed in advance of the audit. 

He also explains what happens on the day of the audit and the post-audit as well.

For further details go to:

https://farm.bordbia.ie

The helpdesk contact details are:

01 5240410

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

On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Niall Kilrane from ICBF, discusses the EuroStar Index and queries relating to SCEP.

Niall outlines how star ratings are valued and why they change. He highlights the importance of the data that farmers record and send back on surveys as part of previous schemes and the impact this has had. 

Niall also discusses some of the queries that arose at the recent Teagasc spring breeding events around the country.

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

On this week’s Beef Edge podcast, we’re joined by Ciaran Lynch, host of the Teagasc OviCast podcast, for a joint episode to discuss all things clover with Dr. Mike Egan, Teagasc researcher. 

Mike starts by highlighting the potential role of clover in drystock systems, how it works and the potential cost savings. 

We discuss the impact of soil fertility and weed control has on successful establishment and Mike talks about the impact of timing, sowing rate and varieties selection and over-sowing methods of incorporating clover in to sward. 

Post-sowing management can have a big impact on establishment and Mike brings us through grazing management from establishment to closing up at the end of the grazing season as well as offering some tips on minimising the risk of bloat. 

Finally, Mike highlights the suite of resources available for farmers to find out more about clover. 

For more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Clover-Management-2022.pdf

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

Dr.Colin Byrne, researcher in Teagasc Grange is on this week’s Beef edge podcast to discuss key aspects of a synchronisation regime for a suckler beef herd. 

Current usage of artificial insemination (AI) is low in Irish suckler herds and this has implications for the speed of genetic improvement. 

In Ireland, approximately 1 out of every 5 calves born in beef herds are bred from artificial insemination and Colin discusses the benefits of AI.

He outlines different synchronisation regimes for beef heifers and beef cows over 35 days calved. 

With sexed semen more widely available for beef sires in the past number of years, Colin also discusses the success rates.

For further details: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/animals/beef/Synchronisation-Regimens-for-beef-cows-and-heifers.pdf

And information on examination of bulls for breeding: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Examination-of-Bulls-for-breeding.pdf

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

DairyBeef 500 manager, Alan Dillon, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update from the programme and key management tips for the weeks ahead.

Firstly, Alan reviews the profit monitors from last year and explains what the margins were for farmers in the programme.

With all the recent rainfall, grazing conditions have been difficult and Alan discusses how farmers are coping and planning for the weeks ahead.

Most farmers have had to rehouse stock and hence have very little grazed and Alan highlights the different options.

Due to the delayed turnout, some cattle will be drafted now, remaining housed and be finished from the shed and Alan goes through the various tips and advises farmers to discuss the options with their advisor.

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

With farmers starting to close up silage ground in the coming weeks, Teagasc Drystock advisor Gerard Cregg based in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the main things farmers need to consider. 

Gerard advises to complete a fodder budget for silage that will be needed and it is important to determine the quality of silage also needed and to have a plan. 

Applying the required N, P & K nutrients is also important and Gerard discusses the various fertiliser plans.

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

Nationally, 57% of drystock soils have a lime requirement, based on the National Soil Fertility Report 2022. 

Teagasc researcher Mark Plunkett is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the recent National Liming programme.  

There is an €8 million budget available which equates to €16/t subsidy available. 

The key benefits of liming grassland soils are:

-       release up to 80 kg N /ha

-       increase grass production by up to 2.0 t DM/ha

-       increase soil P availability

-       Increase clover sward productivity

Every effort should be made to make best use of this very good support to correct soil pH on drystock farms as there is such a large requirement and the potential benefits are massive. 

The closing date for scheme applicants is 20th April, 2023 and farmers must apply for a minimum 10t to maximum 200 tonne based on an up-to-date soil analysis which is required.  

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

Peter Harte, from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to outline the new Suckler Carbon Efficiency programme - SCEP.

SCEP is the successor to the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP), has a budget of €260 million over five years, and is co-funded by the EU under the CSP. 

SCEP rewards participant farmers with a payment equivalent to €150/cow on the first 22 cows and €120/cow on subsequent cows.

The National Dairy Beef Welfare Scheme 2023 is a successor to similar schemes in 2021 and 2022, has a budget of €5 million, and is funded from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve.

Applications for both measures can be lodged through agfood.ie with a closing date of 2 May for the Dairy Beef Scheme and 22 May for the SCEP.

