Sample answers to Revision Guide 2026 questions: beef, sheep, catch crops, soil

Section A: Sample short answers

1. Kill-out percentage: the weight of the dressed carcass expressed as a percentage of the live weight of the animal at slaughter.

2. Conformation: the shape, width and muscle development of the carcass.

3. Aberdeen Angus (any two): naturally polled; early maturing; easy calving; high carcass quality.

4. Bull beef – advantage and disadvantage:

Advantage: high daily live weight gain and high kill-out %.

Disadvantage: can be aggressive and requires more concentrates/special housing.

5. Compensatory growth: a period of rapid growth when cattle return to grass after a period of restricted growth, usually following winter housing.

6. Two Continental breeds: Charolais; Limousin; Belgian Blue; Simmental (any two).

7. Reason slaughtered before two years: younger animals produce leaner, better-quality meat and are more feed-efficient.

8. Purpose of colostrum: provides antibodies for immunity and a rich source of nutrients to the newborn calf.

9. ICBF €uro-Star Index: a genetic evaluation system used to rank animals based on traits such as growth, fertility and carcass quality.

10. One health & safety risk: risk of injury from handling cattle / risk when agitating slurry / machinery accidents.

Section B: Sample long answers

Question 1 – breeds and growth

(a) British vs Continental breeds

British breeds such as Aberdeen Angus are early maturing, easy calving and easier to manage, while Continental breeds such as Charolais have superior conformation, higher growth rates and produce heavier carcasses.

(b) Limousin characteristics (any three explained):

Limousin cattle produce lean beef with good conformation. They have high fertility and good conception rates, making them suitable for suckler systems. They are also early maturing compared to some other Continental breeds.

(c) Effect of winter housing on growth:

During winter, cattle are housed and fed mainly silage and concentrates. Growth rates are lower due to reduced energy intake and lack of fresh grass. This period is known as the store period. When animals return to grass in spring, compensatory growth occurs, increasing daily live weight gain.

(d) Factors influencing beef quality (any three explained):

Question 2 – Beef production systems

(a) Suckler beef system:

In a suckler system, beef cows are kept to produce calves which remain with their mothers and suckle naturally. Beef breeds such as Limousin or Charolais are used. Calves are weaned and finished for beef, often in grass-based systems. This system produces good carcass conformation but has higher costs and lower stocking rates.

(b) Dairy calf-to-beef system:

This system uses male calves from dairy herds which would otherwise have low economic value. Calves are artificially reared on milk replacer and then finished on grass and silage. Dairy or dairy-cross animals are used, which have poorer conformation than beef breeds. Biosecurity risks are higher as calves are often purchased from different farms.

(c) Comparison:

Suckler systems use beef breeds and produce animals with better conformation and meat quality, while dairy calf-to-beef systems use dairy genetics, resulting in poorer carcass quality. Biosecurity risk is lower in suckler systems as herds are more closed, while buying in dairy calves increases disease risk.

Question 3 – EU beef classification

(a) Meaning of “U”:

The letter “U” indicates very good conformation, showing well-developed muscle and good carcass shape.

(b) Meaning of “3”:

The number “3” refers to a moderate and desirable level of fat cover, which is preferred by consumers.

(c) Why acceptable to processors and consumers?

U3 carcasses provide a good balance of muscle and fat, giving high meat yield, good eating quality and minimal trimming losses. This meets market demand for lean but well-finished beef.

(d) Two management practices to improve conformation

Question 4 – Sustainability

(a) Grass-based system:

A system where grass is the primary feed source for cattle, with silage used in winter and minimal reliance on imported concentrates.

(b) Two environmental benefits:

(c) Role of SBLAS:

SBLAS ensures that beef is produced in an environmentally sustainable, welfare-friendly and traceable manner. It encourages best practice in nutrient management, animal welfare, water protection and record keeping.

(d) Three ways to improve sustainability:

Question 5 – Economics and policy

(a) CAP payments:

Payments provided under the Common Agricultural Policy to support farm incomes and encourage sustainable farming practices.

