Sean Hayes is farming a herd of 67 suckler cows on 63ha of heavy-type ground. The suckler herd is split calving, with 42 in the spring and 25 in the autumn.

Going forward the plan is to increase the herd to 75 cows with a split of 45 and 30. At present Sean’s autumn-calving period is over halfway through completion and the young calves will be on display next Tuesday for discussion around the split-calving system.

System

With the progeny, Sean plans to finish all stock, selling bulls under 16-months and heifers between 20 and 22 months of age.

This is a big change from the previous system of selling weanlings and stores, however, it was one that was made possible due to the emphasis that has always been placed on breeding and genetics, evidence of which will be shown on the day.

Breeding

AI has been an integral part of generating superior genetics within the herd. Bulls such as ZAG, EBY, FSZ and LZF have been used recently. This part of the system is made even more interesting by the fact that Sean completes DIY AI, all part-time.

Breeding last for a strict 12-week period, necessary to maintain a tight split-calving spread.

On the day, it will be interesting to hear from Sean about AI and breeding on the farm.

Fodder

Fodder has been a massive talking point this year across the country. Sean has just under 180tDM of pit silage in the yard. He also made 90 bales earlier in the year contributing another 29tDM. That alone wouldn’t be enough to fulfil his fodder requirement of 230t DM for a six-month winter, however, with growth in the farm high in recent weeks, it is hoped surpluses can be made to fill the gap.

Finance and herd health

With weather causing such difficulties on farms for the last 12 months, there has been significant pressure placed on both farm finance and animal health.

One item that will greatly help herd health but may require some attention from the financial side of the business is the construction of a new shed

To discuss finance, Teagasc financial specialists will be present on the day, as well as personnel from the local bank, to advise on and discuss options for managing cashflow and payments this winter.

On the animal health side, Sean’s local vet will be speaking on the day about general animal health this winter, as well as the ongoing IBR eradication pilot programme being implemented on the BETTER farms.

One item that will greatly help herd health but may require some attention from the financial side of the business is the construction of a new shed.

A five-bay slatted shed with a layback is being constructed on the farm with the aid of a TAMS grant and this will feature during the walk on the day.

The event is KT-approved and Department officials will be present on the day for sign-in. For those concerned about what is facing them this winter in terms of fodder, finance or herd health, this is certainly an event worth going along to.

The walk will take place at 4pm on Tuesday 11 September on Sean Hayes’ farm in Lisduff, Tulla, Co Clare. Eircode V95W280.