Calving has just past the half way mark here. Data recording plays an important role in our system, with calving difficulty ranked 1-4 according to ICBF rankings.

As of 2014, calf weight, height at the shoulder and chest diameter are also recorded with data sent to the ICBF. A decision was made to record the time of calving this year to see if there are any patterns in calving times. If a calf suckles the cow or needs to be helped to do so is also recorded.

Some might say it's a bit foolish, but my aim is to have an easy care cow that can calf unassisted. A straightforward calving gives both cow and calf a good chance of performing well for the rest of the year.

There are 14 pedigree cows calving this year and a few of the young stock were scored as part of the ICBF beef recording service a few weeks ago. I was studying the report that came back and was surprised to see the options of nurse cow and special treatment included in the rearing status of animals.

Pedigree bulls

How many suckler farms with pedigree bulls will have extra nurse cows or special treatment as part of their everyday routine? Yes, it will make sure the calf or bull looks well in the show ring but what value is it to the end user? On the plus side at least the option to record it is there, it depends how honest the herd owner is with the data recorded though.

Pedigree breeders produce what the market requires. What do suckler farmers look for when buying a bull? Breed,size,weight, length, euro stars, rosette? Each individual has their preference.

How many consider the environment the bull is raised in or the practices on that farm?

Grass based genetics

Some breeds have minimum weight limits on their official bull sales, weights that don't seem realistic on a diet of grass and their own dams milk alone.

I think there is huge scope for the development of grass based genetics in beef. It means breeding animals can perform well at grass and in unpampered and at times challenging conditions. There has been a swing towards this with some dairy farmers. Combing these animals with good grass management could lead to a reduction in on farm costs and an increase in profit.