Feeding supplements are a reality in any cattle operation—but let’s be honest, it’s not something most of us enjoy spending money on. Feed costs can take up a considerable part of your annual budget, sometimes more than any other expense. In tough years, especially during droughts, feed alone can account for as much as 70% of your total operating costs.
However, here’s the good news: there are ways to reduce those costs without compromising quality. By focusing on your forage production and reducing hay waste, you can make a serious dent in your feed bill—and significantly boost your profitability. This potential for increased profitability should inspire you to take action and make the necessary changes in your operation.
It begins with thinking like a low-cost producer. These are the individuals who have figured out how to stretch their resources without sacrificing performance. They understand that staying productive is crucial to maintaining a successful business, and they make informed, long-term decisions that keep their costs low year after year. By adopting this strategic mindset, you can take control of your operation and make decisions that will lead to long-term success.
Improving forage quality, using your pastures wisely, and storing hay correctly—these aren’t just good habits. They’re strategic moves that pay off in the long run. Even minor adjustments can lead to significant savings when you add them up across a herd. This reassurance should give you the confidence to make these changes, knowing that they will have a positive impact on your operation over time.
So, while you may not be able to ditch supplements entirely, you can take control of how much you’re relying on them. And the more you understand your forage, your land, and your feeding habits, the more money you can keep in your pocket.
When that West Texas sun starts cooking the ground, and the temps soar past 100 degrees, it’s not just miserable for you—it’s brutal for your cattle, too. Imagine standing out in the middle of a pasture all day, wrapped in a leather jacket, with no breeze, no shade, and no cold drink in sight. That’s what your cows are dealing with during a summer heatwave.
When it comes to raising cattle, the correct storage of hay isn’t just a beneficial practice—it’s an absolute necessity, especially during the winter months when pastures go dormant and natural forage is scarce. In 2023 alone, over 4.6 million acres of hay were harvested in Texas, underscoring the vital role of hay in maintaining smooth livestock operations. However, the challenge lies not just in growing or buying hay, but in storing it correctly. Failure to do so could mean a significant loss of your investment.
Do you need miles of fencing and a big budget to implement rotational grazing? Think again. If you’re raising cattle in a dry climate like West Texas, you know how valuable every blade of grass is. Forage doesn’t grow fast out here, and overgrazing can wear down your pastures before you know it. That’s where rotational grazing comes in—it’s a simple but powerful way to stretch your forage, improve soil health, and keep your cattle in better condition.
If you’ve spent more than five minutes outside in a West Texas summer, you already know — that the sun doesn’t play nice. It’s hot, relentless, and doesn’t let up. Now picture being out there in that blazing heat… wearing a thick fur coat… weighing close to 200 pounds… and only being a few weeks old.
Breeding season prep isn’t just another thing on your to-do list—it’s one of the most essential parts of your ranch’s success. For cow/calf producers, the steps you take before the season starts can make or break your calf crop. At the end of the day, it’s those good-quality calves that bring in the income and keep your operation moving forward. A healthy, consistent calf crop isn’t luck—it results from solid planning and management.
If there’s one thing every livestock owner knows, it’s that a fence isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re raising cattle, sheep, horses, or goats, a good fence is the first line of defense in keeping your animals where they belong. Without one, you risk them wandering off, getting injured, or even causing accidents. Just as important, a well-built fence helps keep predators out, protecting your animals from threats like coyotes or stray dogs. Simply put, a strong, reliable fence is one of the best investments you can make for your operation.
Feed costs are the single most significant expense for any cattle producer, often making up as much as half of the total annual costs. These expenses can fluctuate dramatically depending on the season and forage conditions. In drought situations, feed costs can even climb to 70% of the total yearly expenditure, posing a real challenge for ranchers.
Controlling flies on your cattle is one of those frustrating challenges that can make you feel like you’re in an endless battle. No matter what you try, those pesky insects keep returning year after year. It’s like they’ve got a personal vendetta against your herd, making it seem almost impossible to get them under control.
Breeding season is the heartbeat of any successful ranch. It’s the time when you hope to bring in a new calf crop that keeps your operation thriving year after year. To achieve this, you’ll want to ensure that nearly every cow in your herd—at least 90%—gets bred, setting the stage for a robust future.
