The answer to that question will vary with each farm and your schedule for calving and the animal health needs of your particular area.

This is just a guide to give you and idea of things you may need to think about. This is what Sandrian Park attempt to do in South East Queensland with our Mini Herefords, it is all subject to change depending on what is happening with grass growth or other factors at the time.

January

– Fly tags attached, only good for 4 months so we leave it as late as possible

– Long lasting tick vaccination given (keeps clear of ticks for 56 days)

– weaners taken away from main herd.

February

– This is when we would usually take time away from the farm.

March

– Pregnant cattle into calorie control paddock, supplement with hay or short grazing in better paddock if needed to ensure they don’t put on too much weight prior to giving birth

– Annual 7in1 Booster shots

– In a very dry year or year with poor feed a multi mineral injection given in addition to the mineral blocks which are available all year round

May

– Calving can start any day now. Twice daily checks on the girls who are kept close to the house

Mid July

– last calf should have arrived. DNA testing samples sent away on all heifers and potential bulls

1 August

– bulls in with cows/heifers for 9 to 10 weeks

Mid October

– bulls out

November

– Tick Fever Vaccine when youngest calf over 3 months of age

– Calves given first 7 in 1 jab 4 weeks after Tick Fever

– Fly tags ordered (small packs sell out quickly so while we don’t use them until late December / early January we need to buy them early)

December

– weaning when youngest calf over 6 months old using weaning rings and second 7 in 1 given. 

We don’t use Pestiguard as our neighbors no longer have cattle close to us and we feel the risk of our girls catching it is very low. Qld doesn’t have issues with Liver Fluke and we have never had an issue with worms so usually do not drench for anything other than ticks and flies. We don’t need to trim hoofs which are worn down on the hard packed and stony paths.

If you are not sure of what you need to consider for your area contact another local breeder or consult the Biosecurity website for your state. The local vet or farm supplies store can also be useful.