Cork dairy-beef farmer, Philip O'Neill, who operates a calf-to-store beef enterprise alongside a tillage enterprise, while also working off-farm, and his Teagasc advisor, Alan Carey, join this week’s Beef Edge podcast.Philip O’Neill farms in a Registered Farm Partnership with his mother Denise, and he manages multiple enterprises during the busy spring period which means labour efficiency is essential and in recent years Philip has transformed his calf-rearing system by investing in an automatic calf feeder.Philip explains what prompted the investment, the practical lessons he learned during the first season using the feeder, and how it has changed the day-to-day management of calves. He discusses the labour savings achieved, how technology helps identify health issues at an early stage, and the management practices that have maintained excellent calf health and performance. Philip also shares the importance of planning, from sourcing calves over a short period to ensuring they are weaned before peak tillage work begins.His Teagasc advisor Alan Carey, discusses the wider lessons for dairy-beef farmers. As many farmers begin reviewing this year's calf-rearing season, Alan outlines the key areas that should be assessed before next spring, including labour requirements, calf health protocols, housing, nutrition and overall system efficiency. He also discusses how farmers can control input costs and identify future investment opportunities, including supports available through TAMS, to improve labour efficiency and long-term profitability.For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Cork beef farmer, Noel McSweeney, and his Teagasc advisor, David Hallissey, explain how they prepare for this year's Tullamore Show on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.Noel runs a progressive beef enterprise where he combines commercial cattle production with an embryo transfer breeding programme to produce top-quality show and fatstock cattle. He discusses his journey as a young farmer, the evolution of the farm and how he has developed a successful breeding programme while balancing an off-farm career.With the Tullamore Show just days away, Noel takes us behind the scenes to explain the planning, preparation and attention to detail that goes into getting cattle ready for one of Ireland's premier agricultural events. He also shares the key lessons he has learned from showing cattle and offers practical advice for anyone thinking about getting involved.David Hallissey discusses the increasing interest in commercial show cattle, the importance of breeding for both performance and profitability, and the key areas Noel is focusing on to further develop the farm.For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, and Future Beef Programme Manager, Martina Harrington, discuss management tips during current drought conditions and advise on key actions to be taken.With severe soil moisture deficits on farms at the moment, Nikki gives an overview of the current situation across the country, while Martina outlines how farmers are dealing with the issues on the ground. Martina also discusses management for first-calvers and thin cows as they all have different nutritional demands.With grass quality and quantity both falling, Nikki outlines the best supplementation strategies. Martina recommends protecting younger stock first. First-season dairy-beef calves are more vulnerable during drought and she discusses supplementing weanlings. Martina and Nikki also outline strategies for fertiliser and slurry if rain comes in the coming daysFor more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

In advance of the Irish Grassland Association Open Day on the 30th July in Co. Cavan, Sebana Moynagh joins the Beef Edge to give an insight into her Breffni Pedigree Charolais Herd and to discuss practical beef production and grassland management strategies relevant to both pedigree and commercial suckler farmers.The Breffni Charolais herd runs approximately 90 pedigree Charolais cows in a performance-recorded, grass-based system, operating a 100% AI breeding programme with predominantly autumn-calving cows. The herd is focused on breeding functional, milky and fertile females, whilst also producing bulls with high carcass weight, fleshing ability and calving ease for suckler farmers. Topics on the evening will include breeding strategy and genetic selection, herd health planning, paddock design and grazing management, reseeding strategies and the development of labour-efficient systems to improve overall farm performance. Visitors will have the opportunity to view cows and calves, weanling bulls and heifers, along with cattle handling and housing facilities on the farm.Food will be served to all attendees who arrive at 6.00 pm sharp, with the farm walk beginning promptly at 6.30 pm.For more information:https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/beef-event-2026/ For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Roscommon suckler and sheep farmer, Olivia Hynes, joins Catherine Egan and Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damien Costello, to give an overview of her system and a preview of the FutureBeef National Farm Walk taking place on her farm on 29th July at 6:30pm.Olivia runs an intensive mixed grazing enterprise, with 49 cows calving in 2026.  In 2024, Olivia moved to a 100% AI breeding programme, a major shift following fertility issues with stock bulls. She now uses a mix of Belgian Blue, Charolais, Limousin, and Simmental sires, supported by two vasectomised bulls for heat detection.Her goal is to breed all replacements from within her own herd, improving herd health and reducing both disease risk and costs associated with purchasing animals. Selecting the right genetics for maternal performance, fertility, calving ease and carcass quality remains central to building a productive weanling system on Olivia’s farm. Weanlings are targeted for the export market and sold in the local mart from September. Last year the weanling heifers weighed 359kg and the bulls weighed 361kg at time of sale. Olivia has placed great emphasis on increasing weight gain from grass while selecting AI sires with high carcass and conformation.Olivia complements the suckler enterprise with an early to mid-season ewe flock of 230 ewes. Scanning & weaning percentages are excellent with all lambs either finished off grass to factory specification or sold live in Roscommon mart. With lambs weaned on the farm, thoughts are moving to selecting ewes for breeding season 2026 and carrying out the ram NCT. This will be a practical demonstration at the farm walk and which will be of huge interest to sheep farmers. Reducing labour on the farm when managing sheep will also be discussed on the evening with a discussion around TAMS equipment.Join us on Wednesday, 29th July at 6:30pm for a FutureBeef National Farm Walk on the farm of Olivia Hynes, Kilcash, Co. Roscommon. The event will be signposted from Knockcroghery village.Further details at:https://teagasc.ie/event/futurebeef-farm-walk-olivia-hynes/ For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

