Concentrating on genetic improvements is the key to producing consistently even drafts of calves for specific markets, according to Upper Murray beef producer, Michael McCormack.
Mr McCormack heads up his family’s enterprise, The Cascade Pastoral Company, at Tallangatta Valley, south east of Wodonga, Victoria, and is a firm believer that consistency in genotype and phenotype produces quality calves.
Since 1980, Mr McCormack has been using high quality bulls in an artificial insemination program with cows and heifers, and has been able to add significant value to surplus livestock and a greater return in the marketplace.
Adding to this, Mr McCormack believes by pushing fertility with short joinings he can produce a more even line of high yielding progeny, with a quality marbled carcase from his steers.
“If you look after your female herd, then the steers will virtually look after themselves,” he said.
He sells some of his calves from his 300-cow herd run on “The Cascade” each year at about 360 kilograms through the annual Wodonga weaner sale.
Te Mania bulls have been used since 1980 to improve his genetics, and the extensive use of artificial insemination (AI) has helped ensure the genetic potential of the best bulls has been extended to more cows each year.