Gate 2 Plate puts focus on best beef practice

The latest innovations and research in the beef industry will be shared with Great Southern producers at this month’s Harvey Beef Gate 2 Plate Challenge.

A selection of speakers will cover topics including the national herd situation, African Swine Virus, remote weigh systems, and the farm-to-paddock process.

One producer who uses the day to improve his farming practices is Eric Dobbe, who owns a small beef property in Redmond with his wife, Sonja.

Their farming journey started in 2016 after they took over in a walk-in, walk-out situation that left them with 37 head of Angus and crossbreeds.

They have put a focus on increasing stocking rate and quality, sourcing cattle from reputable producers and studs for their herd.

Mr Dobbe will be entering the Harvey Beef Gate 2 Plate challenge for the third time.

With an abundance of industry professionals sharing their knowledge, Mr Dobbe said he used the day more as a benchmarking tool than a competition.

“We have found it very informative by allowing us to compare our herd progeny against different breeds and many beef producers,” he said. “It provides us with animal growth performance data in the feedlot as well as processor performance which informs us of the carcase quality and value.

“Ultimately, we want to produce beef that the market wants and we need to produce that product in the most cost-effective way.”

Mr Dobbe said he would use the data he received from the HBG2P to make more informed decisions on how to improve herd genetics and management.

“In 2020 we plan on using an extensive AI program to accelerate the genetic gain of both the short-horn and Angus breeds,” he said.

The HBG2P is at Wilyung Farm from 9am on March 17.

Tickets at ticketbooth.com.au or at the gate.