Further details at: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0e730-minister-mcconalogue-announces-opening-of-265m-suckler-and-beef-support-schemes/

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

Teagasc Future Beef advisor, Gabriel Trayers, is on the week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to achieve the targets this spring, getting out to grass and the various scenarios across the country. 

With difficult grazing conditions around the country this past week, Gabriel outlines steps farmers can take. 

There are two main categories of  farmers: those that have got out early and those yet to start grazing and Gabriel discusses the various options.  

Mixed beef and sheep farm systems differ from a grazing point of view with ewes and lambs a priority this month. 

Gabriel also highlights the importance of good grazing infrastructure and he discusses fertiliser recommendations and the importance of lime.

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

Martin Kavanagh, Vet and Business Development Manager with Muster Bovine, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to prevent and treat calf diseases.

Marin discusses prevention and treatment of calf scours. Pneumonia is highly dependent on the calf housing and environment of the calf which Martin advises on how to improve drainage, ventilation and have plenty of bedding to allow calves to nest.  

Hygiene is also critical and Martin outlines the different cleaning protocols of feeding equipment.  

Finally, he advises to speak to your vet to develop a good vaccination protocol and parasite programme specific to your herd. 

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

Teagasc DairyBeef 500 advisor Tommy Cox is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with key advice for sourcing dairy beef calves this spring.

With almost 2,000 calves sourced by programme farmers, Tommy discusses the traits and top things to look out for. 

He outlines the benefits of having minimum sources of calves and says the Commercial Beef Index will be of influence for the genetic ability of the calf.   

As most calves will be transported some distance to reach their final destination, Tommy highlights key steps to minimise any issues and he concludes with some of the key learnings from DairyBeef 500 farmers.

For further information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/dairybeef-500-factsheets/

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

Teagasc Environment specialist, Tim Hyde, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to outline the current changes to the nitrates regulations, what it means for farmers and the future changes coming down the line. 

The recent changes to the nitrates regulations will have an impact on all farms in Ireland. 

From 2023, soil samples are required for all farms stocked above 130kg/ha grassland stocking rate (GSR) and all arable ground.

Tim explains that the permitted slurry spreading dates have also changed and that all slurry must be applied by October 1, 2023.

Low-emission slurry spreading (LESS) is mandatory on all farms with a grassland stocking rate of:

- 150kg/ha + from 2023;

- 130kg/ha + from 2024; and,

- 100kg/ha + from 2025.

Tim also discusses the requirements for a farm with a grassland stocking rate over 130 kg/ha and a farm with grassland stocking rate >170kg/ha (non-derogation).

Further details can be accessed here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Nitrates-Newsletter---October-2022.pdf

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Environment-Newsletter---December-2022.pdf

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

Future Beef farmer Aonghusa Fahy from county Galway discusses preparing for calving, calving the cow and caring for the newborn calf on the latest Beef Edge podcast. 

To ensure he is fully prepared, Aonghusa  will carry out a pre-calving check. He makes sure the calving equipment is all working including calving gates, calving cameras, calving jack etc. 

Also ensure you have calving ropes, gloves, stomach tube, iodine etc. To help with this, Teagasc has a very useful checklist: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/technical-notes-for-suckler-farmers/calving-checklist/

At the end of January, Aongusa’s cows were moved into the pens adjacent to the calving area for ease of movement. 

As Aonghusa works off- farm, he has two rotating cameras and is also fortunate that his father lives close to the farmyard.

The cows have been treated for lice and received their vaccinations e.g rotavec corona early in January. 

All cows’ backs and tails were clipped which helps keep the udder clean for the newborn calf.

Post calving, the cow is given between 24-48 hrs to bond and Aonghusa ensures that each calf gets colostrum.

Weather permitting,  they are let out to a dry sheltered field adjacent to the yard.  However, in the event of having to stay housed, the cows are given top quality silage and 1kg of meal/head/day.

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

On this week’s episode  of the Beef Edge podcast you'll hear three of the presentations that were presented at the recent Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference in Charleville.

On the night, Nicky Byrne, Teagasc Researcher, gave an update on the Teagasc Grange dairy beef research, and beef farmer Pat Collins, outlined the type of dairy beef calf that he likes to purchase. 

It started with Alan Dillon, programme co-coordinator, discussing the DairyBeef 500 campaign targets and farm financial performance.

Further updates from the DairyBeef 500 programme are available on the Teagasc website at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/

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

Teagasc Drystock advisor, Niall Kerins, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef edge podcast to discuss the upcoming changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). 

Big changes are coming in 2023 with the new CAP is coming into play and which will last for the next 5 years. 

