NBA Magazine - Autumn 2018 Issue 9

AUTUMN 2018 ISSUE 09

EVALUATION OF REPLACEMENT OF CEREALS WITH A HIGH ENERGY FORAGE

MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY

IN SUCKLED CALF PRODUCTION

EVALUATION OF SUCKLER-BRED PROGENY SIRED HEREFORD BULLS

BEEF FINISHING NUTRITION

MORE GAIN POSSIBLE

FROM THE SAME FEED WITH FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT

REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

GUEST WRITER

ANDREW LAUGHTON

NEWS & INDUSTRY UPDATES

FOR EVERYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN THE BEEF INDUSTRY T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E F R O M T H E N AT I O N A L B E E F A S S O C I AT I O N

MAKE THE BEST OF AUTUMN GRASS HEALTH ISSUES

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS UPDATES

MAKING BVD HISTORY EXPERIENCE THE LIVE VACCINE DIFFERENCE

Now that we’re moving from BVD control to eradication, and with BVD costing over £40 per cow per year1, you’ll want a vaccine that is proven to deliver a full 12 months’ prevention of foetal infection after a single injection.

Not only protecting against both types of BVD, but also proven to stimulate both antibody and cellular immunity2.

Ask your vet for more information.

Dual protection made simple References 1. Yarnall and Thrusfield (2017) Vet Record doi: 10.1136/vr.104370 2. Platt et al. (2017) Vet Imm. and Immunopath. 187: 20-27.

Bovela lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for injection for cattle contains modified live BVDV-1, non-cytopathic parent strain KE-9: 104.0 –10 6.0 TCID50, modified live BVDV-2, non-cytopathic parent strain NY-93: 104.0 –10 6.0 TCID50. UK: POM-V. Further information available in the SPC or from Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd, Animal Health, RG12 8YS, UK. UK Tel: 01344 746959 (sales) or 01344 746957 (technical). Email: vetenquiries@boehringer-ingelheim.com. Bovela is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany. ©2018 Boehringer Ingelheim Ltd. All rights reserved. Date of preparation: Feb 2018. AHD10635. Use Medicines Responsibly.

CONTENTS

contents

AUTUMN 2018

EDITOR Chris Mallon The National Beef Association Tanners House 20 Gilesgate Hexham NE46 3QD 01434 601005 chris@nationalbeefassociation.com DEPUTY EDITOR'S Rosie McGowan rosie@nationalbeefassociation.com

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20

Tom Kinroy tom@nationalbeefassociation.com

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CHAIRMAN Andrew Laughton ADVERTISING ENQUIRES Tom Kinroy 07921 728235 tom@nationalbeefassociation.com DESIGN, PRINT & PUBLISHING Countrywise Media, Yorkshire info@countrywisemedia.co.uk www.countrywisemedia.co.uk A National Beef Association Publication A specialist organisation open to everyone with an interest in the UK beef industry.

Company No. 3678612

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2018: Issue 9 NEXT ISSUE: WINTER 2018 NBA/Countrywise Media give notice that no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior consent of the publishers. Every care is taken when compiling editorial and advertisements and the publishers can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions arising from publication.

Views expressed and information contained in The National Beef Association Magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the National Beef Association who cannot therefore be held responsible for any reason arising therefrom. Neither the Association, the Publisher nor the Editors endorses any services or products advertised in this Magazine.

Design/Images © 2018 Kinroy Design Printed on Sustainable FSC Paper Mix ISSN 2399-553X (Print) ISSN 2399-553X (Online)

37 REGULARS CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT GUEST WRITER: ANDREW LAUGHTON NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS BREED SOCIETIES NEWS GUEST VET: JOE HENRY GIFT OF THE GAVEL: RORY LIVESEY

4 5 9 14 16 18 46

FEATURES MORE GAIN POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME FEED WITH FORAGE PRE=TREATMENT DOES YOUR BUSINESS TURNOVER MORE THAN £85,000?

EVALUATION OF SUCKLER-BRED PROGENY SIRED HEREFORD BULLS MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY IN SUCKLED CALF PRODUCTION FINISHING FASTER AND HEAVIER CATTLE BEEF FINISHING NUTRITION STUDY FINDS DELAYING FLUKE TREATMENT AT HOUSING COSTS FARMERS MONEY ARE YOUR TRACE ELEMENT SUPPLEMENTATION INVESTMENTS FALSE ECONOMIES? EVALUATION OF THE REPLACEMENT OF CEREALS WITH A HIGH ENERGY FORAGE MAKE THE BEST OF AUTUMN GRASS NBA NI COMMITTEE WINTER FARM WALK NBA SOUTH WEST AGRIFEST 2018 MACHINERY SHOW 2018

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CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

CHAIRMAN'S WELCOME

BY ANDREW LAUGHTON CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

Welcome to the Autumn issue of the NBA Magazine. In in this issue we catch up with our regional committees and hear about the recent series of Autumn farm walks which visited a range of exceptional beef suckler herds across the UK. The autumn rain has no doubt brought huge relief to all within the industry. A successful third cut of silage in many areas has helped to ease forage shortages but as we move into the winter months, we must be vigilant and keep focused on costs more than ever with feed prices likely to be seriously affected. With this in mind, our range of beef research in this issue will focus on how we can maximise efficiencies and manage costs.

Finally, I would like to say a fond farewell to Rosie our Development Manager who is heading on to pastures new. On behalf of the board and our members I would like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication. She has been an invaluable member of the team and we will be sorry to see her go but wish her every success in the future.

TO ADVERTISE IN OUR WINTER ISSUE PLEASE CONTACT TOM KINROY ON 07921 728235 OR EMAIL nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: FRIDAY 30TH NOVEMBER

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AUTUMN 2018

Proven protection, generation after generation *

Rotavec Corona has been shown to boost antibody levels in colostrum and milk for the first 28 days after birth.1

Make sure your suckling calves get the benefit of Rotavec Corona.

* Protection of the calf is gained through single shot dam vaccination during each pregnancy, 12-3 weeks before birth, combined with effective colostrum management. For further information please refer to the Rotavec Corona SPC. Reference: 1. Crouch C., Oliver S. & Francis M. (2001) Serological, colostral and milk responses of cows vaccinated with a single dose of a combined vaccine against rotavirus, coronavirus and Escherichia coli F5 (K99). Vet Record. Jul 28; 149 (4): 105-108.

Use medicines responsibly. For more information please refer to the Responsible Use sections of the NOAH website.

Legal category: POM-VPS Rotavec® Corona is only available from a veterinary advisor, from whom advice should be sought.

Rotavec® Corona contains inactivated rotavirus and coronavirus and E. coli K99 antigens. ® Registered trademark. Rotavec® Corona is the property of Intervet International B.V. or affiliated companies or licensors and is protected by copyrights, trademark and other intellectual property laws. Copyright © 2018 Intervet International B.V. All rights reserved. Further information including side effects, precautions, warnings and contraindications is available on the product SPC or datasheet or from Intervet UK Ltd trading as MSD Animal Health. Registered office Walton Manor, Walton, Milton Keynes MK7 7AJ, UK. Registered in England & Wales no. 946942. Tel: 01908 685 685 • vet-support.uk@merck.com • www.msd-animal-health.co.uk GB/RUM/0918/0292

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

05

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S REPORT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S

REPORT

BY CHRIS MALLON CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

Talking about beef traceability systems is nothing new, it has been discussed often, with many attempts at partial traceability, however, no structure yet encompasses the entire supply chain. Advances in technology now enables us to move forward and satisfy both farmer and consumer needs.

As more beef sells under branded programs,

and how environmentally friendly the entire supply

sector when consumers compare different brands.

consumers expect a guarantee with their purchase,

chain is.

We also miss out on the opportunity to record sires, a great loss when looking at performance.

from cooking performance to flavour and guarantees about how the meat was produced.

Some labels make claims like sustainably-raised,

Brands depend on verification of marketing claims

grass fed or locally-sourced, verification and even

A new traceability system could open the flow of

to maintain consumer trust. A great deal of beef

definitions of these terms depend entirely on

knowledge for beef producers, if information could

in retailers sells under a brand name, whether it

the brand’s production chain. Vague assurances

move forward with the animals, it could flow back

is a retailer brand, farm brand or processor brand,

without distinct standards lose their value in the

to provide a more robust picture of animal and

consumers buy their beef based on brand loyalty

consumer’s mind.

meat quality.

and label guarantees.

A consistent traceability framework could help

We could also see progress on the production

Traceability is not a marketing claim, but it

verify those claims. Combine quality products with

side through genetic selection based on carcass

can be used in the future, as a framework for

verified assurances and the pull-through demand

quality feedback. Traceability could help provide

identifying claims that add value to beef products.

could benefit the entire industry.

accurate data, so that we could link genomics to performance traits beyond the farm and improve

Meat consumers want more information about

our overall beef product.

their purchases including animal welfare and

However, traceability needs to encompass the

environmental practices, and they are willing to

entire life of the animal and it depends on the

pay for it.

quality of the database and the information

The future depends on providing an improved

inputted. The potential for a database for the

database containing details of the animal’s journey

We continue to see consumers looking for more

producer in providing information to improve

from farm to fork, giving data to aid the farmer and

assurances about products. As a brand that

performance also offers great potential.

assurances to tie in the consumer to British beef.

In the modern world information is key to success,

operates in a premium category, we believe scrutiny of our brand is probably even more rigid.

Currently, information is only half captured,

if we want our consumers to remain loyal when

Consumers are not just interested in how the

because a large portion of the beef journey is still

offered beef produced to lesser standards but at

product cooks but when they make the choice to

unverified. As one system varies from another, it

a cheaper price we need to show that British beef

buy there are heath considerations, provenance

also creates a lack of consistency across the meat

really is different.

06

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SPRING 2018 2017

07

Adrian Robertson, Loak Farm Adrian Robertson from Loak Farm at Bankfoot just north of Perth is growing his herd of Beef Shorthorns and says; “We aim to produce commercial cattle which are good mothers and milkers

with fleshing abilities and good temperament, not a great big fancy animal which will make a lot of money but one that will produce good crossbred cattle and thrive on fodder.�

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GUEST WRITER

ANDREW LAUGHTON GUEST WRITER

CHAIRMAN OF THE NBA BOARD OF TRUSTEES FARMERS WEEKLY BEEF FARMER OF THE YEAR 2018

It is a pleasure to write as your newly appointed Chairman. I must start by saying what a fantastic job David has done at the helm of the board of trustees. I can only hope to carry on this great work.

I come to the position at what is the most important

The NBA, with its connections to policy advisors

We must give consumers what they want, at a fair

time in agriculture for one if not two generations.

and politicians, is now very well placed to

price – high quality and high welfare products,

A new Agricultural Bill is being formed, Brexit is

campaign hard to ensure the best outcomes for

grown in the UK. We must however be prepared to be

looming and innovations such as the Livestock

the industry. As a beef farmer, first and foremost,

monitored. Increased data and technology will allow

Identification programme are on the horizon. This is

I hope that I can utilise my understanding of on

us to build on our already high standards, improve

on top of the ongoing challenges facing the industry;

the ground problems and practicalities of farming

traceability and protect our industry. Finally, we must

TB spreading, unfair trading practises and vegan

to advise politicians and ensure policies are

ensure that British farmers are competing on a level

activists to name a few.

applicable to Britain’s beef farmers today.

playing field and legislation does not allow us to be undercut by imported products produced to a lesser standard than our own.

It was 1947 when we last had an Agricultural bill

Of the upmost importance is ensuring food

passed, making it ever more important that we get

security is prioritised by government. Food

this right for future farming generations. We have

production is fundamental to society and is the

I look forward to rising to the major challenges,

a unique opportunity to push British produce and

core purpose of agriculture, something we must

alongside Chris on behalf of the NBA’s members and

shape the future of our industry.

not forget.

the industry as a whole.

The NBA would like to congratulate Andrew on his recent achievement, being voted Beef Farmer of the Year at the Farmers Weekly Awards.

Speaking on Andrews achievement, judge Rhidian Jones said, “Andrew is focused on producing beef as efficiently as possible using technology and research data to improve performance. He is also co-operating with arable farms and integrated beef supply chain systems.”

LIMOUSIN CATTLE SOCIETY

AUTUMN 2018 ISSUE 09

THE COMPLETE BEEF BREED EASY CALVING, GROWTH, BEEF YIELD, FEED EFFICIENT, CARCASE CONSISTENCY. IT'S THE BUSINESS. Limousin Cattle Society, Concorde House, 24 Warwick New Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5J T: 02476 696500 E: info@limousin.co.uk

www.limousin.co.uk

EVALUATION OF REPLACEMENT OF EALS WITH A HIGHCER ENERGY FORAGE

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

MAXIMISING EFF

EVALUATION PROGENY SIREOF SUCKLER-BRED D HEREFORD BUL LS

MORE GAIN POS

HEALTH

ISSUES

BREED SOC

NEWS UPDATESIETIES

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AUTUMN 2018

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SPONSORED FEATURE

MORE GAIN POSSIBLE FROM THE SAME FEED WITH FORAGE PRE-TREATMENT With winter forage in short supply on many beef units following the dry summer, making the most of the feeds available is critical. According to Dr Derek McIlmoyle, AB Vista’s EMEA technical director, the key to minimising feed costs and maximising margins will be to extract as much growth as possible from the fibre in the diet.

“Recent research carried out at Agri-Research Center in Texas has shown that improving fibre digestion in beef rations can increase average daily gain (ADG) by up to 13.4% in the starter phase (see Figure 1) without any increase in dry matter intake (DMI),” he states. “As a result, cattle finished 11 kg heavier at slaughter without consuming any additional feed.”

The results were achieved by using the pre-treatment VistaPre-T (a fermentation extract-based liquid added to the ration prior to feeding), which improves the rate and extent of fibre digestion in the rumen. This not only increases energy supply, but also provides a better balance of energy release that helps reduce acidosis.

“Fibre is an extremely important energy source in ruminant diets, as well as being vital for correct rumen function,” Dr McIlmoyle explains. “Feeds high in fibre

Figure 1 – Improvement in beef daily gain following addition of VistaPre-T

such as silage and moist feeds are also some of the most cost-effective sources of energy available, so it makes sense to utilise them as efficiently as possible.”

ration formulation to balance energy supply in the rumen and minimise acidosis, plus the addition of a slow-

MAXIMISING FIBRE DIGESTIBILITY

release rumen conditioner such as Acid Buf or Vistacell

Improving fibre digestion therefore needs to be a

live yeast to help optimise rumen conditions for fibre-

top priority for all beef producers this winter, and is

digesting microbes.”

determined by two key factors: the potential maximum digestibility of the fibre, and how well the rumen is

However, the introduction of VistaPre-T offers an

functioning. “Anything that compromises the rumen

additional opportunity, thanks to its ability to unlock and

is going to limit fibre digestibility and energy supply,

release even more of the energy potential in fibre (see

regardless of how much available energy the fibre might

Figure 2).

potentially contain,” Dr McIlmoyle explains.

“By reducing the lag time to fibre digestion in the rumen, “For example, low rumen pH (acidosis) caused by acidic

VistaPre-T increases both the rate and extent of fibre

silages or too much unbalanced starch in the ration will

digestion in a way that’s not been possible before. The

reduce the populations of fibre digesting microbes. This

result is even more energy extracted from the fibre in the

slows the rate of fibre breakdown, cutting the amount of

diet, and an overall increase in feed efficiency of up to

fibre digested before it leaves the rumen.”

10% or more.

Similar effects can be seen when excess oil in the diet

“This enables either faster growth and quicker finishing

of feed,” states Dr McIlmoyle. “And with trials showing

coats the fibre, delaying microbial attachment and

on existing rations, or a reduction in the level of

improvements in growth rate of up to 13.4% in the initial

colonisation, or when increased rumen outflow rates

expensive high energy concentrates needed to hit growth

phase without any additional feed, it highlights just how

following addition of sodium bicarbonate limits the time

targets,” Dr McIlmoyle adds.

much extra potential energy is available within the ration

Figure 2 – VistaPre-T increases digestibility to release even more energy from fibre

the rumen. “This pre-digestion allows faster digestion

fibre if we can improve its digestion.

available for digestion.

