Rebuilding America’s cowherd will take more than just an end to the drought. Yes, the drought has certainly played its part in diminishing the national herd, but there are other factors at play here, I’m sure.
Ponder these points:
- The industry has selected excessively for growth and carcass for decades.
- This has led to a loss of longevity, with middle-aged cows being called old.
- This has also led to a depletion of genetic fertility.
It’s really tough to grow a herd when longevity and fertility aren’t inherent. Perhaps a great start to rebuilding the national cowherd would be to get cattle that are adapted, fertile, and long-lived.
Then, when it rains… it shouldn’t take long to get back to record-high national herd numbers.
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