Niall first discusses how the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) replaces the Basic Payment Scheme. 

Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) is a new scheme this year and Niall outlines what’s involved in this as payments are front-loaded for the first 30 hectares. 

A new scheme, Eco Scheme, essentially is replacing the Greening element of the payment.

Overall, BPS & Greening payments that farmers are familiar with over the last eight years will now be made up of three parts (BISS, ECO Scheme & CRISS). 

Farmers can check what their expected payments will be for the coming year on the DAFM calculator.

Niall also outlines how the stocking rate requirement for ANC is reduced to 0.1 LU/Ha. All new area based schemes are paid on ‘Eligible Hectares’. 

Parcels with up to 50% scrub/trees will now be 100% eligible for area based schemes. These features are now defined as beneficial feature by DAFM.

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

Philip O’Connor and Trevor Boland from IFAC, the Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative Society, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what can be done to help plan a farm transfer. 

Philip & Trevor discuss farm partnerships and registered farm partnerships and with the new Basic Income Support for Sustainability replacing the previous basic payment scheme, many farmers are considering options for making changes. 

Trevor outlines that with the national reserve, where land that doesn’t have entitlements, the young farmer can claim entitlements and there is no income limit as there was previously. 

The Young Farmer Top up on the first 50ha at €165 per hectare is really worth looking at he says.  There is a double TAMS grant with a maximum threshold of €90,000 at 60% for the young farmer and 40% for the other party.  This does not apply to joint herd numbers.

Young Farmers starting off and who want to get more involved in the family farm can get their name on the herd number and bank accounts and be involved in decision making on the farm. 

So with the start of a new CAP period from 2023 to 2027, new schemes and incentives, it is a good time to look at the structure of the farming enterprise and decide if a new structure is needed. 

There are a number of options including a joint herd number, a registered farm partnership and perhaps a company in some cases. There is also the additional option of a succession farm partnership.

For more information go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession--inheritance/ 

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

In advance of calving season, on this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Head of Dairy, Joe Patton, to find out how to manage cow nutrition in the crucial weeks pre and post-calving.  

Mineral supplementation prior to calving is essential and Joe outlines the importance of various different minerals such as magnesium at 20% inclusion rate and Phosphorus at 3-4% inclusion rate. 

When picking the right mineral, it is important to ensure the correct minerals and vitamins are in the pre-calver at the correct rate. 

There are a variety of options for supplementing minerals be it bolus, dusting or buckets, and in some cases, it’s a mix of boluses and dusting or by dusting the minerals that every cow is guaranteed to have received the minerals.

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

Roscommon DairyBeef 500 farmer Martin Connolly is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss how he incorporated red clover last year into his beef system, the pros, cons, tips and advice he has for anyone considering red clover this year.

Martin farms part-time just outside the village of Castleplunket in Co. Roscommon, where he operates a calf-to-bull beef system. 

The farm consists of 60 ha of grassland in total, which is divided into four main blocks within a 3-mile radius of the farm yard. The land itself can be described as a ‘heavy-type’ soil, which would be typical of the area. 

With input costs, especially feed and fertiliser, increasing drastically this year, Martin explored various cost-saving options that would not only cut costs but also maintain high levels of animal performance. 

From researching red clover swards, Martin was impressed with its enhanced ability over grass-only swards to maintain high levels of herbage production and animal performance from significantly lower inputs of chemical nitrogen fertiliser. 

In early June 2022 the decision was made to reseed 10 acres of grass to a ‘red clover sward’ to see if these benefits could be obtained in his farming system.

DairyBeef500 Conference 

The Teagasc DairyBeef500 campaign will be running two important conferences on January 19th and January 26th in Clonmel and Charleville. 

These conferences will be of interest to both dairy farmers who want to produce more saleable calves and beef farmers who have dairy calf to beef enterprises.  

Presentations on the performance of the DairyBeef500 campaign monitor farmers and the Dairy Beef Demonstration farm in Teagasc Grange will outline the key management decisions to ensure calves perform throughout their life to achieve a high level of profitability on farm.

There will be presentations and discussion from both dairy farmers outlining how they have improved the beef merit of their calves and encouraged repeat business from beef farmers and also presentations from calf to beef farmers and on what they look for when purchasing calves from dairy farms.

Further details available at:

www.teagasc.ie/dairybeefcon23

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

On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast we are going to hear the four presentations that were given at the Teagasc National Beef Conference panel discussion in December 2022 which was entitled, ‘Key enablers to improving profitability on beef farms’. 

