I think the post concerning "what you can/will do and what your limitations
are is very true. I think you might be leaving money on the table by selling
the calves at the weight you do. With that said, you may be just grazing and
time of year might limit what you can do.
I buy light 3 wt. calves, (bulls, heifers, steers) and have a price I am willing
to pay in mind based on the expected market out about 6 months. We "baby-
sit" these calves for about the first 30 days to keep them alive and during this
time we get them worked and vaccinated. Our operation is based on feeding
a high fiber ration and utilizing whatever pasture is available for the time of
the year.
My experience has been that 4-5 wt. calves usually are the class of cattle that
sell the cheapest. I also think that once the cattle reach this weight future gain
is easier and cheaper going forward. If I keep cattle until about 7-8 wt. they are
ready to enter a feedlot (or heifers sold as possible replacements).
The bottom line in my book is cost of gain and marketing. You can do everything
right, but if it doesn't pay you may be just spinning your wheels.
Lane