Producing top quality Poll Hereford weaners is the focus for Clyde and Fiona Lawrence, Karingal, Sandford, whose calves are always in strong demand at the annual weaner sales.
With a long history of selling at Casterton, the Lawrence family will yard about 50 steers and 30 heifers, all March/April-drop, on January 9 and January 11.
Despite a tough start to the season, Mr Lawrence said the last two months had been “terrific”, and resulted in plenty of pasture growth.
“The calves are looking good and have been averaging 320 kilograms to 330kg out of the paddock at weaning time.”
During the past six years Mr Lawrence has made the move to polled cattle due to market demand. The herd’s bloodlines are predominantly Injemira and Yarram Park, along with selected sires from Melville Park.
They also purchased a line of Suzelle cows from the SA stud’s dispersal sale to introduce new poll genetics to their 100-head breeding herd.
Mr Lawrence uses a combination of visual appraisal and estimated breeding values for bull selection.
“We put a lot of emphasis on 400-day growth, this figure is not so much for us but for the next bloke that buys them,” he said.
“We will always use a bull with a high birthweight and high 400-day growth figures over our biggest cows and select a low birthweight bull to join to the heifers.”
