Over 160 farmers attended the Animal Health Ireland (AHI) CalfCare event, which took place earlier this week on the ABP Demo Farm in Co. Carlow.

The farm was one of four across the country that hosted events as part of the CalfCare 25 Summer Events Programme, which was run with the help and support of the co-ops and meat processors in each region.

The evening event on Wednesday (June 25) allowed for more part-time beef farmers in the region to attend.

The advice focused on mid-season management of calves during their first season at grass, with some tips for farmers to keep in mind ahead of winter housing later in the year also.

ABP Demo Farm manager Sean Maher gave an overview of the farm system, which reared over 400 calves this year.

The event also featured a livestock demonstration, where ABP's Advantage Beef Programme farm liaison team leader Amie Coonan and ABP Demo Farm manager Sean Maher focused on the importance of the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) and how it is beneficial for calf-to-beef systems.

AHI's Michelle McGrath and Natascha Meunier both gave an overview on rules, advice, and tips relating to key animal husbandry tasks such as disbudding, castration, parasite control, and general calf health at grass.

Teagasc's Gordon Peppard explained how farmers can produce silage with higher nutritional value for beef cattle.

The ABP Demo Farm is making 1,200-1,300 bales/year of silage, which generally averages 72-73% dry matter digestibility (DMD), and Sean Maher explained how this is achieved on the farm.

Teagasc's Vincent Lawrence gave farmers in attendance some advice and tips on achieving good grassland management in beef production systems, such as when to graze paddocks, when to top, and advice on reseeding.

The event drew to a close with a farmer discussion, and hot beef sandwiches were served to all in attendance.