IMPROVED ENERGY RELEASE VISTAPRE-T DIGESTION ADVANTAGE

Simply applied as a liquid prior to feeding, VistaPre-T

“VistaPre-T really does offer the opportunity to get more

“Until recently, the only practical way to increase

roughens and creates pits in the surface of the fibre in

growth from the same feed, and the benefits in terms of

fibre digestibility was to improve rumen function,” Dr

the diet. This increases the surface area for attachment

improved energy supply to the cattle, increased margins

McIlmoyle continues. “This typically involved better

and colonisation by fibre-digesting microbes once in

and better overall profitability can be substantial.“

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

A NEW Gold Standard in fibre transformation Introducing VistaPre-T VistaPre-T is a unique, liquid pre-treatment that unlocks the energy potential in fibre.

How does VistaPre-T work Results have demonstrated: Increased bodyweight • +4.2% improved body weight

Fibre is a key component of the ruminant diet and its digestibility can affect performance through influence on available energy and protein, which has a direct impact on feed efficiency, bodyweight and ADG.

Improved feed efficiency • +4.7% Feed Conversion (FC) during grower phase • +13% FC Increase in the first 30 days

Average daily gain (kg/d) Source: Agri Research Center, Canyon, Texas, treatments 0-60 days.

kg/d

Comparison of Energy (ME): Feed treated or untreated with VistaPre-T

Increase in average daily gain

UNLOCK ENERGY POTENTIAL

VistaPre-T can be included into any of ED&F Man Liquid Products Bulk range ensuring convenient and accurate application.

For more information please contact ED&F Man:

freephone 0800 3898450 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

SPRING 2018

11

SPONSORED FEATURE

DOES YOUR BUSINESS TURNOVER MORE THAN £85,000 Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT is HMRC’s flagship program to ‘digitise VAT’. It means that from April 2019, businesses with a turnover of more than £85,000 will have to submit their VAT returns through compatible accounts software.

For the estimated 75% of farm businesses who are keeping manual records, this will mean investing in new software. Below, Chartered accountant Anne Cianchi, Making Tax Digital project consultant for Farmplan, highlights four key facts businesses need to be aware of:

1.

2.

3.

4.

There will no longer be the option to use a paper-based record keeping system.

Farms using electronic spreadsheets, such as Microsoft Excel, will also have to invest in specialist accounting software or bridging software (a tool to transfer data from one place to another) as, after the change, they will be the only products capable of sending and receiving data from the website.

HMRC has made it clear it will not be providing free software for users to make VAT submissions.

Only one submission will be allowed for each individual VAT registration number. This means companies that keep multiple sets of accounts for different businesses – for example, a suckler herd and a diversification enterprise – will need to combine them into one figure for their VAT return. Farmers and bookkeepers should be aware that not all software has this capability

With some accounts packages costing upwards of £7,500 over a five year period, it is important that businesses take the time to research options and speak with relevant professionals.

Holding off purchasing until nearer the deadline may be tempting – particularly in the current financial climate – but may run an increased risk of investing in a costly mistake.

You can find out more about Making Tax Digital by visiting farmplan.co.uk/making-tax-digital-hub

View a demo at farmplan.co.uk/cattle-software 01594 545000

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AUTUMN 2018

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NBA REGIONAL ROUND-UPS

REGIONAL round-ups REGIONAL COUNCILS CONTACTS NORTHERN DAVID THOMLINSON - CHAIRMAN Carlisle CA1 2RS Tel: 07802 675799 Email: david@thomlinson.co.uk HELEN DOBSON - SECRETARY/TREASURER Hexham NE46 3SG Tel: 01434 601005 Email: helen@nationalbeefassociation.com MIDLANDS JOHN BELL - CHAIRMAN Northamptonshire NN11 5NP Tel: 07188 890320 Email: john@berryfieldsfarm.co.uk KATIE WOOLLISCROFT - SECRETARY Northamptonshire, NN6 7AH Tel: 07860 716759 Email: kwoolliscroft@heygates.co.uk SOUTH WEST BILL HARPER - CHAIRMAN Devon EX22 6RZ Tel: 01409271376 Email: harpersholdings@btinternet.com VICKY SMITH - SECRETARY Exeter EX5 4LZ Tel: 07773 340008 Email: natbeefsw@gmail.com WALES CONTACT HEAD OFFICE Tel: 01434 601005 NORTHERN IRELAND STEPHEN HEENAN - CHAIRMAN County Down, BT30 8RT Tel: 07889 159496 Email: stephenheenan63@yahoo.co.uk CHARLES CURRAN - SECRETARY Co Down BT34 4RH Tel: 07732 470762 Email: homesteadblondes@btinternet.com SCOTLAND NEIL MCCORKINDALE - CHAIRMAN Argyll PA34 4UU Tel: 01852 316282 Email: scammadale@hotmail.com DUNCAN TODD - SECRETARY Kilmarnock KA3 2TN Tel: 07734 812704 Email: duncan@agment.co.uk

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SCOTTISH REGION In my last round up I spent a bit of time lamenting the weather and the implications the lack of rain was having on Scottish beef farmers. Typically that now seems like a distant memory. Here in the west of Scotland we had 16ins of rain in September and as I write this October is well on the way to being the same. It is now impossible to get second cut silage which was always going to be late anyway, suckled calf prices are back over £100 on last year, and with all the uncertainty in the industry, and feed costs rocketing,this is inevitably all going to lead to more herd dispersals. Slightly better news in the rest of the country where harvest is finished, so be it with mixed results, and some straw, while not in abundance, is slowly becoming available. Not surprising then that a lot of the focus in recent months has been on climate changes. I met with the Scottish cabinet Secretary for the environment and climate change Rosana Cunningham last week to discuss the bill which is shortly going before parliament for a 90% emissions target by 2050.

Needless to say the implications this would have in beef production would be catastrophic. The Scottish government want support on an 80% target but some of the other parties have, purely for political reasons in my opinion, decided to back the environmental groups in their campaign for 90%. The SBA position on all this is why do we need targets? Why not let us continue to take advantage of new technology, new efficiency ideas and see where it takes us. We have to strike a balance between reducing our carbon emissions and continuing to be a food producing country and I believe the Scottish Government have this in mind and deserve our full support.

In other meetings SBA will continue to play a prominent part in progressing the pilot scheme on the bovine-eid discussing plans for the next steps. We are meeting with scot/gov officials shortly to discuss the position with Less Favoured Area payments for 2019. More than 80% of Scotland is classed as LFASS and the importance of this support to beef farmers in the spring cannot be over emphasised. Needless to say, while this type of work goes on the implications of Brexit could well change everything. In the short term SBA pressure on the government has helped to secure the release of some

early support payments which will ease cash flow and give calf producers some time to decide what to do.

Not ideal but I remain hopeful that when people get time to take stock of feed etc, and get some money in the bank, trade will pick up a bit towards Xmas. David Mitchell is the SBAs new representative on the NBA board. David farms 1200 ewes and 175 suckler cows at Pairney Farm in Perthshire.

David is still very active in various farming organisations in Scotland, but is perhaps best known for being Chairman of the NFU livestock committee during the FMD outbreak of 2001 and a past chairman of SAOS. The SBA will hold a Board meeting in November when at least one new board member will be introduced to the current board.

Can I finally say how sad I am to hear that Rosie McGowan is going on to pastures new. Rosie has been a great help to me and the SBA and while we will miss her greatly wish her all the very best in the future.

NORTHERN IRELAND What a year it has been! It would have been hard to predict such a dry, almost Arabian summer after such a cold spring. In our region, many had opened silos and started to feed this year’s forage as early as June. Luckily when the rain did come many managed to get a good 3rd cut, however we will just have to wait and see if it is enough to take us through the winter.

I was delighted to attend the Greenmount Bursary fair in September on behalf of the NI NBA committee.

It is the first year that we are offering a bursary of £1,000 to a student and it was great to see the beef industry so well represented at the event.

The NBA has also been working alongside several industry bodies in the planning of the up-coming ‘Healthy Cattle, Healthy profits’ conference, which AUTUMN 2018

will take place on the 21st November. (see image). The conference, which has progress in beef production at its core will include a range of speakers from both practical farming and research backgrounds. I would encourage all within the NI Beef industry to attend.

The NI committee look forward to launching our first members only trip across the water on the 16th-17th November to view several Lincolnshire beef farms. The 30 NBA members will view three large scale beef farms including Andrew Laughton’s (Beef Farmer of the Year) finishing unit which finishes over 6,000 head of cattle a year.

Finally, David and Ken Martin will be opening the gates to the NBA on the 3rd of December for a winter farm walk, showcasing their suckler and finishing enterprises. I look forward to catching up with many of you then.

NORTHERN Autumn is one of the busiest times in the Northern region, with farmers preparing for the suckler calf sales.

Despite this, we all enjoyed an afternoon at Mains Rigg farm, Whitfield on Wednesday 17th October, viewing the estates exceptional herd of Saler cross suckler cows. Several interactive demonstrations were held, including pelvic measuring of heifers and bespoke handling system design. It was agreed by all who attended what an informative meeting it had been.

I would like to thank Bevis, the estate’s farm manager for kindly hosting the event and our sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim and IAE for their support.

MIDLANDS I am delighted to see the Midlands NBA committee growing in size and strength, with events in the calendar and a drive to share knowledge and change the industry for the better. We enjoyed an evening farm walk in Oxfordshire, viewing the exceptional Dorcas Charolais herd in September a great example of a commercial pedigree herd producing easy calving bulls for the market and plan to arrange several more informative farm walks for the spring season. Plans for our next meeting to be held at Daventry rugby club on 23rd October are hotting up too! The event titled ‘BEEF PRODUCTION, YOUR FUTURE, WHERE NEXT?’ is one not to be missed. Six industry experts are confirmed to present on the future of the industry and how farmers can work together to make integrated beef supply chains.

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Past attempts of such systems have not been successful, partly due to farmers feeling they are taking the majority of risk for the smallest gain. The NBA Midlands committee along with Berrystock Feeds are planning to change this and see the meeting as the first step in achieving this.

By bringing together experts from finance, data management and global agriculture we hope to be inspired by the possibilities of an integrated beef supply chain which is created from the bottom, by farmers. Presentations and key-note speakers include: Introduction: John Bell, Chairman of the Midland Committee NBA – Berrystock Feeds The American way: Video of the fully integrated, hormone free, Wulf Cattle model Integration in the white meat industry: Rodger Meadows, recently of Alexander & Angel and Cargill (USA) What the retailer wants: Dr Jonathan Birnie, Birnie & Associates Consulting Ltd Managing data and systems to minimise cost and maximise efficiencies: Ian Wheal, Breedr Effective breeding policies: Matt Nightingale, MQL Financing integrated systems: Mark Suthern, National Head of Agriculture for Barclays Bank We look forward to welcoming enthusiastic beef farmers to this exciting evening of discussion.

SOUTH WEST The South West council was delighted with the turnout of farmers at our Autumn farm walk at the beginning of the month.

It was a pleasure to view the Greed’s exceptional commercial herd of Limousin cattle, with breeding programmes aligned to the retail market. I would like to extend the committees thanks to Patrick and Sheila for hosting the event and our sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim, Crediton Milling and Vale Vets for their support and insightful presentations.

Agrifest South West, the SW NBAs one day event showcasing Quality Beef & Lamb production from field to fork is just weeks away. Read more about the event on page 39.

The South West committee have been meeting regularly to work on a strategy for Brexit and international trade, whether we have a trade deal or are working under WTO rules. Please see our proposed South West strategy (right).

SOUTH WEST BREXIT & TRADE POLICY British Beef - British Beef is an iconic global brand. After all our nick-name is “Les Rosbifs”.

The UK beef farming sector is loss-making. It relies on a protected home market and receives subsidies to survive. The UK is a net importer of beef from the EU and has a very small export trade internationally.

With the Brexit discontinuity, we now have the opportunity to restore the pre-eminence and profitability of the British Beef sector, by: 1. Growing international exports, for a thriving UK beef sector. The UK has a tiny 0.125% share of the beef international import/export market, with only 10000 tonnes of exports per year.

The international import/export market is more than 8m tonnes. The UK imports 25% of its beef consumption from the EU. We must reverse this untenable position and strive to become a net exporter of beef globally, stimulating the growth and profitability of our beef sector.

2. Introducing eating quality grades, for product differentiation. Give consumers of British Beef full transparency, based on explicitly stated eating quality measures and provenance. Other countries grade the quality of beef, (eg. the USA’s Prime, Choice, Select & Standard classes, with clear labelling for consumers). Conversely, under EU rules there is no assessment of eating quality in the “EUROP” beef grading regime; and, EU provenance labelling rules are misleading.

3. Accelerating UK Bovine Genetic Research, for commercial leadership. Nominate several UK universities as centres for research, with faster routes for deploying genomic science-based innovation into the British beef herd (1.6m cows).

The next wave genetic improvement is going to come from genomics. EU funding preferences and decision-making have inhibited a co-ordinated UK bovine genomic sciences investment policy.

4. Formalising High Health Accreditation, for consumer trust. Incentivise the adoption of a trusted UK cattle health accreditation regime. The voluntary cattle health certification standards (CHeCS), sponsored by the National Beef Association and the British Cattle Veterinary Association, have the potential to develop into the global point of reference for cattle health excellence.

5. Inventing a reliable DNA- based bTB test, for international credibility. Take the scientific high ground with a reliable DNA-based testing regime and a simplified governance structure. Several universities already have DNA-based projects in progress. The outmoded and unreliable bTB test fails to spot infected cattle up to 47% of the time (per Royal Society report - 2013). No industry can sustain such a high error rate, long term.

AUTUMN 2018

23 15

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES NEWS

BREED SOCIETIES, DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS, YOU WOULD LIKE US TO PUBLISH? Email your copy and any images to nbamagazine@nationalbeefassociation.com

DEVON CATTLE BREEDERS’ SOCIETY

COXWELL SHERPA HITS 4 YEAR HIGH AT DEVONS AUTUMN SHOW & SALE Two year old bull Coxwell Sherpa from the Berners-Allsop Estate, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, blazed a trail at the Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society’s Autumn Show & Sale, Sedgemoor, on Thursday 4th October, auctioneers Greenslade Taylor Hunt, sponsored by Shearwell Data.

LUING CATTLE SOCIETY

LUING CATTLE SOCIETY OPEN DAY 2018, LANTON ESTATE On a beautiful day in August over 250 people attended the 2018 Luing Cattle Society Open Day at Lanton Estate, Wooler, courtesy of Ian and Tocky McKie and support from the British Simmental Society. The day started at Marley Kowe Farm where guests were given refreshments and an opportunity to participate in stock judging. Ian McKie welcomed the guests to Lanton and introduced his fellow speakers Steve Hill (stockman at Lanton Estate); John Rutherford (contract farmer);

Coxwell Sherpa took both the Breed Championship and highest price on the day.

He sold to welsh breeder, AJ Jones & Son from Crown Farm, Raglan, Gwent, to join the family’s Crown herd of pedigree Devons, established in 2015. This bull sold for 3600gns which was the highest price for a bull sold at the Society’s Autumn Show & Sale since 2014. Reserve Breed Champion, Dittisham Dimpsey, bred by Sue Fildes from Dartmouth, Devon, was brought by Gareth Jenkins from Ha’ of Bowermadden, Wick, Caithness for 2000gns.

Highest priced female was claimed by Heywood & Hurd’s in-calf heifer, Whitefield Orange 228th, selling at 1650gns to Steve Cleverdon from Coombe Farm, Hatherleigh, Devon for 1650gns. The Female Champion, strong maiden heifer, Coxwell Fanciful 43rd, made 1150gns selling to new Devon breeder, Noel Sharp, Ivylan Farm,Church Stanton, near Taunton, Somerset.

Steve Carragher (vet) and Scott Donaldson (Auctioneer from H & H).

A convoy of tractors & trailers left Marley Knowe travelling through the estate.

There were five stops showing spring calving Luing & Sim/Luing cows as well as Luing and Sim/Luing bulling heifers before arriving at Crookhouse for lunch. This former farm steading has been carefully converted into holiday cottages with spectacular viewings. During the lunch interval a raffle was drawn as well as superb prizes being auctioned for the two chosen charities, The Teapot Trust and Glendale Agricultural Society’s Children’s Countryside.

The farm tour continued with a further four stops showing excellent examples of the versatility of Luing and Sim/Luing cattle. The tour ended back at Marley Knowe with refreshments and closing speech by society chairman Dave Stanners announcing the stock judging results and a final total of £6000 being raised for the two chosen charities.

The effects of Brexit uncertainty and shortage of forage produced some hard trade with buyers being very selective, but still prepared to invest in the best cattle forward, encouraged by the breed’s ability to thrive on a very low input diet.