The panel was facilitated by Trevor Boland, Teagasc Future Beef Programme participant, and the speakers and topics were:

-       Assessing the potential to improve key profit drivers on beef farms
 Dr Paul Crosson, Beef Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Grange

-       Abattoir lesions in cattle are associated with an increased age at slaughter
 Dr Natascha Meunier, Programme Manager Beef Health Check, Animal Health Ireland

-       Reducing the age at first calving for suckler cows – a key profit driver for beef farms
 Dr Colin Byrne, Beef Researcher, Teagasc Grange

-       Has red clover a role in your beef production system?

Dr Nicky Byrne Beef Researcher, Teagasc Grange

The conference and speakers can also be viewed on the Teagasc YouTube channel at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK3bFy7peTw&ab_channel=Teagasc

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

In the final episode of the Beef Edge podcast for 2022, Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Drystock advisor Christy Watson, who is based in Naas, Co. Kildare. 

As Christy retires this year, he gives his insights into the changes and challenges that he has seen over the past four decades. 

Christy talks through his time in Teagasc in Leitrim, Kildalton College, Wicklow and Kildare and he discusses the fodder and financial challenges farmers have experienced over the years. 

There have also been major improvements in grassland management and breeding on beef farms over the years and looking to the future he offers tips and advice for farmers from his lifetime of experience.

On behalf of all in Teagasc and the farmers he has worked with, thank you Christy for everything and wishing you a very happy retirement. 

Thanks to everyone for listening and wishing you all a very happy, peaceful and safe New Year.

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

This week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast is a recording of the Teagasc National Beef Conference panel discussion titled ‘Delivering sustainability at farm level’ which took place on the 13th December in the Shearwater hotel, Ballinasloe. 

It was Facilitated by Matt O’Keeffe, from the Irish Farmers Monthly and the panel participants were Professor Sinead Waters, Teagasc, Dr Dominika Krol, Teagasc, Ross Evans from ICBF & Pearse Kelly Teagasc Head of Drystock.

The topics for discussion included:

·      Current research and the potential of feed additives to reduce methane emissions
 Professor Sinead Waters, Teagasc

·      Protected Urea/ LESS/ Anaerobic Digestion research results
 Dr Dominika Krol, Teagasc

·      How improved breeding can help to reduce emissions from the Irish beef herd
 Dr Andrew Cromie, ICBF

·      What measures are Irish beef farmers taking up to make them more sustainable, and what more can they do?
 Pearse Kelly, Teagasc

The Teagasc National Beef conference panel discussion recording can also be viewed at:

https://youtu.be/TK3bFy7peTw?t=7965

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

Teagasc Environment specialist, Catherine Keena, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme also known as ACRES. 

This new €1.5 billion flagship agri-environment scheme closed last week for applications of which there were 47,000 applications. 

There were 27,000 in the general scheme comprising of Tier 1, 2 and 3. The farmers that are successfully accepted into the scheme will receive a letter from the DAFM. Once the letter is received farmers will also receive a detailed copy of their ACRES plan. 

While Catherine advises farmers to make preparations now, it’s also important not to carry out any actions before hearing back from the DAFM.

Farmers that were unable to apply in this tranche or are unsuccessful, will have an opportunity to apply again next autumn.

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

Teagasc researcher, Nicky Byrne, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss if red clover has a role on beef farms as well as previewing the upcoming National Beef Conference taking place on the 13th December in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe at 6pm. 

Nicky outlines the benefits and barriers to red clover and discusses how the red clover swards performed this year at Teagasc Grange in comparison to grass swards.

Nicky will be covering this in more detail next week at the National Beef Conference and for further details go to: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon

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

DairyBeef 500 advisor, Sean Cummins, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with interesting insights into the recent DairyBeef 500 farmer study trip to Spain.

Over the course of the trip they visited a number of farms in the Catalonia region in the north-east of Spain, with the two main enterprises being calf to beef and suckler to beef. 

The key differences between both systems were that farmers were focused on producing a product for the domestic market which is generally a paler meat, produced from younger animals. 

One noticeable difference was the target carcass weights. In the Spanish system, lighter carcass weights are generally preferred, with premium prices available for animals producing carcasses between 220-240kg - carcasses that are often penalised here.

Unlike Ireland, all animals are housed for the duration of their stay on-farm. Typical lifetime concentrate input per animal is 1.8-2t.

Substantial numbers can be handled with very little labour input, typically you were seeing 1-1.5 labour units per 1,000 head on the farms visited.

