Performance
- The first batch of bulls are fit for slaughter on May 3rd
- A total of 28 are slaughtered in the period May and June
- The bulls are reaching the factory specifications
Wesley Browne May/June 2024
Performance
Wesley brought the first batch of bulls to the factory on May 3rd and has been drafting on a weekly basis. He is aiming for a minimum carcase of 380kgs with a fat class of 2 + at under 16 months of age. In recent years, high quality silage is mixed with 8 kgs of meal /head/day. Wesley has found that the introduction of silage has improved the fat specification.
In total 28 bulls have been slaughtered and the remaining will be drafted by the end of July. To date Wesley is very happy with the average performance of the 28. They have averaged 400kgs, 3= at 15 months of age.
Photo: ICBF finishing report for May & June 2024
Photo: July 9th, the bulls are averaging 400kg carcase
Photo: The rotating brush keeps the bulls very clean and content.
Photo: crop of 2024 born calves
Grassland
Wesley needs to make 600 bales of silage is year. He made 300 bales in June and aims to make another 300 by mid July. In addition he has secured 7 acres of grass from a neighbour which has now been closed and will be used for bales also.
Grass remains tight on the farm. The colder nights in June have slowed growth. Wesley continues with 20 units of pro urea in order to build covers. The dry ground conditions are allowing for good graze outs.
Photo: reels and pigtails are used for subdividing larger paddocks
Photo: Looking for a move – Wesley grazes the paddock tight.
Breeding
May and June is all about breeding on the farm. The herd is divided into 3 main groups
- 34 mature cows with a Simmental stock bull
- 35 cows and heifers with a LM bull and
- 32 heifers plus cows with the new AA bull.
Wesley is keeping a close eye on both cow and bull activity and records all serves on his phone. There has been plenty of activity and thankfully the weather has settled with good ground conditions. The second three weeks of the breeding season are critical from an observation point. Wesley is watching for repeats with a high number meaning a possible bull problem. However, all is going well.
Photo: The first season with the new Angus bull
Photo: The Simmental bull is running with 34 mature cows