BCBC Conference 2024

Iwan Vaughan speaking at the BCBC24 Conference in January

In Januray, Iwan spoke on behalf of Brongain Farms on Beef Day. Brongain Farms is making data-based decisions and won the Farmers Guardian Beef Farmer of the Year award.

They are targeting a dlwg of 1.1kg to produce net zero beef from grass. Currently, dairy-beef animals are finished at 650kg aged 22.5 months, and are on grass for 270 days, but the target is to reduce slaughter age to 20 months.

Some examples of how they are reducing emissions and targeting improvements in slaughter age include:

1. Working with dairy farmers to select sires for calving ease and growth rate using Genus ABS Nuera Profit Index.

2. Using rapid colostrum tests and paying a 10-15% uplift for calves that achieve target. This gives them assurance of animal health.

3. Constantly evaluating nutrition to keep growth rates on track.

4. Using Bokashi to ferment manure. This has retained 11% more nitrogen and reduced emissions by 2.6%.

5. Planting 5,000 trees and increasing tree cover from 5 to 8.5%.

“Tracking our carbon footprint is a positive way for us to constantly challenge our business plan. It drives continuous improvement, reduces waste, and increases profitability.”

Thanks to George Peart Promar International, and nutritionist Iwan Vaughan, Dairy Diagnosis, for presenting on behalf of Greg and Rowan, Pickstock, Brongain.