“So, how can farm benchmarking help my farm?” You may ask. Well, it can have great benefits in helping to make your farm business more profitable, resilient, and reach your long-term goals. It offers farms the chance to analyse and compare their performance with either themselves annually, or other farms of a similar size and enterprise mix. With the industries future uncertain and markets volatile thanks to a combination of Brexit and climate change amongst several other factors, benchmarking can help ensure the business is operating as efficiently as possible.
Coccidiosis is caused by an invasion and destruction of the cells lining within the intestine by the protozoan parasite; Eimeria spp. There are approximately a dozen strains but only 3 are thought to cause disease, these being E. bovis, E. zuernii and E. alabamensis. The oocyst can lay dormant in buildings or within soil for long periods of time due the protozoa being resistant, having a hardened shell-like appearance.
Disease is seen in youngstock from 4 weeks of age up to 2-year-old animals. The young animal ingests infective oocyst which harbours within soil or buildings. Cattle can develop immunity to the disease over time, but young calves with a weakened immune system are at greater risk.
Maize silage and crimped maize grain are used throughout the UK to efficiently feed beef cattle. Maize isn’t a suitable crop for growing in all parts of England as it is dependent on farm location, soil type, altitude and field aspect for good results. These variables must be analysed and considered carefully before deciding whether or not to grow the crop.
We have come to a point in calf rearing, where there is an abundance of advice and information available to farmers. We quite often know what the ‘ideal’ scenarios are for rearing healthy calves. Some farmers are putting these advised practises in place on their farms, and yet not getting the desired result – and this is understandably frustrating.
Recording the growth rate of young stock provides valuable information. It is also an indirect method of monitoring the efficiency of feed conversion. Meeting growth rate targets will ensure maximum return on your investment.
The profitability of any beef or dairy enterprise is driven by performance. This starts with conception of the calf. As a calf specialist, I believe we should be improving tomorrow’s herd, today. If we take a step back and concentrate on the growing foetus, this is where all our efforts should be focused.
This article will outline the key factors that influence the profitability of suckler beef systems in Ireland. It has been adapted from a reproduced report courtesy of Teagasc.
