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EBLEX Beef Better Returns Programme
Issued by Sara Gregson - EBLEX Beef Better Returns Programme
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Rob Paisley with Westmoor Beef Shorthorn bull Podehole Cracker |
The Westmoor Herd owned by J & R Paisley of Ilkley, West Yorkshire has been recognised by EBLEX as the Most Improved Herd for the Beef Shorthorn breed.
The award is presented by the EBLEX Beef Better Returns Programme (Beef BRP), to the recorded herd that shows the greatest genetic gain for commercial traits over a 12-month period. There is a separate award for each of ten UK breeds.
Rob Paisley and his parents Joe and Paula, farm over 218ha (540 acres) of rented heather moorland plus 130ha (320 acres) of permanent pasture, running up to 335 metres (1100ft) above sea level to the north of Ilkley Moor. As well as the herd of 35 pedigree Beef Shorthorn cows, there is a flock of 150 purebred Swaledale ewes and a flock of Texel cross Mule ewes.
West Moor House Farm is a family business and operates a meat box scheme, selling prime beef from the Shorthorn herd and quality lamb from the Swaledale flock.
The Paisleys established the pedigree herd with the purchase of a Shorthorn bull in 1996, having bought several pedigree cows for crossing in their commercial beef herd for many years before.
“We find the temperament and easy care nature of this native breed suits us,” explains Rob Paisley, who is a director of the Beef Shorthorn Society. “And the meat is good quality as the natural marbling in the meat produces tasty beef. So once a customer has had a box, there is usually no trouble in selling to them again. We have a lot of repeat business!”
Recording performance
The Paisleys have been recording performance for four years so that they can collect real data and figures to see how their animals are progressing. Initially they only collected data on weight, but since last year have also scanned for muscle depth. They find this helps to build a picture of the animal’s make-up ‘under its skin’.
“As we are selling meat directly to customers, it is important for us to view our animals on the hook to see where they may be lacking, and what we can focus on to improve,” explains Mr Paisley. “Scanning allows us to build this picture whilst the animal is being reared. We would like to consistently produce “R” grade cattle. We are not far off, but still have a little way to go to achieve it.”
Most of the cows calve in the spring and are turned out to grass as soon as possible. The calves are weaned at six months of age when they and the cows are brought in for winter.
The autumn calvers give birth outdoors and are housed in late October/early November. The calves are offered creep feed immediately and weaned nine months later.
Strong bulling heifers are sold at 16-18 months old to other pedigree breeders. The Paisleys support the Beef Shorthorn Society registered sale whenever possible, occasionally selling a few cattle directly off farm.
Most of the bull calves are castrated, finished around 24 months of age and retailed through the box scheme. This is promoted purely through word of mouth and via the farm website. In future, the Paisleys are aiming to reduce finishing times to 18-20 months.
Heifers with Estimated Breeding Values for key characteristics in the upper ranges are kept. The Paisleys are continually trying to improve the herd, retaining ‘beefy’ looking cows with good locomotion and good milk production.
Two bulls are currently being used, including their latest purchase, Podehole Cracker. A big, powerful bull, he is being used on heifer progeny from Glenisla Zetor, who is currently in his third season with the herd.
The Paisleys feel that GIenisla Zetor is responsible for them winning the EBLEX award this year. With some of the top figures in the country, he easily falls within the top 5% bulls, with a figure for growth rate of +91 at 600 days and +6kg for milk. He has one of the highest scores for self replacing index at +32 and the top terminal sire index for the breed at +38.
“Zetor’s progeny are certainly following in their father’s footsteps in terms of growth rates,” comments Mr.Paisley. “He is well and truly leaving his stamp on the herd!”
Capitalise on improved breeding
“While beef prices are relatively high, now is the time for pedigree and commercial producers to capitalise on improved breeding,” says EBLEX breeding specialist Samuel Boon.
“It is definitely worth taking time when buying stock bulls and replacement heifers to source genetics that will have the greatest economic impact on the herd.
“By recording the performance of their animals, pedigree producers like Rob and Joe are allowing their customers to make informed purchasing decisions rather than leaving it to chance, and hoping the chosen bull or prospective dams will deliver on commercially important traits.
“All the winners of the Improved Herd Awards record the performance of their herds, providing valuable information so that their customers can produce animals that meet processor, retailer and consumer demand, as efficiently as possible.
“I congratulate the Paisleys on the excellent job they are doing with the Westmoor Herd and the Beef Shorthorn breed.”