Management
within the desired traits and
breed. As matter of practicality,
become comfortable with
bulls that are above the 50th
percentile but may not exceed
the upper 30th percentile for
commercial production.
Fourth, recognize the value of
breeding systems, maximizing
the traits of interest in the
terminal sire program while
balancing appropriate traits
on the maternal side. Let the
cow save you money and
the bull make you money.
and a small stream, beef
production needs to start with
the cow-calf producer. Fishing
in the big river may catch some
big fish, but do not let fishing
tales run the operation.
made is the tendency to work
hard physically and set aside
the homework. Each cow-calf
enterprise is a unique business,
and businesses need records.
Focus, listen and learn. I
For new cow-calf producers,
the single biggest mistake
At the center, 1,100- to
1,300-pound cows bred to bulls
above the 50th percentile for
growth and marbling and in
the upper 10th percentile for
rib-eye area have an advantage
of $26 per acre of ranchland
over traditional cows. The calves
are summered on forage, and
after a short feedlot stay, they
are harvested at an average
weight of 1,450 pounds, with 94
percent at the “choice” grade at
an average yield grade of 2.9.
The search for the next
generation of cow-calf
producers has a tremendous
opportunity for success,
provided some simple targeted
goals based on real numbers
are put in place. Efficient beef
production starts when the
bull mates with a cow and
biological efficiency mates
with economic efficiency.
And just like the majestic river
that starts with a few raindrops
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