LINCOLN RED CATTLE SOCIETY

After only the second time at the Royal Welsh Show since

the early 70’s, Ed Middleton’s Donington Jessie V12 was judged Beef Interbreed Champion by acclaimed Interbreed Judge, Christine Williams. Christine admitted she never thought she’d find herself placing a Lincoln Red “but for me she just sparkled”! Donington Jessie V12 is bred by Graham Parkinson from Louth in Lincolnshire and is owned and exhibited by Ed Middleton from Spilsby in Lincolnshire. That was just the start of the 2018 Royal Welsh Show week; the accolades kept coming for our dedicated Exhibitors: Tuesday 24th R I Clough & Son’s Beverley Wingman took the Reserve Recorded Native Bull prize; Wednesday 25th Nottingham Trent University won Coxwell Sherpa, Breed Champion, DCBS

the Exhibitor Bred Native Pairs with Brackenhurst Wizzkid & Brackenhurst Diana

Autumn Show & Sale. Bred & exhibited by

V444; and then to round up the week on Thursday 24th the Lincoln Red trio of

Berners-Allsopp Estate

Donington Jessie V12, Brackenhurst Wizzkid & Brackenhurst Diana V444 won the

Averages:

coveted Marks & Spencer Native Championship. President, Martin Clough, also

Bulls

£2,940.00

In-calf heifers

£1,113.00

Served heifers

£665.00

Maiden heifers

£704.0

16

extends Congratulations to All Lincoln Red Exhibitors at the 2018 Summer Shows; Coxwell Fanciful 43rd, Female Champion,

there are 13 Shows where official Lincoln Red Classes are held but there are also

DCBS Autumn Show & Sale. Bred &

many Members who are exhibiting in the Any Other Native Breed Classes and

exhibited by Berners-Allsopp Estate

holding their own.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

BREED SOCIETY NEWS

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Use Medicines Responsibly. 1. Johnsson N et al. Parasitol Res (2011) 109: p113-p128. * Beef suckler, bull beef, see datasheet for further details. Baycox® Multi 50 mg/ml oral suspension for Cattle, Pigs and Sheep contains 50mg/ml toltrazuril. POM-V (UK) POM (ROI). ® Registered Trademark of Bayer AG. Advice should be sought from the medicine prescriber. Further information available from the data sheet at www.noahcompendium.co.uk, www.apha.ie, or on request. Bayer plc, 400 South Oak Way, Reading, RG2 6AD. Tel: 0118 206 3000. Bayer Ltd., Animal Health Division, The Atrium, Blackthorn Road, Dublin 18. Tel: (01) 299 9313. L.GB.MKT.06.2018.18987

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AUTUMN 2018

17

GUEST VET

GUEST VET

JOE HENRY USING FARM DATA TO MAKE MORE PROFIT Farm data – not the most attractive of topics, and often put down the metaphorical list to be done another day while the more pressing tasks take priority: fixing the fence, leading the straw in, taking the calves to the mart et cetera. However most of those tasks are in the £10 per hour labour cost bracket. In contrast, evaluating your business’ strengths and weaknesses will allow you to focus on making changes which are in the consultancy bracket and give much bigger returns. Work smart not hard; the CEO of Land Rover does not do the actual building of the vehicles very often!

There are particular data called ‘Key Performance Indicators’, or KPIs, which are crucial to evaluating a business’ efficiency. For spring calving herds now is a good time to start measuring yours. These can be compared to previous years, as well as to similar farm businesses. This then identifies areas to concentrate on improving. Most arable farmers know their output in terms of tonnes of corn per acre. How many beef farmers know the average weight of their calves at weaning? Decisions on the future of your business should made according to facts not feelings, with knowledge of profit not just turnover. Fertility is key to output and output is key to profitability, as the more kg of beef produced the more fixed costs are spread. Fertility KPI’s are below:

Your herd

Average SDA 2016/17

Targets

Cow to bull ratio

30

>40

Percentage of cows and heifers scanned in-calf (%)

90

>96%

Calves born alive per 100 cows/heifers put to the bull

87

>95

Calves weaned per 100 cows and heifers put to bull

86

>94

Calving period (weeks)

18

<12 wks

Percentage of cows and heifers calving in first 3 weeks (%)

37

>65%

As can be seen above the average results from Severly Disadvantaged Area farms last year are way below industry targets. This lost production is costing the industry millions of pounds. However, these are average figures and hide a huge range. Some herds I work with in Northumberland get 93% in calf over a 9 week bulling period, and calve >70 % in the first 3 weeks (from when calving is meant to start not from the first calf; for example, a premature set of twins may skew everything otherwise).

A greater percentage of calves born in the first 3 weeks means the calves are bigger and older at weaning – hence more output – and the cow has more time to get her prepare her uterus for getting in calf again. Sheep farmers have long known the advantages of a compact lambing period for ease of management.

On a ranch I recently visited in Montana USA, the farm artificially inseminates all of its 2100 heifers in synchronised program. This was not for genetic gain but so 60% of the heifers calve in the first week. Mainly because this improves the chance of getting that first-calved heifer back in calf again. They mate 12,000 cows, wean 11,500 calves and about 85% calve in the first three weeks. In a post-Brexit world, the UK may be competing against farms with this level of performance.

Achieving these figures requires concerted effort. Farms that are doing well have been measuring data for years and this leads to attention to detail. The impact of disease is reduced as cows are vaccinated or treated appropriately. Trace element status is known and managed effectively to optimum levels. Body condition score and nutrition is monitored, and decisions are made early if changes are necessary. Heifers’ pelvis size is measured, as well as their ability to cycle pre-bulling. Cows are bred for functionality with a focus on hybrid vigour; those not able to thrive in the system are culled. Bulls are fertility checked and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are used, with a focus on short gestation and low birth weights. Your vet can and should be assisting you in all of these areas to improve your profitability and work life balance.

livestock and agricultural specialists in graphic design,marketing, pr, exhibitions,magazines, print and websites email tom@countrywisemedia.co.uk or call 07921 728235

16

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AUTUMN 2018

HIPRA ADVERT

FEATURE

EVALUATION OF SUCKLER-BRED PROGE WITH EITHER TOP 35% OR TOP 60% TE Previous studies at Harper Adams University with progeny from Limousin, Angus and Simmental bulls with different Beef Values/Terminal Indexes have shown significant improvements in performance with calves sired by the higher index bulls. To expand the database to confirm that EBV’s ‘work’ a further study with Hereford sires was carried out on a commercial suckled-calf unit. The objective of this 8th study using Hereford bulls was to compare the performance of progeny from top 35% and top 60% Terminal Index sires with calves finished on a 19-22-month semi-intensive system.

ANIMALS & TIMING:

traits are equally impressive, with both Eye Muscle

over 12-weeks from March to May to coincide with

Calf performance was collated from Mark

Area (sq mm) and Intramuscular Fat (%) ranking

increasing spring grass growth at turnout. Cows

Spendlove’s commercial spring-calving suckler herd

in the top 5%, scoring +3.7 and +0.4 respectively.

and calves are grazed on permanent pasture during

at Hill Farm in Northamptonshire. The performance

However, his calving figures are predominantly

the summer months, with calves offered an 18% CP

of progeny from two Hereford bulls that were

negative with Calving Ease Direct (%) EBV in the

creep feed ad-lib from early September until housing

mated to British Blue x Holstein-Friesian cows with

bottom 10% of breed with a value of -5.0, whilst

(80kg/calf). Calves are weaned and housed in late

calves born in the spring of 2014 and 2015 was

Birth Weight (kgs) measured +3.8 (bottom 15%).

October, receiving no health treatments. Winter

statistically analysed with calves finished at 19-22

Bull A was purchased based on EBV’s alone with no

nutrition for the cows is based on a grass-silage and

months of age in 2016 and 2017.

visual assessment prior to purchase.

straw whilst calves are fed a growing ration based

COMPARISON:

In contrast, Bull B has notably poorer EBV’s, for

following summer, calves are set-stocked on pasture

The following Hereford bulls were chosen for

growth and carcase traits in particular. His 200 Day

before being housed in September. Calves are split

evaluation:

Weight is below the breed average at +24kg, falling

by sex and fed a 16% CP (in DM) finishing diet that

within the bottom 35% of the Hereford breed. Rib

is based on grass clover silage, barley straw, sweet

Bull A (Terminal Sire Index +27 – Top 35%)

Fat (mm), Retail Yield (%) and IMF are again, all

starch, rapeseed and minerals. During the finishing

Bull B (Terminal Sire Index +23 – Top 60%)

within the bottom 30%, whilst only Eye Muscle

period, the feed ration costs £1.72/day for steers

Area shows a marginally positive value of +2.0 (Top

and £1.61/day for heifers. Full details of the grower

Bull A has excellent 200, 400 and 600 Day Weight

50%). Despite this, his calving values are positive,

and finisher diets are shown in the trial report on

(kgs) EBV’s that fall within the top 10% of the

with Calving Ease Direct measuring +1.8 (Top 30%)

the NBA website. Cattle are finished at 19-22 months

breed. His carcase

and Birth Weight at +1.2 (Top 20%). Bull B was

of age and slaughtered at Dovecote Park to supply

purchased predominantly on phenotypic appraisal,

the Waitrose Hereford beef scheme.

on grass silage, rape meal and brewer’s grains. The

having been a successful show winner throughout DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

the 2012 season.

• Overall performance of the Hereford-bred calves Full details of the bulls EBV’s are in the trial

was excellent, exceeding the recognised targets for

report available on the NBA website (go to

semi-intensive finishing suckled calves at 22 months

Resources>Technical Information>Beef Breeding).

old. The target for a continental-bred steer is a 390kg carcase. This carcase weight was virtually

CALVES AT EREFORD NSHIRE. S WITH H O W PT CO AM R NORTH SUCKLE OLSTEIN L FARM IN VE’S HIL BLUE X H LO D EN MARK SP

20

MATTHEW ROLLASO N (LEFT) AN D SPENDLO MARK VE (RIGH T).

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

HERD MANAGEMENT:

achieved with the Top 35% index native-bred

The suckler herd at Hill Farm comprises of 125

steers at only 21 months of age without potentially

British Blue x Holstein-Friesian suckler cows,

greater calving issues inherent with a continental

producing 120 finished cattle annually on a semi-

breed versus a native. In addition, it is recognised

intensive system. Approximately

that subsequent cow fertility is also improved with

20 British Blue x

easier calving bulls.

Holstein-Friesian

• Calving ease and the percentage of calves reared

heifer calves are

was similar for both bulls. Many factors influence

purchased each

calving ease, particularly cow body condition score.

Autumn and bucket

The Hereford of course is noted as being an easy

reared for 12 weeks.

calving breed.

These are bred to

• The calves sired by the Top 35% index bull

Hereford bulls at 15

recorded significantly higher daily carcase gains

months, aiming to calve

which mirrored the growth EBV’s for the bulls.

at 24 months old. Calving

• Of more significance is calves by the Top 35%

takes place indoors

index sire were finished 31 days earlier. The steers

AUTUMN 2018

FEATURE

ENY SIRED HEREFORD BULLS ERMINAL INDEXES

BY SIMON MARSH AND MATT ROLLASON, HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

finished 37 days earlier and based on a finishing cost of £1.72/day this was worth £63.64/calf. Heifers finished 25 days earlier and with a finishing cost of £1.61/day was

15-MONTH

worth £40.25/calf. Mean average of steers and heifers would be £51.95/calf.

-OLD HER EFORD HOLSTEIN X BLUE/ HEIFERS .

• The calves sired by the Top 35% index bull recorded higher carcase weights (+7.5kg) which

eight studies have shown

were worth some £28.65 more per calf.

that with high Index bulls,

• Reduced feed costs and increased carcase weights was worth £80.60 per calf from the Top 35% sire which is significantly higher than the

MARK

predicted £2 per calf from the TSI!

ONTH-O VE’S 15-M SPENDLO

LD HEREF

heavier

• The Top 60% bull was purchased predominantly

worth some £266-285

on phenotypic appraisal, having been a successful

TEIN UE/HOLS ORD X BL

STEERS.

with reasonably high levels of EBV accuracy, produce calves with significantly superior

physical and economic performance to those from low Index bulls.

show winner throughout the 2012 season. The

more. Heifers were however finished 48-60 days

Top 35% bull was purchased predominantly on

earlier which would reduce feed costs by £80-100

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

his Index and illustrates that in this study ‘show

per head on this system, even before considering

The authors would like to extend their sincere thanks

winners’ do not necessarily produce more profitable

further variable and fixed cost reductions.

to Mark Spendlove for his help and assistance with

calves.

• This is now the 8th study carried out by Harper

this study which was used by Harper Adams BSc IV

• As expected, the performance of steers was

Adams to compare the performance of progeny from

Agriculture with Animal Science student Matthew

significantly better with carcasses some 75kg

bulls with different Terminal Indexes. All

Rollason as the basis for his Honours Research Project.

RESULTS: Table 1. Slaughter performance and carcase grades

Sire A (Top 35%)

Sire B (Top 35%)

Sex Steers Heifers Steers Heifers Age at slaughter (days)

640 (21.0 mo)

592 (19.4 mo)

677 (22.2 mo)

617 (20.2 mo)

Carcase weight (kg) 380 305 373 297 Daily carcase gain from birth (kg)

0.59

0.52

0.55

0.48

Conformation classification (1-15)

7.33 (R-/R=)

6.49 (O+/R-)

7.53 (R-/R=)

6.50 (O+/R-)

Fat classification (1-15)

10.50 (4-/4=)

10.82 (4=)

10.93 (4=)

10.25 (4-)

Carcase price (£/kg) – March 2018

3.82

3.82

3.78

3.84

Carcase value (£) 1451.45 1166.35 1405.39 1139.31 EUROP carcase classification: Conformation P- =1 and E+ = 15, Fat: 1- = 1 and 5+ = 15.

Carcase price standardised to a base price of £3.90/kg. Includes penalties for under and over weights.

Table 2. Effect of Sire TSI on progeny performance and carcase characteristics (steers and heifers)

Sire A (Top 35%)

Sire B (Top 60%)

s.e.d

Sig

Age at slaughter (days)

616 (20.2 mo)

647 (21.2 mo)

42.76

*

Carcase weight (kg) 342.5 335.0 29.18 NS Daily carcase gain from birth (kg)

0.56

0.52

0.48

**

Conformation classification (1-15) 6.91 (R-) 7.02 (R-) 0.89 NS Fat classification (1-15)

10.65 (4-/4=)

10.59 (4-/4=)

0.80

NS

Carcase price (£/kg) – March 2018

3.82

3.82

0.12

NS

Carcase value (£) 1,308.35 1,279.70 167.4 NS NS = not significant, * = P<0.05, ** = P<0.01

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

21

FEATURE

MAXIMISING EFFICIENCY IN SUCKLED CALF PRODUCTION

BY SIMON P. MARSH PRINCIPAL LECTURER BEEF CATTLE SPECIALIST, HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

IAN WILLISON (L) WITH SIMON MARSH (R)

The latest costings from AHDB Farmbench for suckled calf production make for depressing reading.

Average gross margins for ‘All Suckler Herds’ are £290 per cow however when fixed and non-cash costs are deducted a loss of £179 was recorded per cow. However top 25% recorded producers recorded a gross margin of £470 per cow and with significantly lower fixed costs made a profit of £84 per cow. Producers must therefore focus on improving technical efficiency. The key area’s identified in maximising efficiency and hence profit in suckled calf production are as follows: 1. Maximise economies of scale and focus on output.

high levels of EBV accuracy, that they produce calves

Your fixed costs will generally not increase if you keep with superior economic and physical performance more cows.

compared to those from low Index bulls. The increase

2. Adopt 'Easicare' systems i.e. easy calving with low

in profit has typically ranged from £42-£68 per calf.

6. Many producers have moved away from beef

labour requirements.

Our highest ever increase was £136 per calf when

x dairy bred cows due to the Holstein influence

3. Maximise hybrid vigour, especially in the cow.

we compared progeny from top 1% and bottom 1%

together with many dairy farmers using scrub

Cross breeding improves traits with low heritability

Index Limousin bulls. All of the trial reports on these

1/3rd rate beef bulls bought at kill price plus £50.

such as fertility and health. Cows should be small-

studies are available on the NBA website (go to

Thankfully many dairy producers are now moving

medium sized, prolific and milky.

