The event, which runs from 2pm to 7pm and has farm walks starting every half hour, will give visitors a chance to see the unique production system in action and hear how the farm is dealing with the knock-on effects of a difficult spring.
The suckler enterprise has to-date attracted high levels of interest with the first-cross Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cows bred from the dairy herd a break from the norm on Irish suckler farms.
The fact that all progeny on the fragmented 55.8ha farm are brought through to beef with the aim of finishing predominantly off grass at 18 to 22 months of age is also in contrast to most finishing systems. Farmers will have the opportunity to assess the system for themselves and also see how the farm is focused on implementing management practices that lend themselves to being run by one labour unit, farm manager Matthew Murphy, while still aiming to produce high output from a grass-based production system.
Key discussion points on the day
Representatives from key industry organisations such as Bord Bia, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and Department of Agriculture, along with Dawn Meats, Irish Farmers Journal and Teagasc personnel will be in attendance to discuss any farmers’ queries.
All stock will be on display and farmers will also get the chance to talk to Dawn Meats procurement personnel as part of a live exhibition on drafting animals and market specifications for Newford’s beef cattle.