Beef and lamb webinars focus on efficiency

November 26, 2024

Market data suggests that the outlook for beef and lamb prices remain positive for the months ahead. By making small improvements in on farm efficiencies there is potential to increase margins and sustainability. This will be the theme of two beef and lamb webinars hosted by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), in partnership with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), the Livestock and Meat Commission Northern Ireland (LMCNI) and other key industry stakeholders.

Suckler cow webinar

The first webinar, focusing on efficient beef production, will be held on Tuesday 3 December. On the evening Declan Rafferty, a suckler farmer from Pomeroy, will outline steps he has taken to improve the productivity of his 50 cow suckler herd and dairy beef enterprise. Hear how good grassland and forage management has helped to reduce the age at which he finishes his beef cattle.

Efficient lamb production webinar

The second webinar, focusing on efficient lamb production will be held on Tuesday 10 December. Mark Davidson a sheep farmer from Dungannon, Co Tyrone will feature. Mark manages a flock of 300 lowland ewes. He has improved ewe efficiency and lamb growth rates through good grassland management with a strong focus on animal health.

Both webinars will be chaired by Glenn Cuddy, UFU Deputy President, and will include market updates from LMCNI.

The other speakers each night will be Michael Calvert and Dr Eileen McCloskey from CAFRE. Michael will discuss efficiency measures highlighted from benchmarking. He will focus on the traits that have the biggest impact on profitability and sustainability. Eileen will cover key actions that have been taken to improve efficiency across the CAFRE beef and sheep farms.

Both webinars will commence each evening at 7.30pm and are free to attend. Please register to attend with the UFU: