East Donegal farm to host CalfCare Roadshow event in January

Animal Health Ireland (AHI) has announced details of the winter 2025/ spring 2026 CalfCare series, with one event set to take place in Donegal.

A CalfCare event will take place on January 21, 2026, hosted by Patrick Kelly of Waterwheel Farm, Ballyarrell, Killygordon, Co Donegal, F93 P657.

The series will see 16 farm families across the country host on-farm events in collaboration with Teagasc’s DairyBeef500 Programme and supported by Feed For Growth/Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Limited.

This year’s theme, “Healthy Calves, Your Profitable Future,” highlights the connection between good calf health, animal welfare, and farm profitability. It shows how steps taken before the calf lands right through weaning and the first year of life will ensure the next generation of the herd are ready to deliver for the farmer.

Running from Monday, December 8, 2025 to Thursday, January 22, 2026, the roadshow will deliver practical, science-based insights to support farmers in achieving the highest possible standard in calf development. Supported by the agri-food industry including dairy co-ops and meat processors, each event will showcase best practice in calf husbandry, management, and performance.

Commenting on the return of the successful CalfCare series, Dr Michelle McGrath from AHI said: “There is no middle ground when it comes to producing a healthy calf be that for sale or for entering into your own herd. The health and wellbeing of the calf is critical to rearing a quality calf. Taking the important steps outlined at the AHI CalfCare series will help ensure that calves are healthy and well-reared in order to be profitable for farmers.

Alan Dillon, DairyBeef500 Programme Manager at Teagasc, added: “We’re delighted to once again partner with AHI for the CalfCare series. Whether it’s dairy or dairy-beef calves, it’s vital to reinforce the importance of excellent calf management for both dairy and beef systems. Following the strong engagement with last year’s events, continued collaboration across sectors will deliver real on-farm benefits.”

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Úna Hickey, National Sales Manager at Feed For Growth/Volac Milk Replacers Ireland Limited, said: “The AHI 2026 CalfCare Roadshow gives farmers an opportunity to refresh their knowledge on best practice of calf nutrition, housing, and husbandry. We are eager to, once again, support the AHI CalfCare events as getting it right from the start means healthier calves and a more profitable future.”