After an uncertain fortnight for beef farmers, figures at BEEF 2016 offered a brief respite from talk of the sector’s uncertain future.

On the first of five technical stands at the event, Teagasc specialists outlined how changes in production efficiency and output affected farm profitability.

A 40ha farm running at national average levels of output and efficiency was used as a benchmark. Carrying 23 cows, finishing bullocks at 30 months and heifers at 26 months led to a total farm net margin of -€3,512.

Efficiency

The specialists showed how improving farm efficiency in areas such as grassland management, herd fertility and fertiliser usage would affect farm profitability on the above farm. Stocking rate remained unchanged (1.3 LU/ha), but producing heifers at 20 months and bullocks at 24 months allowed cow numbers to increase to 31.

Listen to the advisors and the farmers taking part in the event in our podcast below:

A total farm net margin of €8,439, or €272 per suckler cow, was attainable where best practices in farm efficiency were applied at the national average level of output.

Finally the specialists outlined what was achievable where farm efficiency was maximised and stocking rate was pushed to 2.2 LU/ha.

Carrying 53 cows, slaughtering heifers at 20 months and bullocks at 24 months, a farm net margin of €21,026, or €397 per cow, was achievable.

A survey of farmers at BEEF 2016 carried out by the Irish Farmers Journal reveals that many see a future in suckling and are also conscious that improvements in efficiency are needed.

Of the suckler farmers surveyed, 48% planned to increase cow numbers in the coming years, with just 7% planning a decrease.

In terms of improving efficiency, 64% of beef farmers planned to make cost savings on farm in the next year.

Watch interviews with beef farmers attending the event on their system and their plans for the near future in our video below:

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BEEF 2016 review: Suckler herd profitability put under the microscope

Full coverage: Beef 2016