I hear there were tense discussions within Teagasc last week when researchers and specialists sat down to look at the

economics of dairy beef systems.

Those on the dairy side of the house were keen to promote dairy beef as an economic alternative to suckling while on the beef side the approach was more cautious.

Previously, Teagasc beef specialists had warned that in some cases farmers would require a payment to take calves off dairy farmers in order to make the system profitable.

However, with an increased focus on the need to develop markets for dairy calves next spring, Teagasc’s head of animal and grassland research Pat Dillon has been painting a somewhat different picture.

Only last week Dillon stated that the cost of producing a kilo of beef from a dairy calf to beef system was €3.03/kg, compared to €4.17/kg for suckler beef.

However, later in the week Padraig French presented figures indicating the cost of production to be closer to €3.75/kg.

Trial results

French was showcasing trial results with ABP which claimed great credit for reducing carbon emissions albeit that they couldn’t tell farmers if the system was viable or not.

The Dealer would love to be a fly on the wall at Thursday’s Teagasc Grange beef stakeholder meeting, which will be attended by Gerry Boyle.

Pow wow on TB for Department staff

I see the Department of Agriculture is holding a two-day internal briefing on TB this week at Backweston, headquarters of the veterinary lab service. Get-togethers are held at intervals to update regional staff on the latest developments and allow them give feedback.

However, this briefing is likely to be more interesting than usual as there are a lot of new developments on the way. Regional staff will want some indication of what’s coming in the revision of the eradication programme to be unveiled soon by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed. There will be technical update on vaccination of badgers, latest incidence in cattle herds, etc.

There’s also research work ongoing on deer. UCD is completing a genotyping study on TB strains in wild deer. It will also shortly begin a postgraduate project aimed at counting the wild deer population, something that has not been done in any comprehensive way before.

O’Shea to leave Agri Aware in February

I hear the Agri Aware CEO, Deirdre O’Shea, is leaving the organisation and intends to step down in February. She is heading off on her travels to go see the world, I understand.

She started the successful Agri Aware open day initiative on the May bank holiday weekend and led the review of the organisation, the recommendations of which will soon be public. I’m told the search is on for a new CEO.

Deirdre O'Shea is leaving Agri Aware.

Tractors light up for charity

The farmers of Campile in Wexford are being asked to light up their tractors once again for a Christmas road run. All sorts of vehicles are welcome. This year, the money raised will be for Campile United’s new stand. Organiser John Hearn has described it as a 30km parade that takes in eight villages. Last year, €5,504 was raised for the local day care centre. the event takes place on Sunday 15 December at 4pm. Registration is €20. Enquiries to 087-202 8450.

WIT students on Movember mission

Thirty-five agricultural science students and lecturers from WIT are raising money for charity, by growing moustaches for November.

Various fundraisers for charity have been held around the college in a bid to reach their goal of €6,000. To date, the students have raised €2,700.

Shave

On Monday 2 December there will be a “shave-off” of moustaches in the college. Monies raised will be donated to the Movember Foundation, which supports men’s health.

Betting on IFA race suspended

I see that Paddy Power called off its betting market on the next president of the IFA, following a clatter of activity in the market.

The bookie cut Tim Cullinan to the favourite to win the race on Friday night before suspending betting.

Cullinan had been the outsider in the race, as revealed by this newspaper, with Angus Woods the favourite at even money and John Coughlan at 2/1.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the actual election pans out.

Bergin awarded Glanbia shares

I see that Jim Bergin, CEO of Glanbia Ireland, has been awarded 22,929 shares in

Glanbia plc under the company’s long-term incentive plan.

The shares were valued at €11.51 on the day of the transaction, bringing the total award value to €263,900.

In a notice to the stock exchange it is stated that he also sold 11,947 shares at the same time (possibly to cover the tax bill).

Keane feeling the heat

I hear recent gatherings of the Glanbia board have made known their concerns over comments made by Glanbia chair, Martin Keane in a Dutch publication which was highlighted in this newspaper last week. It seems many board members are surprised by some of Keane’s views on future milk, growth and Glanbia pricing. At the most recent board meeting, no decision was reached on sharing up new entrants.