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It's only within the past 12 months that Co. Westmeath based farmer Billy Small from Rathconrath, Mullingar has changed his suckling system to 12 month old beef. Perhaps, now than ever before, quality is becoming more of an issue especially in the light of Fischler's decoupling proposals. For Billy, finishing his weanlings at 12 months is one route to secure a niche market at a premium price. This premium market, in addition to capitalisation on the slaughter premium justified the change according to Billy.
This Co. Westmeath based farmer manages 100 Saler/ Charolais cross cows- the majority of which are 3/4 and 7/8 bred Saler crosses. A Culard Charolais bull is used on the herd. Up to last year, bull weanlings were sold after weaning at autumn sales. Taking a look at soe of the statistics from 2001, bulls average 325- 350 kg and made from €700 to €750. In comparison, having changed his system in 2002, bulls averaged 512 kg liveweight (297kg carcase or 64.9 lbs per cwt) and produced an average of €1,145. Similarily heifers averaged 430 kg liveweight (249kg or 64.75 lbs per cwt) and average €790. In terms of grading, Billy reports that 85% of the bulls scored U grade while 65% of the heifers were U's. A top price of €1,330 was received last year for one of his Charolais/Salers cross bulls. Not bad for 12 months work! Certainly for the moment, the higher input system, that involves feeding a cereal-based ration seems to be justified.
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