It’s market flexibility that Toby and Amanda O’Brien, ‘Willow Glen’, Gilmore via Tumut are seeking as they refine their commercial Angus operation.
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The O’Briens entered into partnership with mother-in-law Lorraine Sutton five years ago, now running 180 self replacing breeders on the 180 hectare property.
Also helping out on the farm are the O’Briens three children; Jack 8, Lachlan 4 and Elise 2.
The property which has been in the Sutton family for over 100 years, was previously a dairy operation run by the late John Sutton.
Prior to crossbreeding with beef breeds, Charolais and Murray Grey were used to transform the operation and increase numbers to what they are today.
Around 15 years ago Angus bulls were introduced and have been used exclusively ever since with the aim of developing a purely Angus herd within the next three to four years.
“Only Angus female progeny is kept for replacements, we find the Angus cattle are the most marketable, buyers want Angus cattle and are willing to pay a premium for them, ” said Mr O’Brien.
“For weaner sales and feedlots, remuneration is much higher for Angus cattle.”
Charolais and Murray Grey progeny are not replaced.
The O’Briens use an all natural breeding program with bulls coming from Bongongo Angus and Reiland Angus studs.
A split-calving system is used on the property, with the autumn calving group joined for 8 weeks in June and the spring calving group joined for eight weeks in October.
“We find that by having a split calving, we can utilize our bull battery twice per year, it also allows the sale of cattle throughout the year which assist’s with cashflow”, Mr O’Brien said.
Mr O’Brien said the partnerships focus is breeding quiet, easy to manage cattle with good maternal instincts and strong growth rates.
To ensure the continued development of their now predominantly Angus herd, cattle are culled for temperament and conformity.
Mr O’Brien reiterates however, that fertility is the most important factor.
“We preg test 12 weeks after joining, anything not in calf is sold on,” he said. “Fertility is a key driver of profit, we target an animal that will provide and raise a live calf each year.”
He believes the focus on Angus cattle allows for more flexibility operating within the current market climate.
“We try not to restrict ourselves to a single spot in the market when we sell cattle. We may put a line in at the local weaner sales, direct to feedlots or grow them out to killable weights.
“Angus cattle allows us to target a wider variety of markets,” Mr O’Brien said.
