July 2026 – Weanling Ready: Worth Their Weight in Gold

It’s that time of year again and we are looking ahead to the weaning season. With that, Animal Health Ireland (AHI), supported by AIB, is returning with “Weanling Ready: Worth their Weight in Gold”.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural events, the 2026 programme has meetings taking place in Elphin Mart on 28^th July, Carnaross Mart on 29^th July, Gortatlea Mart on 4^th August, and Ennis Mart on 5^th August. The four events are taking place to help suckler farmers prepare healthy, thriving weanlings for sale or for retention on farm.

Interactive sessions on the nights will be compered by our own Eilish Gill (SPARC Project Officer) with a local vet on the speaker panel each night. Our speakers include AHI Programme Managers Natascha Meunier and Michelle McGrath, as well as local veterinary practitioners John Gilmore (Emlagh Lodge Veterinary), Conor Quinn (Kinnegad Veterinary), Sean O’Sullivan (Castle Vets) and Eoghan Hussey (Summerhill Vets Ennis).

Topics will focus on preventing pneumonia and the important role of timely vaccination around preparing calves for sale and housing. Farmers will also receive practical advice on the importance of knowing calf weights for accurate dosing, calibrating dosing equipment, parasite control and dung sampling, pre-housing health checks, recognising the early signs of disease, and practical steps to minimise stress around weaning and sales.

We all want healthy and happy weanlings, and by achieving this, increases in overall performance and quality.

Each event will begin at 7.30pm, with farmers encouraged to attend their nearest location.