Contract Rearing Dairy Heifers

[Kiss]

I wouldn't do it

But I pay someone to! Easier to working full time and trying to start a dairy enterprise!

 

[Thick Farmer]

Thinking about selling the silage instead. Its making £35 a tonne around here for good stuff now which works out more than I can get for feeding it to tack cattle!

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Thinking about selling the silage instead. Its making £35 a tonne around here for good stuff now which works out more than I can get for feeding it to tack cattle!

Did PMR phone you about that hay, it's going cheap if you can do something with it

 

[Thick Farmer]

Did PMR phone you about that hay, it's going cheap if you can do something with it

They haven't rang me yet. How much is it?

 

[Derrick Hughes]

They haven't rang me yet. How much is it?

Make an offer but it needs collecting

 

[Thick Farmer]

Make an offer but it needs collecting

Collection is not a problem. Price is the main concern!

 

[Graasstec]

If you are looking for contract rearing we can help you. You can visit our website http://www.grasstecgroup.com/services/dairy-livestock-services/contract-rearing/

 

[jerseycowsman]

Ok, what’s the going rate to pay someone for contract rearing dairy heifers now?
Should jerseys be any cheaper as a bit smaller?

 

[happycows]

Mine are out at £1.65. From 3 weeks old to month before calving.
Doing really well but last lot. Just as cheap and convenient buying what i want from Germany

 

[jerseycowsman]

Mine are out at £1.65. From 3 weeks old to month before calving.
Doing really well but last lot. Just as cheap and convenient buying what i want from Germany

Is concentrates and veterinary included or on top of that?

 

[happycows]

Is concentrates and veterinary included or on top of that?

Everything included although apart from bit of wormer i dont think they’ve had much intervention. I did take my Limo bull out as I didn’t want Hereford calves.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

Following on from the Out of Dairying thread, this is something I am now giving some serious consideration.

Obviously, it all comes down to money so what is a fair rate (£/head/day)?

Is anyone doing it and do you have any advice?

I would be looking at taking in weaned calves or yearlings and giving them back just before calving at 2 year olds.

Thanks, TF

How did you get on it dint you @ Thick Farmer

 

[neilo]

Mine are out at £1.65. From 3 weeks old to month before calving.
Doing really well but last lot. Just as cheap and convenient buying what i want from Germany

I assume that’s per day?

 

[happycows]

I assume that’s per day?

Yes.
Take off first and last month. 680 days @ £1.65 £1105. £300 for month old dairy heifer calf and a bit for odd loss/tb test/haulage home and i’d worked on £1450 back in my yard.
Can take my pick and walk away from anything i don’t want @ average £1500 last 3 years buying imported heifers.

 

[Thick Farmer]

How did you get on it dint you @ Thick Farmer

I charge £1.30/head/day. Seems to be going pretty well.

 

[jerseycowsman]

Can you still link a holding with another and avoid the pre movement test?

 

[DRC]

Can you still link a holding with another and avoid the pre movement test?

I don’t think you can. Certainly not around here. TB hotspot at the moment, so you wouldn’t want a bunch of about to calve heifers stuck away from home.

 

[Poorbuthappy]

Can you still link a holding with another and avoid the pre movement test?

Yes within 10 miles. Use a TLA.

 

[unlacedgecko]

I have tb4 land available for this in Lincolnshire. PM me to discuss.

 

[Wilber32]

Mine are out at £1.65. From 3 weeks old to month before calving.
Doing really well but last lot. Just as cheap and convenient buying what i want from Germany

Do you buy heifer calves from Germany?