What is FOO and how does it fit into grazing management?

Effective grazing management relies on a producer’s ability to match pasture with the appropriate stock classes that comprise a grazing business.  Livestock performance is driven by energy intake, and in a grazing environment, the principal source of energy comes from pasture.

A producers ability to effectively match livestock needs with pasture comes down to their ability to assess the amount of feed in available and to make an assessment of its quality.  Assessing the amount is one of the key skills for any graziers.

While some producers talk about herbage mass or pasture mass, a more commonly used term is Feed On Offer or FOO.  This term describes the amount of pasture in a paddock at any given time and is measured in kilograms of dry matter (kg DM / ha)The level of FOO within a paddock is determined by two key factors. The first is the height of the plants growing in the paddock, and the second is the density of plants across the paddock.  To make an accurate assessment of FOO, graziers need to consider these two factors as they make their pasture observations.

Variation in height and density across paddocks, and across farms can be significant.  Producers who want to make accurate assessments of FOO can make their assessments visually, or physically using tools that include rising plate meters, or physically cutting, weighing and calculating FOO from these collected pasture samples.   However, physical assessments, or visual assessments may still not achieve an accurate measure of a paddocks level of FOO.  Often the variation in paddocks is not reflected due to bias in sampling or assessing.

This bias is often inadvertent.  Its generally caused through a combination of access to all areas of the paddock, small sample sizes and simple errors in assessing.  Avoiding bias, particularly in physical assessment requires a rigorous approach to sampling, such as establishing formalized transects.  However this approach is often time consuming and depending on paddock size, may still not account for the variation in a paddock.

Satellite Data

Satellite imagery offers a more efficient and accurate method of determining FOO within paddocks or for an entire property.  The Cibo Labs PastureKey service determines FOO using satellite images which are updated every 5 days.  The satellites determine pasture height.  More importantly they also assess both pasture density, and they can see the entire paddock or farm area, which allows the variation in pasture to be accurately determined.

The data derived from these images allows the PastureKey service to develop accurate levels of FOO. Pasture key reports both the Total amount of Standing Dry Pasture (TSDM kgs DM/Ha) and then the FOO which is calculated by the average TSDM multiplied by paddock area after forest and woodland areas (>20% tree cover) have been excluded.

This process offers a very accurate summary of the FOO in a paddock. Developing an accurate feed budget for livestock is simplified when the level of FOO is known.  Having the variation from across a paddock accounted for by satellites invariably means these budgets are more accurate and so provide better support for producers grazing decisions.

One of the useful aspects of the Pasture Key service is the visual representation of FOO within each paddock of a user’s farm.  The Feed on Offer is shaded from Red to Green to reflect the lowest to highest percentiles.

This visual representation offers a quick guide regarding the FOO levels across the entire farm as well as within individual paddocks. 

Can the AFM be used to calculate FOO?

Feed On Offer (FOO) can be calculated from the data provided from the Australian Feedbase Monitor as well as from Pasture Key.  A key difference is the scope of data between these two products. 

Data generated from the AFM is calculated on a larger scale (1Ha) as opposed to 10m2 area used in Pasture Key.  This means users cannot compare FOO levels on a paddock basis and may also find the variation across their farms is less visible than in the higher resolution product.  However, the use of satellite data ensures that the Total Standing Dry Matter amounts reported are more accurate and unbiased compared to those producers may physically undertake.

Using FOO to meet livestock demands

The amount of feed livestock require is determined by factors such as age, sex, weight and production status.  These classes directly impact daily feed intake, which in turn impacts the number of animals to be stocked per hectare and the length of time that animals can be stocked before the FOO levels fall below the minimum amount required for that class of stock. 

There are well established benchmarks which can be consulted as part of this process of matching FOO with livestock requirements.

 Temperate Pasture Benchmarks (FOO) for livestock

Tropical Pasture Benchmarks

 Minimum green herbage mass (kg DM/ha) to maintain satisfactory production levels in cattle and sheep on tropical grass pastures with digestibility of 65% (9.2 MJ ME/ kg DM), 60% (8.4 MJ ME/kg DM) and 55% (7.5 MJ ME/kg DM)). Note these predictions are based on a pasture which includes 400 kg DM/ha dead pasture with a digestibility of 45%.

These benchmarks provide a guide for producers wanting to match their livestock requirements with their current levels of Feed on Offer (FOO).  While the AFM doesn’t provide digestibility levels, producer can use the timescale and 5 daily updates to see if their TSDM is increasing or falling.  As a general guide decreasing FOO amounts can provide an indication of lower digestibility as pastures are aging or diminishing.

The PastureKey service allows producers to view the Fractional Cover of their paddocks which highlights areas of growth or decay.  This can be used as a basic guide for higher or lower digestibility which then identifies the most suitable benchmark to match to stock numbers.

Accurately knowing FOO levels allows producers to make more accurate and informed decisions and choices for their livestock and pasture.  As FOO levels change due to both season and livestock consumption, budgets should be regularly updated, and PastureKey and AFM offer an efficient, timely and accurate starting point for all producers.

Breeding Black Baldies – Is there a price difference to consider?

There have been many national and international studies focused on evaluating the impacts crossbreeding can have on beef production.  The advantage of hybrid vigor, particularly in increasing growth rates, weaning weights and on traits of lower heritability are extremely well demonstrated.

Across man southern systems, the opportunity to join Hereford sires over Angus cows has long been a “go to” option for producers seeking to commence crossbreeding.  The value of the Black Baldy has been recognized for both its growth and additional weaning weight, as well as the demand by restockers seeking suitable F1 replacements for breeding other crossbred cattle. 

However, while the additional weight or demand for F1 females have been a key factor in many producers’ decisions, the impact on eating quality & MSA index has become an additional consideration. 

Recent research conducted through the University of Adelaide with the support of MLA and Herefords Australia, explored a range of results from on farm production through to MSA Index.  The Research described here (https://www.beefcentral.com/genetics/tassie-angus-herd-plays-key-role-in-black-baldie-trial/) was a significant undertaking using thirty Hereford and 22 Angus sires which were mated to 1100 Angus cows and heifers in a large commercial herd run on pasture at Musselroe Bay, Tasmania. As a result of these matings, approximately 1650 calves were born.  The steers were grown on pasture for an average of 23 months and then slaughtered.

 The project resulted in several useful insights for commercial producers.  On a production basis, the calves sired by Hereford bulls were heavier at birth and weaning than straightbred Angus calves.  As expected, these results were in keeping with many other research projects.  However, it is also worth noting that Hereford-sired calves from heifers (but not from mature cows) had more assisted births (+8.2%) and more calf deaths (10.0% vs 5.1%).

Although the additional weight of the Hereford sired calves resulted in higher Hot Standard Carcase Weights, carcase quality measurement including MSA Index were lower than strightbred Angus steers.  The research identified the Hereford-sired steers had a mean MSA index of 61.5, while the pure Angus steers had a mean MSA index of 62.0.

 In practical terms the 0.5 higher MSA index for pure Angus equates to a 1.56% increase in value to a producer.  However, as Hereford-sired carcasses had a 4.1% advantage in HSCW, pure Angus steer carcasses would need to attract a 4.1% premium for that level of eating quality to compete in value.

As producers evaluate crossbreeding options, particularly using Hereford & Angus genetics, it is important to consider how easily a 4% premium for straightbred steers can be achieved at sale.  More importantly while this premium can be a significant lift in return, crossbreeding has an impact across a range of factors which may cumulatively exceed the value of a 4.1% premium when analysed across a whole farm gross margin.

When considering a program, the research highlights the importance of using Hereford bulls over Angus cows rather than over Angus heifers.  At the same time, it is worth also considering selecting sires with EBVs for lower birth weight and higher calving ease.  Given that there is also a difference in marbling between crossbred steers and straightbred Angus steers, producers may also find value in selecting Hereford sires with above average EBVs for IMF%

Points to remember before buying stock online

How often have you seen livestock for sale on social media or online platforms? As people grow more used to online shopping, it’s probably only natural that livestock are starting to be advertised more frequently. I have lost count of the number of people who tell me they have seen cattle for sale on websites such as Gumtree. Even more frequently, sales pages on Facebook with groups located in regions or for broad livestock sales always seem to have cattle for sale.

While there is nothing technically wrong with buying and selling livestock online, there are several significant differences to consider as opposed to selling general items. For potential purchasers its important to be aware of both the risks of online livestock purchases and to understand your legal obligations associated with livestock purchases.

Online listings are more frequently appearing across social media

As a livestock seller, you do have certain obligations to comply with - regardless of the method you use to sell livestock.

1. You must have a Property Identification Code (PIC). In NSW anyone who keeps or owns livestock is required to ensure the land where the livestock are kept has a Property Identification Code or PIC. 'Livestock' includes one or more cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, bison, buffalo, camelids, equines (i.e., horses and donkeys), 100 or more poultry birds or 10 or more emus or ostriches. If you are unsure about you PIC or have yet to acquire one, you should contact the NSW Local Land Services. In other states, you can contact your local office of the Department of Primary Industries.

2. You should be registered and accredited under the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) Program. Participating in this program ensures you have considered and are managing the areas of risk that may impact on food safety - particularly if your animals are sold for consumption at a later point in time. Contact the LPA Helpline on 1800 683 111 or visit the website

3. You will need to provide a National Vendor Declaration to the purchaser of your livestock. The NVD also acts as a Waybill or Transported Stock Statement. These documents are essential in order to move cattle legally from property to property, as well as providing advice on health and feeding history of the stock.

