ABP has recruited battalions of Irish beetles to tackle the war on dock leaves at its Demonstration Farm in Carlow. The beetles are bred by Mayo-based couple Louis and Siobhan Ward and the initiative is part of an ABP approach that is aimed at promoting on-farm environmentally sustainable and regenerative farming practices. ABP’s Demonstration Farm at Clonegal is a centre of excellence when it comes to industry leading environmental research. Trials carried out at the farm have already shown the potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of beef production by reducing the age of slaughter through better genetics and better feed efficiency.
The Wards, who run their own farm stocked with pedigree Angus cattle, this year set up a special company, Green Submarine, to supply Irish farmers with their secret weapon in the war on docks – Gastrophysa viridula – known as the green dock beetle.
ABP Agri sustainability manager, Stephen Connolly, said dock weeds can reduce yields from beef and dairy pastures, and silage meadows by up to 40% in extreme cases. Docks, he added, are a considerable problem for Irish farmers, forcing many farmers to utilise expensive specialised commercial weed killers to destroy the docks. “We are constantly looking for green sustainable solutions to farming problems, and we think we have found a potential solution to the problem of dock weeds in Louis and Siobhan’s dock beetles. The beetles are a key part of incorporating regenerative agricultural practices on the ABP demo farm, providing a natural, simple, sustainable, nature-based solution to dock weeds, eliminating the headaches while at the same time potentially improving biodiversity on-farm through reduced herbicides applications,” he added.
Siobhan Ward, an agricultural consultant, explained: “We noticed something eating docks in one of our fields, and some research showed it was dock beetles. We gradually introduced the beetles to the rest of the farm, and we no longer need to spray for docks.” Green Submarine now breeds beetles in polytunnels on an industrial scale, marketing them to farmers as a one-off cost-effective, ever-lasting alternative to chemical herbicides Once deployed on a farm, the dock beetle breeds to colonise the whole field, returning every year to keep the docks at bay, related Louis who holds an MSc. “The population of dock beetle will initially rise to decimate the dock weed naturally, then fall back as its success diminishes its natural food supply in a sustainable way on an annual basis, all for a one-off outlay which is far cheaper than administering just one application of weed killer. “Dock beetles are native and natural predators of docks. They skeletonise dock leaves and keep them at an acceptable level in grassland. Crucially, the beetle hibernates for the winter and reappears each spring, giving very low long-term cost,” explained Louis Ward.
ABP’s Stephen Connolly said nutrient and protein-rich white clover thrives in dock-free pastures and reduces bovine methane emissions but noted that, unfortunately, the clover is killed off by many commercial sprays. “White clover can, through a process known as nitrogen-fixing, aided by bacteria living on it, store extra nitrogen from the atmosphere, releasing loads of natural soil-enriching nitrogen once it expires. The use of nitrogen fertiliser can be significantly reduced where clover is present while maintaining production and reducing farm costs. The less commercial fertiliser used, the more work clover does, helping the ecosystem, fitting into our regenerative farming practices on the ABP Demo farm” he said.
ABP has announced a partnership with Aurivo, the milk processing co-op, on a new sire-improvement pilot scheme offered to Aurivo milk suppliers. This announcement comes as part of ABP’s Advantage Beef Programme initiative, which aims to highlight the importance of good sire genetics when buying calves from the dairy herd that are destined for beef production.
The new pilot scheme, which has been filled for this year, sees high-genetic-merit beef artificial insemination (AI) straws offered to Aurivo milk suppliers.
The project will be led by Oisin Lynch, ABP’s Advantage Beef Programme Liaison Officer, who explained: “The purpose of this new venture with Aurivo is to work with dairy farmers to encourage the use of higher-genetic-merit AI sires, resulting in better quality calves with the potential for higher beef carcass performance.
We believe more integration is needed with the dairy and beef industries and we look forward to working with Aurivo milk suppliers in the future. Using higher-genetic-merit bulls can be a win-win for both the dairy farmer and the beef farmer, by providing the beef farmer with better calves and the dairy farmer with a more secure market for their calves.”
These calves will be purchased by local beef farmers and reared for beef through the Advantage Beef Programme.
Sire selection
In total, seven eligible sires were selected for the pilot scheme. This was based on a number of different criteria and the breeds were selected according to the farmer’s preference. The pilot programme also includes two test sires, both young bulls with excellent calving and carcass traits and proven bloodlines.
The selection criteria for the sires in the pilot programme included:
Sires had to meet the Advantage Beef Programme’s minimum genetic threshold of a beef sub-index of €35;
The sires had to be easy calving and short gestation (to suit the dairy farmer) but have good carcass traits (to suit the beef farmer);
Sires had to be from proven bloodlines.
Research on ABP’s Demonstration Farm has shown a direct link to progeny performance from using higher-genetic-merit sires in terms of carcass performance and value to beef farmers.