Resources>Technical Information>Beef Breeding).

away from extreme Holstein genetics. Try and

4. Focus on breed improvement. For terminal bulls

5. When selecting bulls to breed replacements really

develop a link to a dairy farmer who has cows that

use Top 1-20% index sires that have very high growth

focus on the choice of breed to suit your system and

don’t have extreme breeding and uses a decent beef

and eye muscle area’s and most importantly are easy

the individual maternal traits of the bull such as 200

bull. Very often the dairy farmer can simply run the

calving i.e. 'curve benders'. We have too many hard

day Milk, Scrotal Size and Calving Ease Daughters

heifers alongside his own dairy replacements and are

calving bulls being used today. At Harper Adams

EBVs. Not enough attention has been focused on

available to buy as bulling heifers. Always remember

we have carried out 8 studies with progeny from

maternal traits by many suckler producers and as a

that a beef x dairy bred cow has plenty of milk and

Limousin, Hereford, Simmental and Angus bulls and

consequence we have too many big heavy cows with

hybrid vigour.

compared the performance of calves from bulls with

very little milk. They might have a good cull value but

7. Don't be afraid to buy 'ugly bulls' if their EBV

different Terminal Indexes. All eight studies have

they take a lot to maintain and calf growth rates and

figures are good. Too many buyers of bulls are

shown that with high Index bulls, with reasonably

fertility can be poor.

obsessed with buying masculine pretty faced bulls

SIMON FROST’S LIM X FR COWS WITH CHAROLAIS CALVES TAKEN IN SEPTEMBER.

22

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

FEATURE with big back sides! We need breeding bulls with

calving period works for Simon since he meticulously

improve DLWG and minimise the growth check at

easy calving, growth, width and depth of body and

pressure washes the calving boxes to reduce the

weaning. The target is to wean a calf at 50% of the

'an extra rib'. The highest priced part of the carcase

disease pressure on late born calves and has the

cow weight and look at suckler cow efficiency i.e.

is the loin so why are too many pedigree breeders

late calvers in separate management groups during

target 50+kg calf weaned [200 day wt] per 100kg

obsessed with bulls with masculine heads and big

bulling and can wean them later than the main herd

cow weight.

back ends! What happens to a head at an abattoir?

thus not reducing his mean weaning weight. Simon

14. Intensive and semi intensive (18-22 months)

It gets binned! When I raised this issue at a recent

herd is based on Lim x Friesian cows put to top 1%

finishing of the calves will improve meat quality and

meeting I was asked “would I marry an ugly woman?”

index curve bender Charolais bulls. His bull and

earlier slaughter reduces the carbon footprint of beef

My answer was “it would depend on her other traits,

heifer calves typically weigh 390kg and 330kg at

production. A leading major abattoir recently quoted

but I certainly wouldn’t shoot her!” I would also like

weaning at 7.1 months old having recorded DLWGs of

that their average age at slaughter is 28.7 months.

to quote from A L Hagedoorn, 1932, “When a breed is

1.63 and 1.31kg with a cow efficiency of 56.5%.

There is massive potential to improve the efficiency

controlled by ‘show men’ the breed is doomed”.

12. Just to offer another ‘curve ball’ and returning to

of beef production.

8. Improve herd fertility and block calve. Data from

cow size. What is the optimum cow size? 500, 550,

15. Focus on feed costs and quality and maximise

recent herd surveys show the average calving interval

600, 650, 700kg? This does depend on your farm

utilisation of home grown forage. Consider out-

is 399 days and calves weaned per 100 cows put to

and availability and quality of forage but I’ve recently

wintering dry spring calving cows if you have suitable

the bull is 84 for ‘Average’ producers. This is dreadful

done an evaluation on cow size with Simon Frost and

land.

performance! The target is a minimum of 95 calves

also Ian Willison at Warcup Vale in Nottinghamshire

16. High levels of health care are essential to

weaned per 100 cows per 365 days.

who is also a Harper Adams Beef Focus Farm. Ian

maximise cow fertility and minimize calf losses.

9. Home-bred replacements must calve at 2 years old,

runs an autumn calving herd of Sim x Blue cows put

Calves with a disease challenge will not thrive.

unless you have a lot of very cheap forage or have

to high index Simmental bulls. Bull calves are finished Membership of a health scheme will bring significant

split calving herds and can calve at 2½ years old.

intensively on a maize silage:blend TMR at 390kg

rewards with eradication of BVD, IBR Lepto and

Purchased dairy bred beef heifers can calve down at

carcase weights at 12.4 months old. Heifers are kept

Johnes.

2½ years old.

for replacements with surplus sold at a premium to a

17. Focus on marketing. Target either the commodity

10. Manage cow condition scores especially at

pedigree breeder for ET work due to the high health

or niche beef market and produce beef as efficiently

calving and bulling. The target is a minimum of 2.5.

status of the herd. I have analysed calf data born

as possible. There are critics of bull beef production

Having easy calving bulls enables you to have your

from either big (600+kg) or small (under 600kg)

and continental breeds so if native breeds are reared

cows in better condition at calving with subsequent

cows from both Ian’s and Simon’s herds. The calves

on semi intensive and extensive systems they must

benefits for fertility.

from the bigger cows were finished earlier at heavier

obtain significant premiums in the market place.

11. Target a calving period of 9 weeks. However

weights. The financial benefits this brought however

Producers must still focus on rearing beef cattle

leading suckler producer and Harper Adams

would be negated by higher feed requirement and

as efficiently as possible using ‘the science of beef

Beef Focus Farmer Simon Frost from Bakewell in

lower stocking rate for the bigger cows. So not much

production’.

Derbyshire would argue that this isn’t critical and

difference between big or small cows so let’s not get

With all of the above topics, think of them as the

is happy with a 14-16 week calving period. This is

’too worried’ about having small cows. I must stress

‘golden triangle’ with focus on genetics, health

a bit of a ‘curve ball’! Simon comments that a very

that this was an analysis of cows of the same breed

and nutrition. Get one area wrong and you will

compact calving period with 65% of cows calving in

within each herd. No doubt some beef specialists will

fail! Finally we need to work towards a level of

the first three weeks would put significant pressure

wish to debate this further with me!

productivity with our cattle that we ‘feed less to

on the availability of calving boxes and subsequently

13. Improve calf DLWG's and reduce slaughter age.

produce more in a shorter time scale’. More on this

on the bulls during the bulling period. An extended

Creep feeding is recommended in most systems to

topic in a subsequent edition of the NBA Magazine.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

23

FARM CASE FEATURE STUDY

FINISHING FASTER AND HEAV USING THE MAXAMMON APPROACH

TOMMY C ROXBURG

The arable operation run by father and son James and Tommy Clark at Kerchesters, Kelso is the mainstay of their farming partnership but the beef unit dovetails efficiently on their 360 hectare farmed rented from the Roxburghe Estate in the Scottish Borders.

The family, who moved from Fife to Kerchesters

Maximising rumen function is the number one

The herd is spring calving and to give them a head

in the 1930s grow 145 ha. wheat – destined for

consideration in all ruminant production systems

start, heifers are bulled a month before the cows (to

seed, distilling and feed, 65 ha. oilseed rape and

as poor rumen function can lead to poorer feed

calve at 23 months of age on 20th February). They get

70 ha. spring barley for malting with any ‘out of

efficiency, health issues, poorer performance and

a month with the bull and following scanning, in-calf

spec’ going for feed. The 60 ha. of grass is a mix of

increased production costs. Independent trials

cattle are managed separately.

permanent and rotational, used for grazing and baled

monitoring rumen pH in Maxammon fed cattle

silage. The balance of the land is let for potatoes or

versus standard rations, showed that the Maxammon

Tommy places great importance on providing correct

environmental schemes.

fed animals grew 15% faster, had improved feed

nutrition for the heifers, particularly from 24-36

conversion efficiency and were more profitable.

months. ”You really have to be good to them during this period when they are being bulled for the second

“In the past, our finishing cattle had been fed on

time until they have had their second calf.” he says.

rations including urea treated wheat which we

Maxammon treated grain results in a nutritionally

made ourselves. We had a few problems with cattle

enhanced, high protein high pH feed for improved

suffering from bloat so Murray Smith, our Harbro

animal performance. The pH of the treated grain is

At calving, the heifers get out to fresh grass first, their

sales specialist suggested that we try Maxammon to

typically 8.5-9.3 (based on 4000+ samples tested

calves are slightly older and the mothers get an extra

treat our wheat which quickly solved the problem.”

to date). “With the treated grain at this pH level,

month before being bulled for the second time. Cows

we had no fear of pushing them harder and feeding

are bulled to start calving around 20th March.

“Our bull growth rates have increased since

more grain to our cattle” added Tommy. “Feeding

introducing Maxammon wheat, with them finishing

Maxammon grain has resulted in them finishing

One bulling group (40 or so Aberdeen Angus) are

around four weeks earlier and at heavier weights.

quicker and heavier, putting on 50kg more compared

summered on the Cheviot hills, an arrangement

Maxammon has allowed us to push them hard, and

to our previous finishing regime.”

that has been in place for over 40 years with the remaining Simmental crosses spend the summer

a recent kill recorded an average dead weight gain of 0.94kg/day (around 1.7kg DLWG) from birth to

The farm runs a closed herd of 100 head of suckler

on lower ground. Calves are finished or retained for

slaughter, with them achieving a DLWG of 2.1kg over

cows, which from a nucleus of 50% dairy crosses

breeding with males left entire as they give the best

the last 60 days. This is the top draw of bulls so not

are now mainly 7/8 Aberdeen Angus. The Simmental

feed conversion ratio (FCR). All cattle are consigned

representative of the average which is 1.6kg but

breed has been introduced into the herd, using them

to AK Stoddart. On an annual basis, around 60

where we would like them all to be!”

to crisscross the breeding females.

tonnes of wheat are treated with Maxammon and 90

24

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

FARM CASE STUDY

VIER

CLARK, KERCHESTERS FARM, GHE ESTATE, KELSO tonnes of barley are fed in addition to buying in 28

of good silage this season, so

tonnes of oilseed rape meal. Maxammon treatment

added silage as 10% of dry matter

increases the wheat’s protein content by 4.3 units,

to dampen down the ration.”

(a 30% increase) and in turn, allows the inclusion of

Tommy introduced Rumitech for

purchased rape meal in rations to be reduced.

the first time this season on the recommendation of his Harbro specialist, due to

Cows are wintered on a mix of oilseed rape meal and

its proven track record of improving grading and

depreciation bill utilising tractors/telehandlers

barley with ad lib barley straw. Silage is fed only to

killing out percentages as a result of creating a more

that we have for the crops out of the busy arable

heifers and calved cows. Mineral supplements are

efficient rumen environment. Looking to the future,

seasons.” says Tommy. Initially, the Clarks treated the

all supplied by Harbro, using Beef Max for feeding

the plan is to breed up to 130 cows which would

wheat themselves in two tonne batches using their

cattle, Beef Cow for cows until Christmas, then

fully utilise all their buildings. “By finishing the cattle

feeder wagon. This would involve a full day’s work

moving to Super Suckler in the run up to calving right as we do currently and grazing more efficiently,

for themselves and he admits that towards the end

through to bulling. Omega 25 is also fed to cows for a

any increase in numbers would be carried on a

of the day, things maybe weren’t done as accurately

month pre-bulling.

similar area.” Of the grass, half is permanent and

as they could be. Last year, Harbro’s Superbruiser

half rotational – the cattle are ideal for it and there

was booked to process and treat the 60 tonnes of

All males are fed as bulls on a ration of Maxammon

is the financial incentive for us to make more use

wheat that are required annually. “It is a far superior

wheat and barley, supplemented with Harbro Beef

of it.” “The beef enterprise whilst very important

system compared to us mixing at home, resulting in

Max minerals with Rumitech; Tommy told us, “I

financially is quite a bit smaller in output than the

a consistent product and the job was completed in

don’t like the ration to be too dry and we had plenty

arable operation. However, it has a much smaller

three hours.”

Chae (left) and Keith (right) Stewart, Beef finishers, Aberdeenshire.

Professor Nick Jonsson (middle) University of Glasgow Vet School.

We achieved average DLWG of 1.81kg

In a recent independent trial by Glasgow Vet School, 100 cattle fed on a ration including Maxammon and Rumitech achieved average DLWG of 1.81kg.

Trial results recorded: Higher average daily liveweight gain Better feed conversion Higher percentage achieving target

· · ·

Tel: 01888 545200

harbro.co.uk

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

25

FEATURE

BEEF FINISHING NUTRITION

BY SIMON P. MARSH PRINCIPAL LECTURER BEEF CATTLE SPECIALIST, HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY

Once having grown adequate frame on a beast, the finishing period should last 90-120 days with target DLWG's of 1.1-1.5kg to produce the maximum fleshing possible, with a good finish (fat class 3-4L) to maximise carcase weight, grade and kill out percent. The exception to this short finishing phase are of course dairy bred bulls and weaned suckled calves that are intensively finished post weaning.

Finishing cattle are invariably heavier than growing

deposition compared to energy sources from digestible

The best performance we have ever had is with

cattle, with a reduced appetite in relation to body

fibre which result in higher acetic acid production.

crimped maize grain. This is ‘rocket fuel’ for finishing

weight. Rapid live weight gain requires feeding high

Processing of the cereal is a major consideration which

cattle. Maize grain has a higher level of starch than

cereal based rations since high starch levels can

influences target starch content of the diet. Ideally

barley (71% v 59%) but more importantly a higher

promote fast weight gains, fat cover and more efficient

the cereal grain should just be lightly cracked. With

proportion of the starch is by-pass starch (35% v 15%)

FCR particularly in the larger framed, more difficult

compounded feeds when cereals are milled, starch

which minimises acidosis problems. Disappointingly

to flesh cattle. Typical ration guidelines are shown in

content is usually capped at about 30% whereas we

in a recent study when we replaced 20% of barley with

table 1.

have looked at home mix blends based on rolled barley

dried maize meal we didn’t see any significant effect

containing 45% starch without any issues. Too much

on performance.