An NVD is required to move cattle to another property

4. To legally move cattle (or sheep) you are required to have them identified with approved National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tags or devices. Your devices can be ordered through your local rural merchandise store, but before you can order you will need and NLIS account.

5. Before you actually move your livestock, they have to be tagged!

Check you have tagged all your animals with an approved NLIS device

Other Documentation you may need to consider

In NSW, Transported Stock Statements (TSS) are required for any movement of stock where an NVD is not required (eg transporting stock for agistment or to attend a local agricultural show). This also includes moving horses, and you can obtain specific TSS Horse forms from the LLS. In other states Waybills are required and act in the same way as a TSS. Waybills are usually only used when animals are being transported from one place to another where no sale has occurred.

Animal Health Statements

Animal health statements for cattle, sheep and goats are not mandatory in NSW. However they may be required for some stock movements, especially interstate. If you are selling online you may find your animals purchased by someone from another state and you must supply the completed form. These forms can be downloaded from Animal Health Australia

“How much should I ask for my stock”

Setting a value on your stock can also be a challenge. Many people overinflated the value of their animals. Realistic prices should be set on the class of animal that you are planning to sell, and ideally you would work from an average of that class of stock based on reports from local sales, and online auctions such as AuctionsPlus.

Being realistic about a price is a challenge for many producers! While we all hear of the top figure reported for cattle, that may only be one pen out of a sale. So using averages is more realistic and likely to avoid not selling at all.

Managing Risk

Online selling through unregulated platforms is a risk. Many people choose to sell online to avoid agents commission, sale yard fees and other costs. However it’s important to consider if avoiding these costs exposes you to a greater loss.

Stock & Station Agents carry insurance to cover the risk associated with non payment. Using a registered & licensed agent can offset that risk. Using an agent doesn’t mean you cant sell on line or direct to another producer. If that is the way you want to sell stock you can advise your agent accordingly.

Buying Online

What should you consider?

Buying online from social media or sales pages such as Gumtree is a more risky strategy to acquire livestock. There are several important things to consider from both a legal position as well as from your own approach to purchasing stock.

Legally you are required to receive the National Vendor Declaration (NVD) and keep it on file for a period that can be as much as 7 years.

You are also required to transfer those on the NLIS database from the property or origin to your own PIC.

Many people choose to buy and sell this way to avoid these legal requirements. There are some real risks in doing this. Firstly if you are stopped by the Police and requested to provide a movement document the penalties for not having one can be very significant.

The other risk comes when those animals are to be sold in turn. Chances are these animals may not be sold on line again. And if they are to be sold through a Saleyards or to another destination, the lack of NLIS devices or NVDs may prevent them being sold.

Its also important to remember that it only takes one animal that has a chemical residue from soil contamination or a health treatment that was not declared, to impact on market access. So having animal history, including feed and health treatments is vital.

Purchasing online is a challenge in terms of risk also. you are essentially buying from a stranger. So you need to know:

• Do the cattle even exist?

• Are they what you expected?

• Is the price realistic?

These are just starting questions, but you should ask them before you think about purchasing them. While you are thinking about these points, have you thought about:

• What pests, diseases or weeds could these cattle have? Are there burr seeds in the coats or noxious weeds they could spread?

• How quiet are they? Have they been handled much?

• How old are they?

Often these basic questions are overlooked and the result can be anything from old cattle that look nothing like the picture to feral cattle that don’t want to be yarded or handled in a safe way!

Is the temperament really what you expected?

Before spending money to be cattle online, ask these questions or even better go and look at them first! A legitimate seller will be happy for you to inspect them prior to purchase. If the cattle are too far away, again it might be worth considering asking an agent to do so on your behalf. Remember the long term cost of a bad decision will outweigh savings you might make doing it yourself.

“Remember the long term cost of a bad decision will outweigh savings you might make doing it yourself.”

Ultimately, it is unlikely that livestock sales online are going to fade away. It’s probably more likely that they might increase. Either way, before you buy or sell, just remember that while you may be using the internet to make the process more convenient, you cant overlook your obligations or the risks. Asking the right questions and being part of the system not only protects you, but also protects the industry which keeps us all in business! It only takes one animal to bring us undone!

Lessons from the 2021 Bull Sales

If you were in the market for a new bull this year, or if you were selling bulls, then 2021 will be a year that you will probably remember for a long time! The price of bulls this year was well above he average of te last 5 years. There is a reason for that.

The combination of high cattle prices; seasonal conditions that resulted in high pasture growth; herd rebuilding across the county and overall optimism for agriculture all played a role in driving bull drives. Its worth remembering that the prices are relative to the cattle market. And even though a bull may seem dear, he is still on average worth 5 heavy steers or 7 weaner animals.

The impact of Covid-19 on bull sales was felt by buyers and sellers this year. Travel restrictions, limits on gatherings and social distancing were all factors that had to be addressed ahead of and during sales.

The result of all these influences has changed the way many people view the process of buying and selling bulls. Some of the key outcomes are worth addressing and perhaps adopting for your wn benefit in coming years.

1. On-line Interface is Essential

Selling cattle online is now commonplace. Producers now want to look for cattle more broadly than in their immediate location. And while attending a bull sale is aways a good day out, taking time to travel and look is becoming a factor for many producers. Often the visual assessments that producers make have been done I private visits or inspections well ahead of the sale, and bidding on line is a more efficient use of time for those producers.

For those selling bulls, online selling allows bulls to be marketed to a much broader group of potential Byers and can be a very effective way of diversifying your client base.

2. Provide presale inspection opportunities

Assessing bulls in the hours ahead of a sale can be very challenging. Looking at the bulls you have chosen as possible sires means you have to work around other producers and bulls that are peened in sale lots. Not everyone is able to see the bulls as they may like. Having a pre sale inspection - either privately formally arranged - takes some of the pre sale pressure off. You get a chance to look at bulls and perhaps see the vow herd that forms the basis of this years draft.

Make the most of pre-sale inspections

Making these opportunities available for clients is I think an essential step for bull sellers.

3. Offer independent assessment of your bulls

Increasingly producers are seeking an independent assessment of the bulls they are interested in. This is often in the form of temperament, structure and muscle. Along with BREEDPLAN data, this information can be a very powerful way to assist your clients find the right bull for their program.

While there are plenty of people offering assessments, my advice is to stick with those assessors who have a systems that have actual industry relevance and credibility. I’ve been working with ClassiMate to offer that credible and repeatable information to producers.

Its worth asking for the assessments as a buyer well ahead of the sale. As a breeder, its a good inclusion in your data offered before the sale.

4. Consider video sales

traditionally bulls have been sold in a ring in front of producers. While tradition is wha has always been done, its worth looking at the opportunities new methods provide. Video selling is rapidly being a more common method for several reasons. The first is to reduce the stress and pressure on bulls in a sale ring. often bulls react to the noise and presence of people in a way that doesn’t really reflect their temperament. Video shows them in a normal environment.

Video Sales are increasingly common

Many producers who sell using video highlight the efficiency of the sale. It keeps moving - with no delays while bulls are moved in and out of rings. It also means that there is no need to have special selling infrastructure. With good quality TV screens and seating a sale can be held pretty much anywhere which means there is a cost saving for the business.

It also makes better use of the videos and images captured as part of the cataloguing process.

5. Pen the bulls by purpose

Traditionally bulls are penned ahead of the sale in catalogue groups. I was really impressed by the Wirruna Poll Hereford approach. At Wirruna, Ian Locke pens the bulls according to their potential roles in new herds. So if you were looking for heifer bulls; bulls that have more growth; bulls to add muscle or bulls that are more general purpose you can work through specific groups. It does make it easier for clients and helps their selection decisions.

6. Its worth engaging RaynerAg for your sale!

While this is a plug for RaynerAg, increasingly I’m attending sales on behalf of breeders in order to support their clients. My role is to talk through selection decisions - either around EBVs and genetics; help evaluate structure or to offer a third opinion. For many buyers who cant attend the sale (interstate particularly) there is a person who can help look at the bulls.

Don’t forget this helps free up breeders who have plenty of things to do on the day and ensures everyone has a chance to get the help and advice they need to find the right bull.

Are you still on your farming "P Plates?"

Operating a beef enterprise, or indeed any farming enterprise, is a challenge. Farming is really a multi dimensional activity. As most producers will readily acknowledge, their skill set has to cover not just the requirements of managing livestock; but to adjust and operate in an ever changing environment. They need to be across animal health, nutrition, understand the markets, adjust their systems to comply with welfare and health regulations. All this before considering financial management; infrastructure maintenance - the list goes on!

“were like a lot in our area, on our P plates when it comes to beef cattle”.

Recently I was speaking to a newer farming operator who told me that his family “were like a lot in our area, on our P plates when it comes to beef cattle”. I liked that description quite a lot. Gaining your licence takes a lot of time. Not only do you have to know the rules, but you have to be able to demonstrate through practice and testing that you can do it safely. And even then your P Plates are designed to keep you safe while you develop more skills and competence as a driver.

Farming P Plates

We all move from Red to Green as we develop our skills and knowledge

In farming its not as clear cut. There are plenty of people to give you some advice. Some of it will be helpful, and some will be less usefull. And if you are on your P Plates, working out what’s useful - before you lose control - can be a challenge!

So, for those producers who are still on their “P’s” here are a few tips to think on.

1: Have a plan in mind of what you want to achieve. The key to this tip is don’t just say you want to run cows! Your plan needs to provide you with the direction of how many cows? How much money do you need to make from the system to achieve that goal?

2: Is your plan realistic? Do you have the skills to make it happen? Is your property REALLY able to sustain that plan? Have you truth tested your advice / skills? If not are you ready to address and acquire the skills & resources you don’t have?

Do you have a plan?

Is it realistic?

3: Do you have a clear idea of how achievable your goal is? In other words, do you really understand what you actually have to do to get to that end point? Do you understand the time you will need to put in? What are the other resources you will need to use?

4: Are you prepared to ask questions and not make assumptions? We all make assumptions. Everyone is guilty of looking over the fence and thinking of what you could do “since the next door neighbours seem to be going ok..” Don’t assume that what works (or doesn’t work) for someone will apply to you. Ask for help, seek some advice. Look for objective answers!

5: Avoid the DFO - DATA FREE OPINIONS !! These will come at you from every angle. From what type of cow you should have; to if you should breed or trade; when to sell and what products to use. Some DFO’s all be offered by people that you think you need to listen to (other producers; agents; retailers; butchers; the bloke in the pub / cafe). Some of their suggestions may have merit. BUT - you need to ask and check the facts first!

Just like learning to drive, when you are on your P plates, the opinions of older more experienced drivers don’t always apply. You ask questions and see how relevant that is to where you are as a driver. In time you might be able to take on a bit more. But dont feel you have to take on the DFO’s!!

Hopefully as you move from your Red to Green and then onwards, these tips will set up the habits of good farming practice. And like learner drivers, there are experienced coaches and trainers out there to help you on your way. When you can use these as mentors or trainers to get your skills developed more strongly and to make your farming experience more rewarding.

Is it really a great time to be a stock agent?

The continued strength of the Australian cattle market is definitely the most frequent conversation starter among farmers and in the broader industry. For producers selling cattle, the record prices are exciting and have gone a long way to help recover from the costs of almost a decade of drought.

If you are purchasing cattle, however, the price of cattle can make you feel pretty concerned! The challenge of purchasing cattle on a rising market, with the hope the margin stays positive is something quite a lot of finishers, processors and even restocks are grappling with.

There are plenty of different market indicators that producers can look at as they watch the prices continue to set new records. The most frequently referred to is the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator or EYCI many people shorten it to. Tis week it set a new record of 1074c. The EYCI describes to seven-day rolling average of young cattle (vealer and yearling weight steer and heifer categories) from 23 saleyards across Queensland, NSW and Victoria. It is expressed in c/kg, carcase weight equivalent.

The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator

As a stock agent, I’ve been looking closely at the market over the last 12 months. And many people have suggested it must be an easy job with the prices being so strong.

I think its actually a tough time for new agents!

One of the things I have learnt, is when the pressure comes off production - either when the drought breaks or in this case, the market is so good, a lot of producers tend to relax their focus on the efficiencies that can make a big difference to their business.

During the drought, producers became very focussed on the cost of feeding. They considered how much animals required per day, the cost of energy and protein and the most effective methods of feeding and managing stock. Sadly when the season breaks and there isn’t the pressure to cost out daily rations, some people forget those lessons and inefficiencies tend to sneak back into the system.

Its much the same when it comes to selling stock. With the price of cattle almost double, how any people have actually stopped and looked at their costs of sale and considered if their marketing can be done better?

Its important you cattle’s attributes and value are understood and appreciated by your agent

A good example is a friend who sold 14 young heifers recently. They decided that this year they would keep with tradition and use their local agent, selling through a local auction. That’s fine and they made a good return. At the time about $1350 for their heifers.

In discussion I asked what did it cost to sell those cattle. Pulling out their sale records they added up the cost of transport to the sale years; the yard fees per head; the scanning fee charged at the yard; the national transaction levy and finally their agents commission. When they totalled the sum it came to $1375. So effectively the gave one of their 14 animals away in costs!

Now there is no escaping costs of sale. Commission is something agents charge to market the stock; arrange delivery; organise scanning; administer the movement and transaction levy. They also have to cover their costs in time t loo and try and sell the cattle for the best price. There is also the insurance they have to make sure you get paid for your cattle!

But, not all commissions are the same! So my first comment to all of my producers is to ask what do you receive for the commission that you pay?

Ideally your agent should be working to market your cattle to the best possible return. So that could be using their network to sell your cattle privately to someone seeking a particular article. It could be they will sell through auction on line or in the physical market. However, there’s more to just putting cattle into a sale or “on the box.”

In the case of AuctionsPlus, there can be thousands of cattle listed for sale. That does mean that your cattle are exposed to a much wider group of buyers than the local Saleyards. However, how will your agent make your cattle stand out? You should ask what their marketing plan is? What will they be doing to get your lots in front of the buyers?

AuctionsPlus is just one option to market your cattle

Its also important to make sure your agent understands the background of your cattle. What have you done to prepare them for the next owner? Are they part of a verification program? Accredited for MSA? Are they EU accredited or HGP free? Have they been preg tested and what genetics are they bred from?

Ultimately the last 3 or 4 years decisions and efforts are in the cattle you sell. So you need to ask the questions to make sure that your effort is being recognised.

One of the reasons I choose to take on an agents role was to offer my clients a choice.

Having been involved so closely in their bred decisions; the selection of their animals; preg testing and lifting fertility and helping navigate industry programs; I want to see the best results for that effort. I think its important to work to make sure those animals reach their full value.

Selling on behalf of my clients is a service, and in a year like this, that can be rewarding for everyone. I understand not every person will want to change their agent. I think that’s good. But, like every other aspect of your business, you need to sit done and check its actually the best direction and offering the best return for you.

Physical auctions can be a good method to market - but its not the only option!!

If it’s not, dont be afraid to question or to change direction to find the best option. After all, you have put a lot into the program and its important that be rewarded when you sell.

If you are keen to chat about how you can use my as an agent, or just to chat about options as you evaluate your program I’m really happy to have a chat, so I hope you feel comfortable getting in touch!

Costing a shorter calving period

Fertility is one of the most important aspects of a beef breeding business.  Fertility tends to be an overarching term applied to the number of calves that are born each year. Maximising the number of calves born and weaned annually requires attention on several areas in the herd.

While bull fertility is a significant contributor, there is also the aspects of female fertility.  Female fertility is impacted directly by daily energy intake.  This influences her condition score, and her ability to produce the hormones required to trigger ovulation and place the female in cycle for conception when exposed to a bull.

One area that I have often wanted my clients to focus on is the time between calving and re-joining.  This period is a critical window for producers, as it determines if you will achieve a calf born every 12 months.  A 12-month calving is the key benchmark for many herds striving to maintain or improve fertility and ultimately herd productivity.

“A 12-month calving is the key benchmark for many herds striving to maintain or improve fertility and ultimately herd productivity.”

This window is set by several boundaries.  The first is the actual period taken by gestation.  In cattle, gestation length is an average of 282 days.  As an average, this means there will be some animals that calve earlier, and some a bit later.  The other time component is the length of time that females require to recovery from calving ahead of a return to oestrus.   

This period can be influenced by the nutritional levels of feed on offer.  It is also impacted by the age of the female as well as a sight genetic influence.   

There are some significant advantages in having females which can join earlier.  An early joining which in turn results in an earlier calving buys the female some time ahead of the next calving season.  For instance, joining over a 6 – 9-week period would see those early calving females have several additional weeks to recover and return to oestrus for the next joining.   

As well as this advantage, naturally enough, those females who calve earlier will have several weeks advantage for their calves who can express additional growth compared to those born in the middle and end of the joining period.  This adds significantly to weaning weight and offers a chance to select replacements from animals that are slightly older and heavier from the new generation. 

A shorter calving interval offers significant financial benefits as well.  Research shows significant differences between herds that calve over 2 months and those with a longer (5 month) calving period.  The average difference in calf weaning weight is around 28kgs, which on the current EYCI values is $9.96 / kg translates to $278.88 / head 

A calf every 12 months should be the major target for breeding herds

Shortening calving is therefore a financially rewarding ambition for beef herds.  There are several ways to approach this ambition. 

Management Targets

Ideally females should be calved in a Fat Score of 2.5 – 3.5.  This means carefully managing pre calving nutrition.  It also means that heifers or cows that are lighter in condition will take longer to recover before returning to oestrus.   

For producers with lighter females, this could be addressed by increasing energy in the daily ration for lactating cows.  It’s important to remember that once calving occurs, females’ energy intake doubles.  This extra energy is often provided by metabolising fatness.  So, producers with light cows should supplement to make the ration meet the increased demands for the females. 

Selection Targets

While fertility is strongly influenced by environmental impacts – particularly nutrition, it is possible to select for those animals which are genetically suited to be more fertile and likely to conceive earlier.  

This can be done through using selection tools such as the Days to Calving EBV and the Gestation Length EBV. 

The Days to Calving EBVs are estimates of genetic differences between animals in the time from the start of the joining period (i.e., when the female is introduced to a bull) until subsequent calving. Lower, or more negative, Days to Calving EBVs are generally more favourable. 

