A dip in cattle prices is prompting beef producers to scrutinise performance at grass and tackle losses that often go unnoticed within herds.
While values remain firm by long-term standards, GB deadweight prices have slipped compared with a year ago. Steers are down 54.2p/kg, while heifers have fallen by 53.7p/kg, says the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
Cautious outlook
The latest AHDB outlook points to continued pressure on consumer demand, with restrained spending. That is shifting the focus for many producers, with savvy farmers looking to protect margin by maximising the value of every kilogramme sold.
The cost of underperformance is rising, says Euan Hart, leader of the trade team at nutrition experts Crystalyx. Inefficiencies within herds are often accepted as part of the system but can significantly reduce returns.
Calving period
“Empty cows, extended calving periods, and poor liveweight gain are often accepted as part of the system – ‘that’s what we always see’ – but many of these issues can be reduced through better foresight, nutrition and earlier intervention.
“Buying in more cows isn’t necessarily the answer,” adds Mr Hart. “The bigger opportunity lies in making the most of the stock you have and controlling any losses hiding in plain sight.”
This can create more saleable kilogrammes for close to the same input costs. “Why add another cow just for the chance of another calf, when there is often more value in improving performance from the cows already in the herd?”
Turnout is a critical moment in the production cycle. Early-season performance at grass can shape outcomes for the rest of the year. Once performance slips, it’s much harder to get it back, he explains.
Forage intake
Improving forage utilisation early can lift daily liveweight gain and support better calving rates. A forage-support feed lick Cattle Booster can help, supporting forage intake and digestibility at grass to fight these hidden losses.
Health and performance data gathered for buyer audits or support schemes can also help identify where losses might be occurring, focusing attention on the areas that really drive performance and margin.
“Knowing where stock is performing well, and where there may be room for improvement, makes it easier for farmers to target support and achieve better outputs for essentially the same input costs.”