Video: Switch to Stabiliser suckler herd brings cost savings

A farmer who transformed his suckler herd from continental beef breeds to a pedigree Stabiliser herd has made significant savings in costs and labour.

We visited mixed farmer Richard Roderick on a Farming Connect open day where other farmers were invited to see how the low-cost system works. The visiting farmers were very impressed with the results.

Mr Roderick, who won Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year in 2015, wanted a more efficient system and a hardier, more docile breed.

The final push came when he caught one of his Limousin cows, which resulted in 12 stitches to the head.

He switched to Stabiliser cattle and an out-wintering system, feeding fodder beet and silage.

Benefits included shorter gestation periods, lower feed costs and labour efficiencies.

See also: Farmers Weekly Awards 2015: Sheep Farmer of the Year

Watch the video to find out more.

Ffermio is the only television programme in Britain that specifically deals with agricultural issues, as well as providing all the news relevant to farmers and the wider audience.

It is a weekly magazine programme for S4C that discusses a wide range of topics from animal health to food production and conservation.

Join the presenters, Daloni Metcalfe, Alun Elidyr and Meinir Howells, for the latest agricultural stories.

Ffermio presenters (left to right) Alun Elidyr, Meinir Howells and Daloni-Metcalfe