BEEF up your margins with CAFRE’s new finishing groups

Date published: 5 March 2026

It is designed to help beef producers finish cattle more efficiently and sustainably. This initiative will run up to two years helping farmers focus on reducing age at slaughter, in line with the DAERA Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, building farm resilience through peer-to-peer learning. 

Fermanagh farmer Ashley Mayers is one of several farmers already signed up to the new B.E.E.F groups. Having established himself as a producer for the niche Wagyu beef market, Ashley hopes the programme will offer valuable insights into how other local farmers manage their finishing systems.

“As well as gaining access to a CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser, learning from other local farmers is extremely valuable when it comes to making decisions on your own farm,” Ashley explains.

Ashley finishes around 40 Wagyu calves each year, along with other dairy‑bred calves, taking them from three weeks of age through to slaughter. “Bringing calves in at a young age gives us full control of the rearing stage, which we find beneficial. It also reduces the risk of a performance check during weaning and transition,” he adds.

CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser Gareth Beacom encourages finishing farmers to get involved: “The local nature of discussion groups makes the information valuable, as the issues examined are both relevant and practical for farmers in the area.”

Applications are currently open and close on Friday 13 March 2026 at 4:00 pm

Joining a B.E.E.F. group is a chance to collaborate with farmers who are tackling the same challenges as you, share ideas that genuinely work on local farms, and build confidence in the decisions you make day‑to‑day.

Whether you attend yourself or send someone from your business, the programme welcomes anyone aged over 18 who would like to take practical steps to improve their finishing system. 

Every group member brings something different to the table— the groups work because people come with different experiences and approaches. With local farmers hosting the meetings you will get a first‑hand insight into what is driving performance on real farms. If you are keen to make your finishing enterprise more efficient, resilient, and profitable, this is the perfect opportunity to get involved.

How to apply

To find out further information regarding eligibility and to apply to join a B.E.E.F. group, please visit the Business Support area of the CAFRE website or contact your local CAFRE Adviser. Applications to the B.E.E.F. Themed Groups must be received before Friday 13 March 2026 at 4:00 pm.