MANAGEMENT

readily available starch causes acidosis which will

The basic principle to optimize profitability with

cause abscessed livers. Ask your abattoir for some

PROTEIN

finishing cattle is to maximize the inclusion of home

feedback on the status of your cattle livers which is

Crude protein requirements are determined by the

grown feeds whether this is cereals and/or high quality

an easy way to know if you have acidosis or sub-acute

animal’s genetic potential. Intensively fed continental

forage, or cheap high energy co-product feeds. I have

rumen acidosis (SARA).

bulls will require more CP than steers and heifers.

always been a proponent of ‘feed what you grow’. The

Theoretical protein requirements are based on AFRC

transition phase from a growing to finishing ration

At Harper when we replaced barley with oats we

1993 which determined protein requirements from

is one that should be very carefully managed and in

recorded a deterioration in performance and the

feeding studies carried out in the 1970’s and 80’s.

the early phases ad lib long fibre ideally from silage

inclusion of oats could only be justified if it was £50/t

As you are aware the genetics of our cattle have

should be provided. Cattle coming off grass into a

cheaper than barley. However the inclusion of a small

significantly improved over the last 30-40 decades

finishing unit need very careful management. Always

quantity (10-15%) of oats can be justified with very

and there are concerns that the theoretical protein

make any ration changes gradually over a 7-14 day

high starch rations to ‘take the heat out of the ration’.

requirements are too low, especially with young fast

period. Having a feeder wagon is not a prerequisite to

Alternatives to oats are beet pulp, citrus pulp, soya

growing cattle.

maximize performance. Below I will draw on a lot of

hulls and Nutritionally Improved Straw (NIS).

research work carried out at Harper Adams University

With regards to protein quality in a ration the

on finishing rations for beef cattle. Most of the trial

We have fed 100% wheat to bulls and despite its very

first requirement is of course to satisfy the rumen

reports from these studies are available on the NBA

high starch content (69% v 59% for barley) found no

degradable protein requirements of the beast. I always

website (go to

improvement in performance when in theory cattle

like to see at least 2 different protein rich feedstuffs in

Resources>Technical Information>Beef Nutrition).

should have performed better. In fact performance

a ration in case there is an issue of protein quality with

was slightly worse since wheat goes ‘glutenous’ in the

one of the feeds. Soya is the ‘gold star’ protein source

ENERGY

rumen and causes more issues with acidosis. We have

(47-52% CP in DM) and its inclusion in a ration would

Starch is the key driver of DLWG since this promotes

however fed cattle with 100% wheat as the cereal

allow maximum inclusion of home grown cereals. It

the production of propionic acid (a volatile fatty acid)

source with 10% NIS in the ration and cattle have

also has the highest level of by-pass protein but this

in the rumen which is more effective for growth and fat

performed well.

is less critical for finishing cattle with the exception

TABLE 1. RATION GUIDELINES FOR FINISHING CATTLE Nutrients in total ration DM

Comments

DMI (% live wt)

1.7-2.0%

Influenced by access, freshness and palatability

DLWG

>1.1kg

Can be over 2kg with compensatory growth

ME (MJ/Kg DM)

>12.2

Starch drives high DLWGs

Starch & Sugar

> 33%

Manage carefully to avoid acidosis

Crude Protein

12-14%

Higher levels required for continental bulls and heifers

Long fibre

>10%

Don't rely on bedding to supply this

Oil

<6%

Can depress intakes. High in distillery products

Source: Adapted from AHDB BRP Manual 7

26

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

FEATURE SIMON MARS

H

HEALTHY LIVER (SCORE 1) ON BADLY ABSCES THE LHS. SED LIVER (SC ORE 5) DUE TO ACIDOSIS ON THE RHS

of high genetic merit intensively finished weaned suckled bulls. Some cost effective protein rich feeds are distillers (26-32%CP) and rape (39%CP). Linseed meal (35%CP) contains high quality protein and is renowned for putting a bloom on the coats. Peas

results of our recent trial intensively finishing weaned

supply due to the growth of AD plants and continuity

(24%CP) and beans (29%CP) can be home grown to

South Devon steers and highlights the major financial

of supply is crucial for consistent rations. I would also

follow the mantra of ‘feed what you grow’. The issue

benefits that can accrue with replacing concentrates

advise consulting an experienced nutritionist who

with lower protein feeds is that you have to include a

with top quality forage. Poorer quality forage can of

should be able to formulate a balanced ration.

relatively high quantity to get a decent lift in protein

course be fed with systems with high cereal feed rates

percent. Beans at up to 30% of the diet have been

to provide that scratch factor. Ad lib cereal diets will

FEED ADDITIVES

fed. Do not discount a small inclusion of feed grade

need at least 10% of the DMI as forage and finishing

There is a lot of published work on feed additives,

urea (280% CP) but its inclusion must be limited to

rations with above 25% forage will be a lot healthier

especially yeast cultures. We have carried out 5

a maximum of 1% in a barley based home mix fed

for the cattle and minimise acidosis.

trials with yeasts, 2 worked and 3 didn’t. The 2 that

ad libitum and introduced gradually. We have also

Will a TMR fed via an expensive feeder wagon give

worked were with a live yeast (Yea-Sacc1026) and

evaluated protected protein sources at Harper and only

improved performance? There is a lot of anecdotal

a dead yeast (Diamond V XPLS) and both were fed

found benefits in performance with young (3-6 month

evidence with some supporting evidence from

in a home mix. The 3 trials that didn’t work involved

old) continental bulls.

research work that it can. However there are a number

a live yeast included in a compound feed. I would

of producers that achieve very good performance

suggest that the heat process involved in making the

We have recently compared feeding 12.5% versus

without a feeder wagon. Also in a study with 540kg

compound feed denatured the yeast i.e. killed it! Some

16% CP (in the DM) rations for 300kg maize silage fed

continental grass silage fed bullocks carried out by

yeast manufacturers now claim that their yeast will

continental heifers and found a significant response

Teagasc 7kg of concentrates were fed either as in a

survive the heat of processing. With regards to yeasts

in performance. When we compared 14% versus

TMR or trough fed as one feed. The latter goes totally

make sure you check the strength (cfu’s/g), inclusion

16%CP (in the DM) with barley fed continental dairy

‘against the text book’ of a maximum of 0.5kg of

rate and subsequent feed rate per head per day and

bred bulls we again recorded a significant response in

concs per 100kg live weight in one feed. There were

that the yeast has not been ‘pepper potted’ into the

performance. However when we compared 14% versus

no significant differences in performance! I am a firm

ration. We have also evaluated essential oils (CRINA)

16% versus 18% CP (in the DM) with Holstein bulls the

believer that producers must minimise investment

and a buffer (Acid Buf) and both improved DLWG

performance deteriorated with increasing protein. It

in machinery. All it does is burn fuel, rusts and

and reduced days to slaughter in barley beef rations.

was assumed that surplus protein was supplied for this

depreciates.

Be aware that the inclusion of an additive (at its

breed type and that cattle were using energy getting

appropriate rate) can increase ration costs by £5-7/t.

rid of this excess protein. Please note that 14% in the

MOIST/CO-PRODUCT FEEDS

DM is equivalent to feeding a 12% ‘as fed’ beef ration

There are a number of very good co-product feeds on

was ‘as cheap as chips’, worked virtually every time

on a barley beef system.

the market with high energy values and some also

by shifting VFA production to propionic and reduced

with decent protein levels as well. Some also have very

methane production which would help reduce global

What does need to be urgently investigated is the

high starch levels such as potato and bread waste but

warming by the cattle industry, but sadly I can’t see it

protein requirements for weaned high genetic merit

since they have been processed need to be fed with

coming back. Romensin is still of course widely used in

suckler bred bulls growing at 1-6-2.0kg per day from

care to avoid acidosis. We have evaluated co-product

other parts of the world, especially the USA so giving

weaning to slaughter. The ‘text book’ is way out of date

blends of Traffodgold/bread/beet pulp and Pressed

us a marketing edge over American beef as British beef

for these cattle!

pulp/distillers and the studies showed either similar or

is additive (and hormone) free.

FORAGE

It would be great if we could bring back Romensin. It

improved performance compared to an ad lib barley based ration. Full details are on the NBA website. One

For further information on the results from the Harper

High quality forage can replace some concentrates

of the main issues of co-product feeds is storage and

Adams beef unit as well as other beef research centres

and this forage can be maize, grass, whole crop or

potential waste. In a study carried out a number of

go to the NBA website (go to Resources>Technical

red clover and producers should focus on growing the

years ago by the SAC it was found that losses can be as

Information>Beef Nutrition).

crop with the highest dry matter and ME yield on their

high as 20% with draff that wasn’t correctly ensiled.

farm. I’ve heard numerous anecdotal comments on

You must also take into consideration the cost per

the performance of cattle on red clover silage and this

tonne of dry matter and also per unit of energy and

needs investigating. The key is that the forage must be

protein. Co-products will always be cheaper per tonne

well made and high in ME, ideally above 11.5ME. The

on a fresh weight basis since they can contain 50-75%

article in this edition of the Beef Magazine details the

water! Unfortunately some co-products are short in

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

27

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

STUDY FINDS DELAYING FLUKE TREATMENT AT HOUSING COSTS FARMERS MONEY Protecting cattle against fluke at housing rather than delaying treatment will yield a financial return by reducing stress and improving growth rates, according to a recent study.

A trial by FAI Farms in Oxfordshire compared the

for farmers to treat cattle at housing. From an

in the worms and the extra growth rate during the

effectiveness of parasite treatments in 36 first

animal management point of view, it reduces the

4-8 weeks after housing indicates there was some

season grazing animals. The treatments were; a

need for further handling of animals later on and is

fluke burden.”

fluke and worm pour-on (CYDECTIN® TriclaMox®)

easy to do once you are already handling them.”

ADVICE

given at housing; a worm pour-on (CYDECTIN®) given after housing; and no treatment.

From a productivity perspective, animals that were

Treating at housing using a combined worm and

treated at housing with a combination worm and

fluke product cleans out parasites including fluke

RESULTS

fluke product weighed almost 3kgs more at 4-8

thereby supporting a healthier transition period,

The stress of housing and weaning led to an 89%

weeks after housing compared to those treated

said Dr. Armstrong.

drop in growth rates across all groups. Cattle

after housing using a single-active wormer. This

handled post housing also have the potential for a

extra growth equates to £16.52 a head compared

“A cow’s liver is bigger, meaning they can tolerate a

second growth rate dip of 20% as a result of being

to £10.63 in cattle treated after housing.

greater fluke burden, you won’t see sudden deaths

handled twice.

like you would in sheep. However, you will see In addition, cattle challenged by fluke, but not

subclinical disease, which can be costly” he said.

During the 4-8 weeks post-housing:

receiving treatment until 4-8 weeks post-housing

Animals treated at housing with a combined worm

will lose production because of subclinical disease. Fluke infected cattle can take 80 days longer to

and fluke treatment (CYDECTIN TriclaMox) gained

Although the copro-antigen tests didn’t show a

reach slaughter weight costing between £25-35 a

an average of 16.1kg

fluke burden at the start of the trial, the results

head, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture

Cattle treated after housing using with a worm at AY W13.4kg us gained D pour on (CYDECTIN) O e Se IRY SH Cattle offered no DAworm IRY or fluke treatment at K DA U housing gained S W8.6kg. &

suggest there may have been an underlying fluke at AY W us Din O issue. This contributed to the increase growth e Se IRY SH Y A D IR product at rates in those treated with a combined UK DA W housing.

S &

Development Board (AHDB) figures. “A

BENEFITS

FF

OR FastractCAPerformanc LF DABL

Fastract Performance Feeds

CAfluke CYDECTIN TriclaMox is the only combination

RE” E

and worm product to provide both a persistent “Fastract produces results which “since using Jump Start our calves are “since using Jump Start calves that are treats all stages of wormer andour a flukicide should cost a lot more “ brighter and sharper” Zoetis vet Dr. Dave Armstrong explained: “Because brighter fluke, and sharper ” early immature, late immature and adults.

“I have seen a big difference in a sick cow

Treating cattle for fluke at housing has been shown of the volume of faeces in cattle there is a dilution Treating cattle at housing rather than delaying within 6 hours of giving “The calves look after themselves now, we just “The calves look after themselves now, we just Ruminant Paste“ to derive benefits don’t for farmers cattle. treatment has found to improve growth rates effect meaning the test is not as sensitive in cattle need and scour treatments any more” don’t need scour treatments anybeen more”

Use at calving, any time of digestive disorder, stress or travelling a routine for new calves, at any product, sign as a routine for new born calves, at all. any sign Georgina Cox Use fromasFAI Farms said: “It isborn advisable or no treatment worm the cattle saw aUse complete reduction of scour or any time appetite is poor. of scour or any time appetite is poor. as it is in sheep. By using a combination fluke and

Prompt delivery : call 01434 600602www.eggsport.co.uk

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t s a n AYat W Y e uthYa eDusHODA OW e S s IRSe lSfIRY SH s A aY LUeK D DU/AKIcRDADAIRY £2 S W SW & & “since“since usingusing JumpJump StartStart our calves are our calves

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Fastract Performance Feeds Fastract Performance Feeds

” brighter and sharper brighter and sharper ”

are

look after now, we “The “calves The calves look themselves after themselves now,just we just don’t don’t need need scourscour treatments any more” treatments any more”

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28

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE at Y t Y WA W us DAs aO

Fastract Performanc

shouldshould cost acost lot more “ a lot more “ “I have“I seen a big difference in a sick have seen a big difference in acow sick cow within 6 hours of giving Ruminant Paste“Paste“ within 6 hours of giving “The calves look after themselves now, we just Ruminant don’t need scour treatments any Use atUse calving, anymore” time digestive disorder, at calving, anyoftime of digestive disorder, stressstress or travelling or travelling Use as a routine for new born calves, at any sign of scour or any time appetite is poor.

brighter and sharper”

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AUTUMN 2018

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“AF “ FOAFF R O

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH COMPETITION

“Testing for BVD is easy. Simply choose a TST tag.”

Philip Jones, Lan Farm, Carmarthenshire

Many farmers still believe that testing for BVD is a difficult, time-consuming and expensive process. It’s not.

Choose the Allflex TST (Tissue Sampling Tag) range, and every time you apply a tag to an animal in your herd, you’ll be testing for BVD. No need to change your tagging methods, your applicator or your processes, just your tag.

And with a TST tag costing little more than our standard tags; it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Contact your local agricultural merchant or

call our customer services team on 0845 600 9070 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

29

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH

ARE YOUR TRACE ELEMENT SUPPLEMENTATION INVESTMENTS FALSE ECONOMIES? Whether your main enterprise is beef or dairy, it is a well-documented fact that ensuring the optimum trace element status in your herd is critical for both productivity and fertility.

However, it can be difficult to differentiate between

Unfortunately, the free-access lick and block

bolus will provide the same amount of trace

the wide range of nutritional products available;

systems cannot ensure that each animal receives

elements every single day for the duration of the

from free-access systems such as licks and blocks,

the same level of trace elements. In fact, an

bolus. Their long-lasting nature is also highly

to injections, feed supplements and boluses. To

independent study (McDowell, 1992) highlighted

convenient and reduces labour costs, as repeated

shed some light on the issue, one of Bimeda’s

that intakes between animals are extremely

treatments are not required during the life of the

Professional Services Veterinarians, Rachel

variable, with some consuming nothing and others

bolus.

Mallet, looked at some of the key advantages and

consuming excessive amounts.

disadvantages of the various options.

I always recommend CoseIcure Cattle Boluses INJECTIONS

for animals requiring iodine, cobalt, copper and

“While the importance of ensuring optimum trace

Injections can be suitable for targeted

selenium as they last for up to six months and are

element levels is widely understood, I find that

administration in conjunction with the advice of

proven to supply the same level of trace elements

many farmers are unaware that peaks and troughs

your vet. They can be appropriate where only a

every day. This is particularly important for animals

of supplementation can have a negative impact

single trace element, such as copper or selenium is

requiring cobalt and iodine which cannot be stored

on fertility, so it is vital that farmers choose a

required.

in the body, meaning a daily supply is required. The

supplementation method that can be relied on to

CoseIcure Cattle Starter Pack is proving particularly

provide the same levels of trace elements every

IN-FEED SUPPLEMENTATION

popular with farmers, as it contains 100 Coseicure

single day.

Trace elements can be provided by the provision

Cattle boluses and a stainless steel applicator. To

of TMR, concentrates or bag minerals. Often these

find your local stockist of Bimeda’s CoseIcure Cattle

ORAL DRENCHES

are specified based on ‘averages’ or ‘common

boluses, contact Bimeda on 01248 725 400.

Drenches can seem like a cheap and convenient

requirements’, as opposed to being based on what

option. However, for trace elements which cannot

has been determined as deficient and required on

It is also important that farmers ensure that

be stored in the body, such as cobalt or iodine, they

the farm. Ideally these mixes should be prepared,

any form of trace element supplementation is

are not appropriate to treat deficiencies, as a form

based on an investigation into the animals’ trace

only supplied where a need to do so has been

of continuous supplementation must be provided.

element status and requirements. This method can

identified, through appropriate diagnostic testing.

This means that if you provide cobalt, for example,

add significantly to the cost of production.

I recommend that farmers consult their vet, animal

via a drench, any cobalt that the body cannot use

health advisor or nutritionist prior to providing any

will simply be passed out in the faeces, making the

TRACE ELEMENT BOLUSES

form of trace element supplementation, and that

drench a false economy for the farmer. Frequent

I recommend bolusing as the ideal form of trace

appropriate diagnostics such as blood tests and

dosing is required, which increases costs to the

element supplementation, as boluses provide a

forage analysis have both taken place, to ensure

farmer – both in terms of the drench itself and

convenient, cost-effective and controlled method

supplementation is addressing an established need.

labour required,” she said.

of trace element supplementation. A good quality

FREE-ACCESS SYSTEMS Where a need to supplement trace elements has been established, we need to ensure that all animals receive an amount of trace elements which is compatible with their daily requirements.

Too much of a trace element can prove toxic; too little and the deficiency will not be addressed. Furthermore, variable intakes can have a negative impact on fertility.

30

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

FEATURE THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN2018

31

FEATURE

EVALUATION OF THE REPLACEMENT OF WITH A HIGH ENERGY FORAGE WITH INT WEANED SPRING BORN SOUTH DEVON S With producers in some parts of the country unfortunately having issues marketing suckler bred bulls and incurring penalties for heavy weight (380+kg) carcasses it was therefore appropriate to evaluate intensive finishing systems for late maturing breed spring born suckled steers at Harper Adams University.

