MANAGEMENT...
Fetal Programming
When managers of cow herds ponder nutrition programs, a primary concern is the fueling of optimum reproduction. Cow-savvy managers know that quantity and quality of feed sources influence the cow’s ability to breed in a timely fashion and deliver a healthy, vigorous calf. Producing that annual coupon is really tough when cow nutrition isn’t up to snuff. Read more.
Close the Loop, Cut Your Costs
Not unlike their U.S. counterparts, Canadian beef producers have had to make major adjustments to their production systems in order to financially weather the rising costs associated with raising cattle. Read more.
Grazing to Greener Pastures
Emilio Laca, associate professor of plant sciences at the University of California, Davis, says controlled grazing systems optimize yields and help establish more productive pastures. And, if implemented properly, they can have a significant effect on invasive weed populations. He is convinced that using one’s head rather than one’s checkbook can lead to a long-term solution in dealing with weed infestations established after years of opportunistic encroachment. Read more.
Kris Ringwall
Beef Talk
Fewer cows, less feed
The effects of the drought continue. The cow count must come down and the tough decisions on which cows to sell or keep must be made right now. Click here to read more.
Reducing the Costs of
Maintaining the Beef Herd
The cost of doing business is a major concern of beef producers. Is there anything that producers can do to reduce costs? The answer is yes. Read more.
Boosting Pasture Production
Pasture fertilization is often not a high priority for beef cattle producers. However, when considering how to carry cows on fewer acres, pasture fertilization may be one of the easiest and most economical solutions. Read more.
Ron Torell
Back to Basics
Input costs
Feed, fertilizer, fuel, parts, vaccines, machinery, trucking, labor; they have all recently increased by well over 20%. Grass hay is over $150 per ton; alfalfa hay prices are well over $200 per ton. On the income side, prices received for calves, yearlings and cull cows have remained the same or even dropped compared to recent years.
How can we get control of our input costs when the cause for these increases are political (energy), environmental and driven by the recent global economical downturn? Read more.