Gestation Length EBVs address the time between the bull entering the herd and conception.

Gestation length can be defined as the period from the date of conception (i.e., when the female gets in calf) to when the subsequent calf is born. Shorter gestation length is generally associated with lighter birth weight, improved calving ease and improved re-breeding performance among dams. In addition, calves born with a shorter gestation length may be heavier at weaning due to more days of growth post-birth. Lower or more negative Gestation Length EBVs are more favourable. 

Improving fertility requires addressing long and short term goals in the herd

Combining long term selection with strategic management is the most effective way to move fertility levels towards more productive and financially rewarding levels.  The process should be seen as a combination of short- and long-term goals. 

Selling cattle - are you looking at the costs as well?

Cattle prices in Australia have reached record levels. One of the most referenced indicators is the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator – or EYCI.  This indicator is used to describe animals on a 7-day rolling average. Based on the reports from 25 major saleyards across Australia it is expressed as cents per kilogram carcase (or dressed) weight (¢/kg cwt).

While the EYCI shows the general trend for young cattle, it is important to remember that there is a fair range of cattle that are assessed to make up this indicator.  Cattle which are assessed as part of the EYCI include vealer and yearling heifers and steers.  These cattle are assessed for average muscle and are within the range of fat scores 2 – 3.  The weight range extends from 200kg up to yearling steers over 400kgs.

The role of the EYCI is to describes the general movements in cattle market prices.  And while it generally closely reflects the physical prices offered for cattle, not all animals fit into the range described by the EYCI.  So, while being closely reflected in physical sale prices, it is sometimes unrealistic to expect the price paid for your cattle will exactly match the reported EYCI value for the date of your sale.

The other area that often cause disappointment for producers at sale time is the issue of selling costs.  While it is accepted there is a cost in selling, it is important to be sure these costs are clear and explained up front to ensure transparency at sale time.

In most cases producers who sell cattle through a licensed saleyard will have series of costs to consider.  In the first instance there is a transport cos to move animals from farm to sale yard.  This is generally charged at a kilometre rate.  Transporters will set their fees depending on the size of the truck and the distance to travel, as well as the number of animals to be moved.  

It is possible to use a transport calculator, developed by NSW DPI to calculate the cost per head once you receive a quote. This can be useful in ensuring your gross margin calculations are as accurate as possible. 

At the sale yards there is a general cost charged per head, based on the use of the yards.  These range anywhere from $6.70 / head to $10.70 /head depending on location.  In addition, the yard operators (either the private company or the local council) will also include a NLIS scanning fee which ranges from $2.30 to $3.20/hd and possibly a weighing fee which may be around $0.50/hd.  As well as these costs, each animal is charged an MLA transaction levy of $5.00 for use in marketing and research for the industry.

The other cost is the commission charged by the livestock agent to market the animals (generally by open cry auction) and ensure the transaction is carried out and the purchaser pays for the animals.  Agents operate on a commission paid on the sale price of the lot – before the fees are deducted.  Commission is charged anywhere from 3.5% to 5.5%

“ it is important to be sure these costs are clear and explained up front to ensure transparency at sale time.”

The combination of the fixed selling costs (yard fees, transaction levy and scanning fees) along with the variable fees associated with transport and commission can often be a surprise to producers.  

One strong suggestion is to conduct a gross margin analysis using a template such as that provided by NSW DPI.  This can allow a producer to factor in the costs of sale and use a series of support and lower price thresholds to determine the actual return to the business. 

Weighing & scanning are often fixed fees

Some questions that are worth considering include sale method.  While local saleyards do offer a degree of competition, demand is often determined by buyer attendance.  The ACCC investigation into the cattle market identified that competition for cattle purchase typically takes place within 400km of the point of sale.  This could mean that competition for cattle will depend on what processors, feedlotters or other purchasers are likely to exist in this radius and attend the sale. 

How animals are marketed in advance of a sale is also important to determine demand.  It is worth asking the agents who you could engage how they will market, advertise, and generally build interest and demand for cattle ahead of the sale.

Sale methods don’t have to rely on physical sale yards.  Auctions Plus is the major online platform for cattle and sheep sales.  The opportunity with Auctions Plus lies in the cattle being sold on farm, and the purchasers will pay the cost of transport and will be responsible for the scanning and transfer of the animals on the NLIS data base.  

As a seller the costs are in listing fee - $7.00hd, the transaction levy and the agent commission.  The agent commission should include the pre-sale assessment and listing as well as being on hand for the delivery of the cattle to the new owner. Often this online listing increases the radius for potential buyers and increases demand. 

Ask your agent how they will market and promote your cattle ahead of the sale

However online listing also lends itself to more pre-sale marketing – especially if the agent chosen to undertake the sale is engaged in finding new buyers.  It also allows vendors to set a realistic sae price.  This may not be exactly to the same height as the EYCI currently is but can be a realistic one that reflects the cattle being sold. 

The new LivestockBI platform can give you and your agent confidence in setting a realistic price

Auctions Plus have introduced a new platform to help agents and their clients set realistic reserve prices.  LivestockBi considers the description of the animals, their property location and calculates a recommended sale price.  This is based on similar types of cattle and location as well as showing the high and low process offered in the recent past for those animals. If you work with your agent to use this information, you can set a realistic sale price and ensure that your variable costs as well as those fixed costs are managed and don’t surprise you when the sale is done.

Putting some structure around physical observations

One of the greatest challenges in purchasing a bull is to weigh up his physical suitability for his role as a sire with his genetic potential to influence the herd.  In my mind, these are two very important factors.  However, you can’t approach them both in the same way.

It’s impossible to see genetics!  Looking at a bull you really have no idea what his progeny are likely to be capable of achieving if they are given the right opportunities.  All you can really see when you look at a bull is how well he has grown to that point in his life.  It’s not really possible to know if his appearance is a result of being fed correctly every day.  It’s hard to know what he may look like in your paddock or environment.

This makes genetic information so important.  BREEDPLAN, the major system of reporting the genetic potential of a bull is how we have the opportunity to assess what a bull’s progeny are likely to achieve.  The data recorded on his pedigree, his progeny or any linked relatives gives a better insight into how a bull is likely to influence a program into the future.

However, there is the fact that the bull has to be physically able to do his job of mating with the breeding herd for several seasons.  Therefore, his structure is a key consideration.  It’s also worth noting that structure is a highly heritable trait, which means it will be passed on to progeny.  It’s probably the one part of an assessment you can be confident in the genetic influence when looking at a bull!

One of the challenges for many people is looking at bulls (or cows for that matter) consistently and objectively.  Everyone tends to have their own view of ideal!

However, there is a standard for assessing livestock structure.  The Beef Class Structural Assessment System has been around for many years.  The system uses a score of 1 – 9 to assess traits such as foot structure, claw set, rear legs. 

• A score of 5 is considered ideal

• A score of 4 or 6 shows slight variation from ideal, but this includes most animals, and any animal scoring 4 and 6 would be considered acceptable in any breeding program

• A score of 3 or 7 shows greater variation, but would be acceptable in most commercial breeding programs, however seedstock producers may be wary 

• A score of 2 or 8 are low scoring animals and should be carefully evaluating before using in a breeding program

• A score of 1 or 9 are considered culls

While this does provide good objective assessments, there is often a request from producers for more information regarding the whole animals, including front end, head and eyes, testicles and muscling.  And with that amount of information, it’s often been asked if it was possible just to get a single score for each animal.

Over the past 7 years I’ve been working with a man who has been grappling with these questions, particularly in assessing sheep and goats.  Angus Burnett Smith has been working on ClassiMate for around 10 years and has taken it to a point where it is now offering some great opportunities for producers to objectively assess their livestock.

In the case of Beef cattle, Angus approach me to form a small team to suggest how cattle could be assessed on their physical traits in a way that offered producers a simple summary of the traits and an overall rating on each animal.  Working with well-known industry leaders, Jeff House, Brian Cumming and Alison Hamilton, we initially suggested BCAS as a starting point, with the inclusion of the standard BREEDPLAN assessments for docility and incorporating muscle scores into the observation.

It certainly hasn’t been a small undertaking.  However, in recent weeks I’ve been able to take this pilot concept into commercial reality to assess a group of sale bulls for a breeder in the NSW New England.

Angus has developed a simple app that can be used in the yards on a mobile phone to assess the physical traits of each animal.  This not only scores the animal on a scale of 1 – 100 so that there is a quick visual reference for a producer.  It also evaluates the data collected to provide a score out of 10.

ClassiMate offers a graph for each trait

·       A score of 7 or above is considered an animal with optimal physical traits

·       A score of 4 -6.99 is considered to have acceptable physical traits

·       Scores below 4 are considered as culls for physical traits.

The opportunities with this form of objective assessment are pretty exciting.  Producers can use the app to assess and rank their own animals to help make selection and culling decisions.  Sometimes that can be a pretty difficult process as emotions weigh into decisions on who to cull and who to keep!

For seedstock producers, their own assessments can then be independently verified by an accredited Classimate assessor.  This independent assessment allows animals to be identified as independently and objectively assessed. That information can be used to market and promote animals in sale catalogues or in other media or sales like Auctions Plus.

