Teagasc has encouraged beef and suckler farmers to apply to the new Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP). It has carried out a training programme for its staff.

Speaking at an in-service training session on the BDGP for 100 Teagasc advisers in Moorepark on Wednesday, head of drystock knowledge transfer Pearse Kelly said it makes sense for farmers to join the scheme.

“Teagasc is encouraging all clients who are committed to suckling for six years to enter the programme.’’

Kelly said that Teagasc feels that it is a progressive programme which will encourage farmers to use the index. He added that “genomics will increase the reliability of the index going forward’’, and the display of each animal’s figures on mart boards at sale will significantly help the programme.