Cattle enterprise review: Making informed data driven decisions
Graianfryn Farm, a 295-acre operation with a current stocking density of 1.84 livestock units, utilises rotational grazing and a TMR feeding program that includes home-grown spring barley. The farm currently runs a 300+ head dairy beef enterprise alongside 500 North of England Mules.
A recent business review has highlighted areas for potential improvement within the beef enterprise, including utilising a broader variety of home grown protein and changing from a finishing system to selling as store/weanling enterprise. Key to profitability in a finishing enterprise is ensuring cattle meet required specifications to avoid penalties. Regular monitoring and software are currently being used to record liveweight gains, ensuring that no animal that’s not gaining sufficient weight is kept on the farm.
A desktop study will use modelling exercises to provide evidence, data, and suggestions to fine tune the beef enterprise at Graianfryn. Technical and financial performance will be reviewed, and potential management changes aimed at improving efficiency and overall enterprise performance will be investigated. Our goal is to empower Graianfryn with the necessary insights to make informed, data-driven decisions, ensuring its continued growth and positive impact within the industry.
The project will also contribute to the Sustainable Land Management outcomes including:
- resource efficiency
- reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- high animal health and welfare