Since feed is the main variable cost of finishing beef

from the same age group with higher EBVs were

to supply similar quantities of protein, and also a

cattle and with the recent volatility in cereal prices it

retained as entire bulls by the breeder. The calves

similar quantity of minerals. Prior to commencement

was also considered necessary to evaluate the effect

were from South Devon dams and were weaned 3

of the trial the cattle were fed 14% CP concentrates

of replacing cereals with a high energy forage.

weeks prior to delivery having been vaccinated (2

(Wynnstay Primebeef) and maize silage. The

doses of Rispoval4 at 2 weeks apart), their backs

cereal rations were fed via hoppers and gradually

The target for intensively finishing suckler bred steers

clipped out and offered creep feed. They were

introduced over a 10-14 day period. The maize silage

is a carcase weight of 325-335kg at 13-14 months

vaccinated with Bravoxin to give protection from

TMR ration was fed from troughs. The cattle were

old. For bulls the target would be a 380kg carcase at

clostridial diseases. The calves were allocated into

group housed in straw-bedded yards.

14 months old. If you consider that these targets for

two balanced treatment groups in a randomized block

carcase weights for steers are relatively low I would

design according to live weight and Quality Beef Index

Full details of the concentrate rations are

comment that we intensively finished some ¾ bred

of the sire.

shown in the trial report on the NBA website (Resources>Technical Information>Beef Nutrition).

Limousin steers back in 2003 at Harper Adams on a whole crop trial and recorded carcase weights of 275-

MANAGEMENT:

285kg grading R/-U4L. Since 2003 there has been

1. Cereals

RESULTS: (SEE TABLES RIGHT)

a marked improvement in the genetic merit of our

Ad libitum 13% Crude Protein (15% CP/kg DM)

All of the carcasses would be regarded as ideal for

cattle and the Limousins involved in the study were

concentrates based on rolled barley, sugar beet pulp,

the processors and supermarkets. Carcase value

bred by bulls with average Beef Values

soyabean meal, distillers dark grains, molasses and

was significantly increased by £71.47 per steer with

minerals containing 36% starch in the DM, plus ad

the Maize silage: Cereal TMR. Feeding Maize silage:

libitum straw.

Cereals increased the margin over feed by £115.27

I am unaware of any recent trial work of intensively

and reduced the feed cost per kg gain by 32p (47p/

finishing suckler bred steers therefore the objective of this experiment was to evaluate replacing cereals

2. Maize Silage + Cereals TMR

kg carcase gain) due to significantly higher carcase

with good quality maize silage with weaned spring

Ad libitum 15% CP/kg DM TMR based on 50% good

weights and reduced feed costs, despite higher dry

born late maturing breed (South Devon) suckled steer

quality maize silage with 50% from concentrates on

matter intakes.

calves.

a DM basis. The concentrates were formulated from rolled barley, soyabean meal, distillers dark grains

Overall the steers returned a gross margin of £77

ANIMALS & TIMING:

and minerals and contained 19% CP. The maize silage

and £191 per head for the Cereals and Maize: Cereals

The trial commenced in November 2017 with 34 eight

had an excellent analysis of 37.4% DM, 11.7ME MJ/kg

treatments respectively. The costings were based on

month old South Devon suckler bred steers weighing

DM, 8% CP in DM and 35.8% starch in DM. The TMR

a calf purchase price of £805 (366kg @ £2.20/kg)

approximately 379kg. The calves were purchased

analysed 46.8% DM, 12.1 ME with 34.2% starch in

per head.

direct from WJ Wright & Son, Oxey Farm, Tilton,

the DM. The cattle were slaughtered at ABP Shrewsbury and

Leicestershire, and bred by sires with top 1-10% Quality Beef Index/EBVs. A further 30 male calves

The diets were formulated to be iso-nitrogenous i.e.

carcasses classified by Video Image Analysis (VIA).

SOUTH DEVON CALVES TAKEN IN AUGUST

32

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AUTUMN 2018

FEATURE

F CEREALS TENSIVELY FINISHED SUCKLED STEERS

BY SIMON MARSH AND MATT ROLLASON, HARPER ADAMS UNIVERSITY CALVES

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSIONS:

RESULTS:

• Overall performance of the South Devon steers was very good with them being

Table 1: Animal performance (kg)

slaughtered at 14.3 months old with carcase weights of 334-351kg exceeding the recognised target for intensively finished suckler bred steers.

• The steers fed the Maize silage: Cereals TMR recorded significantly higher DLWGs (+0.11kg), slaughter weights (+33kg) carcase weights (+16.7kg) carcase daily gains (+0.05kg) and were finished 8.4 days later.

• Higher DM and ME intakes with the Maize: Cereal TMR would explain the higher DLWGs. • Carcase classifications were similar and ideal for the meat trade. The low liver scores indicated minimal issues with acidosis.

• Based on the carcase prices prevailing at the time of the study carcase value was significantly increased by £71.47 per steer with the Maize: Cereal TMR treatment. With reduced feed costs of £43.80 the Margin over Feed was increased by £115.27.

• The earlier slaughter (8 days) of the steers fed ad lib cereals would result in a small reduction in variable and fixed costs. However the fixed costs for a system based on forage will require silage clamps, a feeder wagon and materials handler which will be significantly higher than one based on feeding cereals from hoppers.

ON TRIA

L AT HA U IN FE

B R U A RY

(Kg/steer)

Cereals

Maize: Cereals P Value

Start wt Slaughter wt Days to slaughter DLWG

379 617 185 1.29

379 650 193 1.40

0.989 NS 0.002 ** 0.205 NS 0.092 Trend

441 (14.4mo)

0.827

Age at slaughter (days)1 434 (14.2mo)

Sig

NS

1. Age in brackets = months NS = not significant, * = P<0.05, ** = P<0.01, *** = P<0.001

Table 2: Carcase characteristics (Kg/steer)

Cereals

Maize: Cereals P Value

Sig

Carcase wt (kg) 333.9 Kill out (%) 54.2 Carcase Daily Gain (kg) 0.85 Carcase DG from birth (kg) 0.76 Conformation1 (1-15) 8.12 (R=) Fat class1 (1-15) 9.39 (3+/4-)

350.6 53.9 0.90 0.80 8.38 (R=/R+) 9.56 (3+/4-)

0.017 * 0.773 NS 0.309 NS 0.142 NS 0.630 NS 0.225 NS

Liver score2 (1-5)

2.00

0.510 NS

1.62

• If farm resources are available to make, store and handle forage the replacement

1 EUROP carcase classification: Conformation: P-=1 and E+=15, Fat class: 1- =1 and 5+=15.

2 Liver assessment: 1= Healthy liver and 5 = Severe abscesses (due to acidosis).

of 50% of cereals with good quality high energy maize silage must be considered.

Table 3: Feed intakes (kg), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and ME intakes

• If maize silage cannot be grown then consider alternative top quality silage made

Cereals

Maize: Cereals

1,562 8.4 1,336 7.22 6.56 8.49 17,094 92.2

2,347 12.2 4.5 868 4.5

The author would like to extend his sincere thanks to The South Devon Herd

Total silage intake (kg) Daily silage intake (kg) Daily silage intake (kg DM) Total 19% CP Concs intake (kg) Daily 19% CP Conc intake (kg DM) Total 13% CP Concs (kg) Daily 13% CP Conc intake (kg) Total DMI (kg) Daily DMI (kg) FCR (kg concs/kg LWT gain) FCR (kg DM/kg carcase gain) Total ME supplied (MJ) ME intake per day (MJ)

Book Society for supporting this work and the staff at ABP Shrewsbury for their

Table 4: Financial performance (£)

assistance with the liver scoring. This study was used by BSc IV Agric student

from grass, clover or whole crop.

• With some markets penalizing heavy weight carcasses with intensively finished suckled bulls, intensively finishing steers offers potential for respectable margins and to market carcasses that will be ‘in spec’. Also handling bulls has its recognized management problems which finishing steers can potentially overcome. The South Devon steers finished on this trial were extremely placid and docile.

• Modelling to compare cereal fed bulls finished at 380kg carcase weights versus silage: cereal fed steers based on these trial results showed similar margins with a Base price which penalised bulls by 5p/kg. Higher penalties therefore favours steers provided you have the resources to make store and handle good quality silage.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Harry Billing as the basis for his Honours Research Project who managed the cattle during his study.

Comment from the Caroline Poultney, Breed Secretary

of the South Devon Herd Book Society: “The evaluation has clearly proved the versatility of the South Devon breed to be able to finish early with good weights and grades as steers as well as bulls, and clearly proves that the South Devon is not late maturing. The Society is very grateful to Simon Marsh and to Harper Adams for their collaboration and for undertaking these influential feed trials.”

Cereals

1,649 8.54 3.20 9.49 20,218 104.5

Maize: Cereals P Value Sig

3.65 3.68 0.688 NS Carcase price (£/kg)1 Carcase value (£) 1,218.74 1,290.21 0.044 *

Total feed cost per head (£)2 315.52 271.72 Daily feed cost (£/head) 1.71 1.41 Margin over Feed (£/steer) 903.22 1018.49

Feed cost/kg live wt gain (£/kg) 1.33 1.01 Feed cost/kg carcase gain (£/kg) 2.03 1.56

1 Carcase price standardised to the ABP price grid with a base price of £3.65/kg.

2 Feed costs as follows: Maize silage @ £96/t DM (£35.52/t Fresh wt), 13% CP concs @ £202/t, 19% CP TMR concs @ £217/t.

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

33

SPONSORED FEATURE

MAKE THE BEST OF AUTUMN GRASS The dry conditions seen in early summer may seem a distant memory, with recent rain resulting in rapid grass growth in most parts of the country. Grass is still one of the cheapest available feeds for both cattle and sheep and is capable of sustaining good levels of animal performance even in the autumn. But grass provides an inconsistent source of nutrients and without a balanced nutrient intake, feed digestion, animal performance and health will suffer.

Growing youngstock, including bulling and in-calf heifers have a high requirement for all major minerals and trace elements to sustain growth and performance.

Crystalyx Cattle Booster is a high energy feed lick, which also contains generous levels of all essential minerals and trace elements sufficient to correct all likely mineral deficiencies and imbalances found in grass. The high sugar content helps feed the rumen bugs so they work harder at digesting forage. On-going research continues to show the ability of Crystalyx to get the best out of forages for all ages of growing cattle by improving forage digestibility and stimulating intakes. Young cattle in their first year typically eat approx 100g Cattle Booster/head/day at grass, with bulling and in-calf heifers eating about 150g/day - with increased daily liveweight gains of 16-20% being recorded. And for bulling heifers there are potential further benefits of improved in-calf rates over grass-fed controls. In a large New Zealand study with 319 replacement heifers divided into 4 mobs (2 Crystalyx and 2 control mobs), mated by natural service at grass, both Crystalyx-fed mobs recorded a 100% pregnancy rate, compared with a 95% pregnancy rate in the controls.

WATCH OUT FOR AUTUMN STAGGERS Most cases of acute hypomagnesaemia seen in the UK occur in recently calved beef cows, especially if they have been unsupplemented in the dry period. The particularly good, lush grass growth seen recently, after the summer drought, may increase the risk of hypomagnesaemia (grass staggers) for lactating beef cows calving this autumn. Despite its vital importance, there are no hormonal mechanisms in the body to allow cows to regulate their blood magnesium levels. Maintaining blood magnesium levels is therefore entirely dependent on short term (daily) absorption of magnesium from the diet because the magnesium stored within the body is not readily mobilised or available to the cow.

Crystalyx Cattle High-Mag contains 10.5% magnesium from a unique combination of 3 different magnesium sources and is formulated with dehydrated molasses to ensure palatability even on lush autumn grass. Independent research at Glasgow Vet School has confirmed the availability of the magnesium in Cattle High-Mag is superior to even the best pure calcined magnesite source evaluated at Glasgow (so the magnesium is more efficiently absorbed by the cow). And because Crystalyx Cattle High-Mag contains the full range of essential trace elements and vitamins often lacking in grass, the risk of other nutrient deficiencies is also reduced. Crystalyx never replaces forage, it complements and balances it, so the rumen bugs digest the grass (and any supplementary forage) faster and with improved efficiency. This can allow for increased forage intakes (when it is available) but in all cases leads to improved animal performance.

34

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AUTUMN 2018

SPONSORED FEATURE

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AUTUMN2018

35

AGR ICULTUR AL & D OMESTIC BUILDING M AIN TENANCE

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36

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07984 739862 markkelley3@me.com

AUTUMN 2018

FEATURE - ANIMAL COMPETITION NBAHEALTH NEWS

NI COMMITTEE WINTER FARM WALK

The Northern Ireland NBA committee will be hosting a winter farm walk on the evening of Monday 3rd December at David and Ken Martins farm in Maghera, Newcastle, County Down.

The farm is an excellent example of a finally tuned

Speaking on their system David commented

potatoes. The brothers aim to finish progeny under

mixed family enterprise unafraid to expand and

“We see far fewer health issues when cattle are

24months at a target weight of 400kg deadweight.

take on new challenges. David and Ken’s father

wintered outside and through extending the

All finished stock is sold to ABP who will be

Eddie purchased 20 acres in 1947 and since, the

grazing season we have found we can significantly

sponsoring the event.

farm has expanded to a far greater area including

reduce feed costs and labour requirements.”

a suckler herd, beef finishing unit, sheep flock,

Commenting on the farm walk, Ernie Ritchie, NBA

arable, potatoes, contracting, breeding and

Cattle are grazed until late December, outwintered

Director said, “This farm is a fine example of a busy

finishing pigs and is in the process of expanding

on stubble ground at stocking rates of 1 cow per

but well-run farm focusing on a mixture of low

into the dairy sector.

3-4 acres and are only brought in to calf in a block

cost out wintering mixed with some great slatted

period. The housing is fitted with calving cameras

accommodation”

The beef enterprise works on the principles of

and rubber matting on slats for cattle comfort and

good silage, good housing and plenty of fresh air.

ease of management.

The farm walk will begin at 7.30pm and will

The herd of 70 suckler cows are a mix of Lim and

include a range of informative talks and a tour of

British Freisan type cattle crossed with a range of

Calves are housed at weaning and finished along

continental stock bulls to produce progeny which

with 45-50 bought in stores on a diet of home-

grow well and finish under 24 months.

grown silage, barley, ground maize and refused

the beef enterprise followed by refreshments.

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01750 724 110 06 NBA Adverts October 2018 Supplements.indd 1

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

EasyMark Spray Marker

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sales@roxan.co.uk 10/10/2018 16:59:31

AUTUMN2018

37

Molasses Blends MOLASSES BLENDS FOR COS the Essential Ingredient Molasses MolassesBlends Blends EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE the theEssential EssentialIngredient Ingredient

MOLASSES BLENDS FOR COST Improve fibre digestion Allow the effective use of strawCOST MOLASSES BLENDS FOR MOLASSES BLENDS FOR COST EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Reduce feed wastage

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR COMPETITION WINNERS

The Turner family of Lower Sletchcott Farm, Kings Nympton who won 1000L of high performance liquid CONGRATULATIONS feed and 1000L feeder.

EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE Improve overall performance Improve fibre digestion High protein options

Improve fibre Allow the effective use of straw Improve fibredigestion digestion Allow the use Reduce wastage Allowfeed theeffective effective useofofstraw straw Reduce feed Reduce feedwastage wastage Improve overall performance Improve overall performance performance HighImprove proteinoverall options

TO OUR COMPETITION

CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS CONGRATULATIONS TOThe OURTurner COMPETITION family of Lower TO OUR COMPETITION WINNERS WINNERS Sletchcott Farm, Kings

The Turner family of Lower The Turner family of Lower Nympton whoKings won 1000L Sletchcott Farm, Sletchcott Farm, Kings liquid of high performance Nympton who won 1000L Nympton who won 1000L of high performance liquid feed and 1000L feeder. of high performance liquid feed and 1000L feeder. feed and 1000L feeder.

High protein Highcould proteinoptions options Straw and molasses be the key to effective supplementa forages and cost effective growth this winter, according to D Goatley from ED&F Man.

Straw molasses could the key to supplementation ofof of traw and and molasses could bebe the key effective supplementation andsystems, molasses be the keyto toeffective effective energy andsupplementation degradable “On Straw forage based the keys could to effective performance are protein imbalances. achieving high intakes and effective fibre digestion,” she says.

“Thiswinter, forages and cost effective growth this according tototo Danielle orages and cost effective growth this winter, according Danielle forages and cost effective growth this winter, according Danielle year this will mean making the best use of available silage and “Where forage supplies are Goatley from ED&F Man. whatever is fed to make up anyMan. silage shortages.”

