MIG Energy and Labor ?

[Stocker Steve]

Saw a recent article that proposed using less energy and less labor to offset reduced selling prices. We have cut way way back on energy purchases by grid testing soils, reducing pasture renovation, and increasing clover inter seeding. Labor - - particularly fencing and hay hauling - - are still a challenge with high stocking rates. Any ideas on this?

 

[Banjo]

What is your electric fencing look like? All my semi-permanent electric fencing is 12ga. high tensile wire....single strand about 30 to 32 inches high. All temporary fence is polywire with pigtail stepin posts.
This is interior fencing.
The one good thing about high stocking rates is you can always scale back if need be.

 

[Stocker Steve]

We use the same style of fencing for our 3 (not adjoining) grazing systems, with each having a move every one or two days during the growing season.
Reducing stocking rates and stock piling more is a thought. There is not a lot of incentive for aggressive stocking rates if cow/calf is break even.

 

[dave_shelby]

Got a link to that article?

Its amazing how many dealers there are for cattle handling equipment and how much you can spend. Been thinking about signing on an NRCS fence & well, it would be about 7k out of pocket. It will allow MIG, so there is some ROI but exactly how much?

 

[Stocker Steve]

It will allow MIG, so there is some ROI but exactly how much?

I think we will be forced to revisit a lot of numbers over the next 3 years.

Should be some ROI with $1000 calves, but is there still any return with $650 calves ?