"My dairy calves are currently running about six weeks ahead of last year's batch thanks to having plenty of grass available last spring," said Wexford BETTER farm participant Cathal Breen.

Cathal is farming alongside his father Peter on 74ha of heavy ground just outside Gorey.

The father and son duo are running a herd of 70 continental-cross suckler cows, taking all progeny to beef, apart from replacement heifers.

Steers are slaughtered at 22 to 28 months, heifers between 20 and 24 months. Around 50 dairy bull calves are purchased each year and brought to beef too.

Autumn grazing

Along with BETTER farm Teagasc adviser Martina Harrington, I visited the farm late last week to go through Cathal and Peter's plans for autumn grazing.

Before we arrived, Cathal had already put some thought into his plans for autumn grazing and the implementation of a 60:40 grazing plan.

Watch the video to find out more about the ins and outs of a 60:40 planner and why it's important to do one.

To see the finalised plan, read the full story inside this week's Irish Farmers Journal.