Teagasc Hosts National Beef Open Day

The profitable production of quality beef is the theme of a national beef open day being run by Teagasc at Grange Research Centre, Dunsany, Co Meath on Wednesday 15 September.

The open day will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for beef farmers on the best information on production technology, economics and on the fundamental changes in EU beef policy which come into effect in January 2005.

Announcing details of the event, Dr Eddie O’Riordan, Head of Grange, said that all beef farmers, irrespective of their system of production, will find something of interest and of benefit on the day.

“The complete decoupling of premia from the animal from next January will create major challenges but also opportunities for Ireland’s beef farmers. The beef enterprise on every farm must stand on its own and deliver a positive margin. Otherwise there is no point in continuing to produce beef”, he said.

The open day will feature the latest blueprints on profitable production of quality beef. Aspects such as breeding, animal nutrition, grassland and financial management will be highlighted. There will also be demonstrations of the out-wintering pads, which have been comprehensively tested at Grange. Earth bank tanks for slurry storage will also be on view and farmers will get information on the costs of these methods for wintering cattle, relative to conventional housing.

The winners and finalists in the prestigious Bord Bia Quality Beef and Lamb Producer Awards for 2004 will also be featured at the open day.

The full array of Teagasc research and advisory expertise will be available throughout the day to discuss with farmers the road ahead for beef production.

The open day runs from 10am to 6pm.