| 21 Simmentals have a reputation as well-muscled animals. RURAL PEOPLE » Hillbrae genetics can be sourced that have the traits Barry is looking for, as well as to broaden the base.” “All the bulls I have bought have all had good impacts on the herd. The best one, Kerrah Fault Line with his daughters, are the best ever.” “I bought an easy calving bull from Kerrah about three years ago and he did quite a good job. I bought three heifers from their female sale last year and they had three bulls so they’ll come through.” Daniel is also focused on Simmentals and runs a similar operation to Barry and the pair combine their stock at the Fielding sale each year. Seasonally Barry calves in August/September and has started some autumn calving with 12 calved this year. “I usually crop seven to 10 hectares a year. I start with annual winter grass in any paddocks that are not doing right and in the spring I spray them out and put clover and chicory in next autumn I spray them at half rates so the clover and chicory are still there.” This is supplemented by about 100 to 140 bales of baleage and 100 bales of hay. Although this season has been dry, “you farm for it” and Barry has a modest stocking rate to avoid his cattle coming under too much pressure. Hillbrae carries about 100 Simmental breeding cows and 12 adult bulls and the heifers numbering 40 to 50 are kept for replacements for both Hillbrae and Daniel’s farm. Last year Barry sold some bulls to dairy farmers and is aiming to develop this side of the business. “I can see there should be a market there because I’ve concentrated on easy calving bulls and good temperament; that’s why I like Simmentals so much.” Shearwell Applicator*
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