Most of the THRIVE programme farmers are operating a 19-month system that sees stock slaughtered in the back end of their second season at grass.

While this is not possible with all animals due to genetics, birth date or management issues, over 80% should be able to meet this target.

The farmers are trying to overcome these issues in a number of ways.

Genetics

The programme farmers are sourcing calves from AI sires. We are selecting suitable sires based on the dairy beef index, which should provide farmers with a genetically superior calf to work with.

However, the sire is only half of the story. It is important to know what kind of cow the calf is coming off, as this will have a great influence on the genetic ability of the animal also.

Birth date

As the year progresses, the difference between a late-February calf and an early-April calf become all the more apparent.

These later-born calves will never meet the target liveweights along the way for a 19-month system and will require a second winter period for finishing.

The programme farmers really see the benefit of being set up and ready to take calves as early in spring as possible.

Weighing calves now will flag any potential issues with liveweight gain.

Management issues

This really comes down to health and nutrition. A good start in life is half the battle.

If we can get a healthy calf on farm on day one, it makes everything else much easier. Attention to detail in the rearing shed is a must if the system is to be successful.

Worm control in the first season at grass is very important also. Are calves coughing when they are moved from one paddock to another?

Dung sampling is also a great way to find out if there are issues within the group. A number of farmers have mentioned fluke showing up in dung samples of this year’s calves already.

Grassland management plays a key role in the success of a dairy calf to beef system.

Grass

After this, it comes down to grassland management. If all the above is done correctly and calves are not hitting liveweight gain targets, it means grass management needs to improve.

Calves should be grazing light covers for the entire season of 8cm to 10cm in height.

Target weight

To hit 240kg on 1 November (for a 19-month system), calves should be 150kg on average this week.

Obviously, if calves are younger such as late-March and April-born, they are not going to be 150kg at this stage.

Where you have early-March or February-born calves not hitting these numbers, then you need to investigate to see what the problem is. Is there a worm burden issue? Are you managing grass properly?

There is an option to go in with 1kg of meal now to help bring calves back in line, but this will come at a cost.

Weighing calves now will flag any problems a lot earlier than leaving it until housing to find out.