Newford Farm update: second batch of 16 heifers average 306kg carcase weight

The second batch of heifers drafted for slaughter on Newford Farm on 9 October achieved an average carcase weight of 306kg and sale price of €1,147 (€3.75/kg).

The heifers weighed 574kg liveweight and achieved an average kill-out of 53%. As was the case with the first batch, the heifers are grading predominately R=/R+, with 14 R grades and two U grades.

Remaining heifers

The remaining 23 heifers are weighing 488kg liveweight on average. They are receiving ad-lib baled silage which tested at 77DMD and 5kg concentrates. Another batch of 16 heifers will be drafted for slaughter next week. The carcase weight will be lower, but with the beef price struggling to cover feed prices, the focus is to draft animals once they are fit for slaughter.

The average price of the 30 heifers slaughtered to date is €1,165, or €3.75/kg, with a carcase weight of 311kg. Farm manager Iarlaith Collins reports the batch of 51 steers appear to be performing well. They are also receiving 77 DMD silage and a higher supplementation rate of 6kg concentrates.

The 107 weanlings remain at grass. Ground conditions are tricky but utilisation is being helped by temporarily splitting paddocks and moving stock on faster during periods of heavy rainfall. Weanlings are being supplemented with 2kg concentrates.

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