As we are at a critical stage of the breeding season, Dr. David Kenny, researcher in Teagasc Grange, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss breeding on spring calving suckler herds and he has key tips to be aware of. David says that overall this spring has been good and cows were in good condition going to grass early and fit for breeding. This spring we have seen the impact of the challenging year last year, with cows calving to second cycle and cows calving later on most farms overall. Body condition score of cows and good nutrition to resume cyclicity is important. David outlines key tips around AI use and in relation to farmers using a stock bull. It is still important to record when cows are showing heat so that the number of repeats can be monitored. Young bulls should be particularly monitored event though they may be fertility checked. Talking with farmers, like every year, there are issues with stock bulls cropping up. David explains that if the bull has had an infection or a rise in body temperature, this may cause the bull to become sub fertile. Scanning of cows may take place after 30-35 days to identify cows that are in calf and the fertility of the bull and to check for any issues. 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
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18:10
John Maher’s grass management tips at this critical time
Grass10 Manager, John Maher, is on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss grass management on the farm at this critical stage of the year. John gives an update on farms at the moment with some farms having had the best spring in years while other farms are looking for rain. Rain was very localised earlier this week and with not much rain forecast, it will be challenging on some farms. John says that balancing quality is key at the moment to ensure good animal performance and avoid stem in the sward building up for the season ahead. Removing surpluses will be important to ensure quality while making top quality silage for next winter. Some farmers depending on stocking rate and allowances may be tempted to stop applying N and John discusses various options with utilising slurry and including sulphur in fertiliser is essential. The length of time stock spend in a paddock this time of year can also have a big impact on grass growth and quality. The target to maintain is three days per paddock. First cut silage will be harvested on farms in the coming weeks and John outlines the nutrient requirements for second cut on farms where needed. 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
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21:37
Calving and breeding season on Newford farm
Stephen Frend from the Newford demonstration herd in Co. Roscommon is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give a review of calving, an update on the current breeding season and a look into management for the coming weeks. Stephen says that calvings have gone well this spring, cows calved over a compact 10 weeks and went to grass earlier this year in comparison to last year. With breeding season underway and 100% AI being used, Stephen discusses the sires being used and heat detection on the farm as well as a synchronisation programme being used on the heifers this year. In relation to the yearling heifers and steers, Stephen highlights the performance to date and current management. Cattle will continue to be rationally grazed over the coming weeks and if a surplus is available paddocks will be removed as baled silage. Silage ground is closed with the plan to harvest in late May. 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
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9:51
Key tips for weed control on grazing and silage ground
Chris Maughan, Product and Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, discusses weed control on grazing and silage ground on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. Chris highlights the opportunity to control weeds, particularly docks in silage ground and grazing paddocks. Nettles and thistles are possibly the most common weed on farm and he outlines the best control method. Chickweed is also an issue on some farms, maybe more so in new leys and Chris advises on treatment options. In relation to reseeds, Chris says post-emergence spray is critical. However, in red clover and multispecies swards, it is more difficult to control weeds in these swards. In addition, he outlines some options for condoling ragwort and rushes also. Finally, Chris highlights the regulations as well as the health and safety aspects of springs and maintaining a buffer of 3 metres. 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
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12:59
The benefits of reseeding this spring
Mary McEvoy, Technical Development Manager with Germinal, joins Catherine Egan and Ciaran Lynch on this week’s joint episode of the Beef Edge and OviCast podcasts to discuss all aspects for carrying out reseeding. Given the weather this spring, in comparison to previous years, many farmers across the country are considering carrying out reseeding on their farm. Mary outlines the important points to consider before reseeding such as soil fertility, yield of paddocks and quality of the swards. Mary explains there are numerous benefits to reseeding in the late spring versus in the autumn. She discusses the various methods and key tips for preparing the seedbed. Using the Pasture Profit Index is key when it comes to selecting varieties suitable for delivering for grazing, silage and soil type. With the inclusion of clover in mixes increasing, Mary advises a mix of small and medium leafed clover for grazing on beef and sheep farms. She also describes the key management tasks post-reseeding with the use of post emergence sprays and good grazing management. There are a number of reseeding events taking place at the moment across the country and for further details go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/news/2025/grass-reseeding-events.php 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
The Beef Edge is Teagasc’s podcast for all the latest news, information and advice for Irish beef farmers, presented by Catherine Egan.
Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/the-beef-edge-podcast/
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