A new year is approaching for the cattle industry. Though we have had our issues this past year, like the current market, new opportunities are bound to return. It may not look like it, but there are always positives to be found if you know how to look, even in our yoyo industry.
One section of our industry that can be affected harshly is small cattle producers. They do not have the size to absorb any costs that come up. Also, due to their size, they have little bargaining power when it comes to sales. This lack of control means they often have to take what they can get. They rarely have the resources needed to invest in any improvements in their place.
Being a small producer has its challenges when it comes to managing their herds. Like all producers, they must try to maximize their output without breaking the bank. It may seem that is not possible, but there are things that you can do today that will make a significant impact. Here are five things that you can do today to improve your operation going into the new year.
As sure as the turning of the world being in winter means having to buy feed. The reason for that is that during this time, forages go dormant and provide less for animals. Though they do not like it, producers must buy supplements to feed their animals during this time.
Winter is finally here, though here in Texas, it doesn’t feel like it too much. But with this time of year, producers will put hay out to feed their animals. Depending on how you get it, hay is typically one of the cheaper options when it comes to supplements.
A breeder is an essential part of the future of the cattle industry. The products they make, i.e., calves, can determine the genetic potential of a beef herd. This genetic potential is why it is vital to do business with a reputable one.
The bulls in your herd need as much care and attention during this time of year as your cows. You must take steps during this time to ensure they are ready for the next breeding season. It is always a good idea to get started now so you will have plenty of time to make adjustments.
Hay is an essential part of any winter feeding program. It is used to supplement cattle’s nutritional needs when forages become dormant. However, when it comes to feeding harvested forages, you need to know what you have in order to understand what to provide.
Deciding which cows to cull is a challenging task for most producers. Sometimes, their personal feelings about that particular animal get in the way. There are even sometimes, they need to know which ones are underperforming and which ones need to be kept.
Heifer development can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding tasks on the ranch. The very basis of your future depends on your ability to develop the young heifers into productive mothers. But these challenges do not come without problems.
You can feel it in the air; the days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting cooler (maybe). It will soon be the time that most producers do their fall processing. They will be running their cows through the chutes, and for any spring-born calves, they will be weaning them from their mommas.
