How to profit from forage-based dairy-beef system even in extreme weather.

Forage-based dairy-beef systems are profitable even in extreme weather conditions, a two-year study at Harper Adams University has concluded. Researchers compared the performance of 35 Hereford cross Holstein-Friesian and 35 pure Holstein-Friesian autumn 2016-born steer calves to see how native-bred cattle compared with pure dairy animals on the same system. Overall, 85% of the Holstein-Friesians and all of the autumn-born Hereford crosses sold off grass, albeit with supplementation required at specific times to counter poor grass growth and weight gains due to the drought. At a standard base price of £3.65/kg (+15p premium for native beef) and £3.50kg for Holstein-Friesians, the total value (after applying the pricing grid) was £1,129.63 for Hereford crosses and £957.61 for Holstein-Friesians. [Extracted from the article]