I purchased my own Herefords and I’ve never looked back. I currently finish 20 heifers a year and a handful of steers, but I hope to increase this number soon, as I have pulled back from sucklers to focus on calf to beef.
I buy 75 Hereford cross calves, both bulls and heifers, every spring and I source them from three dairy farmers with whom I have a good relationship. I am a firm believer in the importance of early calf management and I think a proper vaccination programme, calves that come from a good ‘British Friesian’ type cow, and correct feeding, can make all the difference in the long-term health and success of the herd.
For me, good grass management is the key to success on any farm. Over the last few years, I have re-seeded the whole farm and I’ve brought in a high level of clover to the swards. I grass measure and I have found that the new grasses work really well for me.