James Skehan's innovative approach to beef farming
James Skehan has implemented advanced breeding and finishing techniques on his Ballynevin farm to enhance productivity and herd health. A National Farm Walk in September will showcase his methods and offer valuable insights for local beef farmers.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
James Skehan farms 29 hectares in Ballynevin, Co. Clare, managing a 27-cow suckler to store and beef herd on a part-time basis. His spring-calving system saw 60% of calves this year sired by artificial insemination (AI), with the remainder fathered by a Limousin stock bull. Calving commenced on 18 February and concluded on 5 April, with an impressive 81% of the herd calving within six weeks thanks to a synchronisation protocol applied to both cows and heifers.
Effective conception rates were achieved, with eight out of nine heifers and 15 of 25 cows conceiving from the first AI service. Repeat cows were paired with the Limousin stock bull, while one repeat heifer received a second AI service. Replacement heifers were bred using easy-calving Angus sires, emphasising early calving at 24 months. Mature cows were inseminated with Limousin, Charolais, Simmental, and Aubrac sires. The synchronisation protocols cost €30 per cow and €33 per heifer, with pregnancy scanning scheduled for August to assess breeding success.
James began creep feeding calves in August ahead of weaning, and some 2025-born steers now receive a finishing ration to boost weight gain as grass quality declines. Steers over 450kg as of 22 July are fed concentrates while remaining on pasture. Decisions on whether to house and finish these cattle or sell them live at the local mart will be made in September. On 4 September 2026, James will host a National Farm Walk at 6:30pm, featuring live demonstrations, discussions on herd health, breeding, grazing infrastructure, and farm financials, providing a valuable forum for beef farmers to engage with industry experts.
Effective conception rates were achieved, with eight out of nine heifers and 15 of 25 cows conceiving from the first AI service. Repeat cows were paired with the Limousin stock bull, while one repeat heifer received a second AI service. Replacement heifers were bred using easy-calving Angus sires, emphasising early calving at 24 months. Mature cows were inseminated with Limousin, Charolais, Simmental, and Aubrac sires. The synchronisation protocols cost €30 per cow and €33 per heifer, with pregnancy scanning scheduled for August to assess breeding success.
James began creep feeding calves in August ahead of weaning, and some 2025-born steers now receive a finishing ration to boost weight gain as grass quality declines. Steers over 450kg as of 22 July are fed concentrates while remaining on pasture. Decisions on whether to house and finish these cattle or sell them live at the local mart will be made in September. On 4 September 2026, James will host a National Farm Walk at 6:30pm, featuring live demonstrations, discussions on herd health, breeding, grazing infrastructure, and farm financials, providing a valuable forum for beef farmers to engage with industry experts.
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