Goatley from ED&F Man. oatley from ED&F short, 10kg of grass silage energy degradable “On forage based systems, the keys to performance effective “On forage based systems, theundigestible keys to effective are achieving are dry matter basis and high ME, they could bein replaced by 2.4kg Despite being relatively and low performance in protein, straw be and energy and degradable “On forage based systems, the keys to effective performance are can

protein imbalances. and degradable intakesthe and keys effective digestion,” she says. are “This energy n forageachieving based high systems, to fibre effective performance protein imbalances. achieving high intakes and effective fibre digestion,” shewill says.

“This high intakes and effective fibre digestion,” she says.

“Thiswill yearneed this mean are designed tobarley complement rations and 0.8kg straw an year excellent beef diets but cattle help to make the this willbase meanfor making the best use of available silage and protein imbalances. ieving high intakes and effective fibre digestion,” she says.

“This year this will mean making the best use of available silage and “Where forage supplies are making the best use of available silage and whatever is fed to make up any silage containing grass silage, whole crop, Regupro per day. While best use of it. toTomake maximise the use of straw,silage rumenand function“Where must forage whatever is fed up any silage supplies50 are r this will mean the useshortages.” of available whatever ismaking fed to make upbest any silage shortages.” short, 10kg of grass silagerations, “Where forage supplies are shortages.” maize silage and strawbased short, 10kg of grass silage dry matter intakes and be optimised and this is where molasses blends can make a huge atever isDespite fed tobeing makerelatively up any undigestible silage shortages.” could be replaced by 2.4kg and low in protein, straw can be could10kg beboth replaced by and 2.4kg Despite being relatively undigestible and low in protein, straw can be short, of grass silage correcting energy degradable energy protein content difference. barley straw and and 0.8kg an excellent base for beef diets but cattle will need help to make the barley straw and 0.8kg an relatively excellent base for beef diets but cattle will need help to make beimbalances. replaced byWhile 2.4kg spite being and low instraw, protein, straw can be the could Despite being undigestible and low protein, straw can be an protein Regupro 50 per best use of relatively it. undigestible To maximise the use ofin rumen function must willday. be the same in the two diets, feeding the straw an Regupro 50 perand day. 0.8kg While best use ofbeef it.toTo maximise the use ofneed straw, rumen function must barley One of the keys improved forage digestion is to the supply carbon straw excellent base for diets but cattle make dry matter intakes and excellent base for beefthis diets cattle willwill need help tohelp make the best use ofof six be optimised and isbut where molasses blends can make a the huge increase sugar dry matter intakes and intakes and ensure optimum rumen per be optimised and this is where molasses blends can make a huge 50 protein per day.

While st use of it.maximise To maximise use of function straw, rumen function must energy and content sugars like sucrose in the diet.

Found in optimised cane molasses, 6-carbon difference. it. difference.

To the use ofthe straw, rumen must be and this is Regupro “Where supplies short, 10kg energy forage and digestion protein are content and cost-effective growth. will be the same in be thereplaced twoand diets, feeding the straw and Regupro will dry matter intakes optimised and this is where molasses blends can make a huge sugars are proven to boost fibre digestion more effectively than other where molasses blends can make a huge difference. of grass silage could by will be the same in the two diets, feeding the straw and Regupro will One of the keys to improved forage digestion is the supply of six carbon increaseand sugarprotein intakes content and ensure optimum rumen performance, fibre One of the keys to improved forage digestion isforage the supply six carbon energy erence.

“Adding molasses blends to diets will intakes improve sugar sources leading todiet. better usein of andof6-carbon fewer undigested increase sugar intakes and ensure50optimum rumen fibre sugars like sucrose in the Found cane molasses, 2.4kg barley straw and 0.8kg Regupro per day. While dryperformance, matter and the use digestion and cost-effective growth. sugars like sucrose in the diet. Found in cane molasses, 6-carbon will be the same in the two diets, feeding the straw and Regupro willstoc digestion and cost-effective growth. sugars are proven to boost fibredigestion digestion more effectively thansugars other have allow diets to be developed that will eke out forage particles in the dung.

Adding molasses blends to beef diets been One of the keys to improved forage is the supply of six carbon energy and protein content will be the same in the two diets, feeding the straw e of the keys to improved digestion is themore supply of six carbon sugars are provenforage to boost fibre digestion effectively than other increase sugar intakes and ensure optimum rumen performance, fibre “Adding molasses blends to diets will improve the use of forages and sugar sources leading to better use of forage and fewer undigested to sources increase fibre digestion to 10%. like sucrose ininthethe diet.

Foundto in cane molasses, 6-carbon sugars areundigested proven and Regupro will increase sugar andimprove ensure optimum performance, “Adding molasses blends to intakes diets will the userumen of forages and sugar leading better use of up forage and fewer ars shown likeparticles sucrose Found in by cane allow dietsand to be developed will eke out forage stocks this winter.” in the dung.diet.

Adding molasses blendsmolasses, to beef diets6-carbon have been digestion ED&F Manthat supplies a out range ofstocks products formulated t cost-effective growth. allow diets to be developed that will eke forage this winter.” particles in the dung.

Adding molasses blends to beef diets have been to boost fibre digestion more effectively than other sugar sources leading to fibre digestion and cost-effective growth. ars areshown proven to boostfibre fibredigestion digestion more effectively than other to increase by up to 10%. performance returns in beef finishing units and “Tobetter maximise forage use, the by rumen bugs alsoAdding require a supply of supplies shown increase fibre up toand 10%.

ED&F Man a rangeto ofand products to help improve use to of forage fewerdigestion undigested particles in the dung.undigested molasses “Adding blends will formulated improve the of forages and ar sources leading to and better use of forage fewer ED&F molasses Man supplies a range diets of products formulated touse help improve performance and returns in abeef finishing units and designed to fit supply a ra flexibly into wide range of systems.

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Wewhich also supply a range of storageand effecti rumen degradable protein.

ED&F Man’s Provendeliver Regulated and feeders allow low labour technology means our molasses blends theRelease ideal balance ofinto flexibly atanks wide range ofout systems.

We also supply aED&F range of supplies storage rumen degradable protein.

ED&F Man’s Proven Regulated Release own to increase fibre digestion by up to 10%. to be developed that will eke forage stocks this winter.”

Man tanks Man and feeders which allow low labour andformulated effective inclusion ofimprove technology means our molasses blends deliver the ideal balance of ED&F supplies a range of products to help molasses blends in diets, whatever system. feeders which allow labour and effective inclusion of sugar energy and degradable protein todeliver maximise rumen function. means our blends the ideal balance of atanks “Totechnology maximise forage use, themolasses rumen bugs also require a supply offunction. rumen range and ofblends products formulated to helplow improve performance andthe returns in beef molasses in diets, whatever the system. sugar energy and degradable protein to maximise rumen performance and returns in beef the finishing maximise forage use, rumenprotein bugs to also require a supply of molasses blends in diets, whatever system.units and designed to fit sugar energy and the degradable maximise rumen function. degradable protein.

ED&F Man’s Proven Regulated Release technology means finishing units and designed to fit flexibly into a wide range of systems.

We also blend highly palatable, improving of the into a wide range of systems. We also supply a range of storage men “Finally, degradable protein.blend ED&F Man’s Proven Regulated Release “Finally,molasses molasses areare highly palatable, improving intakes of intakes the flexibly molasses blendtheare highly palatable, of the supply a range of storage tanks and feeders which allow low labour and effective our“Finally, molasses blends deliver ideal balance of sugarimproving energy andintakes degradable total diet and reducing feed wastage.” total diet and reducing feed wastage.” tanks and feeders which allow low labour and effective inclusion of hnology means our molasses blends deliver the ideal balance of total diet and reducing feed wastage.” protein maximise rumen function. inclusion of molasses blends in diets, whatever the system. ar energy andtodegradable protein to maximise function.

Reguprorumen 38 and Regupro 50 molasses blends in diets, whatever the system.

MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Regupro 38 and Regupro Regupro 38 and Regupro 50 FOR50 FOR MOREFOR INFORMATION CONTACT: are highly palatable, molasses MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: highlyhighly palatable, nally, molasses blend are highly palatable,are improving intakes ofmolasses the molasses Richard Dobson 07764 344716 are palatable, “Finally, molasses blend are based feeds, rich in protein Richard Dobson 07764 344716 based feeds, rich in protein Richard Dobson 07764 344716 al diet and reducing feed wastage.” highly palatable, improving based designed to getfeeds, the mostrich from in protein Mel Broughton 07717 341425 designed to get the most from

38

Mel Broughton

07717 341425

forages.

Atofeither 50% most from intakes total diet and designed to38% getor the 07717 341425 Regupro 38 and Regupro 50 forages.

Atthe either 38% or 50% Dave StanfordMel Broughton 07767CONTACT: 873748 FOR MORE INFORMATION crude protein onwastage.” a dry Regupro matter Dave Stanford 07767 873748 reducing feed forages. either 38% or 50% crude protein At onmolasses a dry matter 07710 075824 Danielle Goatley are highly palatable, basis and high in ME, they are 07710 075824 Danielle Goatley Dave Stanford 07764 344716 07767 873748 basis and high in theya are 38crude and Regupro 50 ME, are highly protein on dry Richard matter Dobson baseddesigned feeds, in protein to rich complement rations Freephone: 0800 3898450 07710 075824 Danielle Goatley designed to complement rations Freephone: 0800 3898450 palatable, molasses based feeds, designed to getgrass the basis and most high from in ME, they are containing silage, whole Mel Broughton 07717 341425 containing grass silage, whole www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com rich in protein designed to get crop,Atdesigned maize and strawforages. eithersilage 38% orand 50% www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com to complement rations Freephone:07767 873748 0800 3898450 crop, maize silage straw- Dave Stanford @EDFMan_Molasses rations, both the most from forages.

At either crude based protein on acorrecting dry matter @EDFMan_Molasses containing grass silage, whole based rations, correcting both Danielle 07710 075824 Goatley www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com basis and38% high inmaize ME, are or 50% crude they protein on aand strawcrop, silage designed to complement rations Freephone: 0800 3898450 @EDFMan_Molasses based rations, correcting both containing grass silage, whole THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2018 www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com crop, maize silage and straw-

The National Beef Association South West’s Specialist one day event will focus on the latest Technology and Information on Beef & Lamb production from Conception to Consumer. Agrifest South West (formerly Beef South West) will return to Westpoint Exeter on Wednesday 7th November 2018 and as well as the top quality cattle and sheep on display, visitors will be able to take a stroll along “Tech Street” a collection of stands within the main hall giving engaging presentations and demonstrations on an array of subjects to include Bull & Ram Fertility, Calf health and Virtual Carcase grading.

The Technical area is supported by AHDB Beef & Lamb and event mainline sponsors Mole Valley Farmers, and will demonstrate how the latest Information and technology helps to improve farm efficiency. Visitors will also have the chance to win a MooCall calving sensor kindly donated by Moocall.

The event is a real showcase of British Beef and lamb production from field to fork, so as well as the top quality cattle and sheep, latest machinery and Technology on display the regions farmers, and butchers will also be showcasing their quality produce in the Festival of Meat Area, with the Agrifest South West Steak & Burger Awards and the Royal Smithfield Club Beef Ribs and Saddle of Lamb competitions. “The committee would like to thank every event sponsor and supporter, and we look forward to welcoming all West Country Beef & Lamb producers to Westpoint on 7th November”

R

www.agrifestsouthwest.co.uk info@agrifestsouthwest.co.uk ORGANISED BY THE NBA SOUTH WEST

WESTPOINT EXETER, EX5 1DJ PAYING VISITORS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN A MOOCALL CALVING SENSOR PRIMESTOCK SHOW TO INCLUDE PRIME LAMB CLASSES PEDIGREE CALF AND YEARLING BULL SHOW BEEF RIBS & RACK OF LAMB COMPETITION STEAK AND BURGER AWARDS BEEF AND SHEEP BREED SOCIETY AREA INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY AREA RECORD NUMBER OF PRIME LAMB ENTRIES IAE LAMB WEIGHERS FOR AUCTION

TOP: HOMEBRED COMMERCIAL CHAMPION CENTRE: COMMERCIAL CHAMPION BOTTOM: CHAMPION LAMBS

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

ROYAL SMITHFIELD TROPHIES AWARDED IN THE PRIMESTOCK SHOW

AUTUMN2018

39

HEALTH NBA FEATURE BEEF NBA REGIONAL EXPO- ANIMAL 2018 ROUND-UPS PREVIEW COMPETITION FEATURE

NBA SOUTH WEST SHOWCASES BEEF & LAMB PRODUCTION FROM FIELD TO FORK

A FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY OF BRITISH 7TH NOVEMBER 2018 AGRICULTURE 8.30AM TO 5PM

FEATURE

PREVIOUSLY, WE WOULD HAVE HAD TO REPLACE UP TO 30 TAGS OUT OF THE 160. LAST OCTOBER WE ONLY HAD TO REPLACE ONE. IT REDUCES OUR WORKLOAD IF WE DON’T HAVE TO SINGLE OUT CATTLE TO REPLACE THEIR EAR TAGS. READ IAN RICHARDSON’S FULL CASE STUDY AT

WWW.ROXAN.CO.UK/TESTIMONIALS

Georgina and Ian Richardson, Upper Samieston, Jedburgh, with sons Adam (left), five and Thomas, six, with heifers carrying their first calves.

40

Alpha Applicator

Alpha Large

Alpha Medium

Alpha Button

£14.95

Primary or Secondary W 57 x L 77 mm £0.99

Primary or Secondary W 57 x L 58 mm £0.89

Secondary Diameter 28 mm £0.79

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

01750 724 110 sales@roxan.co.uk www.roxan.co.uk

SUMMER 2018

FEATURE

MIDLANDS MACHINERY SHOW SIGNS UP SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF NEW EXHIBITORS FOR 2018 Building on its reputation as a place to do business in a friendly and informative atmosphere, this year the Midlands Machinery Show celebrates 5 years. Agricultural businesses enjoy showcasing their diverse ranges of machinery and innovation to those working, or with an interest, in agriculture and its future. Visitors welcome the opportunity to see products demonstrations and to discuss how they could be of help in future-proofing their business.

The organisers are delighted that bookings are well ahead of this time last year with 25% coming from new enquiries.

Exhibitors already benefit from FREE off and on-loading and many are now taking advantage of the FOC media package introduced for 2018 which includes listing on the MMS website and the ability to upload press releases and product information directly on to www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.

New for 2018 - a dedicated outside demo area with a variety of companies booked to demonstrate their products, including weighing platforms from Griffith Elder of Bury St Edmunds, telehandler demonstrations by Agriscope Ltd of Doncaster and Chandlers Farm Equipment, with various outlets across the midlands, as well as radio-controlled pedestrian brush-cutters by ELP Engineering from Ashbourne.

NRoSO and BASIS points are available for attending the Show Technical Seminars already confirmed are: Hutchinsons Crop Production Specialists, Omnia Precision Agronomy, Agrovista, Garford Farm Machinery Guided Hoes & Inrow Weeders and JHR Water Management.

See online Registration for a chance to win a FREE hot drink at the show.

Visit the website, www.midlandsmachineryshow.com to find out which stands have already booked and for further information.

