Open AccessTRADING PROFITABILITY IN BULL BEEF: SKILL OR LUCK
Author(s) -
M.J. Guy
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
proceedings of the new zealand grassland association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1179-4577
pISSN - 0369-3902
DOI - 10.33584/jnzg.1988.49.1802
Subject(s) - stock (firearms) , agricultural science , hectare , hay , sunflower seed , casual , profitability index , herd , barn , business , geography , agriculture , agricultural economics , zoology , agronomy , economics , biology , sunflower , finance , ecology , materials science , archaeology , composite material
I'm actively farming in the Koputaroa District north of Levin, on soil types consisting of loam, silt loam, peat and sand flats, broken by ridges, on 460 hectares in five separate blocks, all freehold. As well, 120 hectares in two blocks are leased nearby. Due to neighbouring farm purchases in the past 12 years, decisions affecting stock sales and purchases have sometimes been made to accommodate financial arrangements. Approximately 1,800 bulls are farmed, with approximately 1,200 killed per year usually as 2 or 2 1/2 year olds. 400 cows are milked in one herd as well, with most calves reared as replacements for either the dairy or beef operation. Two married men, living on the farms, handle the cows and help with dehorning and some drenching, if required. Hay feeding, if necessary, is also shared if large quantities are fed during floods or wet spells. I tend to run the bulls myself although some casual labour is available if required. Most of the effort, from the three of us, is concentrated on stock work. New fencing, draining, thistle spraying and top dressing are contracted.