Weaning has reached its final stages with the last group almost halfway through the process. It generally takes six days to complete. Cows are locked on to slats with calves having access to grass through a creep gate. This allows them to wander off on their own away from the cows with the incentive of grass and a small quantity of meal. The heifers will get another few weeks at grass depending on weather conditions. They will be fed in the collecting yard, so that they will associate that area with a positive experience. This is to make them easier to work with in the long term. As I do the majority of cattle work on my own, this is extremely beneficial. They will be weighed early this week and hopefully the older ones will be at least 370kg.

Being able to work the heifers through the yard will have a big influence on their future in the herd. Regardless of genetics, if a heifer acts up too much in comparison with her comrades, she won’t be retained as a cow. If she is going to be in the herd for eight or 10 years, I don’t want cows that will stop in gateways or jump around and cause a fuss every time they need to be yarded. The last number of years have seen a greater focus on temperament of the females within the herd. It is the number one reason for culling at this stage. The upside to this is a herd that is easier and safer to work with.

I don’t know if other farmers are the same, but I have noticed over the last few years the heifers are always the loudest when it comes to weaning.