MIDLANDS MACHINERY SHOW 2018

21 & 22 NOVEMBER NEWARK SHOWGROUND FREE ADMISSION

COLLECT NROSO AND BASIS POINTS FOR ATTENDING Local & regional dealers manufacturers • New product launches Innovation in machinery • Technical seminars • Central location on the A1 (A17/A46) Test drive 4 x 4s and Double-Cab Pickups • Free vehicle & coach parking All Day Breakfast Available from 7.00am

01636 705796 www.midlandsmachineryshow.com info@midlandsmachineryshow.com @midsmachinery - #MMS18 THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

41

BEEF BREED DIRECTORY

BEEF BREED

DIRECTORY CROSS INTO PROFIT

CATTLE SOCIETY

The Hereford Cattle Society Hereford House, 3 Offa St Hereford, HR1 2LL

CONCORDE HOUSE 24 WARWICK NEW ROAD LEAMINGTON SPA WARWICKSHIRE, CV32 5JG

Follow UK Herefords

www.limousin.co.uk

01432 272057 www.herefordcattle.org www.herefordbeef.org.uk

02476 696500 info@limousin.co.uk

SUSSEX C AT T L E S O C I E T Y

Avenue M, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire. CV8 2RG Tel: 02476 697222 Email: charolais@charolais.co.uk

t: 01738 622478 e: info@beefshorthorn.org

www.beefshorthorn.org

THE GREAT BRITISH BEEF BREED

A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN. EASY CALVING - DOCILE

Dual purpose Easy calving Docile Good Mothers Longevity Commercialy viable in all situations

Devon Cattle Breeders' Society Blacklake Farm, East Hill, Ottery, St Mary, Devon, EX11 1QA t: 01404 812800 e: dcbs@redrubydevon.co.uk

THE BRITISH BLUE CATTLE SOCIETY

Holme House The Dale, Ainstable, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 9RH

42

British Bazadaise Cattle Society 01666 860470 enquiry@bazadaise.co.uk

SETTING THE STANDARD

GET MORE MEAT MORE MUSCLE AND MORE PROFIT WITH EASY CALVING EASY CARE BAZADAISE CATTLE

www.britishbluecattle.org

www.bazadaise.org.uk

01768 870522

info@britishbluecattle.org

info@britishwagyu.co.uk

wwwbritishwagyu.co.uk

09/04/2018 10:17:28

A native breed for modern needs

Tel: 01580 880105

WAGYU BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

Tel: 01250 872897

secretary@luingcattlesociety.co.uk

www.redrubydevon.co.uk

Station Road, Robertsbridge East Sussex TN32 5DG

www.sussexcattlesociety.org.uk

BREED SECRETARY UNA MACQUEEN

Get connected www.charolais.co.uk

nba 32 x 68 mm.indd 1

Part of Farming's Future

LUING CATTLE SOCIETY Mount Blair 10 Manor Gardens Blairgowrie Perthshire PH10 6JS

Pedigree Cattle Services, Pedigree House, 6 Kings Place, Perth, Perthshire. PH2 8AD

STABILISER CATTLE COMPANY Southburn Offices - Southburn Driffield - East Yorkshire - O25 9ED Low cost production system delivering high eating quality beef. £Profit is the new Stabiliser multi-trait selection index that identifies the most profitable animals Office – 01377 227790 Sales – 07790 018637 Email Ursula.taylor@jsr.co.uk

Secretary: Liz Coates Tel: 01869 349132

secretary@gloucestercattle.org.uk

www.gloucestercattle.org.uk

www.bigbeef.co.uk

BELTED GALLOWAY

CATTLE SOCIETY 01896 820148

info@beltedgalloways.co.uk www.beltedgalloways.co.uk FLOURISH WALLS HOUSE GREENLAW, DUNS BERWICKSHIRE, TD10 6XW

TICKING ALL THE BOXES: CALVING EASE

CARCASE WEIGHTS

FERTILITY

DOCILITY

MILK = CALF GROWTH

Telephone +44 (0) 2476 696 513 information@britishsimmental.co.uk www.britishsimmental.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018 Simmental Breed Directory Ad_34x68mm_01_17.indd 24/01/2017 11:04 1

FEATURE - ANIMAL HEALTH BEEF BREED DIRECTORY Breed Secretary: Debbie Dann 3 Eastgate, Stoneleigh Park Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LH

THE BRITISH PIEMONTESE CATTLE SOCIETY LTD

TM

Lincoln Red Cattle Society Lincolnshire Showground Grange de Lings Lincoln Lincolnshire LN2 2NA

0845 017 1027

secretary@longhorncattlesociety.com

33 EDEN GRANGE, LITTLE CORBY CARLISLE CA4 8QW

Easy calving with quick to suckle calves Very fertile males and females Long living hardy animals Low vet bills Excellent foragers Milky females producing fast growing calves Readily crossed to a ‘terminal sire’ breed

LOOKING FOR PIEMONTESE CONTACT CRAIG MATKIN TEL: 07876 613221 TEL: 01773 550346

Tel: 01522 511395

ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES TO CRAIG CULLEY TEL: 01228 562 946

www.lincolnredcattlesociety.co.uk

secretary@piemontese.info

Go Native for Profit

www.piemontese.org.uk

THE ULTIMATE SUCKLER BREED

www.longhorncattlesociety.com

Smith Hill Farm, Bower Slack Road Triangle, Halifax HX6 3EZ 07903 626249 or 01422 820220 secretary@salers-cattle-society.co.uk

www.salers-cattle-society.co.uk

We manufacture and offer a STANDARD range ofMODELS trailers. models or WE MANUFACTURER AND OFFER A RANGE OF TRAILERS. BUILT TO YOUR OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TONNEOR TO 20Standard TONNE. • GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS • SILAGE TRAILERS, AND BOWSERS• BUILT TO YOUR built OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TONNE TO 20 TONNE. to your own bespokeANDneeds from 10 tonne to 20 tonne.

WE ALSO OFFER SERVICING REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENTS & SPARES • GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS • SILAGE TRAILERS, AND BOWSERS• WE ALSO SERVICING AND & SPARES TRAILERS AND BOWSERS • GRAIN TRAILERS •REPAIRS, TRAILERS • SILAGE WE MANUFACTURER ANDOFFER OFFER A RANGE OF TRAILERS. STANDARD MODELS ORFLAT REFURBISHMENTS WE MANUFACTURER AND OFFER A RANGE OF TRAILERS. STANDARD MODELS OR

BUILT TO YOUR OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TONNE TO 20 TONNE. • GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS • SILAGE TRAILERS, AND BOWSERS• WE ALSO OFFER SERVICING AND REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENTS & SPARES

•

MINIMISE HASSLE - MAXIMISE SAFETY WE ALSO OFFER SERVICING AND REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENTS AND SPARES. MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER AND SAFER ANYTIME

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MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER AND SAFER ANYTIME ANYWHERE WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLE HANDLER.

USEFUL FOR • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING •

USEFUL FOR • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING • • DE-HORNING •

DE-HORNING MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER•AND SAFER•ANYTIME • IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU • ANYWHEREHASSLE WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLESAFETY HANDLER. MINIMISE - MAXIMISE

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MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER •IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE• USEFUL • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING • TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co.uk ANDFOR SAFER ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, • DE-HORNING • WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLE HANDLER. www.drttrailers.co.uk WE MANUFACTURER AND OFFER A RANGE OF TRAILERS. STANDARD MODELS OR

TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co • •IMPROVED SAFETY FORwww.drttrailers.co.uk YOUR CATTLE•

BUILT TO YOUR OWN BESPOKE NEEDS FROM 10 TONNE TO 20 TONNE. USEFUL FOR • GRAIN TRAILERS • FLAT TRAILERS SILAGE TRAILERS, AND BOWSERS• BENEFITS • •IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU • WE ALSO OFFER SERVICING AND REPAIRS, REFURBISHMENTS • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING &• SPARES DE-HORNING

BENEFITS • IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU MINIMISE • IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE • HASSLE - MAXIMISE SAFETY

TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co call 01759 371601 or email info@drttrailers.co.uk www.drttrailers.co.uk www.drttrailers.co.uk MAKE HANDLING CATTLE FASTER, EASIER AND SAFER ANYTIME ANYWHERE WITH THE DALESWAY CATTLE HANDLER. USEFUL FOR • CALVING • SUCKLING • TAGGING • • DE-HORNING • BENEFITS

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

• IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOU • •IMPROVED SAFETY FOR YOUR CATTLE•

TEL: 01759 371601 OR info@drttrailers.co.ukAUTUMN 2018

43

NBA MEMBERSHIP

NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP

FROM £40 PER YEAR

WHO ARE THE NBA? The NBA is a charity, set up by beef farmers, for beef farmers. We exist to express the views of real farmers to politicians to ensure they are understood and represented in policy. Over the years we have fought against unfair trading practises, advised government on disease management policies and now are working hard to ensure beef farmers have a future post Brexit.

WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN US? Without the support of fellow farmers we wouldn't be able to carry out our work on behalf of the industry. The NBA is also great for networking and sharing knowledge.

Members have the chance to join regional committees which feed into our policy strategies and we run many industry farm walks, meetings and trips across the UK which are discounted or free for our membership.

MEMBERS BENEFITS Members receive a weekly e-newsletter, which includes the latest market information and NBA and industry news. We also produce a quarterly magazine for our membership including beef research, policy positions and health articles. Our members have access to our breeding terms and conditions of sale FOC, a step by step guide to selling breeding animals.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Standard subscription: £75.00 Under 26/student subscription: £40.00

For more information call NBA head office on 01434 601005 or email info@nationalbeefassociation.com. Visit our website to join today.

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP

THE NBA IS GRATEFUL TO THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT

Trouw Nutrition and Wynnstay have recently joined the NBA as Corporate Members - thank you for your support!

For more information on Corporate Membership packages from NBA, please call 01434 601005 or email info@nationalbeefassociation.com GOLD MEMBERS SHEARWELL DATA Animal identification systems: excellent cattle and sheep tags, comprehensive on-farm software and full management systems using EID. www.shearwell.co.uk

FOR FARMERS We supply a range of feedstuffs that cater to both traditional and the more technically minded farmers and producers. www.forfarmers.co.uk

MOLE VALLEY All your technical advice and products to maximise the individual beef enterprise profits. www.molevalleyfarmers.com

44

THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

CORPORATE MEMBERS

FROM £300+VAT PER YEAR

AB AGRI Limited www.abagri.com

Craven Cattle Marts Limited www.ccmauctions.com

Agri-Lloyd International Limited www.agrilloyd.com

David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd www.ritchie-uk.com

Agrimin Limited www.agrimin.co.uk

Frome Livestock Auctioneers Ltd www.fromelivestock.com

Sell My Livestock www.sellmylivestock.co.uk

AHDB Meat Services www.beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk

Harrison & Hetherington www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart Ltd www.thirskmarket.co.uk

Alnorthumbria Veterinary Group www.alnorthumbriavets.co.uk

Hexham & Northern Marts www.hexhammart.co.uk

Tithebarn Limited www.tithebarn.co.uk

ANM Group Ltd www.anmgroup.co.uk

Louth Market Auctioneers www.louthmarket.co.uk

Trouw Nutrition GB www.trouwnutrition.co.uk

Beef Improvement Grouping Ltd www.bigbeef.co.uk

McCartneys www.mccartneys.co.uk

Tudor, Lawson, Dallimore & Parry www.dolgellauvets.co.uk

Berrystock Feeds www.berrystockfeeds.co.uk

Meadow Quality Ltd www.meadowq.co.uk

Welshpool Livestock Sales www.welshpoolsmithfield.co.uk

Bishopton Veterinary Group www.bishoptonvets.co.uk

Melton Mowbray Market www.meltonmowbraymarket.co.uk

Willand Group Ltd www.daniel-larn.squarespace.com

Boehringer Ingelheim www.boehringer-ingelheim.co.uk

Merial Animal Health Ltd www.merial.com

Wright Marshall Ltd www.wrightmarshall.co.uk

C & D Auction Marts Limited www.cdauctionmarts.co.uk

NWF Agriculture www.nwfagriculture.co.uk

Wynnstay Group Plc www.wynnstay.co.uk

Capper Trading Ltd www.cappertrading.com

Rumenco www.rumenco.co.uk

York Livestock Centre www.ylc.co.uk

AUTUMN 2018

NBA MEMBERSHIP

JOIN THE NBA TODAY

APPLICATION FORM

YOU CAN NOW JOIN UP ONLINE visit www.nationalbeefassociation.com/about/how-to-join today and help us make sure your industry's future is secure alternately, fill out the form below and return to us via post NAME: COMPANY (if applicable):

ADDRESS:

POSTCODE: PHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS: I wish to receive the Crystalyx offer, I understand that my details will be shared with Crystalyx.

THREE WAYS TO PAY: 1. CREDIT CARD Please debit the sum of: (circle selected amount)

£40 (Under 26*)

£75

£100

£150

£200

Card Type: Name on Card: Card Number: Security Code: (last 3 digits on reverse of card)

Start Date:

Expiry Date:

Issue No. (Maestro Only)

2. CHEQUE Please send this form and a cheque for annual membership, a minimum sum of £75 (Under 26* £40), made payable to National Beef Association, to The National Beef Association, Tanners House, 20 Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3QD. 3. STANDING ORDER To Bank plc: Address: Please pay Lloyds Bank plc, Malvern, WR14 4QG.

Sort code: 30-95-41 Account No: 23358760

The sum of: (circle selected amount)

£40 (Under 26*)

£75

Immediately

On this date

Commencing: (circle applicable)

For the credit of the National Beef Association

£100

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Please cancel any previous Standing Order or Direct Debit in favour of the beneficiary named above, under this reference.

Membership No: (For internal use) Name of Account:

Sort Code:

SIGNED:

Account No: DATE:

The NBA complies fully with the General Data Protection Regulation. Please see our privacy policy for more details, which can be requested from NBA Hexham.

For any queries or concerns regarding GDPR, please write to: Data Protection at The National Beef Association, Tanners House, 20 Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3QD. Please use Gift Aid to make your subscription worth more to NBA. For every pound you give us, we could earn an extra 25p from the Inland Revenue. Gift Aid Declaration: I want the National Beef Association to treat all subscriptions I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise as a Gift Aid donation. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/ or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

TO GIFT AID PLEASE TICK HERE...

Please return this form to: The National Beef Association, Tanners House, 20 Gilesgate, Hexham, NE46 3QD. THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

45

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

GIFT OF THE GAVEL

RORY LIVESEY RORY LIVESEY FIA (SCOT) - AUCTIONEER - ABERDEEN & NORTHERN MARTS

When I was at school I never knew exactly which career path I would follow. Growing up on a family farm in the Scottish Borders made me develop a keen interest in the agricultural industry, however it was always livestock I preferred working with as opposed to sitting in a tractor.

After school I went to Harper Adams University

sold 250 cattle an hour, chapping

in Shropshire to study a degree in Rural

them out to a full ringside of buyers

Enterprise and Land Management. After

with broad “doric” accents. I felt

graduating in 2011 I went on the job search and

overwhelmed by the size and scale

a vacancy for a trainee Auctioneer at Acklington

of the operation but it was clear to

Auction Mart in Northumberland caught my eye

see that everyone worked together

far more than any farm manager or land agent

to make it flow like clockwork.

jobs. I thought to myself it would be an exciting

Drawing cattle, penning cattle,

opportunity where I would get to work with

scanning in passports, reading

livestock and the farming community. I was

tags, clerking, printing cheques,

lucky enough to secure this position and since

unloading and loading of

then I have never looked back.

trailers not to mention a sheep sale going on at the same time

At Acklington I learned the skill of Auctioneering

in another ring!

from my boss Colin Smith and then when I was ready he gave me my first opportunity to sell

As I progressed as an

at the Christmas Turkey Sale. I had watched

auctioneer I was given the

Colin sell sheep and cattle every week leading

opportunity to go back to

up to this sale but I was still very nervous.

Harper Adams to complete

However, after I sold the first few turkeys and

a course in Livestock Market Operations

started spotting the bids I began to calm down

and Management, allowing me to become a

and started to enjoy selling. This was no doubt

qualified auctioneer. Studying alongside a

thanks to a local farmer who bought at least

number of other young auctioneers was, as you

is exciting and a lot easier but when things get

twenty turkeys to help me out on my first time

can imagine, a very sociable course and I would

tough, the trade dips and there is less money

selling. I still remember selling a Goose to £92

highly recommend it to any trainee auctioneers

about it can be challenge and you need a

that day! I progressed from turkeys and went on

as it is a great chance to meet other people in

thick skin to overcome it. Getting to stand up

to sell at the machinery sales, then to selling cull

the industry. I am now selling store cattle most

and sell livestock gives me a great buzz and I

ewes and a few cull cows.

weeks at Thainstone, assisting during cattle,

would not change it for anything else. Markets

sheep and machinery sales as well as visiting

play a vital role in our industry as they give

In 2014 I moved up to Aberdeenshire to be

farms to establish relationships with farmers

complete transparency of the livestock trade at

an auctioneer for Aberdeen & Northern Mart’s

selling and buying at our market.

the time and they provide a social hub for the

Thainstone Market. This was a big eye opener.

farming community. Auctioneering gives you the

My first day there was a Friday in the first week

Being an Auctioneer has its challenges as you

opportunity to develop various skills such as

of April and there was 2000 store cattle going

are only as good as your last sale. When the

valuation, livestock handling, problem solving

through the market. I watched on as John Angus

trade is booming and prices are good the job

and people skills.

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THE NATIONAL BEEF ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

AUTUMN 2018

Sc 47

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