The Beef Edge Masterclass Series: JP Hammersley’s Dairy Calf to Steer System

In this second of a regular monthly 'Beef Edge Masterclass’ series from expert farmers on the Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by JP Hammersley a farmer in Lattin, Co. Tipperary.

JP explains his system whereby British Friesian bull calves are brought to beef as steers at 24 & 28 months. Calves are purchased from one local dairy farmer at 4 weeks of age and arrive in batches of 12. This has worked well for JP over the years, as he knows he’s buying a healthy calf from a known source. A paddock system, consisting of 45 paddocks, has also been installed for the three grazing groups.

A considerable amount of re-seeding has also been completed. Cattle are weighed three times during the year – turnout, mid-season, and housing. The aim is to get animals heavy enough to produce a 320kg carcass at 24 months and a 350kg carcass at 28 months.

See JP on farm as featured as part of the Teagasc Virtual Beef Week:
https://youtu.be/O8tILuIhKdg

For more episodes and information covered on the Beef Edge, visit the show page at:
teagasc.ie/thebeefedge

What is The Beef Edge?

The Beef Edge is Teagasc’s podcast for all the latest news, information and advice for Irish beef farmers, presented by Catherine Egan.

Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/beef/the-beef-edge-podcast/