Grazed Grass, in Decoupled Era, Key to Beef Profits

Mr. Bernard Smith, Teagasc Head of Drystock Development speaking at a Teagasc/Dawn Meats Beef Farm Walk in Mayo today (Thursday 9 June) said that the challenges of decoupling can be turned into opportunities to improve farm income from beef farming.

During the walk on the farm of Michael, Ann and Jonathan Mellett at Shrule in Mayo, Mr. Smith said, “Decoupling brings new challenges and opportunities to farmers in general, but to cattle farmers in particular.  Exploiting the contribution of grazed grass is the key to profits, on beef farms, in the new scenario”. 

Continuing, he said “From 2005 profitability from beef finishing must be achieved   from optimising animal performance at the different stages of the animal’s life and controlling production costs.  Efficient production techniques must be combined with exploiting market opportunities in producing quality assured beef at off peak periods to maximise sale price”

“The main factors in contributing to reduced costs, more timely marketing and improved income on the Mellett farm were adopting a new approach to exploiting the contribution from grazed grass.  Improved grass management is a year round challenge for cattle farmers but the rewards of achieving a sustainable and profitable system make the efforts well worthwhile.  An extra 40 days at grass on the Mellett farm in 2005 produced an extra 40kg live weight gain at a cost of €8 compared with €70-€80 to achieve similar weight gain indoors.”

Teagasc and Dawn Meat staff outlined the steps to successful beef farming on Mellett’s Farm.  These steps include:-

• Early turnout – spring grass is a much more valuable feed and reduces silage requirements
• Moderate, but timely use of Nitrogen – a key factor maximising the amount of available grass
• Rotational grazing – a must to achieve optimum grass use at the right time

Maintaining quality through a combination of tight grazing and topping on well managed farms, like Mellett’s.  Grazed grass can support over 70% of the lifetime gain of the beef animal.

“The Mellett farm has achieved a more sustainable and profitable system by exploiting the benefits of grazed grass through earlier spring turnout, matching grass supply to herd demand, reducing the indoor feeding period and maintaining a supply of quality grass over a longer grazing season to maximise performance at lowest cost.  The message for other cattle farmers is clear – examine your current system to identify areas for improvement and put a plan in place to get more from green grass”, concluded Bernard Smith.

Ends

Issued by Larry O’Loughlin

Head Public Relations Department, Teagasc

Tel: 059 9183408; 087 2562434

Email: loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie