A few weeks ago, I was reminded by a good friend that Pharo Cattle Company™ takes a Systems Approach to the business of producing and marketing bulls to other ranchers. We have been doing so for over 30 years. You will have to look long and hard to find another bull producer who takes much of a systems approach.
As I said two weeks ago, most bull producers claim their genetics will solve all problems and make their customers wealthy. Since nearly all bull producers are still focused on increasing pounds per cow (bragging rights) at the expense of pounds per acre (profit), I call BS on their claims — but that is not the point I am trying to make.
The point I am trying to make is this: success in the cow-calf business requires a lot more than just using the right genetics. For example, if you are not calving in sync with your very best forage resources, you are going to lose money — no matter what genetics you have. If you do not have grass to graze year-round — with the exception of when the snow is too deep or too crusted to graze through — you will struggle to be profitable, no matter what bulls you use.
Two weeks ago, I suggested that my email subscribers review the Ten Steps to Maximize Profits. Out of over 12,000 email subscribers, only 4% clicked on the link. This one-page brochure does a very good job of summarizing what is required to have a very successful cow-calf business. Those who have taken these Ten Steps have increased their production per acre, while decreasing their cost of production. The new key to long-term success in the cow-calf business is to Produce MORE for LESS!
True success will require low-input, grass-efficient genetics — but that’s not all. It will also require a change in management and management practices. Cow-calf producers who think they can continue to do things the way they have always done them need to wake up and smell the coffee. Today’s beef industry is not the same as it was just 20 years ago. The cost of inputs has more than doubled in the last 20 years! DOUBLED!