In mid-2009, Monaghan based Teagasc B&T adviser Mairéad Kirk set the wheels in motion for the formation of a progressive, like-minded suckler discussion group in Monaghan and surrounding areas.

A simple letter sent out by Mairéad to local sucker farmers said: "Are you sick of bad weather, bad prices, bad news? Want to participate in a positive discussion group run by farmers for farmers?"

The letter went on to invite people to attend the farm of suckler man Peter Fitzsimons in Inniskeen and to become a member of a new suckler discussion group.

That event led to the formation of the Castleblayney Active and Positive Suckler (CAPS) discussion group.

Shortly after that, in December 2009, Kirk felt there was enough enthusiasm and interest among beef and drystock farmers in the area to set up another discussion group. This time, farmers were invited to attend the Glencarn Hotel in Castleblayney.

Subsequently, the Nighttime, Evening and Weekend Suckler (NEWS) discussion group was formed.

For the last decade, the groups have excelled in areas such as grassland management and breeding. What is most noticeable is the camaraderie and friendships that have been formed in the tight-knit groups.

They are perhaps best known for the annual replacement heifer sale in Ballybay Mart. The groups were some of the leaders in the replacement heifer initiative.

Last Tuesday evening, both groups marked their 10th anniversary with a celebration and awards ceremony on group member Padraig McNally’s farm outside Carrickmacross.

Commendable

Guests on the evening included Irish Farmers Journal beef editor Adam Woods, Teagasc beef specialist Aidan Murray and IFA’s Turlough Slaney.

Both Woods and Murray were hugely complimentary of the groups’ enthusiasm and ambition, particularly in the areas of suckler genetics and breeding top-quality replacement heifers.

They also gave great recognition to adviser Mairéad Kirk for the constant energy and drive given to both groups.

Learnings

Reflecting on the last 10 years, Kirk said that the numerous trips to high-profile beef farms and industry leaders was without doubt one of the highlights.

Farm trips included those to past Teagasc/Irish Farmers Journal BETTER farm participants William Treacy, Joe Murray, Marty Lenihan, Mark Maxwell, Chris McCarthy and other commercial beef farmers Peter Fitzsimons, James Costello, Thomas O’Connor.

Industry visits included trips to ICBF’s Tully progeny testing centre and the Lakeland Dairies feed mill.

An award was presented to each group member in recognition of their contribution to the groups for the last ten years.