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

Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef farmers should be looking out for next spring when it comes to sourcing quality calves for their beef system. 

There have been big changes in dairy herd  numbers in the past few years, with 1.6  million dairy cows expected to calve down in 2023. While 30% will be retained as replacements, 70% of them will be split between exports and reared on Irish farms to beef.  

There are many aspects to be considered when sourcing calves. Up until now the visual assessment was one of the few tools a beef farmer had.  But the new Commercial Beef Value (CBV) will be a help to farmers next spring in sourcing calves. 

There can be huge genetic variation with the breed of calves not to mention comparison across the breeds. Since 2010 there has been a 10% increase in the proportion of cattle slaughtered of dairy origin from 47% in 2010 to 57% in 2020.

The Teagasc Dairy conference will take place on Tuesday, 6th December in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and on Thursday, 8th December in the Mullingar Park Hotel, Westmeath.  Both conferences begin at 10am.

Further details can be found here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/dairy-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

Teagasc Researcher Colin Byrne joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the Maternal Herd in Teagasc Grange Co. Meath. 

Colin give a background to the herd and outlines the future research being carried out, plus he discusses this year’s weanling performance and the management over the coming winter.

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

Teagasc Beef Specialist Aidan Murray joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with some top tips on managing nutrition with high feed costs this winter. 

Aidan outlines the current position with feed availability this winter and discusses the various options.

This year, he explains, it’s very important for farmers to test silage in order to reduce costs as much as possible.  

Aidan also describes how to take a silage a sample from a pit or bales and he discusses the target weight gains to be achieved this winter.

Taking a sample:

https://fb.watch/gG4BuzU5qp/

Understanding your sample results:

https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/understanding-the-silage-test-results.php

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

With heavy rainfall across the country, a lot of cattle were housed over the past fortnight. 

Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the key parasites farmers should keep in mind this winter, what you should be treating for, when to dose and which product to use.

Natascha also discusses fluke, worm and lice treatments and she outlines the Beef Health Check report analysis findings and how farmers can access their report.

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

Teagasc’s Michael Fagan is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Newford Demonstration Farm in Athenry Co. Galway, with an insight also into the heifers that were finished.

To date, 83% or 33 out of the 40, 2021-born beef heifers have now been sold at an average age of 17 ½ months, or 527 days of age. Heifers were drafted off grass with no concentrate supplementation provided since turnout. 

All 2022-born progeny have now been weaned.  The male weanlings (60), which well outnumber the heifer weanlings (26) were weaned on the 12th of September while heifer weanlings were weaned on the 20th of September. 

The male weanlings were weaned at 327 kg equating to an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.37 kg from birth to weaning. The heifer weanlings were weaned at 328 kg and recorded an ADG of 1.32 kg from birth to weaning.

Further details at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/newford-farm-notes---83-of-2021-born-beef-heifers-have-now-been-sold-at-an-average-age-of-17--months.php

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

As part of Sustainability Week, Teagasc Farm manager of the Kildalton suckler herd, John O’Connor, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with a focus on calving at 24 months which also helps to reduce emissions. 

The stock on display at the Teagasc stand at the Ploughing this year were the beef herd in Kildalton college and John describes the cow, her bull calf and the heifers that will be calving next January.

From weaning, to first winter breeding, second winter and pre and post-calving, John discusses each stage of the heifer’s life and the targets she must achieve.
 
To book a place at one of the calving at 24 months workshops, click on the following link: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/calving-heifers-at-24-months---workshops/

Teagasc Signpost Sustainability Week will take place from the 14-21st of October and full details of the activities for the week are available at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/signpost-sustainability-week-2022/

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

Michael McGuigan from Longwood, Co. Meath is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an insight into his beef system and his targets in detail.  He is a participant in the Future Beef programme and farms part-time, managing his own company off-farm. 

Michael bought the farm in 2016 and set about developing it and improving the soil fertility and grassland. He farms 23.5 hectares and it is a mixture of sandy gravel and clay soil. 

Michael runs a suckling to weanling system consisting of all Autumn calvers. The males are sold as weanlings while the heifers, if not retained for breeding, are sold for export or sold in show and sales in the local mart. He is using 100% A.I. to allow him to use the best genetics available. 

Further updates on Michael’s farm are available here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/demonstration-farms/future-beef-programme/farmers/michael-mcguigan/

Podcast Survey

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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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

Teagasc advisor, Austin Callaghan from county Mayo, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with some key advice to help apply for ACRES and to complete your plan.

