Autumn bulls: While under 16 month bull production has dropped off, there is still 2,000-4,000 head being slaughtered every week. Margins are very tight and if you are in the system you need to make sure it’s done well. The advice as always is to consult with your processor as to the age and weight of the animals that will be coming fit and likely time of slaughter. To avoid weight penalties, you should aim to have an average carcase weight of under 420kg. A bull with a carcase weight of 420kg at a kill-out of 58% will weigh about 700-720kg liveweight at slaughter. Factoring in an average weight gain of 1.5-1.8kg/day, bulls need to be housed at 500-560kg liveweight. To maintain high levels of performance, concentrates should be given at grass up to about 5kg/day in one to two feeds prior to housing. This will ensure that there is no check in the bulls’ weight gain. The increase to ad-lib meal feeding levels can then take place indoors over a three-week period. Once indoors avoid stressing bulls too much by moving them often and never mix bulls that haven’t been together in pens. When feeding bulls at grass, think safety at all times.

BDGP evaluations: The Department of Agriculture has agreed to allow the November 2020 evaluation be included for the purposes of Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) eligibility. Originally, the September evaluation was to be the final one before the 31 October deadline. Including the November evaluation means that tag/hair samples can now be returned up until 9 September. This should help herds meet the 31 October target by allowing them more time to get samples returned to the lab. Animals will still have to be in a herd on 31 October, but what this change means is that an animal can be deemed eligible where it receives its first genomic evaluation on 24 November. While the final date to have samples returned is now 9 September, ICBF still encourages farmers to return outstanding samples and/or order sampling kits where required as soon as possible.

Spraying docks: Fields that were cut for silage four to five weeks ago are now at an ideal stage for spraying for docks. Leaving them to spray until a seed head is produced will not deliver an effective kill. Spraying may check grass a little so take care if grass is in short supply. Spraying in the morning or late evening and avoiding very sunny conditions will help herbicide uptake. Take care to read the product label and apply the correct rate per hectare. Make sure you have your sprayer course completed and the sprayer is fit for use.

Slurry safety tips: With slurry on the move from next week, it’s important to be vigilant to the dangers around slurry spreading and handling. Always use outdoor agitation points where possible and never enter a shed when slurry is being agitated. Open all doors and outlets to achieve a draft. One lungfull of slurry gas can kill. Let someone know that you are agitating and keep children and animals out of the yard when slurry is being agitated and spread. Make sure all tanks are closed after spreading and the yard is made safe.