ABP Monitor Farm in Ireland: Store lambs, calves at grass and bull beef in Sligo

Pat Carthy's farm in Co. Sligo, part of the ABP Monitor Farms, is thriving with effective cattle and sheep management, abundant grass supplies, and minimal worm issues due to mineral lick blocks. The 2024-born cattle are still grazing, while 2023-born bulls are housed and on a finishing diet, with some already achieving impressive carcass weights. The farm benefits from good grass cover and high temperatures, supported by protected Urea application. Suckler-bred calves and over 100 store lambs are thriving, and Pat plans to house more stock soon due to soft ground, using lambs to manage surplus grass and prepare fields for spring.

All 2024-born cattle are still at grass with supplies still in abundance on Pat Carthy’s suckler and dairy calf to beef farm in Co. Sligo. The farm is one of the eight ABP Monitor Farms that are finishing cattle in a variety of systems and are based across the country on a range of different land types. Calves have only got one worm dose from turn out as dung sampling had shown no dosing was needed at any other stages. Pat has been using a Mineral lick blocks which help with the prevention of worms and Pat says he is happy with the results. These cattle will be housed in the coming weeks and will all have the hair on their backs clipped and will be treated with a pour-on lice treatment post housing. Cattle will also be treated for internal parasites if dung sampling results and veterinary advice deems it necessary. All 2023-born bulls were housed in July/August and started on their finishing diet of high-quality silage, straw, and a high-maize beef blend. The first of these bulls ...