I’m pretty excited to see a project like this come together. I can’t wait to see the first sale catalogue in Australia with the ClassiMate assessment for cattle in the post!  Hopefully as the main cattle assessor I will be getting out to help a lot of breeders wanting to offer this level of information to their clients in the coming months!

Smoked Beef Cheeseburgers - you'll love them!

One of the more common conversational topics I’m included in is the subject of eating beef.  It’s generally along the lines of “you must enjoy a good steak” or “you must be able to cook a steak”.  In fact, the answers to both of these remarks are the same.  I do enjoy a good steak and I do know how to cook one!

Smoked beef cheesburgers!

To me, beef is one of the most versatile and enjoyable foods.  I love eating beef and I enjoy cooking beef.  So much that I tend to take over people’s BBQ plates; ovens or other cooking strategies just to make sure it's done well.  

Before you think this is unusual, many years ago as a young Beef Cattle Officer with the Department of Agriculture – cooking steak correctly was a key skill requirement.  And to impress older and more experienced officers, it was something I didn’t want to stuff up!  So critical were the Beefo’s, that once during a training workshop all the steaks ordered were sent back not once but twice!  And following the second service, the team went into the kitchen to help the chef and offer some advice on the methods to achieve what was desired.

So, I often feel I have a standard to meet!  However, there is another and ore important consideration.  Every time I eat steak, it’s the result of someone’s work over three or four years (or longer).  Not just in the growth and finishing of that animal. But in the selection of breeders, choice of bulls, investment in pastures and farm infrastructure to handle animals safely and quietly.

I spend my career helping people produce what is and should be a perfect meal of beef.  So, if I do that on farm, I should equally be able to do it as a meal.

I’m always keen to explore and refine how I can cook beef and serve it to my family and to my friends.  I want people to enjoy eating beef as much as I do, and to enjoy the results of many people’s effort in the creation and provision of that meal.  

This year I was gifted a smoker for Christmas.  This is an entirely new method of cooking for me.  I am still learning how to achieve the best results and I’m starting out small.  But what I have done so far has been too exciting not to share!

It’s also a way of getting you to think about your beef meal and enjoy other alternatives to a steak!  

This week I’m going to share my approach to smoked beef cheeseburgers.  If you have a smoker, you’ll love this.  I think you could probably get a similar result with a smoker box on a hooded BBQ.  Either way, it’s a great take on a simple burger meal.

My smoker is a Formetto smoker.  It works by smoking pellets that are fed from a hopper into an ignition box.  The temperature and the auger are controlled electronically so that makes keeping a constant temperature pretty straight forward.  

My smoker is a basic entry one

At the moment I am burning Apple pellets blended with Hickory pellets to see if I can create a flavour that is somewhere between a strong smoke and something a little lighter.  

The practicalities you need to think about – besides the smoker and pellets – are to get your smoker pre heated!  I get mine nice and hot before dialling the temperature down to 1100C.  While it's warming up, I make up my patties and a dry rub.

For the patty I use mince from Woolworths and is marked as being 80% lean (meat) and 20% fat.  This makes sure that you have the right level of juiciness in the burger during the smoking process and that it won’t dry out.

You will want 1.5kgs to make up 8 big patties.  I make mine fairly big as they will shrink during smoking.  Mine are about the size of my fist.  Don’t put anything into the mince such as onion or salt.  Just make it entirely from mince, remember you are not making a rissole!

Once they are done, I coat them in a dry rub.  This rub is fantastic, and I’ve used it enough that I’ve been sharing it with friends who have had a burger!

Coat the patties in the rub and put them in the smoker

For the rub, combine in a bowl the following:

1 teaspoon  cumin

1 teaspoon  oregano

2 teaspoons  garlic powder

2 teaspoons  onion powder

1 tablespoon  chili powder

1 tablespoon   salt

1 tablespoon  paprika

1⁄4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Depending how you feel you can reduce the chilli powder in the rub.  I’ve done 2/3 tablespoon and it’s still been really good!

Once you coat them all over, take them out to the smoker and put them straight on the grill.  Cooking time is about 60 minutes, and I check mine with a meat thermometer at 45 and 50 minutes.  

At 45 minutes I also place a slice of Monterey Jack Cheese on the burger.  It will melt over the burger but won’t burn, and it tastes amazing.  

At the 60 minute mark I get a bit tricky and fire up the BBQ grill.  I give the patties a quick grill (2 minutes) to add a little char and flavour and that’s it!  These go straight onto the burger buns and serve with your choice of lettuce, beetroot and tomato!  

For me this is something different.  It gives me another way to appreciate and enjoy red meat, and I’ pretty sure that if I shared it with my producer’s, they would reckon I’ve used their product well!

Give it a go and let me know what it was like!

Selling cattle online?

Selling cattle online is not a new concept.  Online marketing of cattle began over two decades ago in Australia with the launch of CALM – Computer Aided Livestock Marketing.  CALM was the forerunner to the most recognised and popular system of selling in Australia – AuctionsPlus.  

Online listing allows buyers to bid on stock from any device

To my mind the keystone to the trust and success of AuctionsPlus is the independent and objective description that is supplied on all animals listed for sale.  If you have never looked at an AuctionsPlus listing, you will see that every lot is described for basic traits such as sex, age, weight, breed, temperament and pregnancy status.  But there are also plenty of other details such as breeding details, pasture and feed types and even notes on the background of the cattle or sheep.  

Listings also have photographs and videos so you can see the cattle as well as read the details and notes.  

AuctionsPlus is a platform where livestock will be auctioned in an open system and bids can be taken from anywhere in the country.  

As a producer seeking to earn the highest return the opportunity to advertise and expose cattle to a national audience has great appeal.  The more people who see your cattle, the greater the opportunity to have competitive bidding and potentially a better return.

Elite Livestock Auctions in action at the 2020 Texas Angus Bull sale

The opportunity to list and expose cattle to a wider audience has not been lost on other providers of online sales.  There are now other platforms such as Elite Livestock Auctions, which allows producers the opportunity to participate in and bid on auctions that are held in another location.  As 2020 highlighted, the restrictions on travel meant many people couldn’t physically attend bull sales or seedstock auctions.  This platform gave many people the same capacity to participate.  

It also became obvious to many that attending sales online, either to buy sires or to sell or buy commercial cattle, resulted in huge savings of time and money.  For some people, the time saved in travel opened up greater efficiencies within their own program to do other things before and after a sale.

Other platforms such as Herd Online allow cattle to be listed for sale and are available for potential purchase for a two week period.  Again, the descriptions and images provided are integral to informing producers about the animals and what traits and characteristics are displayed.  

Online listings can save clients time and money to find cattle...

“While there are many advantages, online selling doesn’t mean you or your agent can relax too much!  ”

The additional benefits of online selling, beyond the broader exposure include a reduction in cost of vendors as well as purchasers.  Purchasers can save time by looking online before travelling.  Vendors don’t have to muster and truck cattle to saleyards.  This can create savings in time, reduction in livestock stress during the ale process as well as eliminating additional costs such as yard and transport fees.

While there are many advantages, online selling doesn’t mean you or your agent can relax too much!  

Over time I have heard many people complain their online sales results weren’t what they expected.  It’s common to hear, that “the price was too low”, “no one bid” “it’s not worth the hassle – I can sell them through the yards for the same money” etc...  Some of these are possibly fair points.  However, I don’t think that this is the fault of the process.  Rather I think it underlines the difference between selling and marketing.

In my mind selling is a transaction where someone will buy cattle (often as economically as possible) for their budget.  Most people look for bargains and will try and get them.  And most people are a bit lazy and won’t look too hard!  If they see something that sort of fits, they often buy it so they can get onto their next task! 

Using an online platform to sell cattle does expose cattle to these people.  But you have to remember that your cattle are now competing in a national marketplace.  The audience may be bigger, but if they are just looking to buy, they may not look at everything on offer.  And potentially your cattle may miss out.

That’s the risk of just selling.

Marketing, on the other hand is, in my mind at least, the process of creating awareness and demand for your cattle.  This in turn creates interest and should encourage people to purchase as an informed choice, not just as a lazy “it’ll do” choice but as a purchase of the right option.   

Online platforms are perfect to support marketing.  These platforms give you the chance to tell potential buyers more about your cattle than just breed, age sex and weight.  You can use these as starting points to describe the markets they suit or the roles in a herd they could fill as breeders or trade cattle.  

Online listings open up opportunities for purchasers in any location

While some people are happy just to rest on the AuctionsPlus descriptions for example, the smart producers (and agents) make sure they promote and create awareness of cattle that are due to be marketed.  The capacity to link and share images and websites means there is no excuse not to promote your cattle more – to market them – in order to make the most of both the platform and the article you have prepared.

This year as I build the stock and station agency side of RaynerAg, you can bet I will be marketing my client’s cattle.  I don’t want them just to be sold!  I want the cattle that we have worked to breed and prepare to go to producers, finishers or processors because those buyers knew about them and wanted them!!  That’s my job!  To create the awareness and demand that underpins the sale result.  

I’ll definitely use online platforms this year.  Afterall I have clients across the country looking to buy and sell stock.  But every time I list cattle, I’ll make sure the value of online listing is capitalised on through good promotion and marketing methods.

