According to the 2012 USDA census of agriculture report 86% of Texas’ cow/calf operations had 100 head or less. There has been a continuing trend over the last couple of decades where cattle operations have shrunk in size but increased in total number. You may think just because you are a small ranch that you don’t matter. But know that every producer contributes to the safest most wholesome food supply in the world. As a member of this group there are some points to consider:
Environmental Stewardship is job one
Regardless of size every producer to properly care for the natural resources that are on their place. As caretakers of the land we manage the quality and quantity of water going into our state’s aquifers as well as impact the runoff going to our lakes, rivers, and creeks. As producers we should realize that proper stewardship is a responsibility and not an elective.
Preventive Herd Health plan is necessary
Most small producers are less likely to involve their local veterinarian unless it is to “perform a miracle” with their sick cows. Most do this because they are concerned that it would cost too much to get them involved with their herd health plan. Remember though, it will cost you a lot more if he has to make an emergency call to your place. Sitting down with your vet is a good idea so that you don’t waste your time an money vaccinating your cows for stuff that is not necessary. In the event that something does happen it is good to have something in place to cut down on confusion and wasting time. As the saying goes “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Are my cows getting enough to eat?
Many small producers are concerned if their animals are getting enough to eat or not. While their body condition score is a good rule of thumb, it is not always the best way. When you are frequently observing your cows subtle changes in their BCS may go overlooked. Also by the time any observable changes occur it is already too late as they have been having an inadequate supply for some time. And trying to play “catch up” with your cows nutrition will come at a huge expense. You will need to also look at your pastures and ask yourself if this is enough available. If your cows hooves are observable at least 25 feet or the grass is shorter than 4 inches they may not be able to get all they need. I discuss more about knowing if your cows are eating what you feed them here.
Bred cows mean more money
The reproductive performance of your herd is traditionally the single most important factor affecting the profitability of your operation. Not having enough calves on the ground can increase your production cost per cow.
Hay
Hay is used as a replacement for the forage, or lack thereof, you have in your pasture. It is generally fed because either the producer grew more during the growing season (spring, summer, and early fall) than the cows could eat or their own grass has been overstocked. Growers must always consider the tradeoff between tonnage and the quality of the bales. Ones baled to sell may be of lower quality than ones a producer grew to use himself.
Economy of scale is against you
A small beef producer’s greatest competitor is usually “the guy across the road”. Cost of production is the name of the game in order for small producers to be profitable. Small producers typically can’t assemble a load lot of like weight and age calves. This makes it difficult for them to take advantage of things like forward contracting. But all is not lost, cooperation among other small producers can help them to get the opportunity to realize large producer pricing.
You need to keep learning
Things in the beef production area is always changing. You will need to constantly keep learning in order to keep up. A good start is to get involved in an agriculture industry group. This will ensure your voice will be heard when policies are being made. Also attend education events in your area, you may learn something you didn’t think of before.
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