Speaking at last Thursday night’s beef information meeting organised by Munster AI and Teagasc and hosted by Castleisland Co-op Mart, local veterinary practitioner Sean O’Sullivan said that one of the greatest factors affecting animal performance over the winter months is insufficient health treatments.

Similar to Doireann Corridan’s advice on

Applicants should also take note that mobile weighing scales are not eligible for a VAT refund under Form VAT 58, Claim by Unregistered Farmers for Refund of Value Added Tax (VAT). There is also a minimum investment of €2,000 (net cost) required to gain entry to TAMS II, meaning that farmers need to apply for grant aid as part as an application for other equipment or investment in housing for example. Full details can be found at www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmerschemespayments/farmbuildings/tamsiisupportdocuments.

Weight recording services have had a relatively low uptake to date, but provide a competitive alternative. The ICBF offers a nationwide service, with over 25 technicians listed on their website at www.icbf.com. Farmers can also contact 1850-60 0900 to arrange a visit. The cost of the service is based on the number of animals weighed, with a €60 callout fee covering the cost of the first 15 animals.

Table 1 details costs thereafter and concessions where a discussion group signs up a minimum of eight members for weighing. The service provides a paper printout on the farm detailing the weights of animals, average daily gain and predicted weights.

Some Farm Relief Service (FRS) networks also offer this service and further information can be obtained at www.frsnetwork.com or by contacting 0505-22100. If hiring in technicians to carry out weight recording, it is worth asking about their insurance cover before bringing them on to the farm.

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Focus: Winter Indoor Management