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
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21:55
Beef farmer, Sophie Tyner, on the coming weeks closing for silage
Beef farmer, Sophie Tyner, from county Wicklow, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss her beef system, her plans in the coming weeks closing for silage and how good quality silage is so important on her farm. Given that all the cattle are finished on the farm, good quality silage is very important to her system to reduce concentrates fed. Sophie discusses winter performance achieved on the farm and how the crop is fertilised and discusses the importance of N,P & K and Sulphur. Silage is harvested mid-May, ensiled correctly and the pit is sealed to avoid silage heating and waste. Silage season is a very busy period on farm and Sophie also discusses key steps in relation to health and safety on the farm. 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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13:19
SCEP Update & the new Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme
Margaret Brennan, Assistant Principal Officer over Beef Schemes with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme that was announced recently and to give an update on all things scheme related. Dairy Beef Weighing SchemeMargaret, outlines the 2025 Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme which is open for applications. It is open to dairy farmers rearing their own dairy-beef calves or farmers rearing dairy beef progeny from the dairy herd, and a total of €4 million has been allocated to the scheme, resulting in payment rates of €20 per eligible calf. To be eligible, participants must have a minimum of five eligible calves, while the maximum payment rate is on 50 calves. Applications for the 2025 Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme must be lodged online through agfood.ie before midnight on Thursday, 15 May 2025. Late applications will be accepted, subject to payment deductions, until midnight on Monday, 9 June 2025. These eligible calves must have been:- At least 12 weeks of age at the time of weighing and has been registered on the holding s/he is being weighed on for a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of weighing;- In the applicant’s herd for at least 10 days before weighing;- Born between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. Through the scheme, participants will be required to weigh eligible calves and submit weight data to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF). Weight data should be submitted within seven days of weighing and before 17.30 hours on 1 November 2025. Farmers should note that they will only be paid on the number of calves in respect of which they submit liveweight data. SCEPIn relation to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), 2025 is an important year for farmers involved in this scheme as applicants are required to ensure that by the 31st October 2025 at least 65% of their yearly reference number are eligible females that are genotyped 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index (on a within or across breed basis) at the time of purchase (for replacements brought into the herd) or at the time of genotyping (for those replacements bred within the herd). Finally Margaret also highlighted the deadline for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) is May 15th. 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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