Turning every calf into value: The NCBC dairy-beef advantage

In today’s dairy systems, every calf must add value to the herd. At Beechfield Farm in Mallow, Co. Cork, John Fitzgerald, his daughter Orla, and son-in-law Vincent Hennessy have built a system that ensures every calf has a purpose – and a value. Milking 210 cows in a compact spring-calving system, they start calving in mid-January and aim to finish by early March. That level of efficiency demands precision – particularly when it comes to breeding.

Their approach is clear. The best animals are bred to sexed semen to secure replacements early. From there, the focus shifts quickly and deliberately to dairy-beef. As John puts it: “We just try to do what we’re doing a little bit better every year.”

One of the biggest shifts on the farm has been moving away from the traditional approach of delaying beef usage. Today, cows that do not meet replacement criteria are bred to beef from the outset. That simple change means more calves are bred with value in mind – not as an afterthought. It also opens the door to something more powerful: using a team of sires, not just one.

Munster Bovine’s exclusive dairy beef teams allow bulls to be matched precisely to the cow. Stronger, mature cows can take continental sires such as Belgian Blue or Charolais. Other cows are suited to Angus or Hereford, delivering calving ease without sacrificing quality. That flexibility is critical. As John explained: “The beauty of using the beef AI…is that it allows you to use a whole team of bulls across the cows.”

Instead of compromise, farmers get control – and better results across the herd. More details on our full range of dairy beef sires are available here.

On this farm, calf quality is not negotiable. The aim is simple: produce calves that are easy born, but carry the shape, strength, and performance that buyers want. That strategy is paying off. The farm has built a repeat customer base for its high-quality calves, which are in demand both locally and internationally.

The Beechfield Farm system is a testament to the power of precision breeding and the strategic use of dairy-beef sires. By ensuring every calf has a purpose and value, John, Orla, and Vincent have created a sustainable and profitable dairy-beef operation that sets a benchmark for other farmers in the industry. Their commitment to quality and efficiency is a shining example of how modern dairy farming can thrive in an ever-changing market.