Getting cattle factory fit off grass this summer and autumn

With prices on the slide, beef farmers must get the best possible finishing performance from grazing advanced stock over the next few months, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy.

With prices on the slide, beef farmers must get the best possible finishing performance from grazing advanced stock over the next few months, writes ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy.

Earlier in the year, beef finishers had been very encouraged by the factory prices, and as a result, weanling and stores were a good trade in marts. It was very much hoped that this confidence in the trade would hold for the remainder of the year and beyond. 

Unfortunately, this has not come to pass, and the processors have continued to try and gain control on the trade with regular price drops, meaning the bubble in the trade has well and truly burst.