This is a topic that I have tried on several occasions to write about but thought that it might be too ambiguous in terms of what could possibly be written that would seem valuable enough or intriguing enough to be read by cow-calf producers. What has kept this topic simmering on the backburner have been observations not only at work but also with my kids at home.
We are approaching the third trimester
With many of you having spring calving herds, that will begin to calve in February, March or April, we are fast approaching the proverbial “third trimester”.
Mineral nutrition in early pregnancy counts more than you think
Maternal nutrition, including mineral nutrition, during early gestation is just as critical as during later gestation. Fetal programing shows that nutritional disruptions during pregnancy can have far-reaching implications later in the calf’s life, and even into adulthood.
Beware of NOT using CRYSTALYX when grazing cornstalks
It’s November in the heartland and corn harvest has been in full swing. Grazing corn residue, or commonly just called, “grazing cornstalks,” is commonplace where cows and cornfields coexist.
The evolution journey of CRYSTALYX
The way we feed cattle is constantly evolving; the novel concept of putting out a salt block, the early work on trace mineral requirements in the 50’s, the addition of copper to HE-20% in the 90’s and the introduction of chelated/organic trace minerals to the market in the 90’s. The cattle we raise are also evolving. The genetic profile of today’s herds are light years ahead of the herds of the 50’s, so why are we still supplementing cattle as if they are?
Evaluating feed and feeding cost
In many areas, the cow calf producer is about to enter the more expensive time of the production cycle for feeding the cow herd; Hay feeding season! Pasture cost is the biggest expense for most operations, but the cow does the harvesting and the pasture payment often is not an out-of-pocket item that hits the check book all at once. If you are in a pessimistic mindset you may be thinking, “No, buying protein blocks is the most expensive thing I do”.
Fall is in full swing
Fall is in full swing, here’s a quick check list to make sure your cow herd goes into winter in good shape.
Brigade: It doesn't cost enough and it's too easy
A customer very familiar with how well CRYSTALYX® Brigade® works on stressed calves at weaning time, once told me, “There are only two things wrong with Brigade®, it doesn’t cost enough, and it is too easy.” While that is humorous, there is a lot of truth in that statement. Brigade® will cost about 14 cents per head per day. In a typical 28 day receiving period, that is about $4 per head.
Decisions, decisions, decisions...
I’m going to do something that will shock you today. I’m going to advise you when NOT to use our CRYSTALYX® products. I know! I know! It’s pure heresy! But bear with me here.
Reducing unit cost of production the CRYSTALYX way
Cost of production – war on costs – cut your costs!! Cost is a four-letter word! Numerous beef extension publications, economic summaries, models, spreadsheets, and more, establish the relationship of Beef Cow-Calf Production Costs with how they impact returns.