(b) Three reasons beef farming is economically challenging:

(c) Three strategies to improve profitability:

Section A: Sample short answers

1. Seasonally polyoestrous:

a. Ewes cycle only during a specific season (short day breeders; autumn).

2. Gestation period:

a. ~147 days (5 months less 5 days).

3. Flushing:

a. Increasing plane of nutrition 3–4 weeks pre-mating to raise ovulation rate.

4. Steaming up – one reason:

a. Increases late-pregnancy energy intake - prevents twin lamb disease / improves colostrum.

5. Breeds (one of each):

a. Hill: Scottish Blackface / Wicklow Cheviot.

b. Terminal sire: Suffolk / Texel.

6. Crossbreeding – one advantage:

a. Hybrid vigour – improved growth, survival and output.

7. Raddling – purpose:

a. Marks mated ewes; identifies repeats/infertility.

8. Scanning – one benefit:

a. Identifies singles vs multiples – targeted feeding; detects barren ewes for culling.

9. Flystrike – cause and prevention:

a. Cause: dirty/daggy wool attracts flies.

b. Prevention: shearing/dagging/dipping.

10. One economic challenge:

Section B: Sample long answers

Question 1 – Mountain vs lowland systems

(a) Comparison

• Mountain: Blackface/Cheviot (hardy, low prolificacy)
• Lowland: Suffolk/Texel on prolific ewes (high carcass quality)
• Nutrition and management:
• Mountain: extensive grazing, low inputs.
• Lowland: intensive grass-based, supplements around lambing.
• Lambing system:
• Mountain: outdoor (Apr–May), minimal labour.
• Lowland: indoor (Jan–Mar), high labour and supervision.

(b) Mountain system – pros/cons

• Advantages: low inputs; suited to marginal land; hardy maternal ewes.
• Disadvantages: low output/ha; low prolificacy; weather exposure

  (c) Crossbreeding role

• Hill ewes × lowland sires - hardy replacements + fast-growing lambs.
• Hybrid vigour improves performance and output.

Question 2 – Reproduction and lambing

(a) Reproductive cycle

• Short-day breeders (autumn oestrus).
• Oestrus cycle 17 days; oestrus 36 hours.
• Gestation 147 days.

(b) Flushing and steaming up

• Flushing: ovulation/implantation - lamb numbers.
• Steaming up: late-pregnancy energy - prevents twin lamb disease; colostrum.

(c) Lambing management (any two explained)

• Hygiene; lambing pens.
• Iodine navel dip; ensure colostrum.
• Heat lamps in cold weather.
• Close supervision; correct nutrition of ewes.

Question 3 - Early vs mid-season lambing

(a) Early lambing (Dec–Jan):

• Targets Easter premium; breeding out of season.
• High housing, labour, concentrates.
• Higher cold stress/mortality risk.

(b) Mid-season lambing (Feb–Mar):

• Matches natural oestrus; spring grass availability.
• Lower inputs; lambs out to grass earlier.
• Lower mortality.

(c) Comparison:

• Labour/housing: early high; mid lower.
• Feed inputs: early high concentrates; mid grass-based.
• Profitability: early often lower due to costs; mid generally higher.

Question 4 – Welfare, health and biosecurity

(a) Welfare practices (three):

• Vaccination (clostridials/pasteurella).
• Dosing/dipping (worms, fluke, ectoparasites).
• Shearing/dagging; footbathing for footrot.

(b) Housing and hygiene:

• Clean, dry, ventilated sheds - pneumonia, mastitis.
• Hygiene at lambing - navel ill/joint ill.

(c) Sheep Welfare Scheme:

• Voluntary; targeted actions (lameness, flystrike, minerals, scanning, parasite control).
• Improves welfare, productivity and sustainability.

Question 5 – Genetics, tech and sustainability

• Breeding/genetics: €uro-Star (Replacement vs Terminal); crossbreeding; AI accelerates genetic gain.
• Technology: scanning, raddling, tagging/traceability, grassland planning.
• Environmental: grass-based systems; appropriate stocking; protect habitats.
• Economics/policy: diversification, welfare schemes; manage inputs to protect margins.

Question 6 – Applied/data based.

(a) Early lambing – benefits (two)

• Premium Easter prices; earlier cashflow.

