Press Release - Congo Farm Walk in Fermanagh

CONGO FARMWALK IN FERMANAGH
BEEF producers seeking ‘Success with Sucklers’ are invited to walk the Fermanagh farm of Stephen Maguire on Thursday afternoon, Sept 1 from 2pm.

An opportunity to view criss cross breeding of suckler cows to gain hybrid vigour that generates extra output and income!
Organised by the National Beef Association this free event is for all aiming to make more from their suckler herds and includes an update on ‘Autumn Animal Health Issues’ by vet Mairead O’Grady from sponsors  MSD Animal Health.

Other sponsors are Ulster’s leading supplier of robust, rural off road vehicles, the Donnelly Group, www.donnellygroup.co.uk and the Ulster Bank.
Stephen Maguire, who farms 120 acres of owned and rented land in Congo townland on the outskirts of Maguiresbridge, runs 55 suckler cows, ninety-five per cent of them Simmental and Limousin crosses. Most cows in the herd came from CAFRE’s Enniskillen Campus Premium Quality Beef Herd set up in 2003. 

This project operated a criss-cross breeding programme between Simmental and Limousin to maximise hybrid vigour in a closed herd. Using a breeding programme which rotates between two or three breeds is an easy system to manage and boosts calf output by 15 to 20 per cent.
 "My suckler herd used to include a variety of cross-bred cattle from native and continental breeds, but since buying first-cross Simmental and Limousin cows from the college, I have gradually culled out the original herd," explained Stephen.

Aiming to run a profitable business based on a low input system this enthusiastic young farmer has the herd benchmarked where it is in the top 25% of farm participating.

“Stock go out in early April, weather permitting and with land hand to the farmyard I tend to rotate the cows on a regular basis," explained Stephen who places a lot of emphasis on the production of good quality grass. "Grass is the cheapest and best resource available to Ulster farmers so grazing cows are easily maintained and hold body condition with no need to buy a lot of expensive concentrates."

Stephen strives to make top quality silage in two cuts each year. His first cut is usually saved in early June, and with a rapid wilt, reaches between 24 and 26 per cent dry matter.
Looking ahead Stephen plans to increase the herd to 70 cows and continue buying in only stock bulls. "This means I protect overall herd health status by producing home-bred replacement stock and selling surplus heifers boosts profits."

During the NBA event staff from the Ulster Bank will be on hand to discuss farm finance issues. The Donnelly Group team attending will display a selection of 4WD vehicles, including pick ups, ideal for farm and farm family use.

Prompt arrival at 74, Curryan Rd, Congo, Maguiresbridge BT94 4NQ by 2pm is recommended.

Ends