Darren Carty on 3 October 2021
Newford Farm update: 18 heifers drafted at 291kg average carcase weight
The heifers recorded an average conformation score of R= and an average fat score of 3=.
Darren Carty on 26 September 2021
Newford herd update: weaning weights on a par with 2020 performance
Male weanlings averaged 331kg, having achieved an average daily liveweight gain (ADG) of 1.41kg since birth, while heifer weanlings averaged 300kg and an ADG of 1.29kg since birth.
Darren Carty on 12 September 2021
Newford update: suckler cows record positive breeding performance
Pregnancy scanning took place this week and revealed an in-calf rate of 94%, with 57% of cows holding to first service.
Declan Marren on 21 August 2021
Thrive weekly roundup: start of finishing phase and first cattle slaughtered
This week's Thrive dairy-beef programme roundup looks at the finishing strategy on the demo farm as the first 11 heifers and two bullocks are drafted for slaughter.
Darren Carty on 11 July 2021
Newford Farm update: managing grass and making surplus bales
The farm is in a comfortable position, with ample forage supplies taking the pressure off to close a significant area of ground for second-cut silage, while grass growth rates are holding strong.
Darren Carty on 20 June 2021
Newford Farm update: bullocks averaging 505kg and heifers 484kg
The target is to draft a high percentage of heifers off grass without concentrate feeding from the end of July onwards.
Darren Carty on 30 May 2021
Newford update: break in weather provides window to cut first-cut silage
The grass was mowed on Tuesday and picked on Wednesday and while the yield is lower than the target, quality is described as first rate.
Darren Carty on 16 May 2021
Newford Farm update: 2021 breeding season gets off to a flying start
A total of 74, or 89%, of the 83 mature cows put forward for breeding were inseminated in the first 19 days of breeding, while the 26 replacement heifers were synchronised and bred accordingly.
Darren Carty on 18 April 2021
Newford update: sires selected for 2021 breeding season
A range of sires have been selected that major on different characteristics and which can be used to suit different traits and compensate for any shortcomings across individual cows.
Darren Carty on 14 March 2021
Newford Farm update: heavy rainfall forces temporary rehousing
Cows and calves and yearling bullocks were rehoused on Tuesday and the aim is to get these back outdoors early next week, while heifers have remained outdoors with a few tweaks to grazing management.
Darren Carty on 7 March 2021
Newford Farm update: weather playing ball with ideal grazing conditions
The farm has 50 cows and their calves, 56 yearling heifers and 39 yearling bullocks at grass, with grazing conditions as good as could be expected for this time of year.
Darren Carty on 28 February 2021
Newford Farm: first cattle turned out to grass on Wednesday
Thirty-five yearling heifers were turned to grass on Wednesday, with the plan to turn the remaining 21 heifers out to grass on Monday, along with the first batch of cows with calves at foot.
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