In this episode of the Food & Farming podcast, AHDB’s Senior Knowledge Manager Amy Hughes is joined by Canadian suckler cow producer, Arron Nerbas, to discuss what makes a suckler system profitable including how genetics, selection and management pressure can be used to breed a cow that fits and performs well.

Being clear about what you’re trying to achieve on your farm and using your system to select the cows that fit, is how the Nerbas Bros. have developed a profitable suckler cow that works for them and their system. Following Arron’s visit to the UK in January, funded by AHDB and the Aberdeen Angus Society, Arron and Amy reflect on the key discussion points from the event and how mindset is an important factor: “The real power isn’t in your grass or your cattle, the real power is in your mind.”

FAI Farms in Oxfordshire, Silas Hedley-Lawrence.

Launceston Farm in Dorset, Jimi Collis and his herd manager, Matt House.

Aln Angus farm in Northumberland, George Burrell.

This podcast forms part of the AHDB Maternal Matters campaign, helping suckler producers breed heifer replacements which are efficient, profitable and fit for the future. 

Useful links:

https://www.nerbasbrosangus.com/

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maternal-matters

https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/maternal-matters-breeding-replacement-heifers