On-farm profit drivers update for beef

Mark Lucas will speak on the recent genetic investments undertaken by Reiland Angus.

June 25, 2018

Feeding lightweight breeding cows, net feed efficiency and the national herd’s liquidation in the face of drought will be under the spotlight at the Reiland Angus seminar next month.

The seminar for Reiland Angus clients and associates will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at the Carriage House Motor Inn, Wagga, from 1pm to 5.30pm.

Reiland Angus co-principal Mark Lucas said the beef industry snapshot was timely as drought conditions worsened on the eastern seaboard.

“This will be an opportunity for commercial producers to challenge their knowledge level and learn more on the on-farm profit drivers,’’Mr Lucas said.

Guest speakers include Dr David Johnston, Animal Genetics Breeding Unit, Armidale; Simon Quilty, MLX Pty Ltd, Wangaratta; Dr Ian Sawyer, Feedworks, Romsey, and Mark Lucas, Tumut.

Dr Johnston will outline how net feed efficiency is seriously negative in many of the high profile indexing bulls.

He will be providing answers to the questions surrounding the industry overlooking this positive aspect in cattle breeding, and if the biggest figure is necessarily always the best.

“David is one of the most pre-eminent bovine geneticists in Australia and possibly globally so it is an opportunity not to be missed,’’ Mr Lucas said.

Beef market analyst Simon Quilty will recap his previous forecast at the Reiland spring seminar of downward price pressures.

Mr Quilty said the Australian herd could reduce quickly to a level of 27 million head by mid to late next year should the dry conditions prevail.

“This low herd size in 2016 saw record cattle prices in Australia and it is not unreasonable to assume that Australian cattle prices could rebound quickly if and when rain occurs after this potential liquidation period,’’ he said.

“For those farmers who can hold on during this dry, I believe will eventually enjoy the uptick in prices when rain comes that could well see returns of an equal as experienced in 2016, and equally for processors to make hay while the sun shines.’’

Dr Ian Sawyer will cover alternative feedstuffs, including cottonseed and almond hulls, and supplementary feeding lightweight breeding cows before the winter/spring calving period.

Mr Lucas will speak on the recent genetic investments undertaken by Reiland Angus.

“This seminar will allow Reiland clients to gain the edge during a challenging seasonal and potentially strategic marketing period,’’ he said.

For bookings and details, contact Jess Reynolds on 0403 933 966 or jess@reilandangus.com.au