Organic farmer highlights success of early calving
Kay O’Sullivan shares insights on her organic farm’s achievements in calving heifers at 24 months and maintaining robust silage stocks. Her approach in Co. Meath combines animal performance with sustainable practices, benefiting productivity and reducing emissions.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
July was a particularly busy period for organic farmer Kay O’Sullivan, who reflected on both farm operations and recent events. She took part in the Teagasc Beef 2026 Open Day at Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath, contributing to the Suckler Village and Animal Health stand alongside fellow Future Beef farmers and advisors.
Kay has consistently calved heifers at 24 months, selecting those with the highest Replacement Index and ensuring they reach at least half their dam’s body weight before breeding. Her choice of easy-calving Angus sires has resulted in smooth calving seasons and timely rebreeding, demonstrating both productivity gains and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The cattle are thriving on multispecies swards sown in April, with weights taken in early July showing promising growth. Kay anticipates finishing them at 18 months without supplementary meal feeding. Silage production has been strong, with second-cut red clover yielding eight bales per acre, and Egyptian clover and Westerwolds silage delivering around 12 bales per acre amid warm weather. Despite a dry July, grass supplies remain robust, supported by deep-rooted multispecies pastures. Silage reserves are being carefully managed and tested to provide high-quality feed through winter. Kay also received organic certification approval to sow the Redstart forage crop, pending rainfall for optimal establishment. Beyond the farm, she engaged in knowledge-sharing events including the Farming for Nature Festival and hosted Teagasc advisors for training, highlighting her commitment to continual learning and sustainable farming practices.
Kay has consistently calved heifers at 24 months, selecting those with the highest Replacement Index and ensuring they reach at least half their dam’s body weight before breeding. Her choice of easy-calving Angus sires has resulted in smooth calving seasons and timely rebreeding, demonstrating both productivity gains and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The cattle are thriving on multispecies swards sown in April, with weights taken in early July showing promising growth. Kay anticipates finishing them at 18 months without supplementary meal feeding. Silage production has been strong, with second-cut red clover yielding eight bales per acre, and Egyptian clover and Westerwolds silage delivering around 12 bales per acre amid warm weather. Despite a dry July, grass supplies remain robust, supported by deep-rooted multispecies pastures. Silage reserves are being carefully managed and tested to provide high-quality feed through winter. Kay also received organic certification approval to sow the Redstart forage crop, pending rainfall for optimal establishment. Beyond the farm, she engaged in knowledge-sharing events including the Farming for Nature Festival and hosted Teagasc advisors for training, highlighting her commitment to continual learning and sustainable farming practices.
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