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.
In Carrickmacross this evening for the 10 year anniversary celebration of the CAPS AND NEWS suckler discussion groups. Award to be presented to all members of the two hugely successful suckler groups renowned for their replacement suckler heifer sales. @FJBeef @ajwwoods pic.twitter.com/m2I7m7DCum
— Matthew Halpin (@MatthewHalpin22) April 30, 2019
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.
Group chairman and host farmer Pádraig McNally on the success of the discussions groups: “its an absolute no-brainer to get involved in a group. The things you learn are amazing. It the most positive thing I’ve done in agriculture.” Huge thanks going to adviser @maireadkirk1 pic.twitter.com/ULFAOEHSEz
— Matthew Halpin (@MatthewHalpin22) April 30, 2019
Commendable
Guests on the evening included Irish Farmers Journal beef editor Adam Woods, Teagasc beef specialist Aidan Murray and IFA’s Turlough Slaney.
Beef editor Adam Woods addressing the big crowd at this evenings event “it’s been a tough winter but there are signs of an upward shift in prices as numbers in the system tighten.” Bord Bia hopes to market suckler beef and the potential of the Chinese market look positive @FJBeef pic.twitter.com/ZjZyEY7A8Q
— Matthew Halpin (@MatthewHalpin22) April 30, 2019
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.
Teagasc beef specialist Aidan Murray: “these two groups have to be admired for the way they went after the maternal traits and the euro-star indexes.” The role that discussion groups can serve in terms of friendship and problem solving is invaluable. @FJBeef pic.twitter.com/PWWLvUNA5p
— Matthew Halpin (@MatthewHalpin22) April 30, 2019
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.
Group adviser Mairead Kirk of @teagasc. “The trips where we visited other suckler farms were a particular highlight for the groups. The things we learned had a huge impact on everyone’s farm.” Big thanks given to the participant farmers for their involvement through the years. pic.twitter.com/k7MXuxhi7d
— Matthew Halpin (@MatthewHalpin22) April 30, 2019
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.
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