The value of proper weaning for early spring-born calves

Weanling sales have just started around the country, and good weaning practices will help to optimise the price you get, writes independent ruminant nutritionist Brian Reidy.

Regardless of whether you are joining the suckler welfare scheme or not, feeding creep to calves pre and post-weaning is still good practice around weaning and will improve animal performance.

Harvest is stuttering along slowly, and unfortunately, a settled spell does not look like it is in the forecast. Saving straw has been close to impossible, and supplies look very tight for bedding and feeding. The recent weather has also created very variable grass growing conditions, with quality nothing like it should be for the middle of August.

Unfortunately, as we edge closer to September, growth will slow down further as the days get shorter. It will soon be time to start banking grass to extend the grazing season later on in the year.