The Beef Brief

In this episode Breifne O’Brien sits down Co. Westmeath-based beef farmer and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary ahead of his annual Gigginstown House on-farm sale on Saturday, April 18.This year's sale marks 30 years since Gigginstown House Stud imported its first 25 pedigree Angus cattle from Canada.The Ryanair CEO chats to Breifne about beef prices and why Irish farmers should not be worried about trade deals like Mercosur.According to O'Leary Ireland "will do well out of free trade"."We should be welcoming the Mercosur trade deal, we should be welcoming the Australian trade deal - anything that encourages free trade is good for the Irish economy and what is good for the Irish economy will ultilmately translate into being good for Irish farmers as well," the Ryanair CEO said.He also revealed that he did not "think much" of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) protest at the Bord Bia headquarters earlier this year.

In this limited podcast series produced by Agriland, technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien travels around the country talking to beef farmers about the challenges they currently face and how they run their farm.In this episode, Breifne chats to specialist suckler in-calf heifer producer Michael Cunniffe from Mount Prospect, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon. Michael talks about his in-calf heifer production system and the genetics that his customers are looking for. He runs this system with an impressive attention to detail on grassland management.  

In this limited podcast series produced by Agriland, technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien travels around the country talking to beef farmers about the challenges they currently face and how they run their farm.In this episode Agriland talks to Cathal Doyle from Co.Laois about farming, life and his career in the industry.Cathal is a calf to beef farmer but also has a keen interest in commercial show cattle and also works off farm with Warrendale Wagyu.

In this limited podcast series produced by Agriland, technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien travels around the country talking to beef farmers about the challenges they currently face and how they run their farm.On the first episode of season two, Breifne chats to Duncan Morrison of Meikle Maldron Farm in Aberdeenshire. Duncan discusses how genetics can be used to drive on‑farm performance. The farmer manages a 260‑cow herd of Aberdeen Angus and Stabiliser cattle and is recognised for the herds' low‑input, forage‑based system that uses data‑driven breeding decisions to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

In a very special edition of The Beef Brief podcast live from the National Ploughing Championships 2025, Breifne O'Brien was joined on stage in Screggan, Co Offaly by one of Ireland's leading female butchers Ciara Flavin and beef farmer John Smyth. 

In this limited podcast series produced by Agriland, technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien travels around the country talking to beef farmers about the challenges they currently face and how they run their farm. On the latest episode Breifne talks to beef farmer Jack Maguire about his store to beef enterprise on a leased farm in Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny. We also hear about Jack’s social media content, how he manages his time with a full-time off farm job also and how good grass management is essential to the profitability of his farm.

In this limited podcast series produced by Agriland, technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien travels around the country talking to beef farmers about the challenges they currently face and how they run their farm.On the latest episode Breifne talks to Catheryne Smyth from Ardmulchan Herefords based in Navan, Co. Meath on all things pedigree cattle breeding and beef farming.We also hear about Catheryne's recent trip to the World Angus Forum in Australia and her upcoming trip to the World Hereford Conference in Kansas with the Irish Hereford Breed Society.

In this limited podcast series produced by Agriland, technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien travels around the country talking to beef farmers about the challenges they currently face and how they run their farm.On today's episode, Breifne meets Co. Meath based brothers Martin and Declan Flood, who not only farm, but also have a butcher shop.They share their personal experiences of what it takes to deliver the farm to fork experience first hand and why they are committed to producing the very best produce for their customers.The Beef Brief goes behind the scenes to find out what works for beef farmers and what makes the difference.

In this limited podcast series produced by Agriland, technical beef journalist Breifne O’Brien travels around the country talking to beef farmers about the challenges they currently face and how they run their farm.On today's episode, Breifne meets up with Co. Cavan farmer Sam Hill to find out exactly what “sustainability” means to him and why this approach has made him an award-winning farmer.The Beef Brief goes behind the scenes to find out what works for beef farmers and what makes the difference.