Breeding program
The Herd
Production
At Glendaruel Pastoral Company we run a self-replacing cow herd of predominantly Angus and Angus cross cows, producing feeder steers for the southern grass fattened and feedlot markets. The breeding herd, based predominantly on Dunoon and Rennylea genetics, are run mostly at “Glendaruel” Braidwood.
The steer weaners and excess females are moved to Holbrook at around 9 months of age. The aim is to sell steers at 450 – 500kg, and to sell high-quality surplus females to assist other breeders in herd building.
Fertility
Our aim is to run a highly fertile and young cow herd, joining females initially for six weeks, to set up a cow herd that will continue to fall pregnant in the first two cycles of joining. We are aiming to join 80% of our heifers each year, which gives us the ability to be strict on maintaining quality in the older cows. Bringing so many young females in also gives us the ability to keep our herd young, with the aim of selling good quality, structurally sound breeders at around 7 to 8 years of age to other herds. These are sold as either Pregnancy tested cows, or cow and calf units.
Efficiency
We strive to run a cow herd that is as efficient as possible, and that maximises production measured as “kilograms produced per hectare”. In the past nine years we have increased our output of kilograms of beef by 40% while carrying the same number of breeding females in the herd. This has not only had a major impact on profitability but has also meant we have reduced our overall methane output per kg of product produced.
Temperament
Good temperament in the cattle is a high priority for us. We put a great deal of effort into training and quietening the calves at weaning. We use low-stress stock handling methods during all routine stock handling procedures, and recognise that quiet, easy to handle cattle are contented cattle. As a result, they will be healthier and more productive over their lifetimes. Wherever we can, we give our animals the most natural environment possible, and we prioritise selling to buyers who can provide the same conditions.
