WINGEN weaner producers Karl and Shirley Casben, “Springvale”, are hoping to get another plaque on the champion crossbred pen trophy when they sell 50 Charolais-Angus-cross mixed sex weaners at the Scone weaner sale on April 20.
The Casbens have been selling at the annual sale since it began five years ago, but they’ll also put 50 seven- to eight-month-old weaners in the Gunnedah Powerhouse liveweight weaner sale, which is well-known for its European-cross cattle, on March 30.
They’ve won the best crossbred pen twice, in 2014 and 2016.
The tough season has resulted in the couple’s weaners being about 50 kilograms lighter than last year’s drop, but quality hasn’t dropped.
“This is about the worst season we’ve had for a while, so the calves are much lighter,” Mr Casben said.
“Last year’s sale weaners weighed up to 420kg and averaged 370kg, but I think that’s back to about 320kg this year. We had an unbelievable spring – the best spring we’ve ever had – then no rain for three or four months.”
Charolais bulls are used on Angus and Angus-cross cows, with the breeders usually bred at the family’s Merriwa property “Mini Bimbil”. About 500 cows are run on the 2222-hectare property.
“We sell all of our weaners; we don’t keep any heifers as replacements,” Mr Casben said.
“Instead, we buy cows in or they come from our other property which has an Angus-based herd.”
Growth and temperament is the focus when choosing bulls, which usually come from Te Mania, Palgrove, Ascot and Rosedale studs.
“We’re looking for bigger framed bulls because we us pretty big framed cows,” Mr Casben said.
“Our cows need to be big enough to give birth to big Charolais-cross calves.”
The Casbens’ buyers are also after the same qualities, with many going to Alexander Downs, Merriwa.
“Rob Gill must buy 80 per cent of our heifers,” Mr Casben said.
“He’s had a lot of success with our calves. He had steers in the Merriwa show trial and they won everything on the hook.”
Calves are also sold through the weekly Scone prime sales.
“We sell 30 to 50 vealers each week, and the market at Scone has been very strong,” Mr Casben said.
The Casbens are expecting another strong sale at Scone this year.
Returns of $1000 a head or more are a big change from just a few years ago. In 2014, the couple received $697 for their Charolais-cross weaner steers.
“We’re really happy with the prices we’re getting, but we’ve also invested back into the production to improve our herd with better bulls.”
Ruth Schwager
Ruth Schwager is a journalist with the national agricultural features team.
Ruth Schwager is a journalist with the national agricultural features team.
