Cow numbers

[Stocker Steve]

I see a couple established cow/calf guys cutting back due to low production margins, and a couple younger guys expanding because they can, so no major change in cow numbers here.

I think the money is in marketing old cows and lightweight calves.

 

[1982vett]

How much do you think risk paying for an old bred cow and still come out on top next year?

I did well last year on my October purchases. But I dumped them earlier than planned when fat cows hit 70 cents and Covid was making headlines in February. Even came out ahead on the one that slipped her calf. I'm not confident I'll be so lucky this go round. Looks like we would be starting out 25 cents higher on the cow also so not much to expect their. Puts the whole load on the calf. Get a bunch of heifer calves and it really takes the shine off a plan.

Thinking it's rare to hit back to back home runs too....

 

[Stocker Steve]

Depends on feed cost and purchase price...

Difficult to over winter BM cows here during an Arctic Vortex. Would need some DDG with grassy hay.