DOC HARRIS
Well-known member
There have been several discussions recently on this Forum concerning "Management Technics", and the importance of incorporating proper operating procedures in the performance of our Beef Cattle Businesses. Recently, I have had several breeders question me regarding the real importance of being "picky-picky" with various phases of "...just raisin' cows...", and when I noticed this article on the Front Page of CattleToday I decided to draw everyone's attention to it. It is titled "Huntin' Daylight --Manage What You Can". It exemplifies, exactly, how important the seemingly "little things" can become critically important when one is really SERIOUS about Beef Cattle Production.
I recommend your reading the entire article, but here is a summary and a comment on the "picky-picky" aspects of how our breeding protocols can become confused when considering Management differences between "Maternal" and "Terminal" Programs.
I recommend your reading the entire article, but here is a summary and a comment on the "picky-picky" aspects of how our breeding protocols can become confused when considering Management differences between "Maternal" and "Terminal" Programs.
"Managers of small beef herds typically find it very challenging to raise both quality replacement heifers and quality terminal feeder cattle. The reason for this challenge is that herd improvement comes very slowly when selecting for both maternal and terminal characteristics within the same small herd," explains Olson. "Managers of large beef herds (> 400 cows) minimize this problem by dividing their herds into maternal and terminal breeding programs. Managers of small beef herds can take a similar tack by specializing in either terminal or maternal-type calf production. In the former case, replacement heifers are purchased and the majority of revenue is generated through the sale of calves that excel in terminal traits like growth and carcass merit. In the latter case, the majority of revenue comes from the sale of replacement heifers." You can find all of Olson's advice at www.asi.ksu.edu/beeftips.For some of our new members of the Forum, this is why you will see members question ".. what do you plan to do with your new herd?" You can see how important it is to have a definite GOAL in place with your beef program rather than to just start "..Raisin' Cows!"
Comments and discussion would be helpful - particularly in light of the current Agricultural market picture.
DOC HARRIS