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Grazing Profitability and Sustainability

Knowing and supplementing existing grazing options help reduce winter feed costs.

Curtis Koehn

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The average cow-carrying cost was $384 in 2000; it is $884 today, said Bryan Weech, western territory manager for Barenbrug. About 65% of these costs are from feed, he told attendees of a Learning Lounge session at the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz., this winter.

For profit-minded ranchers, he reiterated that profit/loss = (production ✕ market value) – costs. Experts indicate the biggest costs are depreciation, labor and feed. The biggest of these three is feed, he noted.

A notable way to decrease feed cost is by extending the grazing season. However, most herds graze for about seven months of the year, leaving five months needing supplemental feed.

“Every day you graze, you are saving money. That is absolutely true,” said Weech, noting a study that showed year-round grazing could save $8.10 per cow per month.

He noted that profit-minded cattlemen who focus on grazing have a large positive effect on their bottom line. They use modern grass forages and have the ability to extend the grazing season and lessen their dependence on harvested forage. They also apply management and make opportunities possible.

Weech gave five keys to grazing success:

  1. 1. Start with inventory of forage base, keeping in mind forage options and animal nutrition needs.
  2. 2. Identify management practices to increase seasonal grazing from the existing base.
  3. 3. Add annuals to fill seasonal gaps.
  4. 4. Plan ahead for forages and grazing practices for the year. Monitor and adjust forages and livestock as needed.
  5. 5. Managing forages in the key to successful year-round grazing. He suggested reducing seasonal deficits by planning ahead and using annuals. All forages have distinct seasonal growth curves. Managers should know the growth curve of their base forages so they know how best to supplement them to meet the animal’s nutritional needs.
He gave the example of a base cool-season perennial grass, but bridging that with legumes and warm-season grasses. Stockpiled grasses also increase winter grazing options.

“Grazing during the winter is critical to minimize feed costs,” Weech said.

He concluded by highlighting several product options that could help producers supplement or extend their grazing seasons.

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Editor’s Note: This article was written as part of Angus Media’s coverage of the 2018 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show.



 

 

 

 

 

 





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