On the 14^th of January our Suckler group had the privilege of visiting Marty Lenehans farm in Ballinaful, Grange County Sligo. On the 14^th of January our Suckler group had the privilege of visiting Marty Lenehans farm in Ballinaful, Grange County Sligo. Marty gave the group a rundown on a number of  measures he has undertaken under the Better Farm Programme in which he has reduced costs and increased profits. Increasing farm output through improved breeding, heavier sale weights and an increase in cows from 60 to 80 plus was the target.   Marty had an impressive straw bedded area for calves in which they seemed to be thriving and able to express themselves freely. The calves are out grazing the paddocks during the day and are housed by night. This helps break the cow-calf bond and allowed cows to return to heat quicker. The lands around the shed are good quality and are free draining which aids this system as poaching is not an issue .   Marty stressed the importance of soil testing and understanding what you fields require. The targeted use of slurry in conjunction with his soil samples has been effective in reducing his fertiliser bill. Marty also walks the farm once a week to carry out a grass budget and will bale surplus paddocks providing him with bales of exceptional quality and very high DMD%.