So, this year when you do plan on your sale methods, ask yourself or your agent if those methods are just selling or are, they marketing?  If you want to talk marketing options, I’m happy to help as well.  Either way, use the tools such as online to their best capacity.  Don’t relax and think online listing is the end of the process.  Instead, it’s the start of connecting with clients who may really want your cattle.  But they won’t buy them if they don’t know about them!

Avoid feeding risks this winter

Managing the winter feed gap can often be a challenge for producers. This gap is often characterised by a lack of available feed, which limits the daily intake of energy for stock. Quite simply, cattle can’t physically eat enough to meet their daily energy requirements.

Calving doubles a cows energy demands

The pressure this lack of available feed places on cattle is often exacerbated by other factors that include cold, wet or even snowy conditions which require additional energy to stay warm. And in many herds the end of winter is often a time where many spring calving herds see the first calves born. The energy requirement for a cow who has just calved effectively doubles with the calves arrival!

“focussing on the most appropriate supplement and correct feeding strategies to avoid waste and potential health risks.”

This period is really characterised by an energy deficit, bought about by the lack of available feed and the increased demand. So, for producers looking to manage this period, their focus needs to be on addressing the deficit. In turn this requires focussing on the most appropriate supplement and correct feeding strategies to avoid waste and potential health risks.

Providing energy to cattle often means considering the use of cereal grains; hays or silages or processed products such as pellets. Often rations will comprise a mix of grains and hays. It’s important to introduce grain into a ration over a period of days. The rumen needs time to adjust to the introduction of starch, so rushing a ration is something to avoid.

Even though you may plan on using a grain, or pellets, remember the rumen still requires some fibre to function effectively. So rations need to include around 20% roughage to avoid upset.

The other key risk is associated with how you may feed a ration. Grains and mixes can be fed daily in troughs or through feeders. This requires making some calculations to ensure that the feeder holds enough for the daily feeding levels. Don’t skimp on the never of feeders either. Cattle that can’t access feeders - by being shy or because they are smaller and easily bullied by more dominant animals can run the risk of either not eating and so falling short of their energy target. Or they may wait until the feeder is free and then gorge on the ration which can cause digestive upsets.

“It’s been demonstrated that feeding hay or silage onto the ground can result in wastage elevates of around 30% and that when it gets wet this can increase to 45%.
”

Feeding directly on the ground can also present risks for cattle. While pellets and hay can be fed out and consumed by cattle, there is a strong risk that cattle can inadvertently consume faeces, contaminated dirt or other materials that can cause either health problems or damage internal organs. An additional issue is that of waste. It’s been demonstrated that feeding hay or silage onto the ground can result in wastage elevates of around 30% and that when it gets wet this can increase to 45%.

Feeding on the ground poses risks from contamination such as manure

One cost effective strategy to feed pellets or mixed rations can be to construct troughs out of conveyor belting. This method allows troughs to be made to suit the mob size and can be easily disassembled or moved around. I have seen effective systems that use pipes bent into a shape to allow troughs to be built and moved. I’ve also seen other systems that use star pickets and wire to keep the belt in place.

Either method reduces the risk of consuming contaminated materials as well as reducing waste.

The important consideration is that the feed that is being provided is suited for the daily requirements of your stock without increasing risks.

If you are unsure how to plan a winter feeding program, don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss the best method for your business.

Think about the raw data sheet at bull sales

The Spring Bull sales are well underway in Northern NSW. There have been a lot of successful sales in 2020, and this reflects a few things. Firstly there is a strong sense of optimism in the cattle industry, largely due to seasonal changes and strong market values. There’s also the influence of the intense selection placed on bulls over the last few years.

2020 bull sales have been highly successful to date

Breeders have definitely had a much greater level of selection placed on their bulls. Anything not making the grade has not been kept on for this years catalogue of sires. So this year is the year many people are using as the chance to upgrade their bull battery.

One message I have been providing for many years to producers is the importance of doing some research and preparation ahead of the bull sales. Its vital to think about the performance of your herd, and to look closely at the traits you want to improve or adjust to meet your environment and your markets. Performance records are a really important tool that can make these decisions more focussed and help refine selection of bulls for a program.

However not all data is the same, and it’s important to remember the difference between raw data (often provided on sale day) and performance records (published EBVs).

Consider selection of bulls as a process that starts well before the sale

EBVs are generated through the collection of large amounts of data that include not only the bull you are interested in, but the performance records of progeny, siblings and pedigrees. Collected over many herds and in many environments, EBVs are essential in describing the potential a sire can offer your future calves.

In contrast, raw data is really just a series of measurements taken at a single point in time, on one animal. There are people who use raw data in their comparisons, but if you do this, it’s important to realise that this data is a reflection of the nutrition and the pedigrees of animals in that particular program. However there are other factors that are in play as well.

These include:

• The age of the bull

• The age of the dam

• Was the bull a single calf or a twin

• Was the bull produced as a result of ET

These are all non genetic influences on the animal over and above nutrition and genetics.  It’s very difficult to know what these additional influences are or how to account for them in a selection decision. The combination of these factors can mean producers looking at raw data are really looking at differences that are a result of these multiple factors, rather than for the genetic differences in animals.  

“Selection on raw data is further complicated by the heritability of individual traits.  Highly heritable traits such as coat colour can be an easy selection decision, as these traits can be easily passed on to progeny.
”

Selection on raw data is further complicated by the heritability of individual traits.  Highly heritable traits such as coat colour can be an easy selection decision, as these traits can be easily passed on to progeny.

However, as a trait becomes less heritable it is harder to see these differences reflected on the basis of raw data alone.  Producers attempting to manipulate traits to meet breeding objectives in areas such as female fertility have a harder job to select for improvement when they are reliant on raw data and visual observation.  It’s not an impossible task, however it is a much more difficult, and drawn out process over several generations.

Selection includes analysis of EBVs, physical inspection and looking at raw data

There is also a third consideration. What is the relationship between the trait that has been recorded and the traits that are the focus of breeding decisions?  Not all traits follow linear progressions.  In the case of scanned data for EMA.  The size of EMA at a particular point in time may not be reflective of increased muscularity, but rather a result of growth rate to that point in time.  A larger EMA may be more reflective of the growth and weight of the animal when it was scanned. 

I’m often concerned when producers place all their emphasis on the raw data of animals as the basis for their selection decisions.  Without knowing the cumulative impact of the environment, feed, and other non-genetic factors, bulls are being selected more on reflection of the year’s circumstances, rather than on their genetic capability.  This often works in a counterproductive manner to selection pressure placed on the breeding group at home.

Bidding on bulls should be the final step in a process that started at home thinking about the traits you need to meet your breeding objectives

Early planning allows time to consider a wider range of more accurate information and to consider the availability of data from Breedplan rather than reliance on raw data on sale day.  Combined with selection pressure these two areas do have a positive influence on genetic progress in any herd. 

Time to check the simple things

In the last few weeks I have been catching up on industry research and some reports on financial performance of beef and red meat producers.  One of the interesting things I’ve come across has been the commonality among successful producers.  It doesn’t matter where producers are located, it seems the mindset of the most successful producers is very similar.

The top 25% of producers focus on 5 key things

In a nutshell the five common traits successful producers all share are:

 ·      The willingness to think independently and differently

·      They approach their farm as a business and operate with a businesslike approach

·      They have a plan and stick to it

·      They actively seek new information, rationally assess it, and apply elements of benefit to their business

 Most importantly, they get the simple things right!

When you stop and think about these points, they seem pretty straightforward.  However, nothing is ever that straightforward.  I have met many producers who tend to focus on plans and other traits but overlook the simple things that combine to make a business productive and ultimately more profitable.

“Most importantly, they get the simple things right”

In a similar line of thinking, I recently saw an article from the US which was called “Beware the few extra cents”.  The article looked at the practice may producers fall into of using additional inputs to their production system to address perceived problems.  These range from feed additives to other products.

One of the concerns is that when you start purchasing these additions, even if it is only a few cents a day per head, those cents quickly mount up.  More significantly, by just buying a product to deal with a problem, the real cause is left unchecked and can gradually become an even greater issue.

Sometimes we just have to accept that there is no quick fix or silver bullet to problems!  Often these problems fall into the overlooked basket and tend to be themselves the result of not getting the simple things right.

Focussing on simple things is essential t be profitable

When I looked at some results for southern production system one thing stood out for me.  The more successful farmers had a very close control on their variable costs.  Variable costs are those directly related to an enterprise.  These are things like feed costs; health treatments and those other costs such as selling or transport. 

Its very interesting to note this level of “cost management”.  Rather than adding in extra costs – the few cents a day, more profitable producers seek to find ways to fix address problems through their management strategies.  This can take a bit longer and for some people it may mean doing something differently to tradition.  But if it works it can lead to substantial enterprise savings.

Our challenge is to look at what we are doing and see if we actually are getting the basics in our programs right.  So, this means critically thinking about the processes we have, the data we capture and the plans we set.  Often this is a harder challenge to do, especially being objective about a particular management style.

“A gross margin helps you look critically in black and white”

One strategy I often use, is to sit down and start with a basic Gross Margin analysis of a system.  Gross Margins work to separate the income and expenditure associated with a single enterprise.  So it takes away the noise of the overall business costs – the fixed costs.  

It gives you a chance to see what income is actually being derived from the enterprise.  How much came in from all the sales.  And then what were the costs.  How much was actually spent on inputs for health, sales, transport, feed or those other costs for the program.  

