Father and son duo Peter and Cathal Breen are farming in partnership on 74ha of heavy land in Gorey, Co Wexford. Both Peter and Cathal work off farm. Just like on many farms across the country, grass growth is becoming an issue, with last week’s growth slumping to 47kg DM/ha/day, down from 59kg DM/ha/day recorded in the week previous. Despite this, breeding, fodder conservation and the new dairy calf-to-beef system are all moving along nicely for the Breens.

Fodder

So far, 60% of next year’s fodder requirements have been made. Thirty-six acres of first-cut silage was taken out over two weeks ago. A further 80 wrapped bales have also been made, 28 bales were taken off six acres three weeks ago, while a further six acres were cut last week, yielding a heavier crop of 52 bales. A field of hay was also knocked last Friday, which, given the fine weather forecast for the week, looks set to be made in cracking conditions.

Breeding

There are currently 73 cows breeding in two groups. Forty heifers and young cows are running with a Ronick Hawk Limousin bull and the remaining 33 mature cows are with a Keelties Henry Angus bull. The heifers and young cows would primarily be sired by the Angus bull, meaning they are limited to the Limousin bull for breeding. The Breens are not vaccinating for anything except blackleg in calves. Because both Peter and Cathal work off farm, a decision has been made to limit cow numbers to between 60 and 70.

Dairy calf to beef

To increase output, a dairy calf-to-beef system is being introduced. So far this year, 39 dairy calves have been purchased from two different farms. These calves have been reared on the farm and are currently moving in a rotation ahead of one bunch of cows. These calves are gaining 1.2kg/day. Both Peter and Cathal commented on the simplicity of the system, noting how straightforward the management of the calves has been. However, they have also been surprised at how much grass they require. They plan to buy a further batch of dairy calves this autumn.

Spring 2017 was when the first batch of dairy calves was purchased. At present, these dairy bulls are approaching 410kg, gaining 0.8kg/day. The original plan was to sell all dairy calves as steers and after this batch, that plan will again be enforced. However, for different management and weather-related reasons, the current batch have not been castrated and the plan is to finish them out of the shed before Christmas at a carcase weight of 310kg at 20 months.

Farm plan review

Last week, the Teagasc and Irish Farmers Journal BETTER Farm Beef Challenge team, along with local B&T adviser Martina Harrington, visited the Breens to review their farm plan. The BETTER Farm Beef Challenge is now reaching the mid-point of its three-year duration and participants will be sitting down with their advisers over the coming weeks and months to review their plans and to assess their performance to date.

To find out more about the farm plan review, pick up your copy of the Irish Farmers Journal this Thursday, read the article online and watch the video above.

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