EARLY weaning was a very effective tool for maintaining cow condition, according to Northern Tablelands beef producer John Finlayson.
"We have pregnancy-tested (early as well - mid January) and our joining percentages were very high," he said.
With 450 calves coming through now, the Finlaysons, "Pointsfield" near Armidale, have planted 140 hectares of oats, rape and short-term ryegrass.
They had a good strike rate and have started to graze already.
"We generally grow calves out to 450 to 500 kilograms to sell from January to March as rising 18 month olds," said Mr Finlayson, who is pictured with overseer Stuart Williamson and Kelpie, Trend, in a paddock of rape and ryegrass on "Pointsfield".
"We're redoing feed budgets to recalibrate how far we can go with them. If spring rain arrives, we may be able to keep to that but if not, they should still offer good value if sold earlier.
"When you're underpinned by breeding, a season like this one means you have to take drastic action to get some value.
"While we will retain a breeding herd, we'll restock next year with more trade cattle to give us an alternative enterprise and more flexibility if there is a downturn."
Shan Goodwin
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
Journalist for The Land on the North Coast.
