Calf to Beef Success Story in West Cork: Unveiling High CBV Strategy

Highlights

• James O’Sullivan, a dairy calf to beef farmer in West Cork, implements a strategic system focused on maximising the commercial beef value (CBV) of his cattle.
• James collaborates closely with dairy farmers to select superior bulls during the breeding season, emphasising the importance of high CBV genetics in enhancing carcass weight and quality.
• With guidance from Teagasc advisor Anna Sexton, James emphasises the significance of informed decision-making in calf procurement, leveraging tools like the dairy beef index (DBI) to evaluate key traits essential for beef production.
• Through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, James O’Sullivan exemplifies the transformative power of strategic farming practices, serving as an inspiration to the agricultural community in West Cork and beyond.

In the heart of scenic West Cork, nestled near the villages of Leap and Unionhall, James O’Sullivan stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of dairy calf to Beef farming. With a keen eye for quality and a strategic approach, James has crafted a system that not only maximises productivity but also elevates the commercial beef value (CBV) of his cattle.

James’s journey begins with the acquisition of approximately 90 Angus calves at a tender age of two to three weeks. His goal? is to nurture these young calves into robust cattle ready for market by their 18–20-month mark. It’s a meticulous process that involves careful selection and a focus on high CBV genetics.

Collaborating closely with dairy farmers in the region, James emphasises the importance of utilising superior bulls during the breeding season. By incorporating bulls with a strong CBV, James aims to enhance carcass weight and overall quality, setting the stage for a successful calf to beef transition.

Anna Sexton, James’s trusted Teagasc advisor, echoes the sentiment, stressing the significance of informed decision-making in calf procurement. With a spotlight on CBV and beef genetics, Anna emphasises the need for farmers to be equipped with data-driven insights when selecting calves, ensuring a genetically superior livestock population.

Central to James’s strategy is the incorporation of the dairy beef index (DBI), a comprehensive tool that evaluates key traits essential for beef production. From calving efficiency to carcass quality, the DBI provides a roadmap for dairy farmers to breed cattle with exceptional CBV, catering to the demands of the beef market.

With a keen focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing, James actively engages with dairy farmers to promote the adoption of high CBV breeding practices. By aligning breeding objectives with market demands, James and his fellow farmers pave the way for a sustainable and profitable calf-to-beef sector.

As James continues to refine his system and embrace the principles of high CBV farming, his dedication serves as an inspiration to the agricultural community. With innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, James O’Sullivan exemplifies the transformative power of Strategic Farming Practices in West Cork and beyond.