They convinced a number of others to join them and the Fenfield Group was born on 12 August 1974. In the beginning all members contributed four of their cows to the Central Herd. Two of the best bulls from the members herds were chosen to cover the cows. There were no figures and all this was done purely on the eye. From then on, more and more emphasis was placed on figures and measuring weights o
f animals at various stages of production. This emphasis on figures has been a dominant factor in the ongoing success of the group. A total of 17 different cattle breeds formed the basis of the group. The large base of genetic variance can still be seen today and also forms part of the success of the group as there are genes to suit all requirements. CURRENT PRACTICES
* The Central Herd is at Fenfield and Grasslands.
* There are 340 selected cows in the Central Herd.
* Replacements come from the members. They pay for bulls with cows.
* Members must take 1 bull per 100 (or part thereof) cows mated.
* This gives the opportunity to put pressure on bull power.
* Under-performing bulls are removed very quickly.
* A selected cow is in calf for the second time. She is selected on functional efficiency and weaning and efficiency indexes.
* The Central Herd fertility is high. Concpetions average 95%.
* Cows which do not wean a calf are culled.
* Cows which do not regularly produce replacement quality calves are sold.
* Heifer calves are selected on wean index and functional efficiency.
* They are grown out on members' farms and returned to the Central Herd as part of the normal selection. BULL TESTING
* Bull calves are selected at weaning based on indexes and functional efficiency.
* About 60% of the bull calves are kept for the testing.
* We expect a gain of about 40kg in winter. A post winter selection is done in September and the group is reduced by about 25%.
* Summer is spent on the side of the mountain. A time to toughen up and get fit.
* Supplementation is with energy blocks (if at all).
* Autumn is spent back on dry land temperate pastures.
* A post summer selection is done in February where the test group is further reduced.
* Bulls are weighed monthly.
* Members expect their bulls to weigh an average of 450kg in May.
* There are normally 20 bulls left for our annual Bull sale in August. WEANER SALE
* In 1999 the group decided to market their weaners on an annual sale.
* We have been fortunate to have combined with other breeders of quality weaners to present a nationally recognised sale of more than 2000 high class animals.
* Weaners are pre-conditioned according to buyers requirements.
* They are strictly screened so that only strong and healthy calves are offered on the sale.
* All calves are weaned at least three weeks before the sale ensuring settled calves when they reach their destination.
* In conjunction with our agents, we work hard to ensure accurate weights within pre-determined categories and stress-free handling.
* We guarantee our product and have not had a case when a consignment has been turned down.
