14 May 2012

2 minute read

Europe

Over five hundred farmers in the Midlands and North East Region attended their first beef discussion group session during April. In the Teagasc advisory region covering Laois, Kildare, Meath, Louth and Dublin, twelve Teagasc Drystock Advisers are working with over thirty groups of farmers.

The beef technology adoption programme is very similar to the Dairy Efficiency Programme which has been running very successfully in Teagasc for the past two years.

Teagasc Advisory Regional Manager, Larry O’Loughlin said: “This beef technology adaption programme is based on the Discussion Group structure whereby groups of fifteen to twenty farmers meet on a monthly basis on each others farms. Timely technology and financial subjects are discussed by group members over a two hour period, facilitated by the local Teagasc Adviser.”

Every farmer gets the opportunity to ask questions and get answers, relevant to their particular farming situation. Mr O’Loughlin said: “That the big advantage of this type of advisory activity is that farmers get information that is based not just on research, but is tailor made for their own situation based on local experiences.”

During the three year programme participating farmers must attend a minimum of six events each year. Every aspect of beef production will be covered including breeding, grassland management, cost control and financial management.

“As well as ensuring farmers get the latest information on good beef farming practices to suit their situation, the discussion group format allows like minded farmers network and share information among themselves. Ultimately that is the real advantage of this programme”, concluded Mr O’Loughlin.