The recent Connacht Gold suckler information meeting at Balla attracted a capacity attendance of almost 300 farmers, highlighting the interest in producing quality weanlings, particularly for export markets.
The meeting, which was held in conjunction with the Farmers Journal, Teagasc, Bord Bia, Progressive Genetics and DSM Nutrition, gave farmers the opportunity to hear the views of some of the country’s leading experts on key aspects of quality production and on market prospects for weanlings this autumn.
With live cattle exports to date this year at their highest level since 2000, Joe Burke of Bord Bia gave an upbeat assessment on the prospects for weanling exports to Spain and Italy this autumn. He highlighted the big increase in satisfaction among buyers in both Spain and Italy with Irish weanlings during the past two years. This reflected the increased attention, particularly by farmers in the west, to quality and animal health.
The positive outlook for weanling and beef producers was repeated by leading industry commentator, Justin McCarthy of the Farmers Journal. According to Justin, reductions in cattle supplies internationally and the reputation and quality assurance associated with Irish beef and live cattle were reasons why farmers should look to the future with somewhat increased optimism.
Alan Nolan, Teagasc adviser in Castlebar, urged weanling producers to continue participating in the Suckler Cow Welfare Scheme. He stressed that farmers who complied with the scheme have reaped the rewards in having weanlings of higher quality, which are more attractive to buyers both on the home and export markets.
Paddy McCarthy of DSM Nutrition said meal feeding prior to weaning was a key component of the SCWS and ensured higher performance and improved health of weanlings. He stressed that poor grass growth and quality due to appalling weather made meal feeding even more essential this year.
Stock judging winners
A highlight of the Balla meeting was an exhibition of animals from local farms with commentary by leading pedigree breeder Richard O’Beirne. A competition to guess the weight of a pen of three bullocks generated big interest.
The top prize of a half tonne of Connacht Gold feed was won by Sean Coughlan, Lahardane. Second prize of 100ml of Ivomec Super went to Seamus Heffernan, Cloonglasna, Ballina while Martin Calvey, Westport took third prize of a €100 voucher for AI straws from Progressive Genetics.
