BLACK Angus and Red Angus heifers are shaping up nicely at “Falcon”, Rylstone, for the Ryan family selling direct to Coles in August.
Peter and Michelle Ryan and their son, Daniel, own and operate the 1255 hectare property, “Falcon”.
This includes a 100-cow breeding herd based on genetics from Coffin Creek, Talooby, Wattle Top, Eagle View and Karoo studs.
Mr Ryan said heifers were culled on shape, size, type and conformation, joining the best heifers to calve at two. Cows that do not rear a decent calf are culled to ensure the performance of the herd is maintained.
“Cull heifers are fattened and sold to Coles. We have worked with Coles since the beginning and they are good to us,” he said.
Occasionally in addition to the cull heifers, they will also buy stock from the yards, if they see a good line. They currently have some Red Angus heifers purchased from Carcoar, which are also destined for Coles the first week of August.
These heifers have been weighed, assessed and selected to be a consistent draft for market and are grazing Nile oats for four to six weeks in preparation.
Mr Ryan highlighted the performance of both the black and red heifers was consistent, but the Red Angus line he was currently finishing did possess excellent muscling. McDonald Lawson livestock agent, Andy Carter, Mudgee, has worked with the Ryan family for some time and said the heifers looked a picture.
The Ryan family own a second 162ha property, “Willow Glen”, near Lowther, where they run home-bred stock, and bought in stock, to finish.
“The season on both properties is looking pretty good considering the frosts, we are looking for a good shower though,” Mr Ryan said.
All animals on both properties are not grain-fed, but pasture raised on Italian ryegrass and grazing oat crops. Arrowleaf clover is also grazed at flowering to finish cattle for summer sales.
“We work closely with Andy to decide on the market option that provide the best net profit for our business,” he said.
“Andy is real good, he will look around for the best prices and alternatives so we can decide whether to sell through the saleyards, direct to Coles, or sometimes to feedlots.
“Into the future we will look into Pasturefed Cattle Assurance System for more options and premiums.”
After growing up on the family farm, their son Daniel, who is currently completing a Certificate III in Agriculture through the Dubbo TAFE Campus, is starting to take over from his semi-retired father.
Mr Ryan said Daniel was the future of their business and the traineeship allowed him to learn fresh, new ideas.
