Herd Health & Grazing Management
Hello, World!
In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, we cover herd health challenges and solutions in northern climates during the winter months. James Clark with Gallagher Animal Management North America joins the show to address these broad challenges and we also highlight how Brian and Kim Maloney, Brylee Farms, found a unique approach to improving their overall herd health through their intensive grazing strategies.
Intensive Grazing
Brian and Kim Maloney operate Brylee Farms in Quebec. They do not calve out cows but instead buy cattle to finish on grass and sell directly to the consumer. They raise both cattle and sheep and work both species into their intensive grazing strategies. Maloneys have been intensively grazing since the early 90s it has and continues to be an evolving process.
"We finished about 125 steers or heifers every year. We also do 50 lambs, and we custom graze 40 cow calf pairs on about a 360 acres of pasture. For our group of finishing animals, we move them four times a day to new pastures.” - KIm Maloney
One challenge they faced when transitioning to a grass-finished operation is they used to put up hay and raise crops. Brian made the decision early on to eliminate these aspects and sell everything before winter to avoid feeding in the snow and cold climate. It also freed up more time for them to move cattle to different pastures. Another challenge they currently face are finding the right genetics for a grass-only feeding system.
The benefits Maloney’s see with their intensive grazing include limited to zero herd health problems. When they bring in animals, they make sure they are vaccinated but from that point forward their nutrition program is complete and has improved their overall health. This operation also fits their lifestyle as they do not want to be outside more than they have to in the winter months. Buying and selling cattle for custom grazing and finishing allows the Maloney’s to focus on their direct-to-consumer beef business in the winter months.
Herd Health in Northern Climates
Grass-finished programs are not for everyone and each unique climate presents herd health challenges. James Clark addresses the herd health challenges that come with cattle production in northern climates such as pneumonia. Solutions available to cow-calf producers to improve and track herd health include using scales and data capture technology to track animal weights and performance. There are different apps and software available to aid cattlemen in this process.
Connecting with Consumers
Kim heads up the direct-to-consumer beef business at Brylee Farms and enjoys connecting with consumers and sharing her story as a fifth-generation cattle producer. Their operation is located right off a major highway where they have a storefront open a few days a week in addition to their online sales of beef and lamb. Kim advises other people selling meat directly to the consumer to share the honest story of their day-to-day lives to truly show what cattlemen and women do.
Brian shares it is important to connect with consumers and share about how ruminants are important to our environment and climate. There are misunderstandings in this area and it is our job to share the truth about how they utilize pastures and are a part of the biogenic carbon cycle.
Conclusion
Kim and Brian Maloney are excellent examples of how to transition your operation into something that fits your lifestyle and passion. Their passion for intensive grazing and connecting to the consumer is like no other. If you are looking for more herd health advice and resources. Check out the links below!