The major difference in ACRES compared to previous agri-environment schemes will be the change from action-based payments to results-based payments.

When it comes to the plan, Austin outlines that many farmers will undertake grassland actions, such as the following: low-input grassland receiving up to €450/ha; extensive grassland: €200/ha; commonage: €220/ha; and low-input grassland on peat up to €450/ha.

Austin describes a number of actions farmers may select such as planting trees, hedges, archaeological monuments, traditional dry stone walls, low-emission slurry spreading and winter bird food plot.

For further details:

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Environment_August_2022_web.pdf

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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
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Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with important tips and advice to help farm families with the process of transferring the family farm and all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan.  

Succession planning can seem to be a very complex task but it doesn’t have to be with early planning, says James.  Every family has a different set of circumstances, but it is always better to have a plan in place. 

The worst case scenario is where the farm transfer is unplanned as a result of illness or the death of the owner, leading to tax and legal complications. 

Many farmers say they will never retire, however you do not have to be retired to have a succession plan in place and there are many decent tax reliefs and benefits to encourage you to prepare a plan in good time.

To help you prepare, Teagasc is hosting six clinics across the country.  You can register for your closest event at the following:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/teagasc-7739994337 

These clinics are designed to help farm families through the process of and all aspects that need to be considered when transferring the family farm. 

Find all our advice and guidance on Succession & Inheritance here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession--inheritance/ 

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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
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Teagasc organic specialist, Elaine Leavy, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into the new organic scheme opening in October, the key steps to consider in conversion as well as details on the upcoming National Organic Open Day.

Elaine outlines the changes to the new organic scheme opening in October for 8 weeks and she highlights the steps involved in conversion as well as the different payment rates.

The Teagasc organic team, in conjunction with DAFM and Bord Bia, have organised a national organic beef open day which will take place on Wednesday September 28th 2022 on the farm of John Purcell in Tipperary. 

This open day offers our clients a unique opportunity to get answers to the many questions they may have about converting their farms to organic systems.

Full details of the walk and how to book can be found at;

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/organic-beef-open-day.php

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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge 

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Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist, Barry Caslin, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what renewable energy options are available for beef farmers.

Barry discusses the different renewable sources of interest, particularly the  anaerobic digester, which may be an opportunity for farmers to supply grass and slurry.

Solar power has created increased focus in the past number of years with farmers approached to use their land for solar panels and Barry discusses what farmers should be considering before going down this route.

Solar panels for the farm house may also be a possibility and Barry explains the grants available. 

Beef Edge listeners interested in the options outlined on this episode can get more information by visiting www.seai.ie.

Further details available are also available here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-development/diversification/rural-development-factsheets/

Podcast Survey

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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
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Teagasc Environment specialist Catherine Keena is on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new proposed Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme also known as ‘ACRES’.  

While listeners would have participated in previous environmental schemes such as Reps and most recently GLAS, the new Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme has similarities and differences.

ACRES is the new Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) agri-environment scheme and is part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan that has recently been approved by the European Commission.

The following proposed actions will help farmers to prepare for it and while many farmers will undertake grassland actions, all should consider the full suite of actions available.

Please see  all actions outlined in the following: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Environment_August_2022_web.pdf

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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
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Dairy Beef 500 farmer, Richard Long, from Co. Waterford and his advisor, Sean Cummins, join Catherin Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast. 

Richard and Sean describe how they developed a plan to reduce age at slaughter on the farm and its impact on profitability, plus they detail the upcoming open day being held on the farm on September 8th.

The level of integration between dairy and beef farmers is something key for this system to be profitable particularly for Richard when it comes to improvement in genetic gain on calves coming from his brother’s farm. 

This use of higher quality beef sires, identified from the Dairy Beef Index (DBI), along with the recently launched Commercial Beef Value (CBV), are of superior genetic merit in terms of carcass weight and conformation than the average dairy beef calf.

Join the Teagasc DairyBeef500 team on Thursday, 8th September at 3pm on the farm of Richard Long, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford. Eircode: E91 VH67.

Further details can be found here: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/dairybeef500-richardlong.php

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With parts of the country in drought and some rain arriving, Joseph Dunphy, Grass10 advisor, and Fergal Maguire, Dairy Beef 500 advisor, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with advice and tips in advance of the last rotation.
 
First, Joseph outlines the grass situation in the west and south, while Fergal describes the situation in the east where there’s been very little rainfall. 

Building covers, reducing farm demand and extending the rotation are key now in advance of starting the last rotation closing up in October. 