When you see that in black and white you get the opportunity to critically check what is going on.  Are those inputs needed? Or can you achieve better production through improved management of pastures; changing turn off times or being more focussed on fertility to have more calves on the ground?  

At every point ask yourself, are you getting the simple things right?  Are you focussing on those things you can control?  If you know the answers you can work on becoming a more profitable and productive producer.  If you’re not sure where to start, you will probably see the cost of getting some external advice is actually cheaper than a few cents a day that wont fix the long term problems.

What should I consider before restocking after the drought or the fire

The last few weeks have seen a dramatic turn around in many parts of NSW and Qld.  It’s been very exciting to get phone calls from clients telling me they have full dams, and green paddocks again.  Of course the drought isn’t over for many people in the western and southern areas yet. And its also important to remember a lot of the recent rain has been storm rain and so its been a bit patchy.

Nonetheless there are quite a few people now starting to talk about restocking and getting business going again.  If you are thinking along these lines, I thought it would be worth taking the time to cover some key points before you become too committed.

1.     Pastures  

No doubt the green paddocks do look impressive.  I have even seen some offers of agistment already.  However, you need to make some objective assessments of what is really growing.  What species have recovered from the drought (or fire).  How well established are they?  

At the very least you need to do some monitoring or herbage mass and growth rates.  How much do you really have now in kilograms of dry matter / ha (kg / DM / Ha)

How much pasture do you really have in Kg / DM /Ha?

I’d also encourage you to think how fast is it growing?  Sub soil moisture takes some time to replenish and its possible the plants you have don’t have roots that go deep or are using the topsoil layer and the moisture from falls recently.  For your pastures to do well they need moisture and nutrition.  These could still be lacking in some areas.

Lastly, do a fodder budget.  How much feed is growing now?  How much do you have?  How long will it last?  

Source: Evergraze

Consider your pasture growth curve and manage stock numbers to pasture growth

Remember some areas will soon enter the traditional winter feed gap.  Plants will slow their growth and this really means that what you grow in the next four weeks is likely to have to last until Spring.  So that needs t be assessed and entered into your calculations for stock numbers.

2.     Weeds  

I wrote previously about the impact of weeds and the risks with poisoning and animal health.  You need to check that not all the green you see are due to weeds or less desirable species.  Weeds need to be controlled and removed not only for your animals, but to give your pastures the opportunity to grow. 

“Weeds need to be controlled for both your animal health and for your pasture to thrive”

It’s important not to be complacent with weeds.  Don’t assume that weeds will be restricted to areas you fed in.  The dust storms will have spread weeds, as will birds and feral animals that snuck in to eat rations you provided.  Weed seeds will have spread further than you think, so keep looking for their emergence.

 3.     Purchasing Livestock – Do the numbers!!  

The last few weeks have seen the market rapidly spike with the demand for stock as people try to get animals into programs.  Before you start to purchase stock I cannot stress enough the importance of doing some correct economic calculations!  The best way to do this is to use an enterprise gross margin.  

Gross margins are great in allowing you to do comparisons between enterprises.  The gross margin looks only at the variable costs associated with an enterprise.  For livestock you can compare on a per hectare or per DSE to see which enterprise gives the best return.

Use a Gross Margin to determine a realistic budget

I recommend using a simple template.  One of the best is available from the NSW DPI and is an excel based template that covers livestock (and cropping) enterprises.  The value in such a template is it allows you to check on a series of different assumptions, including various price increases to purchase and to sell stock.

It also includes costs such as health costs; fodder costs transport and sale costs.  The calculation will help you work out a break even price!

4.     Be realistic about growth of trading stock

Making money in trading stock depends on growth of animals in the period of time they are in your ownership.  Its important to do the sums based on realistic levels of growth.  This will depend on what pasture you have; how long your growing season is and ow much weight you need to put on.  

How much weight do you want to gain in the time period you have nominated?

For example if your budget is calculated at putting on 150kg from purchase to sale, then what daily growth rate does that require?  Not every pasture, particularly those entering a winter feed gap will sustain high growth rates.  Does that mean additional costs in fodder?  If it does what do those things do to your gross margin?

5.     Genetics

Restocking is a chance to start with genetics that are better than you previously had.  Good genetics need to be researched.  Think about the type of cattle that suit your environment and your markets.  You don’t necessarily have to go back and do the same thing.

Do the research and look for genetics that suit your environment and your market

 6.     Introducing new animals

When you do purchase new stock, you need to consider the risks (as well as the opportunities)!  New stock can bring issues associated with disease; weeds or the fact they are unfamiliar with your environment and need time to adjust. 

Firstly you need to request an animal health statement so that you can have some reassurance about the new animals health status as well as any treatments they may have had.  This should be kept, along with the appropriate NVD or waybill in your programs LPA records.

Your new animals need some time in quarantine or isolation from your existing stock.  This allows them to exhibit any health issues that may be of concern as well as voiding any weeds or pests they have bought with them.  

I generally recommend that this period is at least three weeks (21 days).  I’d use this time to treat all new arrivals with a broad spectrum drench and a 5 in 1 booster.  Its also a good chance for them to settle and get to know you and tour team.  Spend some time educating them by walking or driving around them.  If you use bikes or horses, these may be things new stock have never seen, so its better to educate them now in a confined paddock than later when they make really spook!

Get your new animals used to your methods

Its also a good chance to educate them to your yards and to your other methods such as feeding from feeders or racks.  

When you d let them int the main program I suggest letting them mingle with a coacher group to show them where the water sources and other paddock features are. 

7.     Update & maintain your records

Don’t forget that as a purchaser of livestock if will be your responsibility to update the NLIS database of the stock you are transferring onto your property. 

There are plenty of producers who forget to do this as they have really only sold stock and purchased bulls from sales where the transfers were done for them. Remember the obligation is on you as the purchaser to make sure the transfer is done.

Your LPA records need to reflect these movements as well. It’s handy to quickly be able to refer to where the new stock have come from and when.

Restocking is an exciting part of getting back into business.  It’s something I’m enjoying advising my friends and clients on.  However when you do, take the time to consider these points.  I think a good plan saves a lot of mistakes and avoids some unexpected costs.  Don’t forget if you want a hand, please get in touch. 

Watch out for these weeds

The potential for stock to consume poisonous plants is always much higher following droughts a break in the season or when moving into a new location.  The capacity of weds to quickly respond to moisture often means they are the only green and growing vegetation in the first period after rain.  And for hungry stock, the desire to nibble or chew these plants can be too great to ignore.  

There are literally hundreds of poisonous plants growing across Australia.  Some are endemic to locations, while others are much more common.  In the last few weeks there have been a few issues emerging with weeds across many areas and its worth taking a moment to look at a few common species.

Pig Weed (Portulacaceae) is one of the more common weeds to emerge after rain, particularly on bare and disturbed areas.  It’s a succulent lush feed that stock will readily eat if they have the opportunity.  However-Pig Weed is often high in nitrates and oxalates, which in high concentrations can prove fatal for stock.   

Pigweed is a common weed in disturb or bare areas

Caltrop (Tribulous) is another weed that is associated with nitrate poisoning.  Again, this plant rapidly responds to rain fall and spreads out across disturbed and bare soil.   The Yellow Vine Caltrop (Tribulus micrococcus) is an Australian species confined very much to NSW and the north west areas in particular.  Besides the risk of nitrate poisoning Caltrop is associated with staggers in sheep. Often this occurs when sheep have grazed paddocks that are dominated by caltrop over many months.  

Caltrop is associated with nitrate and staggers in sheep

According to NSW DPI this can lead to a progressive and irreversible weakness in a sheep’s hind limbs.  This gradually will progress to the forelimbs and eventually the weakness will prevent the animal from standing or accessing feed or water. The disease is only recorded in central NSW, and may take some moths to develop, so it’s one to consider if caltrop is dominating a pasture. 

While this disease has been recorded in NSW among sheep flocks, it doesn’t appear to impact cattle. 

Several other common weed species that pose risks for nitrate poisoning include Fat Hen; Variegated thistle and Blackberry.

Preventing Poisoning:  The biggest risk is often associated with hungry stock accessing these weeds.  This rapid consumption of the plant means the rumen microbes cannot quickly convert the high levels of nitrate to ammonia.  Animals that are in week or low body condition are also less effective in converting nitrates and are more susceptible to poisoning.

The simplest message for producers is to avoid allowing hungry stock to access these weeds.  This may mean fencing off areas that are dominated by these plants until other species have recovered.  It also means continuing to maintain drought rations a little longer while pastures re grow.  There is an added bonus with these rations.  NSW DPI research highlights animals receiving carbohydrate-rich feeds can tolerate high nitrate and nitrite levels better than stock who are not fed. This is because energy from carbohydrates (grain) helps rumen microbes convert nitrite to ammonia. 

Kikuyu Poisoning:  While an uncommon issue, the last few years have seen a number of coastal and northern NSW producers lose cattle to Kikuyu poisoning.  The reasons are not fully understood; however, some research suggests a fungus is associated with the plant and this may be a contributing factor.  

Kikuyu poisoning damages the stomachs of cattle, resulting in a situation where fluid accumulates in the rumen, but can't be absorbed into the blood stream.  When this occurs cattle physically can’t drink as their rumen is at capacity.  Cattle may try to drink however they are physically unable to take in any water.  This leads to dehydration and eventual death.  

