The Rentsch family has continued to invest in genetics to improve the beef weaner cattle they offer.
This year, the will sell 70 to 75 steers and probably 30 heifers at the independent agents’ Hamilton sales. This year, they have 220 breeders in the herd.
The calves reflect a mix of Banquet, Weeran and Boonooroo bloodlines.
Elaine and Ossie Rentsch and their son Graham and wife Julie work together to bring these weaners to market.
Elaine said she and Ossie take care of the genetics and buy the bulls, and then Graham and Julie do the physical aspects.
“Elaine is a very efficient and good judge of cattle, so she chooses the bulls,” Ossie said.
She picks bulls that will contribute a good frame, head, correct feet and a good, smooth skin. They buy an average of four or five bulls a year.
“All in all, I couldn’t chose one of the studs over the others,” Elaine said.
The family’s livestock agent Warren Clark, Lanyon’s livestock manager, has told them there are return buyers for the weaned calves.
Elaine said their bloodlines were known around the district for their quietness and that they “…very, very consistently turn out great weaners for us”.
“We’re really satisfied with the results we’re getting; it’s great to see them (the weaner calves) with the other great cattle of the Western District. We love what we do; working with genetics and then seeing the fruits of our labour,” she said.
A northern block just outside Hamilton and one south at Byaduk helps the family manage the pasture production as the two properties offer different soil types that are more productive in different climatic conditions.
Graham said with some more sunshine and warm weather, the calves would flourish after a cold and wet winter.
Elaine said last year, their draft we close but didn’t quite make the 400 kilogram live weight average.
