Established in 2022, the demonstration farm is providing Irish beef farmers with a realistic financial, operational and genetic baseline for integrated dairy-beef production and acts as a blueprint for high-efficiency spring-born steer and heifer calf-to-beef finishing systems.

The farm has full labour and capital costs and no Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) payment or land costs included in the budget.

The capital required to set-up the dairy-beef enterprise was approximately €980k, of which €560k was for facilities and machinery, and the remainder for stock and working capital.

The farm achieved a significant increase in profit in 2025 driven by higher beef prices and increased animal performance with increased carcase weight.

Following a recent 25-hectare expansion in October 2025, the standalone commercial unit now spans 134 hectares and delivered €1,620 per hectare net profit in 2025 and a €74 per hour return on labour.

Open day

All farmers are invited to visit this top-performing beef farm on Wednesday, 22 July, at 11am hosted by Teagasc, in partnership with Dawn Meats and Shinagh Estates Ltd at Ballyvadin Beef Farm Ltd, Fethard, Co Tipperary (E91 E0X3).

Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Event, Ballyvadin. \ Tom Ryan Casey

The open day will focus on building highly profitable, sustainable, and labour-efficient dairy-to-beef systems.

What to expect on the day

  • Financial and labour performance: an in-depth look at Ballyvadin’s audited accounts, capital costs and its impressive return on labour.
  • Calf purchase and genetics: showcasing how the farm’s contract calf supply model with nine dairy farmers secures high-Commercial Beef Value (CBV) genetics to ensure better animal performance.
  • Animal health and calf rearing: proactive vaccination protocols used to minimise calf mortality and regular parasite monitoring to minimise resistance to anthelmintics.
  • Labour and calf rearing: practical farm-automation setups designed to save hours during peak spring workloads.
  • Finishing and drafting steers and heifers for slaughter to ensure all cattle reach factory carcase specification at a young age.
  • Grassland management to drive animal performance from high-quality grazed pasture and grass silage.
  • Water quality: environmental protective measures, including roadway infrastructure and the Teagasc Better farming for water programme.
  • Grass 10 Demo: live paddock measurements and grazing tools to help farmers optimise their seasonal grass allocation.

    • Gates open at 11am. Admission is free and all farmers and industry stakeholders are welcome. Complimentary food and refreshments will be served.

    For more information, please click here.