For farmers with a high stocking rate, Fergal advises to house cattle that are intended to be finished before Christmas to help reduce farm demand where necessary. Apply a compound fertiliser as per nutrient management plan. 

Farm Walk

Aidan Maguire from Navan, county Meath was the 2021 Grassland Farmer of the Year in the Drystock Enterprise Category and he will host a walk on his farm on the evening of 31st  August at 6.30pm. F

Further details are here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/gfoty-aidanmaguire.php

The 2022 Grassland Farmer of the Year competition, to promote grassland excellence among all Irish livestock farmers, has also been launched.  There will be an overall award and a number of categories with an overall prize fund of €25,000 and further details can be found here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2022/grassland-farmer-of-the-year---entry-form-2022.php 

Podcast Survey

In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback:  

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For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:
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Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Researcher Dr. David Wall is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with top tips to manage soil fertility for the rest of the year plus details on the upcoming Johnstown Castle Open Day.  

David highlights that putting a plan in place now is important as high prices are forecast for next year. There is an increase in lime being applied on farms to correct pH and there has also been a focus on many farms to incorporate clover. Improving soil fertility in advance is important. 

It’s a month out for the chemical N deadline on 15th September and final applications should be applied now where needed to build covers.  

Overall grass growth has been very good this year and surpluses have been taken off as bales on many farms and David says that it is important to ensure slurry is applied to compensate for P and K off-takes. 

The Johnstown Castle Open Day takes place on 30th August with the focus on ‘Technologies for farms of the future’. This open day will demonstrate technologies and practices that can be adopted on farms to help to maintain farm productivity and profitability, whilst increasing overall environmental sustainability. 

The latest information for successful management of grass-clover and multi-species swards under winter and spring calving dairy and dairy calf-to-beef systems will be available.

Practices to enhance on-farm biodiversity and to reduce losses of valuable nutrients from the soil will be demonstrated and you will also learn about the latest fertiliser and slurry technologies and methods for enhancing carbon sequestration and soil health.

For further details: 

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/farmsofthefuture.php

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Future Beef farmer, Ed Curtin from Co. Cork, discusses how he manages his autumn calving herd pre and post-calving.  

Ed outlines how he manages the cow’s body condition score to ensure she is fit and not fat for calving. 

Ed calves his heifers at 24 months. He describes her management from once she is born up to calving. 

Heifers are penned separate to the cows to give them every opportunity to go back in calf.  

100% AI is operated on the farm and Ed describes the various sires selected such as easy calving angus sires for replacement heifers and Belgian blue sires used on cows.  

High quality silage over 70 DMD is fed over the winter ad lib. Ed describes the management in advance of breeding and the use of heat detection aids to identify cows such as scratch cards.

Further details on Ed’s farm can be found here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/beef/ed-curtin-future-beef-farmer-in-cork.php

The Beef Edge Survey

In order to understand the aspects of the Beef Edge podcast which are most appealing and beneficial to you, it would be great if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete this survey to give your feedback:  

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Teagasc Advisor, Alan Nolan, based in Ballinrobe Co. Mayo, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to review key messages for suckler farmers from Beef2022. 

Alan highlights the big focus of the day on was on improving reproductive performance, through genetics, AI, heat synchronisation and calving at 24 months. 

There was a big discussion in the suckler village on the day in relation to how a farmer narrows the selection of replacement females. Alan also describes the main actions needed and the most important traits for a replacement female in your herd. 

For further details:  

https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/beef-open-day/beef-2022-main-stands/

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

Dr Eddie O’Riordan, Teagasc Researcher, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the key points from Beef2022 for growing and finishing cattle farmers.

Topics on the day included silage quality, concentrate supplementation, herd health and the drafting of cattle. 

Silage Quality will have high influence on performance and costs and Eddie explains there is a difference of €100 in costs moving from 60 – 75 DMD silage for a weanling to gain 0.5kg over the winter period. 

With the rise in concentrate prices, the key point for farmers to keep in mind is to test silage and then balance with concentrates as required. 

Reducing age of slaughter was also discussed and Eddie highlights how the national figures have changed over the past eleven years and says that, while it is a challenge, there are more reductions that can be made in the future.  Eddie describes the key aspects of drafting cattle for finish to avoid the costs of putting on fat. 

Herd health is a critical area to maximise the lifetime performance of the animal, particularly purchasing stock, and Eddie discusses the topics outlined by AHI based on the beef health check analysis, parasite control by Orla Keane and the health plan by the vet on the day.

