Michael Heffernan explains how moving into sucklers has added control and flexibility to his beef enterprise, backed by strong feeding, health and practical bull selection.
Located near Stradbally in Co. Laois, Michael Heffernan farms 500 acres, operating a mixed suckler and finishing system. This system has evolved in recent years to suit both market demands and his own passion for beef production. Farming has always been central to Michael’s life, and while the enterprise continues to develop, his enjoyment of working with cattle remains unchanged.
Traditionally, Michael focused on buying store cattle and finishing them, but over the past three to four years he has introduced a suckler cow herd to the farm. This move marked a significant change in direction and has allowed him to take greater control of animal performance from birth through to finishing. Today, the system is split close to half‑and‑half between spring and autumn calving, with spring-calving cows complemented by an August/September calving group. Last year was the first full year operating this split‑calving system.
The farm runs a combination of Charolais, Limousin and Aberdeen Angus breeding, with two Charolais bulls and Limousin and Angus bulls also in use across the herd. While Michael has a strong preference for Limousin and Belgian Blue genetics, he takes a practical approach to breed choice, selecting animals that suit his system and deliver commercially. Stock bulls are purchased mainly on visual assessment at sales, with conformation and functionality key priorities.
The finishing performance of the herd is extremely impressive, particularly when we look at it from a CBV perspective. The average CBV of heifers killed in the herd in 2025 was €493 compared to the national average of €384, and these higher CBV animals from his herd were killed earlier at heavier carcass weights and better grades. His average heifers were killed at 24.5 months at 363kg carcass weight and U- grade while the National average was 27 months at 345kg and R+. Michael’s heifers, when compared to the national average, were killed 2.5 months earlier, 18 kg heavier and 2 grades better!
The performance of the higher CBV animals is also reflected within the herd when we compared the top third and bottom third of heifers killed in 2025 on CBV. The top third had an average CBV of €576 which is €165 higher on then the bottom third, this top third also finished 0.7 months earlier, 59kg heavier and 2 grades higher. When you consider these are animals in the same herd, eating the same feed and being managed the same it really highlights the difference genetics can make in finishing performance.
Michael’s son is also involved in the farm, contributing around one‑third of his working time to farm operations. This additional input plays an important role during busy periods, particularly around calving and feeding.
Feeding is a major focus on the Heffernan farm. In the run‑up to calving, cows are fed hay for a month to six weeks beforehand, before progressing onto a high‑quality diet to support milk production post‑calving. Calves are offered creep feed, while careful attention is paid to cow nutrition to ensure strong calf performance from the outset. A wide cropping programme supports the feeding system, with maize and beet grown extensively on the farm. Some of this is used on‑farm, while surplus crops are sold. Wheat and barley are also grown, adding further flexibility to the system.
Herd health is prioritised from day one. All calves receive a nasal vaccine at birth to provide early protection, followed by IBR vaccination with Bovipass at one month of age. Michael believes that starting calves off strong is key to achieving consistent performance and reducing issues later in life.
At present, Michael reports that things are going well on the farm, both technically and financially. However, like many in the industry, sourcing labour remains a challenge, and he would like to have an additional person working on the farm but has found it difficult to attract help. Despite this, Michael’s enthusiasm for farming is clear, and he remains highly positive about day‑to‑day life on the farm.
Looking more broadly at the beef sector, Michael believes that stability in beef prices is crucial to maintaining confidence and profitability. He also notes the growing influence of beef star ratings in decision‑making, particularly when sourcing stock. Bulls and bulled heifers are generally purchased from the west of Ireland, reflecting his focus on quality breeding and performance.
For Michael Heffernan, beef farming is about continuous improvement, practical decision‑making and, above all, a genuine enjoyment of working with cattle — a combination that underpins the success of his suckler and finishing enterprise today.
ICBF would like to congratulate Michael on receiving the 2025 ICBF Beef Quality Award – Suckler Farmer Finisher award for Dawn Meats.
