This week's episode of the Beef Edge podcast is the first in a regular monthly 'Beef Masterclass’ series from expert farmers.

First in the series to discuss his system is Niall O’Meara, a suckler farmer from Co. Galway who operates an autumn calving suckling to weanling system. Niall is achieving all the key targets from birth to weaning and he explains just how he does it.

Bull weanlings are sold at 12 months of age at a target weight of 500kgs while replacement heifers calve at 24 months with a target weight at breeding of 475kgs at 14 months.

Niall highlights how calves are grazed at grass over the winter period and how grassland management is so important to achieving weight gains at low cost. He measures grass on a weekly basis and emphasises the benefit this is to him.

Using 100% AI on the farm Niall gives an insight into heat detection and management of the cow during the breeding season and over the winter period.

For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at:

teagasc.ie/thebeefedge