Archive Article: 2000/06/16
David Maughan
David Maughan farms on two
farms totalling 172ha (425
acres) in Co Durham on the
Raby Estate. The 45ha (112
acres) of grass supports an
18-month beef system and a
silage beef system producing
200 finished animals a year.
Both use purchased Conti-
nental bull and heifer calves
DESPITE some fine wilting weather in mid-May, silage-making proved trying. However, we were soon picking our way through weather systems.
We delayed cutting at Denton for a few days in search of a weather window, by which time the crop had bulked up by a further 45-50%. In the event we managed to get it safely gathered just ahead of the horrendously wet first weekend in June.
A later finish than planned led to an inevitable drop in quality, but we took the opportunity to ensile some potatoes with this clamp, which should help to maintain energy levels. Facing a terrible weather forecast for that particular weekend, we temporarily re-housed grazing cattle to prevent any setback.
The bull trade has been difficult since Easter, although it now appears to be slowly rising out of its price trough. One good point about bulls is that they can hold onto their fat class when marketing is delayed.
A feature this season has been the high replacement rate for the new large primary tag, which seems so vulnerable to loss. Their high price noticeably increases production costs.
We are currently cleaning out the poultry house ready for the next flock which is quite a chore. Switching to a power washer with a 3500 psi output has suddenly made all the difference to progress, which only goes to prove you cant beat having the right tool for the job.
An opportunity to pay for some Dutch poultry equipment in Euros recently brought a saving of £57 for the cost of a £17 bankers draft, not a lot perhaps, but equivalent to the price of a tonne of wheat.
Having contributed to these pages for much of the post-BSE period, the time has now arrived to write my final paragraphs. We still await the final BSE report with extreme interest. The effect on our business was traumatic at the time but did lead us to change direction.
A couple of weeks ago, William returned home after three years at college so life may become physically a little easier, but challenges still remain. I would like to thank all those who have taken an interest in my scribblings and wish you all well. *
Bad weather meant re-housing cattle temporarily at David Maughans farm.