Based in Athenry, Co Galway, Silke’s task will be to work with the agency’s drystock advisers, cattle farmers and the wider beef industry to increase the adoption of technology at farm level to improve the physical and financial performance on farms, Teagasc announced this Monday.

Silke was previously Teagasc’s co-ordinator of BDGP training courses and will continue to oversee the current phase of BDGP training.

He is from a farming background in Co Galway and holds a B.Agr.Sc from UCD, as well as a Masters of Agricultural Science and a Diploma in Financial Management from WIT. Prior to joining Teagasc in 2000, he worked as facilitator on a discussion group programme organised by Teagasc, Galway Livestock Marts and the IFA.

Speaking following his appointment, Silke said: “It’s a challenging time at the moment for all cattle producers, facing pressures from the market place and high costs due to inclement weather. However, the 2016 e-Profit monitor analysis shows that achieving higher levels of technical performance, coupled with high stocking rates, is the best way for individual drystock farmers to protect their incomes.”

Boyle set for another term with Teagasc

Teagasc appoints new cattle specialist

Vivian Silke joins Teagasc's team of beef specialists as cattle knowledge transfer specialist for the west and midlands region.