While there is a drive to become ever more efficient in all types of agriculture, there becomes a point where bigger is not necessarily better. Whether it be livestock or arable, sheep, cattle or pigs, getting the right level of stock and equipment for your own business can make a big difference. Getting the “goldilocks effect” on your outputs, being “just right” for your own system can be the key.
Beef
Having an extra 50 head of cattle means you would undoubtedly need more feed, whether that be grazing land, winter outlier land (potentially at a premium rate) or bought in feed and bedding. The cost of any increase should be carefully considered prior to taking the step. Closing the headlock on a cattle crush after the beast has ran right through simply means an empty crush, and a little more work. Extra winter housing space could also be required, and this can quickly eat into the margins. For a shed only being used for six months or so of the year, is an increase really productive, both over the short term and longer?
Bigger is not always better, it is simply another way of farming the land available, problems are not necessarily larger, but management of the issues, good or bad, that face you as a business owner may define your business moving forward! Standing still is not always a step backwards, and careful consideration should always be made when looking to change the scale of your operation.
If you would like to discuss any of these issues further, then please do not hesitate in contacting either Will Robinson at Carlisle on 01228 534371 or email wr@saint.co.uk, or one of the Agricultural Team spread right across Cumbria & South West Scotland.
