On behalf of Teagasc and the BETTER Farm Beef Challenge management team, I would like to welcome you to the national BETTER Farm Beef Challenge walks for 2018.

I would like to thank Brian Doran and Nigel O’Kane and their families for opening their doors to their farm and showcasing the improvements they are making as part of the BETTER Farm Beef Challenge.

Both farms have undertaken to implement a significant number of improvements on their farms to increase profitability and streamline workload.

I hope that all who attend these open days take home at least one new innovation to implement on their farms.

I have no doubt that with the commitment and enthusiasm that these two farmers have shown, they will achieve the targets set out for them at the outset of the programme.

I would like to also thank our programme sponsors and all in Teagasc and the Irish Farmers Journal, without whom this very important programme wouldn’t be possible.