Teagasc National Beef Conference 2025: focus on value, profit and the future
Teagasc is inviting all beef farmers to the National Beef Conference 2025 on Tuesday November 18 in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry. This year’s theme is ‘Beef Farming 2025: Value, Profit and Renewal’, and there will be a focus on producing high-value weanlings, managing farm profitability, and supporting generational renewal. The event is free to attend and kicks off at 5pm, with two action-packed sessions featuring expert speakers, farmer insights, and panel discussions.
Session I: High-Value Weanlings – From Breeding to the Market, chaired by Keith Fahy, Teagasc drystock advisor and host of Country Life on Galway Bay FM.
Topics in the session include managing the suckler cow before and after calving for better fertility and performance, by Prof David Kenny, head of Animal and Bioscience, Teagasc Grange; and understanding the myostatin gene and finding the right balance between muscling and calving ease, by Dr Katie Quigley, geneticist, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation.
John Barry, Future Beef programme participant, will share his approach to breeding weanlings in demand at home and for export; Thomas O’Connor, beef finishing farmer from Kildare, will discuss what he is looking for when buying cattle to finish on his farm; and Brendan Egan, manager, Castlerea Mart, will advise what the market wants and how to meet that demand.
Following the session, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to meet Teagasc advisers and industry stakeholders
Session II: Beef 2025 and Beyond – Prices, Profits and Passing on the Farm (7.15pm), chaired by Damien O’Reilly, former presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s Countrywide.
Rupert Claxton, meat director at GIRA will look at global beef market trends, what’s driving prices, and where the market is going; Trevor Boland, beef farmer and IFAC accountant will discuss farm profits in 2025 and beyond and offer practical advice on tax planning and staying profitable.
The following panel discussion on Generational Renewal – tackling the challenges and solutions of succession on Irish beef farms will include: • Dr Emma Dillon, Teagasc National Farm Survey economist; Ruth Fennell, collaborative farming specialist, Teagasc; Trevor Boland, beef farmer and IFAC accountant; and Eamonn and Donnchadh McCarthy, suckler farmers from Youghal.
The evening wraps up at 8.45pm.
Experts from the following Teagasc programmes will be available on the night to answer questions: Future Beef and DairyBeef500; Teagasc Organic Team; Signpost Programme; Agricultural Sustainability Support and advisory Programme.
International Men’s Day
As International Men’s Day falls on November 19, the conference will highlight farmer health and wellbeing. There are stands and free health checks with Croí, plus foot care advice and mental health supports. Local health initiatives like Healthy Galway and Taking Stock will also be present.
Pearse Kelly, head of Drystock at Teagasc, said: “We’ve designed this year’s conference to give farmers clear, practical information on how to add value, plan for profit. We’re delighted to have Rupert Claxton to provide global perspective on where the beef market is heading.”
Pat Clarke, Teagasc Galway Clare regional manager added: “With the highest concentration of suckler beef farmers in the country in this region, the topics of high-value weanlings, breeding strategies, and market demands couldn’t be more relevant. There’s something in the programme for everyone, and we look forward to welcoming you on the night.”
Whether you’re looking to improve your breeding, plan ahead for tax, or start the conversation about passing on the farm – Further details available www.teagasc.ie/beefcon25.