Insemination
Kieran Mailey on 29 Sep 2021
Which method is more cost effective: AI or natural service?
AI is a common choice for breeding autumn-calving herds. But is it more cost effective than natural service? Kieran Mailey takes a look at typical costs incurred.
Caoimhe Harney on 24 Sep 2021
Agri jobs: farm manager needed in Kildare and Roscommon
We take a look at jobs available in the agri sector. A farm manager is required for an immediate start in Kildare and experienced herdsperson is required in Meath.
Darren Carty on 16 May 2021
Newford Farm update: 2021 breeding season gets off to a flying start
A total of 74, or 89%, of the 83 mature cows put forward for breeding were inseminated in the first 19 days of breeding, while the 26 replacement heifers were synchronised and bred accordingly.
James Strain on 01 Mar 2021
Farmer Writes: mixed emotions at scanning time
Donegal suckler farmer James Strain describes a mix of emotions during a busy Saturday on his farm.
Aidan Brennan on 24 Feb 2021
New disclaimers on dairy AI
The fertility performance of young test bulls is in the spotlight after issues with Cloonigney Canning in 2020.
Jack Kennedy on 10 Feb 2021
Munster Bovine agree Canning compensation
We understand Munster Bovine are set to compensate farmers up to €150/straw used.
Adam Woods on 14 Nov 2020
The endless possibilities of applying science to breeding
Adam Woods takes a look at how science and technology have changed animal breeding and what future potential they have.
Adam Woods on 11 Nov 2020
The endless possibilities of applying science to breeding in cattle
Adam Woods takes a look at how science and technology have changed animal breeding and what the future potential they have.
Kieran Mailey on 30 Sep 2020
Ten steps to get the most from AI in autumn cows
Where suckler farmers are considering using AI to breed autumn calving cows, Kieran Mailey outlines 10 steps to increasing conception rates.
John Egerton on 12 Aug 2020
Scanning result points to sub-fertile AI bull
John Egerton has used the bull across most of his heifers and also some spring-calving cows
Aidan Brennan on 08 Jul 2020
Withdrawn AI bull passes German tests
The Holstein Friesian bull Cloonigney Canning passed an independent lab test in Germany.
Kieran Mailey on 24 Jun 2020
Synchronisation creates opportunities for AI
The potential benefits in a suckler herd outweigh the costs, farmers were told at a CAFRE webinar
Kieran Mailey on 27 May 2020
BETTER Farm NI: slow start to the breeding season in Tyrone
The breeding season is under way for Oliver McKenna, but cows have been relatively slow to come into heat.
John Egerton on 27 May 2020
Watch: teasers take the strain of heat detection
Being 100% reliant on AI John Egerton was spending many hours each day watching cows for signs of heat
Kieran Mailey on 06 May 2020
BETTER Farm NI: making use of AI at grass
With the breeding season for spring calving herds due to start this month, Kieran Mailey outlines some tips for making use of AI while cattle are at grass.
Adam Woods on 29 Apr 2020
Playing the matchmaker on Tullamore Farm
Adam Woods profiles the Tullamore Farm breeding plan and looks at how bull selections are made
Aidan Brennan on 15 Apr 2020
Building the picture of heat detection
Aidan Brennan goes through the signs of heat detection, one of the key skills for farmers that use AI.
The Dealer on 11 Mar 2020
Plan B for AP McCoy
The Dealer was relieved to hear that even if the jockeying didn’t work out for AP McCoy he had a solid plan b to fall back on.
John Egerton on 04 Mar 2020
A passion for sucklers that runs deep
Some of my friends have sold their suckler herds, but I don’t think it is something I could do, writes John Egerton.
Kieran Mailey on 03 Feb 2020
Monday management: time to scan autumn-calving cows
Suckler cows that were bred during late autumn and early winter will be ready for scanning during February.