Results on AI Angus sires from the ABP Demonstration Farm have shown up to a €200/head difference in price between finished progeny from high-genetic-merit sires compared to lower beef-genetic-merit sires.
ABP and Aurivo have plans to further develop the project in the future to encourage more dairy farmers to get involved.
Commenting on the new venture, Vincent Griffith, Farm Profitability Specialist with Aurivo said: “We are excited about this pilot programme with ABP. Selecting high-genetic-merit beef bulls that are easy calving, short gestation but have high carcass traits will be beneficial for both our milk suppliers and local beef farmers who will buy these calves.”
Aurivo milk supplier Sean Collery from Ballinacarrow, Co.Sligo, who is milking herd of 70 high Economic Breeding Index (EBI) cows, has joined the programme and commented: “This pilot-scheme with Aurivo and ABP Food Group is a great initiative to link dairy farmers with calf-to-beef farmers and also offers dairy farmers a guaranteed outlet for producing better-quality dairy beef calves.”
Aurivo milk suppliers interested in joining the pilot scheme in the future can contact an Aurivo representative.
ABP Clones hosted a sponsored 5km charity run and walk on Sunday, 24th April 2022 to help raise vital funds in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Up to 100 people took part and of €2,000 was raised on the day. Funds raised up to €2 million will be matched by the company across all ABP sites.
The walk began at 12:30pm, and the starting point was the ABP Clones facility, taking a route through Clones town, to the peace link and finishing back at the ABP facility for refreshments, food and entertainment. ABP Clones would like to thank everyone who took part and helped organise the event with the aim of supporting those who have been impacted by this conflict.
ABP employs a number of Ukrainian nationals in Poland and across Europe. The company is working locally with the Polish authorities and are providing direct humanitarian assistance on the ground to colleagues impacted by the war in Ukraine.
John McMurry, General Manager of ABP Clones, said: “ABP Clones is pleased to play a small part in response to the appalling situation in Ukraine. Thanks to all who came out to support us and help raise vital funds in response to the conflict in Ukraine.”
Sponsorship cards were issued to all staff as well as their friends and family who took part, which helped to raise as much funds as was possible.
ABP Nenagh hosted a sponsored 5km charity walk on Saturday 9th April 2022 to help raise vital funds in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Up to 120 people took part in the event and up to €4,000 was raised. Funds raised up to €2 million will be matched by the company across all ABP sites.
The walk began at 10.30am, and the starting point was the ABP Nenagh facility, taking a route through Nenagh town and finishing back at the ABP facility for refreshments, food and entertainment. ABP Nenagh would like to thank everyone who took part in the event and who helped organise the event with the aim of supporting those who have been impacted by this conflict.
ABP employs a number of Ukrainian nationals in Poland and across Europe. We are working locally with the Polish authorities and are providing direct humanitarian assistance on the ground to our colleagues impacted by the war in Ukraine.
Don O’Brien, General Manager of ABP Nenagh, said: “We here at ABP Nenagh are pleased to play a small part in response to the appalling situation in Ukraine. Thanks to all who came out to support us and help raise as much as we could.”
Sponsorship cards were issued to all staff as well as their friends and family who took part which helped to raise as much funds as was possible.
ABP Bandon hosted a sponsored 5km charity walk on Sunday 10th April 2022 to help raise vital funds in response to the conflict in Ukraine. Up to 300 people took part in the event and in excess of €4,000 was raised on the day, the company expects additional funds to be raised on the back of this event. Funds raised up to €2 million will be matched by the company across all ABP sites.
The walk began at 11.30am, and the starting point was the ABP Bandon facility taking a route through Bandon town itself and finishing back at the ABP facility for refreshments, food and entertainment for kids. ABP Bandon would like to thank everyone who took part in the event and who helped organise the event with the aim of supporting those who have been impacted by this conflict.
ABP employs a number of Ukrainian nationals in Poland and across Europe. We are working locally with the Polish authorities and are providing direct humanitarian assistance on the ground to our colleagues impacted by the war in Ukraine.
John Kelleher, Managing Director, ABP Bandon, said: “We are pleased to play a small part in response to the appalling situation in Ukraine.”
Sponsorship cards have been issued to all staff as well as their friends and family who are taking part.
Environmental, Economic & Ethical benefits of Certified Irish Angus explored by schools competition winners
Gold Cup winning jockey Rachael Blackmore inspires students with career advice at prestigious awards ceremony in Croke Park
Today, four students from Gorey Community School were announced as the winners of the 2022 Certified Irish Angus School’s Competition sponsored by ABP, at an awards ceremony which took place at Croke Park. Winners Eoin Kelly, Caoimhe Crean, Caoimhe Horan and Pádraig Kinsella impressed the judges with their approach to the prestigious calf-rearing competition, which is now in its eighth year. During the competition, the winning group researched the benefits of the 3 E’s (environmental, economic and ethical) of Certified Irish Angus breed, while also developing a recipe booklet to educate the local community on the sustainable breed. Opening t
he event, Charlie McConalogue Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: “ The Schools Competition is such a wonderfully creative and innovative initiative. It has captured the imagination of the farming and non-farming communities over the years. At a time when there are growing demands from consumers around the provenance of their food, the Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition is an important bridge between the producer and the consumer. It also tells as tremendous story of the quality of animal we are renowned for producing and the incredible care our world-class farmers take of their animals.”
