I would like to welcome everyone to Caraun, Claregalway, Co Galway, and I hope you find today’s event informative, enjoyable and, most importantly, worthwhile.

I took over the farm here 10 years ago and have gradually increased suckler cow numbers.

Nigel O'Kane.

Joining the Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER Farm Beef Challenge has given me renewed enthusiasm to drive output, improve efficiencies inside the farm gate and ultimately increase the overall profitability of the farm.

I would like to thank Teagasc BETTER farm advisers John Greaney, Tommy Cox and Alan Dillon and the Irish Farmers Journal livestock team for their advice and guidance over the last 18 months and I would like to thank the stakeholders for their continued support of the programme.

I would also like to thank my local B&T advisers Damian Costello and Keith Fahy for their continued help and advice on the running of my farm.

I want to especially acknowledge the opportunity to farm given to me by my uncle Billy and the continued support of my wife Elaine.