Cull cow weight and cull cow price have long been listed as key factors that affect profitability for cow calf producers. Jason Faubion, assistant director of the Ranch Management Program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, recommends culling early and often to keep the ranch operating as efficiently as possible. Cows only earn a profit – and therefore their keep – if they produce a calf each spring.
Source: Beef, September 15, 2016.
Instead of – or in addition to – traditional fall culling, ranchers can evaluate cows during the spring branding season, then sort off dry cows or cows that appear unable to raise a healthy calf. This conserves grass and other resources for more productive cows.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams will have plenty of discussions with producers over the next few months because of the VFD. Consider including four or five management topics in these discussions to add additional value.