17-05-2025
New beef farmer networking events kick off in south-east
A new trial series of beef farmer networking events, which is a joint venture between Teagasc and ABP Food Group, have kicked off in the south-east of the island.
While still in its early stages, the initiative sees a newly-formed discussion group of ABP Food Group farmer-livestock suppliers attend a series of farm walks focused on suckler/beef and store-to-beef systems.
Separately, ABP is also facilitating knowledge-sharing events for its' dairy calf-to-beef farmer suppliers.
The suckler-beef-focused events, which started on Thursday, May 8, are taking place in the ABP Slaney and ABP Ferrybank catchment areas.
The first farm walk was hosted by Co. Wicklow farmer John Pringle. Based in Aughrim, Pringle is a suckler-beef farmer and is part of Teagasc's Future Beef Programme.
(l-r) John Pringle, host farmer; Eleanor Cummins, ABP Slaney; Martina Harrington, Teagasc Future Beef Programme manager; Aideen Bates, Advantage Beef Programme farm liaison officer; and Peter Lawrence, Teagasc drystock advisor
The Future Beef Programme is a venture ran by Teagasc that aims to demonstrate to beef farmers how they can produce suckler beef as efficiently as possible, making their system more profitable while also making it more environmentally and socially sustainable.
The farm walk was attended by ABP suppliers who are involved in the processors' Advantage Beef Programme.
Participants on the farm walk on John Pringle's farm in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
Topics such as genetics, different sward types, and young bull performance were covered and the farm walk encouraged conversation and comments between the farmers leaving plenty points of discussion.
Martina Harrington, manager of the Teagasc Future Beef Programme said: 'Teagasc and the Future Beef Programme is proud to support this collaboration and the ongoing efforts to engage with suckler-beef farmers.
'The enthusiasm and engagement shown by the farmers at the event is a testament to the growing interest in these discussions and we are excited about the potential to continue building these groups in the future.
'By working together, we can share valuable knowledge and support the sustainability and profitability of our farmers.
'We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this collaboration and working with Teagasc to aid in creating profitable suckler beef systems across our supplier base,' Harrington said.
ABP Slaney's Eleanor Cummins said: 'The collaboration between ABP and Teagasc looks to be a success from our first suckler farm walk on John Pringle's farm'.
Cummins noted that, on the farm walk, 'farmers engaged with each other in conversation over farming practices'.
'With the addition of Teagasc, the farmers of the Slaney region and ourselves, ABP, it creates a unique synergy, combining practical industry insights with academic expertise to promote sustainable, innovative, and profitable farming.
'Suckler-beef is important to the beef industry and to ABP and we are committed to supporting suckler-beef production systems.
'It is important for us, as beef processors, to support and guide our suppliers to reach their potential and farm as efficiently as possible.'
