Describe your farm / location / grazing / facilities?Okay, so probably been covered before but with more people trying to go towards completely grass based beef systems what breeds seem to be performing best? Essentially what breed/cross is proving to be the most profitable for you?
Ours are Traditional Herefords but there will be plenty of people with other recommendations I’m sure. Ours are totally (100%) pasture fed and finished but often “grass fed” does not mean that.
Limo's always worked very well for me.Okay, so probably been covered before but with more people trying to go towards completely grass based beef systems what breeds seem to be performing best? Essentially what breed/cross is proving to be the most profitable for you?
Yes, and what your definition of "grass" is.I suppose it depends whether you're looking at niche/direct marketing and perhaps some form of 'pasture for life' or similar accreditation? Or simply looking to minimise concentrate use, make best use of the ground and facilities you have and sell cattle, store or fat, through the normal channels?
I think you need either a native cow crossed to a continental bull or a continental cow crossed to a native bull.
You need to consider; longevity of cows and the bull, time to get to killing weight and grade required, your farms set up for wintering cows / finishing stock.
Seems Angus is a popular response but I think they need a continental cross to turn money. That's just me. Angus cows - blonde bull?
I would think a Hereford x cow and an AA bull would be a good option for this type of system. Or maybe Stabiliser?Angus or Hereford. Or cross between the two.
Just starting out renting a bit of a mixture of ground really, varying from 300-1000ft above sea level. Got a couple of hills with old P/P suitable for when cows are weaned/partial outwintering. And a variety of reasonable pastures down lower, with the plan of introducing some multi species mixes and possibly some fodder crops in the next year or two. Have also a couple of slatted sheds available. Nothing set in stone as to what to do yet and understand everyone/system is different but hearing other people’s ideas and successes is always good food for thought!