Predicting the trends of the beef calf market for non-replacement calves can be complex, but what if farmers could have a guaranteed market for non-replacement calves before mating has even begun.
SFJ’s (S Foods Japan) National Livestock Manager for New Zealand, Nick Bell, says the company provides a breeding programme for Wagyu-cross calves with Friesian farmers across the country.
“We provide farmers the opportunity to contract their calves well in advance, so they have a known outlet with certainty of price as mating decisions are made. We consider the detail and ensure we have a grazier or rearer lined up for the next stage before we provide the straws for AI or the bulls for natural mate options.”
“We take the guess work out of it. Dairy beef can be a reliable, consistent and sustainable option to produce a high-quality beef – we have a closed supply chain. Success for us is when we nail the detail and both breeder and rearer are keen to work together for a second season. Obviously there’s some tension between systems when breeders and rearers are from separate entities, the key is to ensure both parties are clear on calving spread, quantities and timings so that we can all execute the plan together,” Nick says.
The programme comes with a number of benefits additional to having a fixed price contract, he says.
“We provide the semen, and we will happily take all the viable calves born, both bulls and heifers. We can also assist in many other ways too to benefit the calves plus the replacement heifers – such as colostrum testing which has enabled a number of farmers to fine tune their colostrum system.”
Calves can be collected from four to ten days old, or 100kgs if the breeder is prepared to rear themselves. We then line up graziers until 500kg and then ultimately, they’re finished at a self-contained system for 200-plus days.
“The end result is a high-quality marbled beef for export,” he says.
“I acknowledge that this isn’t Fonterra farmers core business, however it provides a financially sustainable way to utilise non-replacement calves at a higher return than bobby calves.”
If you are a Friesian farmer and want to explore your options, contact the team at SFJ today – nickbell@sfjhd.co.nz
Article supplied by S Foods Japan
