Several previous blogs by my colleagues and me in 2016, stressed the importance of nutrition in late pregnancy, winter, post calving and breeding periods. For a cow that will be calving in the next 90 days, the next 6 months will be the most nutrient demanding months for her this year.
4 words for 2017
As 2016 comes to a close, we can look back and wish for the golden days of the cattle market, or we can look to what’s just beyond the horizon. We all know what good looking back does, so here are a few words/concepts to consider as we enter a new year, a new market cycle, new rules on feeding cattle and a new administration.
Winter conditions and increasing nutrient demand in late gestation
Many parts of the country are experiencing cold winter conditions with some areas receiving snow and the coldest temperature of the year. It takes more time and effort to get regular chores completed. In addition, we need to push snow, pull out stuck vehicles, break ice and thaw frozen water pipes. When you consider the extra energy that humans need, it helps put our cattle’s nutrient requirements into prospective.
New Year's resolutions for cattle producers
In two short weeks we will be ringing in 2017 and putting 2016 to bed. Lots of changes have taken place this past year in the cattle markets, feed grain carryover stocks, US elections, world political landscape, etc. Like every new year, we get a chance at a “fresh” start. To do things differently. To do those things that we never get around to doing. To stop doing things that we should never have done in the first place. To do those things that we know we should be doing, but for some reason have not been able to get them done. To make the time to get what needs to be done… done. And to simply, do the right things. A New Year’s Resolution is defined as a firm decision to either do, or not do, something. It’s completely up to you.
What’s the difference between low cost and high return cow-calf producers?
After attending the annual Cattle Fax Outlook Session, there is no mistake that we are back in a 10-year beef cattle cycle. Most importantly, there are a few years still ahead of declining profitability in the cow-calf sector. There will be years ahead that Low Return Producers could lose money on their cow herd, while High Return Producers will likely still be above water.
Tips for livestock producers dealing with drought
Drought has made this a tough year for many livestock producers in southern Appalachia. Drought-affected pastures rarely produce adequate amounts of forage. Hay is in short supply and what's available tends to be of below-average quality. Drought-stressed plants tend to be nutrient deficient, especially in protein, phosphorus and vitamin A.
Give thanks for CRYSTALYX
It’s Thanksgiving. We often reflect around Christmas and New Years on the past year; its good times and tough times. I think Thanksgiving is also a time to reflect, and reflect on all the positive things we have in our homes, businesses, and country. I for one, am thankful to be working, living and raising a family in the livestock industry and the feed business that supports it. We in the feed and supplement business, are in the cattle business too. Our success is dependent on our customers’ success. So, for this, I’m thankful for my customer’s success.
Beef production and technology
Technology is everywhere. Our homes are wireless, tractors all but drive themselves, and you can even get reminders on your phone to put out fresh barrels. As much as technology is readily accepted in other areas everyday life, there is hesitation when it comes to technology and food production. Public concern over the use of feed additives in food animals is high with those outside the ag community. However, what would happen if the growth enhancing technology (GET) we take for granted in cattle production (ionophores, implants, etc.) where no longer available?
Grazing crop residue and stock piled pasture can help minimize feeding cost
The current cattle economics situation is making everyone evaluate their feeding programs and overall production cost. Markets have their cycles and it is hard to say how long this period of low prices will last, given how quickly markets have moved in the last 2-3 years. As you look at your feeding program, remember it is the cost per pound of product sold that is the true driver of profitability.
Sustainability in the beef industry: Where do you stand?
I like to focus my blogs around timely nutrition and management topics for beef cow-calf producers whenever I can. My motivation is mainly to provide useful information that can help keep beef producers in business today and in the future. However, I thought I might take a break from that theme with a few observations related to the “Sustainability” term that keeps coming at us with increasing intensity.
