Feed efficiency and high dressing percentages hold the key to greater profits in beef operations farmers were told at a farm walk held on property of John and Robin Bignell. They run a baby beef operation on their 190ha Bridgetown property consisting of about 50 Angus/Friesian and Simmental/Friesian first and second cross females and mated to Blonde bulls

In a presentation conducted by society president Gerald Bergsma, beef producers were shown how both feed efficiency and high dressing percentages effect the dollar returns a farmer will receive. Feed trials have demonstrated that Blondes are very feed efficient consuming only 5.1 kg of grain for 1 kg of weight gain. High feed efficiency means less costs to produce the same product.

High dressing percentages effect the dollar return for a beef producer receives. Blonde cross calves are known to dress about 2% more that average. The producer will yield an additional $30 per calf when producing a 400kg weaner, if their produce is sold over the hook. Some abbotoirs are now rewarding producers with a premium when supplying A and B muscle scores. “This augers well for the future of highly muscled European breeds like Blondes, who are known to increase the muscling in their progeny”, Gerald said.

Property owner John Bignell then addressed the gathering and explained how the Blonde cross calves are born very easily and showed very good subsequent growth. “The quiet nature of the Blonde breed also means my bulls are easy to handle and more importantly this is passed on to the calves. Easy handling of quiet cattle ensures I can use my time more efficiently when working on farm.”

On display were two Blonde bulls, both whom were very comfortable with the sudden influx of 30 plus persons into their paddock. Producers then viewed Blonde cross calves running with their dams in the adjoining paddock. A number of those attending commented on the increased muscling that the Blonde cross calves displayed.

The annual Blondes WA field day created much excitement with 100 persons in attendance keen to learn more about the impact Blonde bulls have on the WA beef industry. Blonde bulls destined for the WA Supreme Bull Sale were on display, as well as stud females and Blonde cross calves.

Experienced cattle breeder and feedlotter John Pugh outlined how cross breeding is essential to profitable beef farming. John demonstrated how a 500kg Blonde cross steer could provide $180 more beef compared to a straight British bred steer due to both higher dressing percentages and carcass yields.

The inaugural WA Elite female sale held at the end of the day was an outstanding success with 10 lots selling for an average of $3,705. With the quality of the females on offer, WA Breeders took the 'opportunity’ to increase their herd sizes in order to cater for the high demand for Blonde bulls in WA.

The Southern Regional Blonde Society recently held their first very successful stud bull and female sale at Lardner Park Warragul Victoria.

The old Rotunda Sale Grandstand at Lardner Park was groaning under the strain of a full house with approx and 58 registered buyers and 250 people in attendance.

During this inaugural Blonde sale there were repeat buyers competing with first time purchasers which pushed the prices up to a very respectable average of $4,400 over 12 bulls and 10 females for a 100% clearance. The top priced bull fetched $5,600 and the top priced female fetched $7,000.

Blonde cattle sold at this sale have gone as far afield as Northern NSW, Swanhill in the west & Bairnsdale in East Gippsland, a geographical spread of 1500 km north to south and 500 km east to west.