Longford beef farmers are invited to the National Beef Conference 2025

Teagasc is inviting all beef farmers to the National Beef Conference 2025, which takes place on Tuesday, November 18, in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Co. Galway.

This year’s theme is “Beef Farming 2025: Value, Profit and Renewal”, with a strong focus on producing high-value weanlings, managing farm profitability, and supporting generational renewal.

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The event is free to attend and kicks off at 5.00pm, with two action-packed sessions featuring expert speakers, farmer insights, and panel discussions.

Session I:
High-Value Weanlings – From Breeding to the Market
The Chair for the first session is Keith Fahy, Teagasc Drystock Advisor & Host of Country Life on Galway Bay FM. The topics to be discussed and speakers are:

-Brendan Egan, Manager, Castlerea Mart – What the market wants and how to meet that demand

-Prof. David Kenny, Head of Animal & Bioscience, Teagasc Grange – Managing the suckler cow before and after calving for better fertility and performance

-Dr. Katie Quigley, Geneticist, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation – Understanding the myostatin gene and finding the right balance between muscling and calving ease

-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 Co. Kildare will discuss what he is looking for when buying cattle to finish on his farm

Following this, there will be refreshments and an opportunity to meet Teagasc advisers and industry stakeholders.

Session II
Beef 2025 and Beyond – Prices, Profits & Passing on the Farm

The Chair for the second session is Damien O'Reilly, former presenter of RTÉ Radio 1’s Countrywide and it will start at 7.15pm. The topics to be discussed and speakers are:

-Rupert Claxton, Meat Director at GIRA – Global beef market trends, what’s driving prices, and where the market is going
Trevor Boland, Beef Farmer & IFAC Accountant – Farm profits in 2025 and beyond: practical advice on tax planning and staying profitable.

Followed by a panel discussion on Generational Renewal – tackling the challenges and solutions of succession on Irish beef farms. Panellists include:

-Dr. Emma Dillon, Teagasc National Farm Survey Economist
-Ruth Fennell, Collaborative Farming Specialist, Teagasc
-Trevor Boland, Beef farmers & IFAC Accountant
-Eamonn & Donnchadh McCarthy, Suckler farmers from Youghal

The evening wraps up by 8.45pm. Experts from the following Teagasc programmes will be available on the night to answer your questions:

Future Beef & DairyBeef500
Teagasc Organic Team
Signpost Programme
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme

As International Men’s Day falls on November 19, the conference will also highlight farmer health and wellbeing. There are information 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, offering resources and support.

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The night will also mark the 6th anniversary of the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast, which recently passed 300 episodes and 300,000 listens. The podcast is a great source of timely advice and updates on beef farming. Find it on the Teagasc website or your preferred podcast platform.

Speaking ahead of the conference, 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, and prepare for the future. With current prices, it’s more important than ever to look at how we breed, sell, and sustain our farms. We’re delighted to have Rupert Claxton joining us to provide a global perspective on where the beef market is heading.”

Pat Clarke, Teagasc Galway Clare Regional Manager commented:

‘‘We’re delighted to host this year’s National Beef Conference in Athenry. With the highest concentration of suckler beef farmers in the country based 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, planning for tax, or start the conversation about passing on the farm – this event will have something for you. This is a free event, and all are welcome. Further details available www.teagasc.ie/beefcon25