Michael Fagan gives an update on heifers slaughtered from Newford Farm.
There were 59 beef heifers on Newford farm to be slaughtered this year and all were sired by 5-star terminal bulls.
The first 2 heifers were sold off grass with no meals fed, on July 16th at 17 months of age.
Fiston, Gamin, and Mullary Intrepid were used on the mature herd. Tow Thorpe Dubai and Elderberry Galahad were utilised on the first calvers.
All 59 yearling heifers were turned out to grass on March 23rd at an average liveweight of 411kgs. The first 2 heifers were sold off grass with no meals fed, on the July 16th at 17-months-old.
The 2 heifers graded on average U- 4 – with a kill out of 54%, with an average carcase weight of 280 Kgs.
Unfortunately, in late July Newford farm had an outbreak of coccidiosis and all the heifers had to be treated. Due to the withdrawal period of the drug used, the sale date was pushed out till early October.
On October 6th, 26 heifers were drafted for slaughter with an average live weight of 563 Kg at 19-and-half-months. These heifers were 197 days at grass before slaughter and achieved an ADG of 0.67kgs at grass since turnout with no concentrates provided.
Average price of €1,127
These 26 in-spec heifers graded R = 3 =, with an average carcase weight of 288 Kg and a 51% kill out percentage.
The factory base price on the day was €3.70. All heifers qualified for the extra 20 cent per kg through the Quality Assurance Scheme. 4 heifers got an extra 6 cent on the Quality Price Scheme.
The average sale price for the 26 heifers sold off grass with no meals was €1,127 at 19 months of age.
Remaining heifers
There are 22 heifers remaining at grass on the farm now and these heifers are receiving 5 Kg of concentrates. The concentrates are being fed in the yard and this is working well to prevent damage to the paddocks
Iarlaith, the farm manager, will keep drafting these heifers as they come fit. The aim is to have all heifers sold off-farm by early November.
