Commentary
We often hear about cattle producers who penny pinch on vaccines, dewormers and other practices that support cattle health. While every head has always counted, there is no better time to invest in advancing herd health than when cash markets are high.
Cattle producers can realize even higher premiums for doing the right things at the right time when cattle inventories are low and prices are high. Still, they may need to be reminded by their veterinarian, banker, nutritionist or other advocates that preventing illness and optimizing gain can increase their profits.
Source: Drovers, March 15, 2024. Link.
Also see: Cull cow strategies: Right way, Right time. NCBA. Link. Cull cattle, while being removed from the herd, are an untapped market for producers. It’s estimated that sales of market cows and bulls contribute up to 20 percent of operational gross revenue for beef operations.
The selection of management strategies for cull cows is a process that needs to be evaluated every year.”
INSIGHTS: Veterinarians especially, need to consider networking with bankers and influencers to ensure the best practices narrative is top of mind. The new cull cow guide from NCBA is a good resource to use to engage advocates, influencers and producers.