January 31st 2010 Open Day highlights

As every farmer knows weather is unpredictable and is the one unknown factor in agriculture. Although the forecast did not auger well for the 31st January none of our visitors quite expected the lightening and wind show that occured mid afternoon after a hot, gusty day. Welcome however was the 14 mls of rain after that. All visitors who didn't manage to head off and escape the storm enjoyed the view of cooling rain from a cozy inside vantage point and were treated to the extra tasty CAAB sausages left over from lunch.

A constant stream of genuinely interested visitors - many first time visitors to our stud - was very encouraging for the 2010 industry outlook. Demand was good for both bulls and females, entire pens of first calving heifers were snapped up early and there was enthusiasm for the young bulls on offer. Sales exceeded our expectations and shows promise for a more robust outlook after the fires and drought of 2009.

There was also much genuine interest in the information sessions held from 10.45 am and High Spa wishes to thank all our expert presenters on the day covering (in order of presentation) the topics:

• PREPARATION OF CATTLE FOR FEEDLOT
• THE IMPORTANCE OF ANGUS IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN
• THE VALUE OF STRATEGIC SUPPLEMENT FEEDING OF BEEF CALVES & WEANERS USING THE MECH FIBER SYSTEM for DOMESTIC & EXPORT MARKETS

Thanks also to Merial for supplying this year's Lucky Gate Prize. The winner was Kevin Ferrari of Chapple Vale.

Watch this website for details of a Spring Field Day. Although there will be no official "Spring" Beef Week this year High Spa will continue to have a Spring Open Day aimed to cater for all breeders, but in particiular those with Spring calving herds. Bulls and spring calving females will be available and there will be some industry focus as yet undecided.