Fence Repairs
We got stuck into more fencing over winter and made great progress. The boundary repairs are now complete, and we’ve subdivided several paddocks to allow for longer rest periods between grazing. The photos below show a new laneway that helps move cattle from the top of the hill down to the yards. It’s made a big difference already. We’re starting to get the hang of this fencing business, but to be honest, I wouldn’t want to do it full time!
Artificial Insemination: Spagyu, Wagyu and Jersey
Spagyu
In June, we inseminated a Speckle Park heifer we’ve retained from our Autumn 2023 drop. We chose a Wagyu straw for her first calf, as Wagyu are known for smaller birth weights, which should help her deliver unassisted. This will be our first “Spagyu” calf. We won’t keep it for future breeding since we want to maintain the frame we’ve developed in our Speckle Park herd. Instead, this calf will eventually become one of our Beef Packs. With the Wagyu influence, we’re expecting some exceptional eating quality.
Wagyu
Our purebred Wagyu cow, Anastasia, was also inseminated in June using a straw from Gateway G113 S0021. You can see a photo of his EBVs (Estimated Breeding Values) below. His marbling and marble fineness scores are especially exciting. If we’re lucky enough to get a bull calf, he’ll eventually join our breeding program to cover our Speckle Park cows and help produce some of the best beef in South Gippsland.
Jersey
Rona, our house cow, was next. She received a Jersey straw, and we’re hoping for a heifer. If we get a girl, she’ll head off to Sarah’s brother’s dairy in Northern Victoria once she’s grown. Fingers crossed!
Spring Sowing
In August, we oversowed a chicory and plantain seed mix into a perennial ryegrass pasture we established last year. This paddock will be used to fatten four steers that are due for processing in November. Chicory and plantain are packed with vitamins and minerals and will complement the ryegrass beautifully. We can’t wait to see the seedlings emerge as the spring weather continues to break. You can already see in the photo below that the pasture is off to a great start.
Nest Boxes
The last job we ticked off during winter was installing nest boxes along the creek. A big storm in February destroyed a lot of habitat for parrots, gliders and possums. We wanted to do our part to help and give them some safe new places to live. It’s only a small gesture, but every little bit counts in helping support local wildlife and easing the current housing crunch for our furry and feathered friends.
