Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Alistair and Genna Bird have empty heifers to deal with after a new bull delivered underwhelming pregnancy rates.
About half of the young cows, in their first and second season calving, came out dry.
"It's a big hit, both stocking rate and financially."
"Percentages normally in the heifers are only 1 or 2 percent dry, if that," Alistair said.
Alistair with the unfortunate young bull Photo: Supplied
The cows not carrying calves have gone to the freezing works or were sold as store - for another farmer to finish.
"We can't afford to just hold half of the mob through for another 12 months, without having any sort of revenue income coming from them.
"It's a tough call to make."
Two tests by the stud which produced the bull confirmed the animal's shortcomings.
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
This newborn lamb need some TLC Photo: Supplied
On a more positive note, conditions for lambing and calving are as good as it gets.
Grass is plentiful and has hardly stopped growing all winter.
"We're feeling pretty positive about the lambing and production side of the season ahead.
"Not so much about the forecast prices, though!"
Lambing is underway on the flat home paddocks, hill ewes start on September 25 and the hoggets a week later.
Alistair is also a vlogger and posts weekly videos on his Kiwi Farmer YouTube channel, while Genna is a school teacher in-between farming at The Grange.
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
Photo: Cosmo Kentish-Barnes
