Quality is in the eyes of the beholder. That saying should be the guiding maxim of the man who has the job of buying for feedlots and finishing off the animals. So says Dave Ford Kanhym, feedlots manager at Middelburg and Pietermaritzburg. He is responsible for finishing 198 000 cattle a year at these feedlots. Buying calves at the price higher than the going market price for beef and finishing them in a feedlot over 100 to 120 days needs somebody who knows exactly what they are doing and how to assess an animal’s potential. Otherwise, they won’t be in business for long.
The ideal feedlot animal utilises the least feed per kilogram gained, has a good final carcass mas of 220-240kg, and grades Super after 120 to 130 days. Feedlots are looking for animals with good potential and frames on which beef can be packed economically. Ford says the purchase price of the initial calf comprises 66% of the total cost of feedlotters. Feed is the next highest cost at 22%, overheads 10% and interest 2%. “It is therefore vital that the 66% is spent to the best advantage to the feedlotter.”
Expressed in terms of a financial carcass mass of 220kg, dressing at 57%, he says the feedlotter has in effect bought 230kg weaner dressing at a 100kg carcass or 50% of the slaughter carcass. “The feedlotter therefore buys half and produces half.”
DESIRABLE CARCASS
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 22, 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 22, 2023 من Farmer's Weekly.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.