Five Additional Activities Improving Cow Herd Profitability
Paul Beck, Oklahoma State University State Extension Beef Cattle Nutrition Specialist
Tight cattle supplies and record cattle prices are wonderful, but costs of production have also increased. Even in a good year, out of control production costs may lead to profits below breakeven. There are 10 management strategies important for a profitable cow-calf operation. The first five were covered a couple of weeks ago. Below are the remaining five.
Hay testing and least cost supplementation: Knowledge of hay quality will allow you to match the hay being fed to nutrient requirements and has the potential to reduce or totally replace supplementation.
Crossbreeding with a superior sire: Heterosis or hybrid vigor is the only free thing you can expect in the cattle business. Crossbred cows with hybrid vigor have higher conception rates, weaning rates, and longevity. These benefits combine to increase the pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed to a bull by 15 to 25%. Increasing sire quality leads to higher weaning weights, post-weaning growth, and improved marketability.
Have a designed herd health program: A close veterinary-client relationship pays dividends for your business. A good herd health program will reduce cow death loss and increase cow productivity. More productive cows with good immune systems will produce more and better colostrum which will reduce calf morbidity and death loss.
Add value with preconditioning and retained ownership post weaning: Preconditioning added $15 to $20/cwt premium on calves over the last few years. Extending ownership will allow you to capture more of their true value. This can be a good thing or bad thing, depending on calf quality.
Reduce debt and keep expenses low: High profit producers have lower costs of production with less invested per cow in all asset categories including machinery, equipment and real estate.
Montana State University, US. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
