Review of beef enterprise options for Glovers Farm

Learn about monitor farmer David Cross' transition from a mixed arable enterprise to an all-livestock operation, and how it is aligned with his objectives to:

• Improve farm and business resilience
• Improve soil health and increase organic matter
• Improve stock performance (growth rates, number of lambs, margin/ha)
• Increase pasture yield without N fertiliser to drive stocking rate
• Consider native-bred suckler cow enterprise to help pasture quality and direct selling
• Maintain collaborative mindset

To support with his business development, three scenarios for the beef enterprise were compared for Glovers Farm, considering seasonal pasture growth, forage availability, livestock productivity and financial performance, to identify the most suitable approach for the business.

The three options include:

• Option 1: Contract cattle (LWG contract)
• Option 2: Conventional suckler herd
• Option 3: Organic store cattle