Autumn-calving cows

With autumn calving getting into full swing on some farms, it is time to keep a close eye on cows to avoid losses.

Where calving is taking place outdoors, it is advisable to move cows nearing calving to a maternity paddock near the yard – or somewhere close where they can be watched regularly during the day.

Mature cows may not be a major concern but first- and second-calving cows should be moved if possible.

If intervention is required, they can be easily moved into a yard or pen for handling.

In general, if calving is not progressing after one to two hours after the water bag has burst, then the cow should be handled using gloves to ensure that the cow is dilated and that the calf is in the correct position.

Don’t forget to supplement autumn calving cows with minerals before calving.

Fertiliser

With more rain forecast, it is important to get out with fertiliser at the earliest possible opportunity.

Teagasc research has shown that 1kg of nitrogen applied to grazing in August will grow 27kg of grass dry matter. This reduces by 30% for fertiliser applied in September and 63% for nitrogen applied in October.

Earlier application will result in greater grass growth and the advice is to spread one bag/CAN/acre to help boost autumn grass supply.

You need to think about what paddocks will be closed earliest in order to get animals out early next spring and reduce fodder demand. On dry farms, paddocks should be closed from 1 October onwards.

BDGP requirements

Participants in the BDGP scheme are required to have 20% four- or five-star females in their herd on 31 October 2018. This number is based on the reference number of eligible females in the herd.

Eligible females need to be a minimum of 16 months of age on 31 October 2018. A heifer is deemed eligible if she has four or five stars on the replacement index, within or across, on their first genomic evaluation or if purchased four- or five-star females within or across on the replacement index at the time of purchase.

Beef budgets

On page 36 of the beef pages this week, we take a look at winter finishing budgets and prices required to break even and with an added margin this winter to finish cattle.

While everybody’s situation will be different, it is important to sit down and look at your system and where the required beef price is at for you to make a margin.

Feed costs are going to make winter finishing a difficult business to make a margin in this year.

Tullamore Farm tours

This Friday, 17 August, Tullamore Farm opens its gates for two farm tours, the first at 11am and the second at 2pm. Topics that will be discussed will include cattle performance, fodder budgets, forage crop establishment/grazing and sheep system performance. Everybody is welcome.

To book your place, email events@farmersjournal.ie or call John on 01-4199 512.