Local farm walk to focus on successful suckler farming
Editorial Department • Published 18 Aug 2011 13:00
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BEEF producers seeking 'Success with Sucklers' are invited to walk the Fermanagh farm of Stephen Maguire on Thursday afternoon, September 1 at 2pm.
The farm walk gives an opportunity to view criss-cross breeding of suckler cows to gain hybrid vigour that generates extra output and income!
Organised by the National Beef Association, this free event is for all farmers aiming to make more from their suckler herds and includes an update on 'Autumn Animal Health Issues' by vet, Mairead O'Grady from sponsors MSD Animal Health.
Other sponsors are the Donnelly Group and the Ulster Bank.
Stephen Maguire, who farms 150 acres of owned and rented land in the Congo townland on the outskirts of Maguiresbridge, runs 55 suckler cows, 95 per cent of them Simmental and Limousin crosses. Most cows in the herd came from CAFRE's Enniskillen Campus Premium Quality Beef Herd set up in 2003.
This project operated a criss-cross breeding programme between Simmental and Limousin to maximise hybrid vigour in a closed herd. Using a breeding programme which rotates between two or three breeds is an easy system to manage and boosts calf output by 15 to 20 per cent.
"My suckler herd used to include a variety of cross-bred cattle from native and continental breeds, but since buying first-cross Simmental and Limousin cows from the college, I have gradually culled out the original herd," explained Stephen.
Aiming to run a profitable business based on a low input system this enthusiastic young farmer is in the top 25% benchmarked herds.
"Stock go out in early April, weather permitting and with land handy to the farmyard I tend to rotate the cows on a regular basis," noted Stephen who emphasises the production of good quality grass. "Grass is the cheapest resource available to farmers so grazing cows are easily maintained and hold body condition with no need to buy a lot of expensive concentrates."
Stephen strives to make top quality silage in two cuts each year. His first cut is usually saved in early June and, with a rapid wilt, reaches between 24 and 26 per cent dry matter.
Looking ahead, Stephen plans to increase the herd to 70 cows and continue buying in only stock bulls. "This means I protect overall herd health status by producing home-bred replacement stock and selling surplus heifers boosts profits."
During the NBA event staff from the Ulster Bank will be on hand to discuss farm finance issues and the Donnelly Group will display 4WD vehicles, including pick ups, ideal for farm and farm family use.
Farmers hoping to attend should arrive promptly at 2pm at 74, Curryan Rd, Congo, Maguiresbridge BT94 4NQ to comply with farm bio security precautions regarding clean boots, clothes and vehicles.
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 18 Aug 11
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