? Don’t worry about that it’s a lot of work keeping @Kiwi Pete in line you have to feel for his wife ?
Autumn born dairy bred Angus. Would be turned out the following spring so around 6 months. Reckon where they would be could carry approx 150 assuming they are 0.3 SU then rotate them around for the summer to then possibly be finished at grass the following summer if they aren’t nearly finished by turnout. These would be replacing some of the sucklers as the figures for sucklers on good ground that you can rotate cattle around don’t stack up as well as growing cattle some well.
You're alright, fella
I do this from time to time ?
I had a look at that type of system too. Maybe buying yearlings and outwintering would result in turning your money over faster? I think you're right in that autumn born calves might be best on this type of system.
We'll put some inside and some outside, next winter, hopefully - to increase the spring stocking rate. It's damnably difficult to outbid farmers with grass and money in the spring, but we can winter them cheaper than most.
Yes, I was thinking that over here getting cattle sold by October latest then buying in November before the sub is paid could be a good play, tailoring numbers to fodder stockpile/price (standing and bales).
I could be heading that direction. I quite like having some terminal sire lambs that I can sell early as stores if grass/cash flow dictates. I managed to finish the majority last year but looking like more will be sold store this year and my sums suggest there's not a big margin in store lambs.
Hitting the top of the market is part of the plan. In theory September born calves should be gone straight off grass so hitting top of the market and cheapest finishing system. How about running the sheep with the cattle?Yes, I was thinking that over here getting cattle sold by October latest then buying in November before the sub is paid could be a good play, tailoring numbers to fodder stockpile/price (standing and bales).
My main issue with actioning these great ideas is that I either need to sell the sheep, which I am loathe to do having spent 12 years building a decent flock. The other option is renting some ground for the sheep and trying out the holistic/cattle approach at home. However, I doubt that even with both sides of the job performing well it would replace my wage. I'm mid 40s now and simply don't have the energy to run stock on that scale and work. That's of course if ground can be acquired and then there would be a debt to service.
I need a change but don't know how to pull it off
You're aiming to sell them over the summer then, beef tends to peak then? Should be no bother
What could go wrong ???You're aiming to sell them over the summer then, beef tends to peak then? Should be no bother
If we're going to cut back a little on sheep, then I think we'll be going down the road of a few sucklers to add to the three heifers we've got. Hopefully they'll be useful utilising rougher grass and improving sheep grazing. Having said that, my limited experience of calf rearing (said three heifers) was enjoyable and profitable, so I wouldn't rule out more of that if the calf price drops a bit! Possible disease issue there with a resident suckler herd, of course.
