Concentrates
on 21 Jan 2022
Watch: Simmental bulls hit 560kg on Tullamore Farm
Niamh Gunn chats to farm manager Shaun Diver to analyse the 2021-born bull performance on Tullamore Farm.
Declan Marren on 19 Jan 2022
Getting to grips with calf-rearing costs
With increasing input costs, Declan Marren outlines key areas for consideration on calf-rearing farms this spring.
on 17 Jan 2022
Watch: feeding regime for in-lamb ewes on Tullamore Farm explained
Niamh Gunn was on Tullamore Farm to talk to Shaun Diver about winter shearing and feeding regime for in-lamb ewes.
Kieran Mailey on 12 Jan 2022
Silage sampling – do you know what you are feeding your ewes?
The programme farmers have all had their silage sampled, helping to make best use of concentrates in the runup to lambing.
Darren Carty on 12 Jan 2022
Sheep Management: Spectam Scour Halt, clean livestock policy and ewe condition
Supplies of Spectam Scour Halt, used to prevent watery mouth or E coli scour, are expected to be reduced this season following the ceasing of its production.
Declan Marren on 12 Jan 2022
Higher feed costs add €80/head to winter finishing bill
Concentrate prices have increased by a further €15/t to €20/t in January putting further pressure on system economics at farm level.
Declan Marren on 12 Jan 2022
Can I cut meal feeding to dairy-beef stock returning to grass in spring?
With rising feed costs, some farmers are looking at reducing meal feeding to stock that will go back to grass in early spring.
Darren Carty on 09 Jan 2022
Newford update: 2021 bullock sales up €222/hd, heifers up €208/hd
The final 22 bullocks and three heifers from the 2020-born progeny were drafted on 17 December, with heifers achieving the highest average carcase weight since the project began.
Darren Carty on 05 Jan 2022
Sheep Management: feeding early lambing ewes and clostridial vaccination
Many early lambing flocks are in a good position with grass supplies but current weather will limit turnout, bringing a spotlight on indoor feeding programmes.
Darren Carty on 29 Dec 2021
Sheep Management: scanning, feeding and mortality due to liver fluke
The popular scanning measure under the sheep welfare scheme is under the spotlight with scanning activity increasing and some flocks entering late pregnancy feeding.
John Sleigh on 29 Dec 2021
Comparison: rearer finishers v store producers
John Sleigh compares the profit margins in selling store cattle compared to bringing them through to finish.
Kieran Mailey on 08 Dec 2021
Another 6p/kg on beef to offset ration hike
Rising feed costs mean finishers need higher prices to break-even next spring.
Kieran Mailey on 07 Dec 2021
Managing the creep pen over winter
When it comes to calf creeps, applying plenty of clean, dry straw goes a long way to keeping calves healthy.
Darren Carty on 24 Nov 2021
2021 is not a year to ignore closing targets
Grass growth rates have been running well ahead of normal in recent weeks creating a temptation to continue grazing and delay closing dates.
Kieran Mailey on 23 Nov 2021
Beef Management: front loading meal to store cattle
On some farms, front loading meal to certain cattle groups will help keep animals hit target weights over winter.
Declan Marren on 19 Nov 2021
Tullamore Farm: managing cow body condition score this winter
Now that all the cows are housed, farm manager Shaun Diver has separated out cows according to body condition score and will feed accordingly to correct condition score ahead of calving.
Aidan Brennan on 17 Nov 2021
Dairy Management: dealing with more grass than planned
Aidan Brennan says that, with the mild weather, there is higher than expected grass growth rates, which may allow farmers to graze off another paddock or two.
David Wright on 17 Nov 2021
Dairylink Ireland: feeding to yield in Co Armagh
Feed efficiency is crucial to driving margins on the Martin farm in Co Armagh. David Wright reports.
Adam Woods on 17 Nov 2021
Testing silage never more important
Adam Woods takes a look at testing silage in 2021 and why it was never more important.
Darren Carty on 14 Nov 2021
Newford update: best back end on record for grazing
Suckler cows have been retained outdoors until early November, while weanling heifers and bulls will remain outdoors for another few weeks, weather permitting.