How on-farm service can improve extensive beef production.
The success of extensive beef farming relies on a combination of factors, and one crucial element that cannot be overstated is the importance of on-farm services. These services encompass a range of support mechanisms, all geared towards ensuring the health and productivity of the livestock.
With De Heus being an integral part of any customer farming operation, we supply various on-farm services. De Heus believe that by creating a partnership with our customers we can improve profitably and share knowledge. Innovation/entrepreneurship is only one of the five cornerstones we build a business on.
The following On-Service can have a positive contribution to any farming operation.
Nutrition Optimization:
Historically, cattle grazing natural pastures have not received intricate nutritional services. Fortunately, On-farm nutritionists collaborate with farmers to develop balanced diets that meet the nutritional requirements of the cattle. This involves assessing the quality of available forage, supplementing with minerals and vitamins when necessary, and adapting feeding strategies to different seasons. Through on-farm services, beef producers can enhance feed efficiency, leading to healthier and more productive cattle.
Lick efficiency
A lick is a specially formulated supplement which improves the utilization of the forage source, it is not a substitute. A self-regulating lick supplement must be prescribed to the specific forage type, cattle type, and production goal for best results; one lick does not fit all.
Different lick programs can accelerate the time to market of weaners or the time to calving of heifers. Early supplementation of protein licks and strategic use of energy licks optimize the cow herd efficiency based on the farm and system. Licks for breeding animals are vastly different to that of terminal animals. Preparing a bull for auction requires high energy supplementation without jeopardizing its extensive performance on the veld. Heifers are to be grown with a focus on frame development and not average daily gain to name a few examples.
Terminal rations and feedlots:
Apart from the formulating, mixing, and testing of a ration; on-farm services are crucial to the success of finishing animals. Rumen adaptation, feed bunk management, design and layout, animal classing etc. are vital to the success of a feeding program.
Health and Disease Management:
Beef farmers face various challenges related to animal health, such as diseases and parasites prevalent in the region. On-farm veterinary and animal health services play a pivotal role in disease prevention, early detection, and treatment, ensuring the overall well-being of the herd. Work closely with them to tailor vaccination programs, parasite control, regular health checks etc. for one’s farm.
Reproductive Management:
The success of an extensive beef production system hinges on effective reproductive management and weaner production. Skilled professionals assist farmers in optimizing breeding strategies, ensuring timely calving, and improving the genetic potential of the herd. This proactive approach contributes to herd sustainability and increased production efficiency.
Training and Knowledge Transfer:
Industry partners play a crucial role in knowledge transfer and skills development. Training programs, workshops and farmer's days conducted by experts help farmers stay abreast of the latest advancements in the farming sector.
Infrastructure Development:
Be sure to stay up to date on developments not only in physical infrastructure and tools but also in monitoring systems and information technologies.
Marketing Strategies:
Extensive beef production does not simply have to be a weaner or long yearling system. Speak to a technical advisor to brainstorm the best strategies for one’s farm. Backgrounding or finishing a portion of your weaners, exploring different markets/increasing marketing efforts, changing breeding seasons, forming buyers or study groups with your peers.
On-farm services prove to be indispensable contributors to the industry's success. By addressing key aspects these services play a practical role in sustaining a robust and efficient cattle farming operation.
Contact your local De Heus technical advisor to assist with key aspects in sustaining a robust and efficient cattle farming operation - https://www.deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/.
