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NEWSLETTER            l        December 2022

Welcome to the Stabiliser Cattle Company monthly newsletter, where you will be updated with the latest Stabiliser news.

A MESSAGE FROM SETH WAREING, BUSINESS MANAGER

2022 is now over, and what a year it has been.

A challenging year for farming in general, you know as well as I do the astonishing increase in input costs was a cause for concern. Thankfully the demand for beef has not withered and prices have reflected this, with the highest beef price on record peaking over £4.50. Even though cattle value has increased so has the cost to produce them. More than ever, this highlights the need to only keep productive cows on the farm, producing a calf every year and going on to get back in calf must be mandatory. Pressure has increased on younger growing animals, the need to reach a marketable weight with less inputs and in a shorter time is pivotal for farms to remain profitable.

We have also seen some extremes of weather with a long dry summer and only last week having an extended cold spell. I know that in some parts of the UK there was a lot less forage made, and some of it had to be fed over the summer.  Having a cow that can stay outside all winter, or survive on straw with a low level of supplementation will make a difference for many this year.

It should be of no surprise that as a business we sold more bulls than ever, which highlights that there is a growing demand of having a low input, high output beef animal that is profitable, efficient, and sustainable.
This year was also a welcome return of shows and farm visits, and it was great to get back to meeting everyone in person. We will be doing more of this next year, kicking off early in the new year, (details announced soon) and I look forward to catching up with everyone at some point next year.

COW SIZE AND ITS IMPACT ON SUCKLER HERD PROFTIABILITY 

When it comes to beef production, big isn't always beautiful. In fact, big usually means expensive to keep, difficult to manage, and less profit in the farmer's pocket. We think there's a better way.

Cow size is the single biggest factor in determining how profitable a suckler herd will be. In this video, we explain how a herd of smaller-sized cows can increase profit per hectare by up to £600.

ANNUAL STABILISER CONFERENCE SEES CHANGES AHEAD

This year's Stabiliser Cattle Company conference marked a great end to the year. It was a pleasure to welcome Stabiliser Multipliers from all over the UK, and we value all of your input into the Stabiliser breeds development. Because of you, we can continue to improve and push the limits to produce the most efficient and sustainable beef. We also thank Cogent Breeding, Hectare, Zoetis and Caisley Tags for supporting and providing hands-on support.
We are continually striving to improve beef efficiency to maximise farmer profit, keep a look out during 2023 for breed updates and news on how the Stabiliser cow help your bottom line. 

MAJOR REDUCTION SALE FROM THE ROGESTON HERD - PEMBROKESHIRE

Stabiliser Multipliers Peter and Jackie Storrow who own the Rogeston Stabiliser herd in Pembrokeshire will be offering for sale 70 cows and heifers, as well as one 3-year-old bull, and four 2-year-old bulls.

This is a significant reduction sale due to the introduction of a new enterprise. The Rogeston herd has built a respected reputation in the Stabiliser breed, selling in a surplus of 10 breeding bulls a year and a choice of excellent females. The herd has seen significant investment in some of the top bloodlines available. This has been achieved through AI, with 70% of cows standing to the highest-ranking AI bulls and the remaining being swept up with at least a top 10% bull. This is without doubt a fantastic opportunity and will allow pedigree and commercial breeders to purchase top-end stock.

The herd is part of the CHECS Health Scheme and is accredited Johnes level 1. The Storrow family also follow a strict BVD and leptospirosis vaccination routine. The herd is also IBR accredited. The area is under annual testing, as is all of Wales. However, the Rogeston herd have no history of tb on the farm and is classified as TB10. A whole herd test has been carried out in early December and the stock are ready to move. A tight eight-week calving period is set to commence in mid-March. For any enquiries please get in touch with the Stabiliser team.

Welsh enquires - Katie: 07792 036866
English enquiries - Ursula: 07790 018637
Scottish enquiries - Chris: 07399 471648
Irish enquiries - Billy: 07831 866260

STABILISER FARMER STUDY TOUR LANDS IN THE US

With Covid becoming a distant memory the bi-annual Stabiliser study tour was able to resume this year. A group of 18 farmers joined us as we travelled over 2,000 miles across five states in just ten days. But the travelling was also well worth it, with seven ranch visits, as well as two feed lots and a bull stud it really was a fantastic experience. It was a trip we won't be forgetting anytime soon and if you are interested in hearing about US beef systems you can get the full itinerary below.

WEBSITE SALES PLATFORM

In preparation for the 2023 sales season we have created a new sales page on our website. Currently it shows breeding females which are available across the UK. This is in addition to our adverts on Sell My Livestock, so please use either depending on your preference.