(b) Costs/risks (three)

• High feed/housing costs; induced breeding costs.
• Higher mortality risk; labour demand.

(c) Recommendation (example):

• Prefer mid-season lambing unless farm has housing, labour and feed capacity to manage early system profitably; aligns with grass growth - lower costs, better margins.



Catch crops.
CATCH CROPS

A. Short question answers

1.To absorb leftover nutrients (especially nitrogen) from the soil after harvesting a main crop.

2.They take up nutrients in their roots and leaves which might otherwise be washed out of the soil.

3.Early sowing gives the crop more time to grow, allowing it to capture more nutrients.

4.Provide forage for livestock; improve soil structure; break up compaction.

5.They are often incorporated into the soil to add organic matter and release nutrients.

B. Long question answers

1.Nutrient leaching is the process where water carries soluble nutrients like nitrogen out of the soil, especially after rain. Catch crops help prevent this by absorbing these nutrients into their plant tissues, thus keeping them in the field rather than letting them wash away into waterways.

2.Catch crops improve soil health by:

Increasing organic matter when plant material breaks down, which improves soil fertility.

Improving soil structure and promoting earthworm activity, which enhances aeration and water infiltration.

3.Farmers might be persuaded to sow catch crops because they:

Help protect the soil from erosion during winter.

Capture nutrients that can benefit future crops and reduce environmental damage.

Question 1 – Growth cycle and establishment

Option A: Catch crop – kale

(a) Growth cycle

Biennial brassica (grown as short-term catch crop)

Growth stages: seed - seedling - vegetative - mature.

• Rapid growth over 5–6 months.
• Usually grazed at ~6 months.
• Leafy vegetative growth provides high yield for grazing.

(b) Establishment factors

Best on deep, well-drained loam soils.

• Optimum pH 6–7.
• Fine seedbed: plough + harrow.
• Sown April–July (often May–June).
• Seed rate 4–5 kg/ha (broadcast/direct drill).
• Roll soil for good seed–soil contact.
• Fertiliser based on soil tests.

(c) Timing of sowing

• Early sowing = longer growing season.
• Warmer soils - faster emergence.
• Higher yields and better establishment.
• Reduces weed competition.

Option B: Energy crop – Miscanthus

(a) Growth cycle

• Perennial.
• Propagated from rhizomes.
• Shoots emerge in spring (>6°C).
• Rapid summer growth to 3–4 m.
• Senescence in autumn (nutrients move to rhizomes).
• Harvest in late winter (low moisture).
• Productive lifespan 15–20 years.

(b) Establishment factors

• Free-draining sandy loam, pH 6–7.
• Rhizomes planted 10–15 cm deep.
• ~16,000 rhizomes/ha.
• Adequate moisture required.
• Weed control critical in Year 1.
• Low fertiliser requirement once established.

(c) Timing of planting

• Spring planting = warmer soils.
• Better rhizome survival.
• Stronger establishment.
• Higher long-term yields

Question 2 – Management, pests and diseases (25 marks)

Kale

(a) Management

• Good soil prep - rapid establishment.
• Fertiliser based on soil test.
• Weed control via good seedbed + herbicides.
• Introduce animals gradually.
• Kale = 30–35% of DM intake.
• Provide roughage (hay/silage).

(b) Pest & disease

• Flea beetle: damages seedlings in warm, dry weather.
• Control: monitoring + insecticides.
• Club root: soil-borne disease - swollen roots, poor growth.
• Control: long rotations, resistant varieties, correct pH.

(c) Rotation

• Breaks pest/disease cycles.
• Prevents club root build-up.
• Maintains soil fertility.
• Improves sustainability.

Miscanthus / oilseed rape

(a) Management:

• Miscanthus: weed control in Year 1, harvest after senescence.
• Oilseed rape: annual sowing, fertiliser management, pest monitoring.
• Soil testing guides nutrient inputs.

(b) Pest and disease

• Miscanthus: wireworms/rust (low incidence).
• Oilseed rape: flea beetle, light leaf spot.
• Control: resistant varieties, IPM, monitoring.

