Consistency the key for top Victorian producers

For Victorian Mallee mixed dryland farmers, Craig and Isla Delmenico, careful handling of their cattle is key when it comes to maximising carcase performance.

Running approximately 150 British breed trade cattle across their predominantly cereal operation near Ultima, the Delmenicos produce cattle to an average target liveweight of 550kg to be sold into the supermarket trade.

Their 100% compliance to MSA requirements and average MSA Index of 64.17 during 2019–21 has seen the Delmenicos win the 2021 MSA Excellence in Eating Quality Awards for Most Outstanding MSA Producer, Band 1, in Victoria.

Selecting stock

The Delmenicos source weaners around 250–300 kilograms liveweight and believe the origin of the cattle can have an impact on their temperament and performance.

“Obviously a lot depends on price and season, but if we can we prefer to source cattle from the south as they have typically had more exposure to handling and are quieter as a result,” Craig said.

“Once they arrive home, we have a real focus on consistency with our handling – which means we use the same vehicle and same people to check the cattle each time, and even our agents know where to park when they visit so as not to alert the cattle with an unfamiliar vehicle.”

Handling for performance

Targeting a daily average weight gain of 1.7kg and finishing the cattle on grain grown on-farm, the Delmenicos aim to turn off between 200–300 head per year and use MSA as a tool to track performance and tweak their handling processes to get the best results.

“Using MSA feedback, we have basically been able to narrow down to one preferred carrier who handles and delivers cattle in a way that lets them perform as well as possible,” Craig said.

“We’ve also seen a difference in results by drafting cattle into weight classes as soon as they arrive and by drafting, drenching and needling at once to reduce the need for handling later on.

“We will then sort them again into weight groups at least three weeks prior to transport, so they’re happy in their mobs before they go.”

Data for dollars

The Delmenicos see benefit in the opportunities for continuous improvement that MSA feedback provides producers.

“We find the MSA Index useful as an indication of carcase performance and ensure MSA compliance to pH (below 5.71) and fat is achieved,” Craig said.

“We also keep an eye on P8 fat to ensure the cattle aren’t overdone.

“There is always room for improvement and it definitely puzzles us when we buy what we think is a really even line of cattle from one producer, treat them the same and then get a wide range of results.

“As an industry, access to data is critical to honing in on areas for improvement and working out how to get more from the cattle you buy or breed.”