Grassland infrastructure and grazing management

A new exhibit this year will be grazing infrastructure in terms of roadways, water and fencing, to both increase grass utilisation and labour efficiency.

The design and cost of various options will be displayed. The grassland demo has received huge interest in previous years. This will be used again this year to demonstrate farm grass cover estimation and best grazing management.

This will also demonstrate correct pre- and post-grazing sward heights for maintaining grass quality throughout the grazing season. Beef advisers will be available to show how grassland data can be used to develop a grass wedge using PastureBase Ireland.

Methods of pasture reseeding

Three complete reseeding methods (plough, power harrow and disc harrow) and three direct-drill methods (Aitchison Sticher, Erth Agri-Seeder and Guttler) will be displayed. This exhibit will include pastures that were just recently reseeded and pastures that were reseeded 10 weeks previously.

Additionally, pasture that was over-sown with clover 10-weeks previously will also be displayed. The advantages/disadvantages of the various methods of reseeding in term of costs, weed control and grass establishment will be discussed with the assistance of Teagasc advisory and research staff.

Live animal display

With the assistance of Bord Bia and meat processing personnel there will be a live exhibition on the ideal finishing animal to meet market specifications for different market outlets. Additionally, beef suckler cows of various Replacement Indexes crossed with sires of various Terminal Indexes will be displayed demonstrating the significant advantages to using animals of high genetics.

Read more

To read the full Beef 2016 Focus supplement click here.