Category: Management (Page 10 of 10)

How to determine the value of that hay bale

how to determine the value of that hay baleUsing a hay bale to supplement your cattle is a tried and true method that many producers use. It is reasonably priced compared to other feedstuffs. Though just like other feedstuffs the quality can vary depending on many different factors.

While looking at using a hay bale many people tend to just look at the upfront cost. While this may be good initially it is not always best to be the only way. You will want to look at how much that particular will cost per unit of energy or protein.

Like with other feedstuffs it is always a good idea to break the price down into these simple units so you can compare apples to apples. This is because though a hay bale may look to be a good deal initially in reality it may not be that good of a deal. Once you have broken down the price into those units you will find it will actually cost you more.

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Your helpful spring guide to replacement heifers

your helpful spring guide to replacement heifersHaving the right replacement heifers is important for the long-term profitability of any ranch. It is necessary to be able to rotate the breeding stock out to improve the overall genetic pool. Also, cows will get to a point where they will get to be too old to breed any more. When this happens you will need to have new stock to take their place.

When it comes to having replacement heifers there are 2 ways that you can use: buy or raise them. Most producers tend to raise their own but buying them can also be an option. When it comes to deciding which to go with, like with any other options. it is important to weigh the pros and cons to determine which is best for your situation.

Selecting the most economical source for your replacement heifers is of vital importance for you. There is no point in going with an option that will only cost you more money in the long run. Here are some things that you can look at when you are deciding on either to buy or raise:

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How to choose the fencing option that’s best for you

how to choose the fencing option that's best for youThere is one constant in the livestock industry, if you have animals then you will have to build fencing. Fencing is a barrier to both keeping your animals where you want them and keeping predators out.

It has been said that good fences make good neighbors and that is certainly true. As a responsible animal caretaker it is your responsibility to keep them out of your neighbor’s place as well as get out on the road and cause an accident.

When it comes to fencing there are many options that you can go with and that can be confusing to someone who doesn’t have much experience with it. Now, which is the best to go with? Well that is up to the individual but here are some things for you to consider the next time you are shopping for a new fence.

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Simple guidance for you in bull value

simple guidance for you in bull valueThe value of a bull is something we have always tried to figure out. It is a question that we have been asking for as long as we have been trying to make the next generation better. It is a question that is asked a lot during this time when many bulls are being marketed and we are getting ready for spring breeding season.

This can be a little tricky to nail down since the value is different for each producer. What one producer sees as important is viewed by another as a problem. It is up to each individual to decide this.

It is important to not forget how important the role that the bull will play. Even though it is just one animal it will provide half of the genetics for your herd. So it is very important that you decide what is of value before making that purchase. Here are some things to help you with that.

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5 ways to reduce feed costs that will actually make your life better

5 ways to reduce feed costs that will actually make your life betterFeed costs remain the single largest expense for any cattle producer. This expense can easily be half of the total annual expenses for a rancher.

Now that amount can vary depending on the time of year and depending on the forage conditions. In a drought situation feed costs can total 70% of the total yearly costs of raising cattle.

It may seem difficult to reduce feed costs without sacrificing production. There are some that would have no problem with that but the profitable producer knows that productivity is the key to a successful operation. But all is not lost, there are 5 steps that you can reduce feed costs without sacrificing productivity.

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Understand cattle fly control before you regret it

understand cattle fly control before you regret itTrying to control flies that are on your cattle can be a very frustrating endeavor, to say the least. It can often feel like an uphill climb with no rest in sight. No matter what you seem to do they just keep coming back year after year.

As we move into the warmer time of the year these pests will be coming out in full force. They will be coming out of their dormant stage to feast on your cattle negatively affecting your herd’s production. But what is a rancher to do?!

Though you will never fully get rid of them there is a way to get them under control. In order to be the most effective, it will require a multi-prong approach. It will require all of them because just using one will not get the results that you are looking for.

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5 tips to prepare bulls for breeding season

5 tips to prepare bulls for breeding seasonBreeding season is a very important time on the ranch. We begin with the hope of making the new calf crop to keep the ranch going. In order to have a good calf crop, you will need to make sure that all, or at least 90%, of your cows will be bred.

While many focus on getting their cows ready for this time of year it is also a good idea to get the bulls that you have ready too. After all. 50% of the genetics that each of your potential calves will have comes from just one animal, the bull.

With the important role they will play you may be wondering just how you can go about making sure that he will be ready to service the cows. Well here are 5 tips that you can follow to do just that.

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5 Tips to Prepare Bulls for Breeding Season

5 tips to prepare bulls for breeding seasonBreeding season is a very important time on the ranch. In order to have a good calf crop you will need to make sure that all of your cows will be bred.

While many focus on getting their cows ready for this time of year it is also a good idea to get the bulls that you will be using ready too. After all 50% of the genetics that each of your potential calves will have comes from just that one animal, the bull.

With the important role they will play you may be wonder just how you can go about making sure that he will be ready to service the cows. Well, here are 5 tips that you can follow that will do just that.

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