Managing high inputs
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Last week, Calhoun, Jackson, and Victoria counties kicked off our "Managing High Inputs" series with a program titled "Management Practices That Pay" by Joe Paschal, Texas AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist.
Discussion included what it costs to run a cow, market outlook, drought situation, and other relevant topics in the beef cattle business. Among those, Paschal shared his list of the Top 10 Management Practices.
1. Grazing management - this includes the proper stocking rate (75 percent), allowing pastures rest, observing grazing patterns and monitoring body condition.
2. Nutritional management - improved reproduction, increased weaning weights, supplying adequate minerals, and testing forages, hay and feed.
3. Health program - basic herd health practices to prevent diseases and reduce internal and external parasite loads that affect productivity.
4. Crossbreeding - utilizing heterosis to produce a premium feeder calf. Large and medium frame crossbred calves with average to above average muscle can command a 10-15 percent premium.
5. Sire selection - understanding the value of a bull and expected progeny differences for growth and milk.
6. Pregnancy checking - culling open cows allows you to reduce feed costs, detect health problems and market them better.
7. Shortened calving season - a more uniform calf crop with early born calves weigh heavier at weaning (average 2 /pounds day).
8. Dehorn, castrate, and implant at an early age (3 months) - market premium $4-$6/cwt. for steers versus bulls; implanting increases weaning weights 5-10 percent.
9. Reduce calf stress - fenceline weaning offers reduced sickness and shrink.
10. Marketing windows - spring versus fall calves $5/cwt. Market cows and bulls in good condition and flesh.
Our next program in the series will be 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, June 22, at the Jackson County Services Building in Edna. Topics of discussion will include "Grazing Management Strategies" and "Total Ranch Management" presented by Bob Lyons and Wayne Hanselka. One hour of general pesticide CEU will be offered.
Don't forget about our Soil Testing Campaign running through July 1. Visit either the Calhoun, Jackson or Victoria county office for more information. Samples for pasture and rangeland are offered at a reduced rate. Take advantage of the savings and some valuable information.
Lastly, mark your calendar for the 55th Annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled Aug. 3-5 at Texas A&M University in College Station.
"This year's program is titled 'Ranching for the Future' and will address several hot issues affecting beef cattle producers," said Jason Cleere, Texas AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist and conference coordinator.
Drought, high production costs, emerging diseases and a weakened market have made this a challenging year for cattle producers. The course, sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension Service, will offer 20 different educational sessions taught by 50 speakers, providing information for both the novice and experienced rancher. From concurrent workshops to live cattle demonstrations, you'll see it all.
Registration is $140 per person, and includes educational materials, a copy of the 600-page Beef Cattle Short Course proceedings, trade show admittance, prime rib dinner, meals and daily refreshments.
For registration information and a tentative schedule, contact the extension office or visit the Web site at http://beef.tamu.edu.
Sam Womble is a Victoria County extension agent - natural resources.
