The latest from the Derrypatrick demonstration farm

Michael McManus, Manager of the Derrypatrick demonstration farm at Teagasc Grange, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the farm. The Derrypatrick herd is a suckler to beef Teagasc research demonstration farm with a land block of 65 hectares bringing all progeny through to slaughter. In the spring, 105 cows calved and there were 110 live calves which calved over 11 weeks. Breeding season 2020 was confined to 9 weeks. This was to reduce the length of the calving period in 2021. After the 9 weeks of 100% AI, 89% of the cows and heifers were in calf. Michael mentioned how weaning will take place in coming week. All beef cattle are now housed and the target is to finish the heifers in December at 20 months of age and all bullocks will be finished under 24 months. Michael outlined what will happen from now to finishing. For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at: teagasc.ie/thebeefedge