The Newford suckler herd in Athenry is set to make a loss of €100 to €150 per cow in 2018 before land rent and labour are paid, according to information released at the Teagasc Open Day on Wednesday. It also seems the farm system of finishing steers and heifers is up for review.

Replying to questions, Teagasc’s Padraig French said: “The system will be looked at and a decision taken. We have chosen the steer route but this year we had to sell heifers in July. As soon as we bring animals inside it increases costs and puts the farm under pressure to make money.”

Newford Herd, the Dawn Meats demonstration farm located at Teagasc, Athenry, was set up in 2015 with a blueprint of carrying a high stocking rate, first-cross Angus and Hereford suckler cows, operating a steer and heifer finishing system. While the farm has operated to a very high level of technical efficiency in terms of grassland production and breeding management, the farm is struggling financially to make a profit.

While the farm reported a small margin of €4,928 for 2017, it is expected to report a loss for 2018 before any land and labour charges are included.

The farm is operating to the highest level of technical efficiency with a 362-day calving interval, 1.08 calves per cow per year for 2017, excellent calf growth rates, weaning weights and top-quality grassland management.

At one of the stands a farmer posed a question which didn’t need an answer: “The farm is technically doing everything right while producing a very marketable carcase and product – what’s the problem?”

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Newford Farm opens gates for national open day