Tartan Farms - Newsletter March 2008

Newsletter - March 2008

There is no need to elaborate on the lack of precipitation this summer, we have only had 0.6 mm so called rain this month, but we are having some heavy dew and fog each morning followed by lots of sun in the afternoons.

The long hot summer is taking its toll on the condition of our Lowline Herd, but they started this summer with excess condition, so it’s not all bad. Just as well we had a good stock of hay from last season, as our crop this year was not that heavy, as expected.

Contrary to my opinion that ribbons do not make a lot of money we took seven of our animals to the Kumeu A & H Show this month, which proved a great success for the Lowline Breed as a whole. The Lowlines were well represented, having the most numbers over and above other breeds present. The good work done by Judy & David Salisbury has to be commended in getting Lowlines a place at this show. We just have to refine our approach for 2009 and make it better, with more breeders taking part. Kumeu should become our Annual Lowline Show in the North Island and I think the Show Organizers will support us after the numbers we presented this year. The Lowlines took some major prizes against some of the major breeds.

“Australian Lowlines are a Mainline Beef Breed”
Our Kotinga Jess R32 at 13 years old with calf at foot, again excelled herself in the show ring.

The presence of Tammy Breuer from across the ditch as an International Judge was a real plus for the Lowlines. She spoke with authority and made the day for Lowlines and really promoted the benefits of our breed.

This summer on the farm we have implemented a major drainage programme, so we hope to reap the rewards in the coming winter. Middle Earth will not be such a large puddle. We now have to re-align some fences but the dry soil conditions have not been conducive to major fencing development.

We have also decided that in the future we will not be flushing embryos from our herd, its now far too expensive and the return is not worth it with the sale of off-spring. We’re of the opinion that good looking, well balanced Dams & Sires produce very desirable off-spring.

Hope that our new look “Website” is of interest and value to both existing Lowline Breeders and those people who are contemplating a future with Australian Lowlines.

Visitors are always welcome at our farm in Pokeno.

Committed to the Promotion of the Australian Lowline Beef Breed