Thomas Hogan runs a suckler to store enterprise on 55ha just outside Nenagh Co. Tipperary. The herd consists of 55 suckler cows, 12 replacement heifers and 27 steers. Steers are sold in the mart at around 18 months along with surplus heifers. The store system works well for Thomas as it allows him to run cows and calves in the one group. (more…)
We are delighted to announce the 3rd annual FBD Breeding Competition in conjunction with FBD, ICBF and Sheep Ireland. While it is disappointing that we cannot host a physical awards ceremony this year, we will be posting about the 2020 competition over the coming weeks. (more…)
We are close to the end of another year of farming which sees me having completed 10 years of farming so far and without doubt we would have to be happy with 10 years of progress. Having completed my paper & presentation for the British Cattle Breeders conference in January it certainly was an eye opener. Genetic gain on farm has been phenomenal. Certainly, I could have made some decisions quicker I also made a few mistakes, but we are still ahead of our target for 2020. (more…)
Actual on-farm cow liveweights have replaced the use of cull cow weights as a predictor of liveweight. This has resulted in a maintenance sub-index that better reflects maintenance feed intake costs. (more…)
Have you ever wondered why some features are available on your laptop/PC but not on your smartphone or tablet device e.g. Sire Advice? (more…)
The March 2021 Evaluation will be published on 23rd March. The final date to have any DNA samples (hair/tissue/AI straws returned to ICBF to have genomic evaluation published in March, is 30th December. (more…)
Gestation length refers to the number of days that the fetus is developing between insemination and calving. ICBF have recently updated the gestation length figures based on insemination and calving data recorded over the past number of years. These updated figures will result in more accurate expected calving dates for animals going forward. (more…)
It’s the time of year when planning is crucial on farm. Decisions we make now will have the greatest impact on farm performance for 2021. We had a super scanning result with only 7% of cows empty and 100% of heifers in calf, with 68% in calf to first service. 145 animals will calve in February 2021. It has been our best breeding season yet. Synchronising the heifers on fixed time AI really works for us and it also shows the in-calf rate for first lactation cows. I feel it just allows them time to recover after calving to prepare for the breeding season. (more…)