BACKGROUND

• Farm runs 7500 stock units
• 50:50 ratio of sheep/beef
• Fully terminal herd made up of R2 heifers in calf, R1 heifers, MA cows, bulls and dairy grazers
• Beef progeny sold as weaners

SIMMENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Sam made the decision to introduce a low birthweight Simmental over his heifers (in replacement of the Jersey bulls he was using prior).

RESULT

• Successful first season with calving at 90% – a 5% improvement on last season.
• Simmental bull calves are on track to wean at around 272kg on average – an increase of 15% on last season.
• Simmental heifer calves are on track to wean at around 250kg – an increase of 20% on last season.
• Higher weaning weights will translate into a higher sale price for Sam.
• These results along with the favorable temperament of Simmental are prompting Sam to consider converting to a maternal herd.