On Friday evening May 16th, Monaghan Suckler Farmer Wesley Browne, opened his gates for a farmwalk to demonstrate how quality Suckler Farming and attention to detail can result in a profitable enterprise. This event which was run in conjunction with the North Eastern Simmental Club was on of the first such events to take place since the upturn in beef prices and as a result attracted a large crowd.
Speakers on the night included Wesley Browne (Host Farmer), Conal Murnaghan (Teagasc), Adam Woods (Irish Farmers Journal) & Sean Brady, North Eastern Simmental Club.
Wesley’s farm is based in Dunraymony, between Ballybay and Monaghan town, where he farms 58 hectacres of grassland in 4 blocks. Wesley is part of the Teagasc Sign Post farms. The main facts of Wesley’s system are as follows:
- 90 Spring Calving Suckler Cows (Mainly Simmental X & Limousin X with some Saler X
- 3 Stockbulls, Simmental, Limousin & Angus
- Breeding his own replacements with surplus heifers sold to a niche replacement market
- Finishing all male progeny at U16 months bulls
- Calving heifers at 24 months of age
One of the main attractions on the evening were Young Bulls (under U16 months) which were being slaughtered the following week. These Simmental X bulls were showing good fat cover and shape for 15 months old. The Kill results of these bulls are as follows:
| Bull | Age | Kill Out | Grade | Return €€ |
| 1 | 15 months | 58% | U= 4- | €3420 |
| 2 | 14.5 months | 57% | U= 3= | €3230 |
| 3 | 14.5 months | 62% | E- 3- | €3495 |
See Irish Farmers Article below:
Key Take Home Messages
- Calving heifers at 24 months is achievable and does not affect subsequent cow performance once heifers are properly looked after.
- Bull Beef Finishing has a role on Suckler Farms.
- Simmental Delivers for Suckler Farmer