The challenge with this disease is it’s almost impossible to determine if kikuyu is a risk as affected kikuyu does not look any different to safe kikuyu.  However, experience on the north coast of NSW suggests affected kikuyu is likely to be less palatable to cattle and they will avoid it if alternative feed is available.  

Kikuyu poisoning on the NSW mid north coast (Image: The Land)

Most of the recorded deaths in recent years have occurred in paddocks when the cattle have no alternative feed available and the losses seem to end when cattle are removed from the affected pasture, or at least when they are offered alternative feed (silage or hay).

The risk seems greatest in periods of rapid growth following the season break.  Again, having alternative feeds and not introducing hungry stock are major steps producers can take to prevent losses.

Lantana: Lantana poisoning is a major concern across many parts of Australia. Most poisoning comes when stock are introduced to areas where the plant is growing and start to eat it out of curiosity.  Yong stock are the most susceptible.  Cattle bred in areas where lantana is common have learnt to avoid the plants unless starving.

The risk from Lantana comes from triterpene acids, lantadene A (rehmannic acid), lantadene B. Research into lantana has shown a toxic dose for a 500 kg cow varies from about 5 to 20 kg of fresh leaf (one per cent or more of an animal's body weight), depending on the toxin content of the lantana eaten. 

Young cattle and stock new to an area are most at risk from lantana poisoning

Lantana poisoning can result in photosensitisation (which is extreme sensitivity to sunlight); liver damage and jaundice.  In extreme cases one feed of lantana can result in signs appearing within 24 hours and death may occur in 2 – 4 days.  Although if untreated death may take a week to a fortnight.

Treatment needs to occur quickly if animals are to recover.  Without raid veterinary treatment severely affected cattle almost invariably die within 10 days of eating the plant. However, cattle that are responded to quickly have a good chance of recovery. 

The key message is to avoid grazing new stock or young stock in areas where lantana grows.  No matter how aware cattle may be of lantana, hungry stock will always be at risk, so try and avoid grazing hungry stock in those paddocks.

“If you see something unusual, don’t hesitate, call your vet and get help!”

Ultimately most weed poisonings are likely when stock are hungry and tempted to have a feed.  As we come out of drought for the first few weeks the only green pants will be weeds. In those instances, try and restrict access and keep your rations in front of your stock.  Most importantly if you see animals showing any unusual signs or symptoms, don’t wait, call your vet and get help!

Do you know the residue status of your cattle?

One of the greatest marketing strengths of Australian beef is the reputation it possesses as “Clean, Green & Safe”.  With over 130 market destinations internationally, consumers choose Australian beef for those three words.  

Our ability to trade and ultimately to have a viable industry is underpinned by those words.  

Clean, green & safe. The reputation of Australian beef overseas

This is a restaurant in Shanghai promoting Australian beef - Natural & Safe

As producers there is a huge requirement to ensure practices on farm are consistent with these themes.  Over the past few years there has been a concerted effort not only to help shape the practices on farm that producers should embrace, there has also been a framework developed to allow producers to prove this if challenged.

The Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program is the most obvious on farm proof for producers.  The records kept on farm, including on farm Biosecurity plans are documented evidence that can be audited and used to demonstrate the commitment producers have to best beef production systems.

As most producers know, participation in LPA allows access to the current version of the National Vendor Declaration (NVD).  It’s practically impossible to sell livestock to feedlots or abattoirs without a correctly completed NVD.  

Correctly completed NVDs are essential in underpinning our production statements

An NVD provides potential customers with a range of information that underpins their decisions on purchasing livestock. Many of these decisions are linked to food safety requirements that form part of marketing arrangements or restrict access to markets.  So, getting this information right the first time helps reduce the risk of damaging the markets confidence in “Clean, Green & Safe”

As producers signing an NVD there are several questions that require answers regarding feed programs, health treatments and residue status.  Feed and health treatments can be cross checked with on farm LPA records.  But what about residue status?

“In the past 6 months have any of these animals been on a property listed on the ERP database or placed under any restrictions because of chemical residues?”

From the 13th of January 2020, its now possible to check the Warning status of any PIC on the National Livestock Identification Database.  In the past producers who may have received warnings as the result of residue or other programs assigned by State of Commonwealth government bodies were harder to locate.  This meant that the responsibility for correctly answering Question 5 on the NVD “In the past 6 months have any of these animals been on a property listed on the ERP database or placed under any restrictions because of chemical residues?” fell to the individual vendor.

While vendors have an obligation to correctly and honestly answer this question, there are concerns that cattle may have been agisted on properties where the ERP status was not known.  This made answering the question difficult.  Not to mention the occasions when the question was incorrectly answered.  This posed a risk for processors and for the integrity of our industry.

In order to make the system more robust, processors and feedlot operators were able to use the NLIS data base to check the status of a PIC consigning cattle to them.  This did help reduce the risk of animals entering the food chain before they were eligible.  However, for producers seeking to purchase cattle or who were sending cattle to agistment, this hasn’t been an option.

Producers, agents, feedlotters & processors can all check for status assigned to a PIC

However, the change to the Early Warning System announced by Integrity Systems, the operators of the NLIS database, now allows anyone who has access to the NLIS database to search for and see if a PIC has a status assigned to it.

It’s worth noting that it won’t be possible to see which individual animal may have a status assigned to it.  However, in the overall operation of the NVD question it refers to any animals that are listed on the form.  

These changes were made following a lot of industry feedback and should be seen as a way to increase transparency and certainty around cattle.  For producers it’s a chance to look for and manage risks with purchasing or agisting stock. It also means greater certainty in their responses to the NVD questions.  

While the ability to search and check the stats assigned to a PIC is important in determining the level of risk associated with purchasing cattle, I think its also a great way to keep abreast of your own PIC status. It doesn’t hurt to check regularly and make sure that all is in order with your own records.

 For more specific details or answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please follow this link to Integrity Systems Information pages.  

Managing the Green Pick

Its exciting to see the monsoon starting to bring much needed rain to northern Australia.  While its only early days, the reports from people fortunate to have been under falls have been great to hear.  

In southern Australia, particularly in northern NSW and Southern Qld, the changing weather patterns have seen storms finally starting to deliver reasonable falls in many areas.  Sadly like all storm rain, not everyone is fortunate enough to receive the rain they need.  While its also a long way from drought breaking, some places have had enough rain to see creeks rise and dams fill.  So it’s a good start, and hopefully one that sees the drought start to break.

Managing cattle on green pick may require maintaining supplements for a bit longer

One of the challenges that comes with these early showers and storms is the need to manage your livestock as pastures recover.  The early stages of regrowth, where there is plenty of green pick, can be a time where may programs come unstuck.

The short green feed that comes away post storm and shower will often be very high in moisture, as well as being fairly short and low in overall herbage mass.   The practical implication of this, is stock will use more energy in foraging and grazing than they are able to obtain from the green growth.

“Green Pick is high in moisture, and stock will use more energy chasing this feed than they can actually consume ”

Pastures that are less than 1400kg / DM / Ha will not really sustain cattle.  While sheep may be able to consume more feed as they can graze lower to the ground, their overall intake will also be significantly less than the energy they use to graze.

Its also important to recognise that the new growth needs some time to become fully established.  Grazing early will prevent good root development and can actually set pastures back as plants try to establish themselves.  

Pastures should be at least 5 - 6 cms high before allowing cattle to start grazing

In terms of livestock management, its important to stay with your prepared feeding program for a little longer. Your current rations should provide the daily energy and protein requirements for the stock you have on hand.  

I also recommend where possible you try to avoid allowing your stock to have access to larger paddocks for a little longer.  Larger paddocks encourage your animals to graze and “chase the green pick”.  This often sees them reject their rations and create a situation where energy loss occurs as they avoid their feed troughs to chase the green shoots.  If you can prevent this happening until pasture gains some greater mass, it will be better for both your stock and the new plants.

Livestock health is also an area to be conscious of as new pastures start to come away. There are also some potential animal health issues to be mindful of. The clostridial diseases are a major issue, particularly pulpy kidney.  If you have been feeding for a while your 5 in 1 vaccinations should be up to date.  However if not, you need to start this before you allow too much access to new growth.  Ideally you would try to give the first vaccination now and the second one in 4 – 6 weeks time.  Stock that have been vaccinated will require a booster.

Make sure health programs, particularly 5 in 1 are up to date

Fresh pastures can be deficient in minerals such as calcium and this can lead to metabolic diseases.  Typically this results in seeing animals collapsed as a result of Low blood calcium, or magnesium.  These issues need to be treated swiftly to minimise losses. It is possible to provide supplements to assist in addressing deficiencies, however you need to ensure the right disease issue has been diagnosed by your vet.

Finally one of the real issues with new growth are often weeds.  There are many weeds that can cause poisoning, and after a long period of feeding, there is a potential of new weeds you have not seen before.  It is important to check areas before allowing stock to access them for grazing and make sure the risk of weed poisoning is low.

The real challenge is to have patience for a little longer and give your pastures time to grow and build up enough reserves to support grazing.  Stay with your rations just a little longer.  When you do introduce your stock to paddocks, try to avoid letting them onto pastures with empty stomachs.  Keep a close eye on them for a week or so and ensure there are no issues with metabolic upsets or weeds you haven’t noticed.