Weather Brings Relief to Newford Farm
At last there has been an improvement in weather conditions and cattle are more content in the fields, up until now Newford Farm would have found most bunches of cattle including the suckler cows were not content due to the harsh, wet and windy conditions.
Bullock Weigh-In
On July 12th, all 39 bullocks were weighed, showing promising results:
- Average Weight: 515 kg
- Average Age: Just under 17 months
Top 15 Bullocks
- Average Weight: 550 kg (range: 574 kg to 530 kg)
- Average Daily Gain (ADG): 1.24 kg/day (79 days at grass)
Bottom 15 Bullocks
- Average Weight: 477 kg (range: 516 kg to 425 kg)
- ADG: 1.05 kg/day (79 days at grass)
Overall ADG for the 39 bullocks since turnout is 1.17 kg/day. The bullocks are approximately 28 kg behind last year's weight due to the wet autumn in 2023 and the poor spring in 2024. However, with the current dry and warm weather, better weight gains are anticipated.
Health Management
All bullocks were treated for worms and lungworms during the weigh-in as a precautionary measure, following a slight increase in coughing. The farm manager extended this treatment to all beef animals, including suckler calves.
Newford bullocks with their sires and weights listed in order from the weighing on July 12th.
2024-born Replacement Heifers
The 2024-born replacement calves have settled well at Newford Farm since their arrival in February:
- Number of Calves: 21
- Breed: First cross Aberdeen Angus and Aubrac, bred from the dairy herd
- Average Purchase Price: €175
- Initial Turnout Weight (May 15th): 109 kg
- Latest Weigh-In (July 25th): 133 kg (range: 162 kg to 93 kg)
These calves have been at grass since mid-May and received treatments for worms, lungworms, coccidiosis, and clostridial disease vaccinations. They are currently receiving 1.75 kg of an 18% protein nut ration each day, aiming for a target breeding weight of 340 kg by April 2025.
Newford replacement calves enjoying a sunny afternoon and white clover swards.
Recent Visit by Shane Devaney and Discussion Group
Shane Devaney, B&T Drystock advisor, and his discussion group recently visited Newford Farm. The farm remains open to all discussion groups, and interested parties can contact Michael at 086 3809 358 or Stephen at 087 1899 906.