Farming: Carcass weights on increase for cattle at Newford

Average carcass weights have increased steadily at Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm due to continued improvements in genetics, grassland management and overall system efficiency, according to a new report.

The report Breeding Efficient & Profitable Sucklers was released as part of Newford’s Suckler Breeding Open Day on Wednesday, April 22.

It shows that the average carcass weights being achieved at the farm in Athleague in Co Roscommon have increased steadily over time, rising from 341kg in 2017 to 372kg in 2025 for steers and 291kg in 2017 to 331kg for 2025 in heifers.

The report, produced by Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, in partnership with Dawn Meats and with the support of McDonald’s, shows that both steers and heifers have consistently achieved R= conformation and 3= fat score over the last eight years at Newford while being fit for slaughter and meeting market specification at between 18 and 22 months of age.

It says the consistent ability to meet market specification maximises carcass values, avoids price penalties and improves predictability of Newford’s returns. It also allows cattle to be finished efficiently off grass-based diets, reducing reliance on concentrate feed, lowering production costs and improving labour efficiency while allowing for a clear and repeatable finishing strategy.

This performance, according to the report, is underpinned by fertile and efficient cows, the use of 5-star terminal AI sires and a tight and compact breeding season, all of which ensure uniform batches of cattle that are easier to manage, finish and market successfully year after year.

On farm improvements, the report details a number of water protection works carried at Newford under the Farming for Water European Innovation Programme (EIP). In total, Newford received just over €18,000 in EIP funding and this was invested in two farmyard settlement tanks, three constructed wetland ponds and farm roadway rain bars, with each playing a specific role in improving the farm’s overall water management system.

Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm is a joint project operated by Dawn Meats and Teagasc with support from McDonald’s. A commercial research farm, it seeks to demonstrate sustainable and profitable suckler-to-beef production. Founded in 2015 in Athenry in Galway, it moved to Scrine in Athleague in Co Roscommon in 2024.

The Breeding Efficient & Profitable Sucklers report was released as farmers, members of the media, students and other stakeholders attended Newford’s Suckler Breeding Open Day. The practical, on-farm event featured demonstrations and talks on improving herd performance and reducing labour through smarter tools and management plans.

Attendees learned how the Newford herd is composed of high replacement index cows comprised of Angus x Friesian, Hereford x Friesian, and Aubrac x Friesian crosses. These specific genetics were selected to ensure optimal milk yield, high fertility, docility, and a moderate mature frame.

According to the new report, 81 cows and heifers calved at Newford in 71 days in 2025 from January 31 to April 11, with an average calving score of 1.5 out of 4 - the vast majority unassisted or needing only minor help. A total of 85% calved within the first six weeks, compared to a national average of just 56%. Of the replacement heifers that scanned in-calf, all calved at 24 months of age, compared to a national average of just 19%.

The report also shows that 2025 gross output at Newford was significantly higher than in previous years, driven by a combination of stronger beef prices and improved weight gain. As variable and fixed costs remained broadly stable, the farm achieved its highest-ever net margin.

Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats, said: “We are pleased to partner with Teagasc and McDonald’s on another successful open day at Newford Farm and to release our Breeding Efficient & Profitable Sucklers report. At Newford, we are seeking to both achieve and demonstrate sustainable and profitable suckler-to-beef production, so it’s great to have the opportunity to share our latest results and findings with farmers, students and the wider farming and agriculture community. 

"Our new report shows that Newford continues to highlight how targeted management decisions, smart technologies and data-led practices can achieve mensurable improvements in herd performance, labour efficiency and overall financial returns.”