Why plainer bullocks are harder to sell
Farms must be stocked at optimum levels, relative to conditions and weather, rather than the maximum levels, which many have pushed in the last few years.
If nothing else, 2012 and 2013, so far, have taught us this lesson.
As a result of this stock reduction, plainer-type bullocks are starting to become hard to sell in the marts.
However, good quality stock continues to command good prices.
Live exports are also helping to keep prices up.
Don’t delay sale of surplus stock until they have got too thin. They will not be marketable at that stage, and worthless to both you and any prospective buyer.
As the fodder shortage continues, grass growth is reasonably good this week — but behind normal rates.
We should see sufficient grass on most farms in the coming weeks. Those I have spoken to this week are reporting about 35-40 kg of DM/ha in the last week. Many are grazing very low covers, and need much better growth if they are going to have sufficient grass over the next few weeks.
There is little point in chasing grass around the farm. Try not to graze covers that are very low, because it will result in poor intakes and under-performance. If necessary, slow down your rotation by feeding some concentrates, until paddocks to be grazed have acceptable grass covers.
