Management
State University (KSU), outline the specifics in
differences among high-, medium- and low-profit
cow-calf producers in a recent KSU analysis.
“Obviously, if output is not increasing over
time, the emphasis needs to shift more
toward controlling cost,” Lalman says.
Drawing from the KFMA analysis, Lalman
cites opportunities to reduce the unit
cost of production:
• Match cow herd traits
and calving season to the
grazing system and forage
resources. “This should
result in lower winter feed
costs, higher stocking
rate per unit of land, and
lower cost per pound of
calf weaned,” Lalman says.
• Take advantage of
established and
developing technologies.
For instance, use of
growth-promoting
implants during the
suckling phase has
declined from about
60% to 30% of larger
cow-calf operations.
“They still work, providing
an additional 15 to 20
pounds of weaning
weight for a cost of about
$1.25,” Lalman says. “With
no market discount for
calves implanted prior
to weaning, and with no
downstream negative
impacts related to
finishing performance
or carcass quality, this
trend is puzzling.”
124 | JUNE/JULY 2019
•
Develop an intentional plan to improve
fertility over time without increasing
costs. “Available genetic selection
tools are rapidly evolving. Take
advantage of them,” Lalman says.
“Examples include stayability, sustained
cow fertility and heifer pregnancy EPDs.
Cull cows that fail to produce a weaned
calf. Keep only early-born heifers as