This is a bonus episode of The Beef Edge featuring a recording of the Beef Pulse forum on ‘Driving Sustainable Calf to Beef Systems’ which was chaired by Breffni O’Brien, Beef specialist with Agriland.  On the panel were-       Amie Coonan, calf to beef farmer from Co. Tipperary-       Charles Smith, General Manager at Certified Irish Angus-       Margaret Kelleher, Genetics Operations Manager at the ICBF-       Alan Dillon, Teagasc DairyBeef500 programme manager-       Liam Gannon, Feed for Growth nutritionist For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc Technologist to the Tipperary Dairy Calf-to-Beef Demonstration Farm, Chloe Millar, joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the farm and an insight into the National Open Day taking place on the farm on Wednesday 22nd July @ 11am.  Chloe first outlines how calves are sourced and reared on the farm.  With over 400 calves purchased annually, the key criteria when sourcing calves, and how important are genetics in determining lifetime performance is outlined. Chloe discusses the health protocols to minimise disease risk and maximise thrive and she discusses grassland management in the current weather conditions and how some cattle were drafted for finish.  Chloe also discusses the key technologies and management practices that have delivered benefits for both profitability and environmental performance on the farm. Finally Chloe welcomes all the listeners to attend the open day on Wednesday 22nd  July at 11:00 am on Ballyvadin Beef Farm Ltd. Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 E0X3, for a practical open day focused on Labour Efficient Dairy Beef systems.  This event will showcase the latest research and best practices to help farmers improve efficiency and sustainability on farm.  For more, visit:Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm Open Day - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

This is a bonus episode of The Beef Edge featuring a recording of the Beef Pulse Forum on Market & Policy Outlook from the recent Teagasc BEEF2026 Open Day. Sean Doorley, Teagasc Beef & Sheep Adviser, was joined by Frank O’Mara, Director, Teagasc, Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy, Teagasc, and Joe Burke, Senior Manager of Meat and Livestock with Bord Bia. For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

It was another hugely successful Open Day at Teagasc Grange this year with the theme of ‘Driving Sustainable Performance’ showcasing the latest technology and insights into Irish beef farming. For this week’s Beef Edge, Catherine Egan spoke to some of those in attendance including Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O’ Meara, Joe Burke from Bord Bia, Kevin Hanarahan Head of Rural Economy with Teagasc, Adam Woods Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Breifne O’Brien, Agriland Beef Specialist and Deputy President of the IFA, Alice Doyle, as well as a number of beef farmers to find out what they thought of the day. For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, gives some top tips to manage your dairy beef system in the coming weeks and Teagasc advisor, John Kilboyle, previews the National DairyBeef 500 Open Day on the farm of Keith and Olivia Lowry taking place on the 9th July in Co Galway. Tommy outlines the key grassland management tips for dairy-beef farmers currently and into July and August, particularly in a year with variable growth rates and weather conditions.  He discusses the liveweight gains farmers should be targeting for grazing cattle over the summer months, and how can they monitor performance effectively.  Tommy explains the different options for farmers to consider before introducing concentrates to grazing cattle, and what factors should influence that decision.  He also warns about some of the main animal health risks during late summer particularly lung worm, including parasites and respiratory issues, and what preventative measures should be taken. The National DairyBeef 500 Open Day takes place on Keith and Olivia Lowry’s farm  just outside Tuam, Co. Galway on 9th July @ 6:30pm.  Operating a predominantly early-maturing steer system on 30.6 hectares of free-draining land, the farm has undergone significant development in recent years with a strong focus on grassland management, calf performance, animal health and infrastructure improvement.  The farm currently rears both autumn and spring-born dairy-beef calves with 80 calves being reared on the farm and John explains how the Lowrys put a strong emphasis on sourcing calves from a small number of trusted dairy farms and the benefits this has meant in terms of calf performance, health and overall management.  A lot of investment has gone into grazing infrastructure, with the new paddock system, roadway and water network which has improved grass utilisation, production and labour efficiency.  John also discusses how reseeding has been a key part of the farm development plan and the benefits in terms of silage quality and animal performance. Topics to be discussed on the evening include:·      Calf sourcing and rearing strategies·      Calf health and vaccination programmes·      Grassland management and grazing infrastructure·      Silage quality and winter feed planning·      Labour-efficient farming systems This is a great opportunity to meet with the DairyBeef 500 team. Teagasc advisors and industry stakeholders and sponsors of the DairyBeef 500 programme Corteva, Drummonds, Liffey Mills, Munster Bovine, MSD Animal Health and Volac. Further details available at:https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-farm-walk-keith-and-olivia-lowry/ For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com