The final group have just begun their weaning here. These are the oldest heifer calves and were left until the end as their mothers were in superb condition. They were born between 29 January and 12 March and averaged 355kgs on grass and milk alone, with some topping 400kg.

Overall, the bulling heifers for next year are averaging 310kg so I'm pleased with the performance, especially as one was bucket reared and another's mother died in early June. Breeding them at 350-400kgs will be enough for me as I want a smaller mature cow, if possible.

The bigger group will probably receive half a kg or less of ration for the winter, to ease working with them in future rather than growth.

Heifer management

The key to heifer management for me from now on will be simply spending a little bit of time in the pen with them. It isn't done everyday but results in cows that are calmer and much easier to manage.

Myself or my father stand in the pen and just leave the heifers to walk towards us. Sometimes a bucket with a little bit of ration can be used and eventually they will eat from it. Three pieces of equipment have been added to the replacement cow rearing toolbox in recent years.

A radio is in each house with the weanlings and reduces panic when they hear a strange voice. A whiteboard is on the wall to record any heats we see and some of the older heifers have had a few heats already.

The last piece of equipment might sound a bit odd. It's a curry comb and some of them will make there way towards the front to have their heads brushed. It might sound ridiculous to do all this but it results in more placid animals that follow and walk places calmly, rather than run and panic everywhere. The little bit of time put into this pays off in the long run.

Macra rally

This will be my first October Bank Holiday in years not attending the Macra na Feirme rally. I'd like to wish Rosemary and her organising committee in Laois Macra all the best. I was part of the organising committee in Bantry in 2009 and can vouch for the fact that they are about to experience one of the fastest and most enjoyable weekends in their lives. Safe travelling to and from the event to all members.