Herd Quitter Blog
A Cow for All Seasons –
Is there such a thing as a cow for all seasons or a cow for all environments? Based on my 35 years of experience, I say, “Yes, there is a cow size and type that works best in all seasons, as well as in nearly all environments.” I realize this goes against popular...
Problem or Opportunity?
Most cow-calf producers get so focused on their problems they totally miss the opportunities that are staring them in the face. That’s why I get so excited and inspired by those who see opportunities in nearly every problem. They look at life differently! Most of the...
Catching Up –
When I returned home from our Nebraska and Montana Bull Workdays I was way behind on my reading (thumbing through). I had a large pile of status quo beef publications to go through – including the Angus Journal and the Red Angus Journal. There were also several bull sale catalogs – but I don’t waste much time on them.
Why Purchase Bulls in the Fall?
Bulls always cost less in the fall because the demand is greater in the spring. For example, the bulls we sold in our Colorado sale last fall averaged $1100 Less than the bulls we sold this past spring. That’s a BIG savings!
The Hottest Topic –
Every summer, the hottest topic within the beef industry is Fly Control. Since flies have become resistant to nearly all of the toxic chemicals that were created to control them, fly problems have done nothing but get worse over the last 40-plus years. Every year, everyone is frantically looking for the latest toxic chemical to control their ever-increasing fly problems.
Pest and Parasite Control –
The push is on to discuss and advertise pest and parasite control within the beef industry. Unfortunately, it is always the same old thing. No one within the status quo beef industry is willing to think beyond the heavy use of toxic chemicals. One advertisement said,...
Early Adopter or Laggard?
Are you an Early Adopter or a Laggard? If you have not yet realized the status quo cow-calf business is NOT working, then you will most likely be among the Laggards. Success in this business will depend on your ability to change with the times. Those who do not change...
Competitive Advantage –
Having a competitive advantage is always a good thing. We believe it will soon be the difference between mere survival and true success in the cow-calf business. There is no reason you cannot have a competitive advantage – if you want one. Who wouldn’t want one? There...
Dollars to Donuts
As a form of entertainment, I like to thumb through beef publications looking at bull sale advertisements. With almost no exceptions, bull suppliers continue to be focused on nothing but helping you increase pounds per cow (bragging rights). That’s the only game they know. Some, however, appear to understand there are problems associated with this approach – but they are unable to switch directions.
The Aha Moment…
Over the years, the illustration below provided the “Aha Moment” hundreds of cow-calf producers needed to STOP focusing on increasing pounds per animal (bragging rights) and START focusing on increasing pounds per acre (profit). Year in and year...