System

Herd Management

The Dairy Shorthorn is hard to beat as a forage converter so they are the ideal breed for low in put systems; but we have sold cattle that have gone on to give 12,000litres on high input regimes. This proves how adaptable the breed really is. Over the years the Shorthorn has modified to suit any system that meets the needs for profitability, under the changing economic pressures.

Grazing System

The herd is managed on a low cost extensive grazing system. Cows go out to graze as soon as possible in spring and stay out as long as possible in the autumn. This can sometimes result in a ten month long grazing season. They receive silage when housed in the winter and a 16% protein compound through the parlor at milking.

Young stock Management

The young stock are fed on hay, silage and compound until they are turned out to graze and then they receive no further compound feed until they calve at around two years and three months old.

Land Management

The farm is split into thirty paddocks with track access throughout. These paddocks are sub divided with an electric fence to give the cows a fresh piece of pasture twice daily. The aim is to graze the entire farm at least once in the spring before making silage and hay from the surplus forage in the periods of extra growth.

Land Map

For more of an understanding of the system we operate, click on the thumbnail to take a closer look.