Association Perspective
Looking for greener pastures.
As a regional manager, I often hear of cattlemen looking for greener pastures or an easier way to do things for less while expecting more. The truth is, when we take shortcuts, we often end up not satisfied with the results. As you read this article, I hope you will see we need to do things the right way — even if it’s more expensive — because unsatisfactory results often cost more in the long run.
In regard to nutrition, we know the price of grain is at an all-time high. This makes us choose between feeding our cattle the way we have in the past or not feeding them the full amount we would have. I remember from my childhood an old-timer telling me if you take care of your cattle, they will take care of you. I struggle with this decision, but I know that if I don’t give them the same nutritional care I have in the past, they won’t take care of me when it’s time for them to reproduce.
If we take the cheap route in developing them, we will see more open cows when it’s time to preg-check them. It will cost us more because we won’t have as many calves born.
Nutrition is one of the key elements to any successful program, but many of us don’t focus on this enough. Nutrition is so much more than just feeding in the winter. A good nutrition program starts with a constant, clean water source with free-choice minerals available year-round. We often overlook the quality of the water the cattle are drinking, but it is probably the most important component to a good nutrition program.
We have to work at it. There are never any real shortcuts to achieving a high-yielding calf crop. We have to take care of our cattle, and these cattle will take care of us. I look forward to working with you all as you work to take your commercial cow-calf programs to the next level. Please call or email if there is anything I can help with.
Editor’s note: Regional Manager Radale Tiner covers Region 9, including the states of Texas and New Mexico. Click here to find the regional manager for your state.
Angus Proud
In this Angus Proud series, Editorial Intern Jessica Wesson provides insights into how producers across the country use Angus genetics in their respective environments.
Angus Proud: Scott Sproul
Oklahoma operation learned wisdom of moving calving season to better suit their marketing needs.
Angus Proud: Bubba Crosby
Fall-calving Georgia herd uses quality and co-ops to market calves.
Angus Proud: Jim Moore
Arkansas operation retains ownership through feeding and values carcass data.
Angus Proud: Stephen Shiner
Idaho operation rotates pastures in summer and raises crops for winter.
Angus Proud: Les Shaw
South Dakota operation manages winter with preparation and bull selection.
Angus Proud: Jeremy Stevens
Nebraska operation is self-sufficient for feedstuffs despite sandy soil.
Angus Proud: Dave Rutan
Angus breeder gets the most out of his bull investment by partnering with opposite calving-season operation.
Angus Proud: Nickey Smith
AngusLink helps Louisiana cattleman gain more for his calves.
