Never going back to rearing heifers
Atherton Tableland dairyfarmer Donna Graham says she’s never going back to rearing heifers. It’s quite a claim from someone who once reared up to 250 calves a year before the number outgrew the farm’s land, facilities and available labour. After eighteen months of contracting out the job, Donna is sold on the benefits.
“Having our heifers contract reared works for us in every sense – in terms of finances, our farming system, milk production and lifestyle,” she said.
Donna and Ray Graham and their son Jason dairy at Millaa Millaa on the Atherton Tablelands. Between two farms they milk 900 to 1000 cows year round which makes heifer rearing a constant chore.
“We reached the point where heifer rearing really had become a chore and a distraction from the many other demands of two dairy operations. We knew we weren’t doing it well because most heifers were three years old at calving,” said Mrs Graham.
The Graham’s calf shed was too small and they didn’t have the time, facilities or resources to weigh heifers regularly.
“Now the heifers get the attention they deserve because they are the contractor’s primary focus,” she said.
Heifers are weighed monthly and monitored for progress towards liveweight targets. The contractor has a vested interest in achieving the targets because payment is based on liveweight gains. He is responsible for tick and parasite control because they affect liveweight gain. Vaccinations, dehorning and branding are also performed by the contractor.
For the Grahams, the result will be a year’s extra milk production because the heifers will calve at two, which has the added benefit of speeding up genetic gain.
“We’ve looked at the figures carefully, and it has definitely paid its way through increased milk production,” said Mrs Graham. Plus there’s the less tangible benefits of lower stress and being less stretched for resources on the two farms.
“We are doing everything better as a result,” she said.
Dr Bill Tranter, a vet and InCalf adviser, says the Graham’s can expect the contract-reared heifers to produce more milk, compete better with mature cows, survive longer in the milking herd and contribute to improved herd fertility.
“Calf and heifer rearing is what’s limiting herd reproductive performance on many farms,” said Dr Tranter.
Light heifers reduce herd fertility in two ways. Their first calving is delayed and the interval from calving to next conception is longer.
“Whether you rear your own, or use a contractor, the key is to set liveweight targets and to weigh heifers regularly so that you can monitor gains. That way you can take action early to ensure heifers are adequately grown for mating and calving,” he said.
Refer to The InCalf Book - chapter 8 for more information about heifer management including tables of liveweight targets.
Donna’s tips for successful contract heifer rearing
- Make sure your contractor is experienced in rearing calves and heifers
- Value the relationship – the contractor makes an important contribution to your farm and business
- Recognise the contractor’s needs – the arrangement has to work for both parties; if the contractor doesn’t make a profit, it’s not worth their while
- Have clear terms in the contract, especially who pays for what; far better to negotiate it calmly at the outset than to argue about it later