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

DairyBeef 500 campaign manager, Alan Dillon, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to review the key messages from Beef2022 for dairy beef farmers; plus he discusses the lessons learned from the Green Acres Programme and outlines the new five year DairyBeef 500 campaign that was launched recently.

Alan first explained how building a sustainable dairy-beef system was highlighted at Beef2022 by incorporating grass, genetics and herd health to support an economic and environmentally sustainable system.

The Green Acres programme has now drawn to a close and analysis of the past three years’ data showed a net margin increase from €100/ha to €650/ha (excluding subsidies). Live weight output increased from 994 kg/ha in 2019 to 1,427 kg/ha in 2021.

Over the course of the programme, grass production increased by 19%, while there was a huge focus on silage and DMD increased by 4% units, helping achieve an ADG of 0.6 kg over first winter.  The indoor winter periods were identified as being the main area for improvement on farms. 

The average number of source herds reduced from 10 farms to 6, resulting in improved calf health, while the genetic merit improved slightly across calves purchased, it is the most difficult area to improve.

The DairyBeef 500 campaign was launched recently with a target of €500/ha net profit and Alan outlines all that is to be achieved over the next five years. 

The Ballyvadin demonstration farm will be a key component of the campaign located in Fethard Co. Tipperary. 300 calves will be purchased and a heifer and steer finishing system will be operated comprising of a number of breeds. 

Farmers will get an opportunity to visit the farm and see the progress being made. The DairyBeef 500 farmers are located across the country and there will be four new farms added in addition to the rollover of farmers from the Green acres programme.

There will be a number of courses arranged over the campaign for farmers to attend along with regional discussion groups and further details will be available on the Teagasc website and social media channels.

For more information, go to:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/dairy-calf-to-beef/dairybeef-500/ 

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

At the Beef2022 National Beef Open Day last week a forum took place moderated by Ivan Yates with the theme, ‘Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming’.

It was an open discussion with Professor Alice Stanton, RCSI, Michael Biggins, Future Beef Farmer from Co. Mayo, Professor Frank O'Mara, Teagasc Director and Phelim O'Neill, Irish Farmers Journal. 

This week’s Beef Edge episode is a recording of the Beef Forum that concluded the open day in Teagasc Grange on the 5th July.

The forum can also be viewed at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjp-03M_oag 

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

At the Beef2022 National Beef Open Day on the 5th July, a forum took place moderated by Ivan Yates. 

Attendees heard from and had the opportunity to ask questions of Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. 

This Beef Edge bonus episode is a recording of that question and answer session.

The complete forum can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjp-03M_oag 

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

Beef 2022 has finally arrived.

Teagasc Grange researcher Peter Doyle joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast with an insight into what you can expect at the Sustainable Grassland Village at the #Beef2022 Open Day on 5th July 2022.

Peter outlines the various heights of grass on display and the impact this has and he also discusses the establishment and management of red and white clover on the day. 

A grazing infrastructure booklet was also launched today and for further details on the #Beef2022 Open Day, visit the Teagasc social media channels and www.teagasc.ie/beef2022
 
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

Pearse Kelly, Teagasc’s Head of Drystock is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss technologies to make your farming system sustainable, the challenges in relation to overall profitability on farms as well as a preview of the Beef2022 Open Day on July 5th in Teagasc Grange.

Despite market disturbances, CAP reform, climate change policy and input price rises, the market for grass-fed beef as a high quality, sustainable human food protein source is strong.

Suckler farmers have made big changes and participated in schemes like the Beef Data Genomics Programme for many years and Beef Environmental Efficiency programme, which is having an influence on the sustainability of the system as well as genetics. The commercial beef value launched last year at the beef conference is also having an impact.

Earlier age at slaughter has many influences but there are improvements being made which will be discussed in detail in the Growing & Finishing Village at Beef2022.

What’s happening at Beef2022?

There will be four main stands highlighting beef systems for your farm, performance targets and achieving the targets whilst optimising beef profitability.

Producing quality beef is key to the success of the industry and factors affecting meat quality, grass-fed beef and PGI and quality-assured beef will be the topics of the day in the meat quality village. 

In the afternoon there will be a forum with a panel of experts who will address supporting the sustainability of Irish beef farming.

If you are a beef farmer, Beef2022 is your opportunity to see first-hand the results of Teagasc’s comprehensive research and innovation programme and to meet Teagasc research, advisory and education staff. 

The event is on Tuesday 5th July in Teagasc Grange and it is a free event and a day not to be missed. 

For further information go to: 

www.teagasc.ie/beef2022

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