Livestock.
Cattle.
Balala Brand c. 1840
Morse and Tourle
We run a self replacing herd of Angus cattle, selling the steer portion to the weaner market.
Focusing on medium frame score 3 / 4 cows that have a good doing ability suited to this environment. Adding value at the farm gate it is our intention, taking the EU Accredited steer portion to finishing weights and processing them through Red Eight Produce.
To achieve the best product we concentrate on ASBV's when selecting bulls. Because we are in control of the Farm Gate we can focus on IMF and Shear Force in ASBV's because we get the direct benefit of product. It is extremely important from an epigenetics perspective that the animal is suited to the environment in which it lives.
As a producer, however, we need to be adaptable to climatic and seasonal change. At times this requires a greater focus on trading stock and de-stocking to form a carrying capacity buffer.
“We intend to bring the terms of trade back to the farm
and have a meat branded product for commercial sale. This is in our 5 year goal.”
- Richard Daugherty, Balala Owner & Operator
Sheep.
Balala Brand c. 1840
Morse and Tourle
We run a self replacing flock of
dual purpose Dohne's.
…concentrating on achieving a bright white 17 - 18 micron wool suited to the difficult conditions of the New England.
We focus on the Dohne Index and wool is only 35% of this focus, the balance is focused on meat production.
The Dohne is highly fertile, has good mothering ability and has exceptional doing ability. To maintain a calm in our sheep, we use Analgesic/ Anaesthetic practices during animal husbandry procedures.
The dual-purpose nature of the Dohne allows us a different enterprise mix. We intend to bring the terms of trade back to the farm and have a meat branded product for commercial sale. This is in our 5 year goal.
Associations
With all our animals we adopt best animal practice
and aim to achieve the ‘5 Animal Freedoms’
✓ Freedom from hunger and thirst
✓ Freedom from discomfort
✓ Freedom from pain, injury and disease
✓ Freedom to express normal behaviour
✓ Freedom from fear and distress
