Regenerative farming practices, including rotating the breeding herd of 300 females in one mob and choosing temperate pastures over subtropical ones, are key to achieving bottom-line success on a Cassilis property.
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Peter Yore, Yore Properties, Peter's Creek, Cassilis, and his manager, Tim Stanley, have developed a breeding herd, using mainly Trio Angus bulls and had, up until 10 years ago, used Charolais bulls.
But these were no longer used, even though the silver genes still appear in calves born within the herd.
Mr Yore said Peter's Creek was in the process of enlarging its water supply system, which, in turn, would allow increased subdivision of paddocks and further promote the use of grazing rotations.
"We've just upgraded our water supply, and we're in the process of divvying up all the paddocks with hot wires, to do our rotation a bit better," Mr Yore said.
He said he and Mr Stanley had taken part in grazing for profit courses with rural management consultant Dr Terry McCosker and Resource Consulting Services (RCS) in schools at Orange and Tamworth, NSW, respectively.
Mr Yore said the trend on Peter's Creek was to establish temperate pastures, with grasses like phalaris, tall fescue and Prairie grass, while the legume content included lucerne, Arrowleaf and White clovers.
"We have had a bit of failure with the subtropical grasses last time we tried to establish those grasses, but the temperate grasses are doing a great job," he said.
Mr Stanley said the first draft of calves left the property at weaning time, and then at regular intervals, as conditions, season, and the market allowed.
"We sell the best group, and then we'll grow out the others and just sell them when prices suit," he said.
Mr Yore said the climb in prices in cattle markets in recent months had boosted returns on the steers and heifers being sold.
He said Peter's Creek was about 3000 acres (1214 hecatres) and there was another property at Gresford (485ha), which is used to grow out the 100 or so heifer weaners that are the retainers for the breeding herd.
"We join the heifers at Gresford, but we bring them back to Peter's Creek to calve them out as we have too many losses from feral dogs at Gresford.
"About half the property is mostly rainforest," he added.
Mr Yore said the aim was to run Peter's Creek along regenerative farming lines, and options other than synthetic fertilisers are being investigated.
"This paddock (indicating the one where the steers were photographed for this story) is our organic experiment," he said.
"It only had two applications of worm-casting-based fertiliser.
"We also added a sulphur prill and calcium mix, and it did make a big difference."
Mr Yore said he was experimenting with additives to promote the growth of soil biology so the bacteria and fungi can get moving to nourish the grasses and legumes.
He said Peter's Creek was entirely heavy, dark soils and calcium (lime) was needed to help 'open up the soils'.
"It's high magnesium soils that set like a rock," he said.
"I think the main thing is to get a bit of calcium, and open up the soil a bit," he said.
Mr Yore and Mr Stanley's management efforts were in sharp focus at this year's Merriwa Springtime Show Feedlot competition.
Under the scrutiny of Walcha Ben Nevis Angus co-principal, Erica Halliday, the Yore 2 team, of Angus and Charolais cross steers, were chosen as the champions on the hoof at the Merriwa Springtime show in September.
On Friday, October 31, the same steers were selected as the team exhibiting the highest profitability among the 67 teams on show.
It earned that team third place overall in the competition, behind two teams shown by Merriwa district property, Cullingral 1 and 2, owned by the Gill family. The Yore 1 team was also placed third on the hook.
Mr Stanley said the placings indicated the herd's breeding program was 'on the right track'.
"It's really good feedback, and we're looking forward to receiving the email that provides us with the details," Mr Stanley said.
The average margin for the 167 head processed at Woolworths was $134 a head, not including interest.
