Suckler farmers will have an opportunity next Wednesday, September 10 to discuss how they can generate margins by improving beef production methods following trials at AFBI, Hillsborough.

Sessions will be running throughout the afternoon and evening during the AgriSearch Beef Farm Walk at the Large Park, Hillsborough, BT26 6DR.

Ways and means of generating margins by improving beef production methods will be discussed in the light of the results from recent trials. The huge problem of sourcing cow genotypes able to produce one weaned calf per year every year has long been prevalent in the Northern Ireland suckler sector. Biosecurity issues when sourcing cows, poor cow fertility and less than optimal growth potential of progeny are all areas of concern.

The AFBI suckler herd comprises both Stabiliser cows, a composite breed which has been selected for ease of care and good fertility, and Limousin x Friesian crossbred cows sourced from the dairy herd. Next Wednesday there will be an opportunity to view these cows with this year’s calves as well as 2013-born bullocks and heifers.

Results will be presented on how the two cow breeds compare in terms of their reproductive performance and the performance of their progeny. The current AFBI suckler research programme, funded by DARD and AgriSearch, is an evaluation of winter feeding strategies for managing body condition scores (BCS) of spring calving cows.

Body condition score is an important practical consideration for all suckler producers and researchers from AFBI and CAFRE Development Advisers will discuss how manipulating BCS can cut winter feeding costs. Efficient systems of grassland management will be another issue examined.

Other main topics will include rearing heifers to calf at 24 months and options for rearing and finishing dairy-origin beef.

Two sessions will run on Wednesday afternoon and evening with tours departing the yard at 15-minute intervals from 1.30 -2.30 pm and again from 5.30 – 6.30 pm. These tours are expected to last approximately two hours. In the interests of biosecurity visitors are requested to wear clean clothes and footwear.

A warm welcome is extended to all beef producers to attend this event. For further information visit [www.agrisearch.org]www.agrisearch.org or ph; (028) 8778 9770.