Cheltenham Gold Cup winning jockey Rachael Blackmore was the special guest at this year’s awards ceremony. Rachael, who hails from a farming background and has strong family links to farming, shared her experience of growing up on a farm; detailing how this positively impacted her love for animals, career and sporting achievements through instilling a good work ethic that allowed her to reach dreams beyond her wildest imagination.
About the Competition
The Certified Irish Angus Schools competition, created by Certified Irish Angus, ABP and Kepak, challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves for beef production. It aims to promote the Certified Irish Angus Beef brand while communicating the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.
Announcing the winners, Charles Smith, General Manager, Irish Angus Producer Group said, “We are thrilled to be back in Croke Park this year for a physical event which provides a great opportunity for the agri-industry to engage with the next generation. The students gathered here today display immense maturity and knowledge of the agri-food sector and it is an honour for us to host them.
Gorey Community School are well deserved winners of this year’s competition. The fact that one of the winning team is not from a farm but possesses a deep respect for farming and all things rural, demonstrates the strength of the community this group come from. The enormous respect for the farms and the traditions they come from was evident in their approach and execution of this project. The quality of the projects carried out by all students is hugely encouraging for the future of farming and the Certified Irish Angus competition”
ABP has announced the launch of a new integrated sustainable beef production scheme for farmers, called Advantage Beef Programme . The programme is open to dairy, beef and suckler farmers and will guarantee a sustainability bonus for animals reared to agreed protocols and bred to an approved minimum genetic merit standard by 2023.
The scheme is underpinned by leading genetic research, which has been undertaken in collaboration with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation and Teagasc at ABP’s Demonstration Farm in Carlow. This research has focused on combining efficient on-farm practices, prescribed rearing protocols and optimum sire selection for beef animals and has also incorporated the principles of ABP’s Blade Farming model.
Farmers will also be free to purchase feed from a supplier that suits them best.
Commenting at the launch, Kevin Cahill, Managing Director, ABP Ireland said: “We are delighted to launch this inclusive integrated beef programmme which will be open to beef, dairy and suckler farmers. Our focus is on delivering a model which will help farmers to improve their on-farm efficiencies whilst also delivering more sustainable outcome.”
Animals participating in the programme are expected to be marketed at 18-28 months, depending on the farming system, with an average age of 24 months some 3 months below the national average. This will ensure a significant reduction of emissions per animal, resulting in a more carbon efficient and lower cost of production model overall. Importantly, the scheme will also result in better returns for farmers.
ABP’s research has involved over 4,000 animals since 2014 and has demonstrated that with a data-driven select breeding approach, significant methane emission reductions are achievable. The research is being supported by Teagasc, and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation has also found that retruns to farmers could increase by up to €200. Similar research work has also been undertaken by ABP in the UK in collaboration with Harper Adams University.
Pupils from Banbridge Academy; Cookstown High; Newtownhamilton College and St. Catherine’s College, Armagh have received an early Christmas present of a mini-herd of Angus cross calves courtesy of ABP and the Northern Irish Angus Producer Group. Each school team will now have to rear the calves through to beef as part of becoming finalists in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge.
This year-long experience as finalists will see them develop relevant skills for working in agri-food. The teenagers, who are all 14-15 years old, will also have to work on special projects relating to the local beef sector that will enhance their studies across a range of GCSE subjects. These projects will challenge them to explore forward-thinking ways to support sustainable beef production in Northern Ireland. College of Agriculture Food Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) advisors will mentor the teams during the coming year.
The team at Banbridge Academy has been given the theme of ‘Positioning Northern Ireland as a Global Leader in Sustainable Beef Production.’ Cookstown High School, who already have a team taking part in the finalist programme have been asked to research the ‘Features of the Northern Ireland Beef Farmer of the Future’ including what helps develop resilience.
Meanwhile Newtownhamilton College have been asked to look at younger consumers and the factors that influence their choices in beef consumption. The pupils from St Catherine’s College will be looking at the connectivity between animals, people, plants and the environment in a project entitled ‘One Health.’
To reach the final four, the pupils had to compete against 18 other teams which included taking part in an exhibition, judged by an independent panel of industry experts.
Their performance across all aspects of the final stage will be continually assessed. At the end of the programme, one overall winning team will receive £1,000 cash prize for their school. They now join four other teams who are currently taking part in the finalist programme – Cookstown High School, Dalriada School in Ballymoney; Friends’ Lisburn and St. Kevin’s College, Lisnaskea.
