Welcome to the first "Boundary Rider's Report" blog post from Bald Blair Angus.  We have used a very similar format to the "Over The Fence" article from the MLA Feedback magazine, to provide an opportunity to discuss what is happening on the farm and to share ideas with our farming community on some of the challenges we are facing and celebrate any wins.

We recently enjoyed a family holiday in the last two weeks of September and while we were very concerned about leaving the farm, it was a wonderful opportunity to spend time together & recharge.  We have returned to work with a better frame of mind and energized to make the next round of difficult decisions to ensure we survive these unprecedented seasonal conditions. 

Snapshot:

Bald Blair Angus is located East of Guyra on the Northern Tablelands of NSW. 

We have an elevation of between 1280 and 1420m above sea level.

Area: approx 2000 ha over 5 properties (1 leasehold).

Enterprises: Angus Stud, commercial Angus herd, crossbred and merino sheep.

Seasonal Challenges:

Our average rainfall is between 750-1000mm, however this year we have only received approximately 147mm.  We are dealing with unprecedented seasonal conditions. Our ground water supplies have dried up and we are relying on bore water, spring fed dams, and water holes on creeks to provide stock water.  We have sold down a significant number of our commercial cows with calves at foot, so that we can better look after the remaining stock.  This process is continuing, and we have many important decisions in front of us, just like everyone else should the seasonal conditions continue to decline.  We will like many, early wean our calves and continue the herd reduction where possible. 

What's on our plate:

The stud and commercial cows have calved and we are in the process of giving the calves their first 5in1 vaccination.  The cows are receiving fly and worm treatments. 

All cattle and sheep are receiving a complete feed ration.  We are using a pellet ration for our commercial cattle and bulls, plus hay.  Last year we purchased a feed bin from a local supplier called Bestech (click on link).   This trailer has an inbuilt auger and we can measure out the quantity of feed into the bins with a remote control - it tows behind our work ute, is easy to use and a step up from filling individual bags (not that long ago). 

The stud cows are receiving a mixed ration using hay, straw, canola meal, barley, lime and water.  We have purchased a Faresin feed mixer, to assist with better ration preparation, and labour efficiency while feeding large numbers of cattle.

We have also invested in feed bins from Ramage Engineering (click on link) to reduce wastage of feed.

To monitor the progress of our 2020 bull sale team we are very grateful to Bill and Jacquie Mitchell for providing us with the opportunity to trial their Optiweigh system - a portable weigh system in the paddock.  We can check any weight changes of the bulls at night from our phone in the lounge room watching the Rugby World Cup - instead of bringing the bulls to the yards monthly or bi-monthly to weigh them - saving time and allowing the bulls to do what they do best - eat, sleep and grow.

We have listed a vacant cottage on Airbnb for weekend stays and look forward to welcoming our first guests soon.  We will continue to develop this cottage and make it a great place to stay on a working property. 

Progress against goals:

Our goal for the stud and what is left of our commercial cows has been to feed them for conception.  To ensure they receive enough nutrition to cycle/come on heat and be ready to breed again either by Artificial Insemination (AI) in October for our stud cows or natural mating for the commercial cows when we put the bulls out at the beginning of October.

We are also keen to preserve our pasture base, which is becoming increasingly difficult as the season deteriorates further.

Activities over the next month:

* We will continue to feed all stud cows and calves for conception.

* Synchronise stud heifers and cows for commencement of AI.

* 5in1 calves and drench cows.

* Source feed to ensure continuity of supply until the end of December, possibly January.

* Preparing for early weaning of calves. 

* We have booked in to the MLA Red Meat forum in Tamworth from 18-20 November - hopefully one of us will make it - check out this link for details.

* Ebor Beef workshop on early weaning at the Armidale Bowling Club on 15 October from 7.45am. rsvp to sam@sjlm.com.au.

Contact us: Sam White 0438 792 140  or Kirsty White 0427 722 908