Performance
Michael and Niall started selling the weanling bulls from the farm in early October. So far 23 have been sold to private customers, with the remainder expected to be sold by December. The bulls were all well-weaned, eating ration at 3kg/head/day, vaccinated against 3 types of respiratory disease and vaccinated against clostridial diseases before sale.
All the bulls (34) were weighed on 27th September and averaged 328kg, after gaining 1.61 kg/day since 14th July and 1.36 kg/day from birth.
The heifers (31) were weighed on the same day and averaged 302kg. They gained 1.3kg/day since 14th July and averaged 1.21 kg/day since birth.
Figure 1: Weanling heifers are on 2kg of ration/head/day post weaning
On 3rd October 7 cull cows were sold through the mart. They averaged 603kg live weight and made €3.51/kg. Two of the breeding heifers that did not go in calf were sold through the mart at 428kg and made €4.28/kg on average.
Grassland
The last round of fertiliser consisted of 1.5 bags of 18-6-12 per acre across the whole farm before the closed period started. Grazing conditions were excellent for the autumn and in calf heifers are finishing grazing the silage ground. They are expected to be housed by early November. The weaned cows are following the weanlings, who are being fed 2-3 kg of ration/head/day.
Figure 2: In calf heifers grazing the silage field
The field for reseeding (5 acres) was burnt off and was sown on 17th September with the Diamond red clover silage mix, using a Guttler. It contains 3.5 kg of moira (PRG), 4kg of tollymore (PRG), 0.5kg of Clodagh white clover, 1.5kg of fearga (red clover), 1kg of coated spurt (red clover) and 1.5kg of milvus (red clover).
Figure 3: Reseeded field which is growing well
Health & Safety
Michael and Niall availed of the 60% TAMS FSCIS funding to replace slats in the slatted shed. Michael noticed cracks underneath them when he was power washing and after further inspection realised they were visible in all of them. They were only 16 years old. The old slats were removed and new HD slats were purchased for €6200 including VAT which covered 4 bays at 12ft6’.
Figure 4: Cracks in old slats that were replaced
Figure 5: New slats installed
They also have a grant application submitted to construct a new cattle handling unit to the side of the yard to allow for easier handling of stock during the winter. Their current cattle crush is at the back of an older slatted shed which makes it difficult to handle cattle when the sheds are full.
Figure 6: Area where new cattle handling unit will be located