Beef production plan for year ahead
As this is the last article of 2017 I would like to wish all readers a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2018, writes
As one year ends, the cycle begins again, and reviewing the previous one allows us to plan for the next.
What lessons have we learned from 2017 and what are we going to change in 2018? Do you have a wish list for 2018, is it a realistic one?
Looking back, 2017 can be summarised as follows:
- A spring with average growth — particularly April.
- A difficult May for silage production.
- Excellent silage was produced before the May 11 before the rain started.
- A small window for silage appeared again in late May.
- A summer with excellent grass growing conditions for most.
- July silage ended up being very dry for many.
- An autumn that started well but got wet quickly, forcing stock indoors early in many areas. A difficult spring cereal harvest.
- So overall a mixed year with plenty of challenges due to weather.
- After this spring where silage pits were close to emptied, most were worried that this winter would see severe fodder shortages. Unfortunately, conditions during the year have resulted in this becoming a reality, particularly in the west and north.
- It is important that we look back at records from previous years in order to improve planning for the next year. Make a list of your production results for the year relative to targets.
- Calves born
- Mortality rates
- Disease Incidence
- Vet calls for sick animals
- Empty cows
- Live weight gain per day
- Weanlings
- Stores
- Finishers
- Grass grown per ha
- Silage yields and quality.
- Cattle kill out performance; Grades, fat covers and prices achieved.
- Meal purchases
- Fertilise usage
- Etc…………………………….
- List any other things you feel are important to your business.
- Did you run out of grass at critical times in the spring and summer?
- Was this due to drought/over stocking, etc?
- Older/unproductive swards.
- Nutrient imbalances in soil-pH and or P&K issues.
- Are you happy with Silage in 2017?
- Most 2017 silage is relatively dry, particularly 2nd cuts, but quality is not as good as most had hoped for.
- Quality was affected by the delayed cutting dates.
- Early May cutting dates should be aimed for.
- Plan now for 2018 silage
- Did some paddocks grow less grass than others?
- Do they need reseeding?
- What is Lime, P & K status?
- Do they need trace elements?
- Is compaction an issue?
- How did crops yield this year?
- Assess soil nutrition before planting in 2018.
- What is soil condition like?
- Are you growing the right crops for your production system?
- What input did you change that did or did not work?
- Did you buy on price and compromise on quality?
- Are there feeds that you have stopped feeding that probably should be re-introduced so as to improve performance?
- Were there any new disease outbreaks?
- What things should you be vaccinating for if anything?
- In suckler herds did the calving season go to plan?
- What was calf survival like?
- Did cows clean easily?
- Did feeding, environment and mineral status influence this?
- If you are in the BDGP are you hitting targets as we head closer to 2020?
- Were suckler offspring of desired quality?
- Did your bull(s) produce consistent quality calves?
- Did you use AI?
- Was heat detection accurate enough to achieve target submission rates?
- How well did first calving heifers perform?
- Did they go back in calf?
- Had they grown sufficiently before calving?
- Did they have enough milk?
- Did finishing animals grade as they should have?
- Many stock continue to be slaughtered in Ireland way before they are properly fit!
- Is the finishing system the correct one for you and your farm?
- Bulls vs bullocks vs heifers?
- Were home grown forages good enough?
- Was the meal quality good enough?
- Was enough meal fed?
- Was grass quality as it should be?
- Do you need help with grassland management?
- Were your herd’s weanlings at the desired weight for sale?
- Did cows produce sufficient milk?
- Was grass quality as it should be?
- How well did bought in stock perform on the farm?
- Were there any losses?
- What were the farm’s losses caused by?
- Stress?
- Disease?
- Was your parasite control strategy effective in 2018
- Wish list for 2018
- So, after reviewing 2017 you should then be in a position to write your wish list for 2018
- I hope that farmers, both beef and dairy will realise the benefits of cutting silage much earlier than they have been over recent years.
- Early May first cuts and consider a three-cut system where you will produce sufficient quantity at significantly better quality. This will reduce concentrate usage and enhance animal performance
- All going well, silage stocks will be replenished around the country.
- Hopefully beef prices will improve, and that quality will be rewarded.
- Let’s hope Munster lift some silverware.
- Tipp win back Liam?
