- RELATED: Feeder market a long-term vision
THE growing trend of traditional weaner and vealer producers to shift into the feeder steer game is fuelling increased Angus content in herds across the NSW North Coast.
Agents and beef consultants say the idea had been bubbling away in the background for a number of years but was put into action in a significant way this year with producers having the resources to invest in both new genetics and pasture improvement courtesy of the hike in cattle prices.
Agent Gary Jarrett, Ramsey and Bulmer, Casino, NSW, said the number of Angus bulls going into coastal herds in Northern NSW this year had doubled.
Most were going into smaller herds, generally 80 to 100 head, and were put over Bos indicus cows, he said.
“They are operations that have traditionally supplied veal but are now looking to diversify into additional, higher-value markets,” Mr Jarrett said.
“They are aiming to supply weaners to those backgrounding for feedlots and black calves are in high demand amongst those type of buyers.”
Long-serving weaner producers have also looked to value-add later calves by taking them through winter.
In general, those who took that option in 2015 have had a cracker year, with unseasonable late winter and early spring rain combining beautifully with the improved cattle market.
Northern NSW beef consultant Bill Hoffman, Hoffman Beef, said the season was particularly productive for those who fertilised properly, with weight gains more than one kilogram per day achieved consistently through winter.
Not fertilising adequately could reduce productivity of winter pasture by as much as 70 per cent, he said.
“Because those two factors - the season and the cattle market - lined up, it wasn’t out of the question to be adding $200 to $300 in value to those calves from autumn to spring,” Mr Hoffman said.
Agronomists in the Northern Rivers said the ongoing opportunity to capitalise on a rising cattle had already sparked increased interest in planning for improved pastures next winter.
Mr Hoffman agreed a big key to success was being proactive and growing winter ryegrass in combination with summer soybeans to provide agronomic carry-over benefits.
Another major factor was having the right genetics in the calves, either via the benefits of hybrid vigour or courtesy of high growth genes, he said.
“Calves must have the growth potential in the first place,” he said.
