Heifer Retention ?

[Stocker Steve]

The small local hobby guys like to cherry pick a couple heifers each year. They don't worry about feed prices unless as long as they or a neighbor has enough. The thing that has changed here is a number of these small operators are aged and using this market rally to do a total dispersal.

The bigger local operators still remember 2016 and are cautious.

The western plains is still in a drought...

When do you think there will be a significant heifer retention?

 

[Brute 23]

It already started in some areas.

I find you cherry pick comment interesting. Curious why you think that would mean they are hobby people?

What is the alternative? How would a "for profit" operation do it?

 

[Stocker Steve]

I find you cherry pick comment interesting. Curious why you think that would mean they are hobby people?

What is the alternative? How would a "for profit" operation do it?

For profit operations usually use one of these restocking approaches:
- Never retain heifers, just buy mature cows and terminal bulls.
- Retain about the same $ worth of heifers per year, so more retention when calves are cheap.
- Only retain heifers during the bottom portion of the price cycle, so culling the cow herd size down a bit during the high price and declining price periods. Extra credit if you switch to terminal bulls during the rising price part of the cycle.

 

[moses388]

How would a "for profit" operation do it?

Would they retain all heifers?... Run with the bull for 30 days. Pregnant stay and opens get sold.

 

[Brute 23]

For profit operations usually use one of these restocking approaches:
- Never retain heifers, just buy mature cows and terminal bulls.
- Retain about the same $ worth of heifers per year, so more retention when calves are cheap.
- Only retain heifers during the bottom portion of the price cycle, so culling the cow herd size down a bit during the high price and declining price periods. Extra credit if you switch to terminal bulls during the rising price part of the cycle.

Although those are all good options... the basis for your theory is nonsense.

 

[gcreekrch]

Operations that are in to stay will keep the same number of replacements as every other year. They aren't worth anything until you sell them.

 

[Stocker Steve]

Many of the hobby operations here work a job in town so they can afford to do the same thing every year.

 

[farmerjan]

We both "work a job in town" so to speak and yet we are running 125+ brood cows so how does that figure into whether we are a hobby farm or a for profit operation?
We did not retain many heifers this spring with the high prices, but will retain more out of the 2022 fall calved cows that will be getting brought in and calves weaned off of... IF they are good enough to be retained "normally"..... We have culled a little more heavily this spring with the prices.... and because we have lost 2 places that have been sold.....
And we do strive to be a "for profit commercial operation".... they need to pay the bills....

 

[Brute 23]

@Stocker Steve All the work you have put in over the years trying to look so smart... wasted... with two silly posts. Darn shame.

 

[farmerjan]

All the work you have put in over the years trying to look so smart... wasted... with two silly posts. Darn shame.

Are you referring to me?

 

[Silver]

Operations that are in to stay will keep the same number of replacements as every other year. They aren't worth anything until you sell them.

That's the theory here. Might vary a little with feed supply but that's it. Guess I'm not in it for a profit.

 

[gcreekrch]

That's the theory here. Might vary a little with feed supply but that's it. Guess I'm not in it for a profit.

Most experts profit from gullibility rather than cattle.

 

[Brute 23]

Are you referring to me?

No... sorry. The OP.

 

[Brute 23]

Would they retain all heifers?... Run with the bull for 30 days. Pregnant stay and opens get sold.

If a person had a very tight, uniform calf crop they probably could. I think there are some on here who do it that way.

 

[TCRanch]

I try to follow "one out, one in" & only retain as many heifers as cows I've sold (or died). But contingent on Mother Nature. Unless we get some rain, I may not retain any this year.

"Profit" is subjective and may not be an immediate return.

 

[Brute 23]

I am of the same school of thought. We know we have X amount of cows that have to come out every year. That is a given.

There is a constant production line producing those replacements that is in motion long before any one knows what market price will be at a given time.

Our production line works in the bottom side or the top side of the market so why would I not lock that in with retained heifers? I darn sure don't want to ride the wave like Stocker Steve is describing. That sounds horrible.

I have never seen a financial down side to retained heifers. It has minimized daily operational costs, increased production, and even the culls have made money being sold to others or at a heavier weight.

 

[Lazy M]

I guess I'm totally hobby because I've never purchased a bull that I consider "terminal". I always look for bulls that I will want to retain heifers from AND will produce calves with good growth.

 

[Silver]

I guess I'm totally hobby because I've never purchased a bull that I consider "terminal". I always look for bulls that I will want to retain heifers from AND will produce calves with good growth.

Exactly!

 

[BFE]

Steve, I'm a small timer who retains a few here and there. I'd like to say I'm not offended. I also wouldn't use a terminal bull, but if I was someone else I don't know that I'd take my advice either.

 

[BFE]

And to answer your question, when the drought's over.