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.
1.) Keep good records
This way goes without saying, but in order to be able to get somewhere, you need to know where you are. Just like that, knowing where your operation is currently will help with any future plans. Keeping records in order to make future decisions and set clear, achievable goals is very important.
With a smaller herd, every animal must pull their own weight. Keeping records will help identify any cattle that are aggressive, are poor mothers, or need to meet your production goals. Things like maternal behavior, conformation abnormalities, or cases of dystocia are also important. These things will help in making better-informed decisions when it comes to culling time.
When it comes to record-keeping, there are many different options that you can go with. They can range from just a simple spiral notebook to overly complicated computer software. It really all just depends on your own personal preference. The important thing is that you are writing down the correct stuff. The Beef Cattle Research Council in Canada has some information on how to correctly keep records if you are not sure.
2.) Develop a good cattle grazing plan
In order to keep your costs down to a minimum, it is essential to utilize your forages as much as possible. Being able to have your cattle graze high-quality forages for as long as possible will reduce the need for supplements. When it comes to grazing, there are many factors to consider in order to utilize the land entirely.
The first important step in setting up a grazing plan is understanding the carrying capacity of your pasture. The carrying capacity means how many cattle can be sustained in that area for how long. Knowing how much and what type of forage you have available can prevent overgrazing. Your carrying capacity involves a little more than just how many acres you have. I go over how to determine your actual carrying capacity in a previous post, “Estimating your grazeable acreage”.
Another thing with your grazing plan is getting the cattle to graze every acre possible. The problem with this is that cattle often stay close to a water source or loafing area. If you are having this problem, then supplements will be able to help. How you do this is to start by placing the supplement close to where they are to get them to start going to it. Once that happens, you can move it to different areas to get them into other parts.
3.) Practice good cattle handling
Working your cattle properly is not only safe but also makes good business sense. When you practice good handling techniques, it reduces the stress not only on your cattle but also on you. Cattle that are stressed will release more stress hormones, which can mask underlying issues. Keeping them calm will allow you to assess your cattle properly.
Keeping things as quiet as possible is one of the most significant tools in reducing stress on cattle. The time of day that you work your cattle also plays a factor. If you are running them through the chutes in late spring or summer, it is better to work them in the morning when it is cooler. Working cattle at this time will reduce their overall stress and lessen the chance of them getting heat-related stress.
Having good facilities is another way you can make things easier for your cattle. Though it can be a significant overhead cost, many producers have seen major benefits from having proper handling facilities. The alleyways need to have a slight curve to them to mimic cattle’s natural way of moving. Avoid having shiny things out in the open because this can spook the animals.
4.) Have a set calving season
In order for a producer to be profitable, his cows need to have a calf every year. It may seem straightforward, but it is rarely simple. Producers know it takes effort and good management to make this happen. A way that you can achieve this is by having a defined breeding and calving season.
You can improve the uniformity of your calf crop by limiting your calving period to 60-90 days. You will be able to get more money for them because buyers like uniform calf groups. A set period will also allow your breeding herd enough time to recover before the breeding season starts.
Having a set period for both breeding and calving will also help if you ever need to make culling decisions. Get rid of any cows that are either late to breed or don’t breed during that timeframe. You should also sell any cow whose calves consistently perform less than the others since your crop will be uniform.
5.) Have a good team around you
This one may be difficult for you considering this industry. We are an industry that prides itself on our individualism, but in order to reach higher levels, you will need to work in a team. As the saying goes, “ We are not an island unto ourselves”. There is no way for you to know everything, so you need to have people around you to learn things from.
Having a good relationship with your local veterinarian lays the foundation for a Veterinary-Client-Patient-Realtionship. A vet that knows you, your production goals, and your specific herd is helpful. Having this knowledge allows them to diagnose potential issues and develop a particular treatment plan tailored to you and your operation.
It would help if you also worked with nutritionists who understand the nutritional deficiencies in your area and how to balance a diet to counteract that adequately. Visiting with your local county extension agent or a range specialist can inform you of any common challenges that are in your area.
