In 2019, the team launched a Sexed Semen/Wagyu breeding programme that aimed to reduce the number of bobby calves born while creating a marketable, value-added product.

This plan reduced bobby calf numbers by 31%, and had the added bonus of increasing profit by more than $4000 in 2019/2020 season.

Based on the success of the 2019 season’s mating and calving plan, it was decided to continue with the Sexed Semen/Wagyu programme, and also to synchronise the R2s to help reach our goal of the herd being in the top 5% national BW.

Following market demand in 2023 we shifted to a “Performance beef” mating program generating elite dairy beef calves.

Mating starts on 25^th September, using Sexed Semen Kiwicross straws for 25 days on high BW cows with more than 2 heats. A Charolais marker bull (Kakahu Milestone) is used on all other cows who were either unable to be mated to Sexed Semen or synchronised as non-cyclers. This is continued for another 5 days to define the end of the replacement calf period during calving.  For the next 34 days we use a variety of Charolais, Angus and Profit Maker sires to best match the cow being mated. We finish with Short Gestation Length (SGL) Angus for all cows mated in week 10 and SGL Dairy until mating end date.

The Sexed Semen/Dairy beef mating plan has made a significant contribution to the farm’s goal of ‘purpose of life’.  Overall, Owl Farm has seen a steady decline in bobby calves from around 275 in 2018, to around 90 in 2024.

This strategy has increased the number of high BW heifer calves born. Owl Farm targets a replacement rate of 21% (selling the balance to improve the national herd) as rearing fewer replacements minimises the farm’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gases while ensuring all animals lead a productive life.

By sourcing replacements from the top 75% of the herd, the herd has accelerated its genetic gain. With a BW of 327 (November 2024), the herd is in the top 3% nationally, within the farm team’s goal of being in the top 5%.