(c) Rotation:

• Reduces disease carryover.
• Improves soil structure.
• Sustains yields.
• Important for annual crops (OSR).

Question 3 – Uses, benefits and limitations

Kale

Uses:

• Rotational grazing
• Zero-grazing
• Kaleage

Benefits:

• Enables out-wintering of livestock.
• Reduces housing & silage costs.
• Acts as cover crop - reduces erosion and N leaching.

Limitations:

• Low fibre (cannot replace silage/hay).
• Labour intensive.
• Risk of poaching in wet soils.
• Health risks if overfed.

Miscanthus / oilseed rape

Uses:

• Miscanthus: biomass for heat/electricity, pellets, bedding.
• Oilseed rape: biodiesel; rapeseed meal for feed.

Benefits:

• Renewable energy source
• Carbon sequestration
• Farm diversification & new income stream

Limitations:

• Miscanthus: high establishment cost.
• Oilseed rape: annual inputs, pest pressure.

Question 4 – Sustainability and policy

(Either crop – key points)

• Reduces GHG emissions.
• Replaces fossil fuels / reduces nutrient leaching.
• Improves soil structure & organic matter.
• Supports Climate Action targets.
• Encourages farm diversification under CAP.
• Improves long-term farm viability.

Question 5

Structure your answer with these bullets:

• Management: cultivation, inputs, harvesting/grazing.
• Environmental: soil protection, carbon sequestration, nutrient capture.
• Economic: reduced costs / alternative income.
• Policy: links to CAP, Climate Action targets, sustainability goals.



Soil.
SOIL

Section A: Short questions

1. Two causes of soil compaction:

• Heavy machinery.
• Overgrazing.

2. Two effects of compaction:

• Reduced pore space.
• Restricted root growth.

3. A penetrometer measures soil compaction.

4. Capillary water is water held in small pores and is available to plants.

5. Hygroscopic water is water held tightly on soil particle surfaces and is not available to plants.

6. Two benefits of organic matter:

• Improves soil structure.
• Increases water-holding capacity.

7. Ion exchange is the attraction and holding of nutrient ions on negatively charged clay particles.

8. Clay soils have greater surface area and negative charge, allowing more ion exchange.

9. Sandy soil:

• Advantage: easy to till.
• Disadvantage: prone to drought.

10. One factor influencing soil structure:

• Wetting and drying / freezing and thawing / organic matter.

Section B: Long questions

Question 1: Soil texture

(a) Soil texture is the proportion of sand, silt and clay in a soil.

(b)

• Sandy soils have large pores - good drainage and aeration.
• Clay soils have small pores - poor drainage and aeration.
• Texture affects oxygen availability and root growth.

(c) Loam soil:

• 40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay.
• Good drainage.
• Good nutrient retention.
• Easy to cultivate.
• Ideal balance of air and water.

Question 2: Soil structure

(a) Soil structure is the arrangement of soil particles into aggregates.

(b)

• Sand, silt and clay combine to form aggregates.
• Held together by clay and organic matter.
• Process called flocculation.
• Cementation strengthens aggregates.

(c) Factors:

• Wetting and drying.
• Freezing and thawing.
• Organic matter.
• Root activity.
• Earthworms.
• Cultivation.

Question 3: Soil water

(a)

• Capillary water: held in small pores, available to plants.
• Gravitational water: drains downward after rainfall, available briefly.

(b)

• Field capacity: water remaining after drainage.
• Permanent wilting point: plants cannot extract water.

(c) Available water capacity is the water between field capacity and permanent wilting point.

It determines how much water plants can access for growth.

Question 4: Soil compaction

(a) Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed tightly together, reducing pore space.

(b) Impacts:

• Reduced drainage.
• Poor aeration.
• Restricted root growth.
• Reduced biological activity.

(c) Method:

• Subsoiling.
• Avoid machinery on wet soils.
• Controlled traffic farming.

Question 5: Soil Air and Aeration

(a) Soil air supplies oxygen for root respiration.

Roots absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide.

Without oxygen, root growth is reduced.

(b) Poor drainage fills pores with water.

This reduces oxygen availability and slows diffusion.

Roots may suffocate, reducing growth.