As long as it isn't taken to extremes you're 100% correct. The problem I see around here are people running cows that are marginal producers and the first thing they start to skip on is vaccination, worming and minerals. There cost of production may be less but when the calf crop is in the 50-60% range and the calves that are weaned are 50 lbs lighter then they should be, saving money ends up costing. The trick is finding out what is just necessary, no frills, but quality products/stock/equipment.
But finding new markets for your waste also helps the bottom line.
I knew a hog farmer that got paid by the slaughter house to dispose of the rumen contents and by the milk processor to dispose of overage/bad milk. He sprayed the rumen stuff on pastures and grazed hogs. The milk yuck was used to supplement them. That to me is just being creative and a good businessman.
It's the old deal of one mans trash is another mans treasure. Use everything you have well and you can make money in any business.
Finding a profitable market that you can fill without making much change will put bucks in your pocket, i.e., a quality bull rather then a pound bull.
If your local market is for big cattle, you'll cut your throat will small ones. If you get paid for quality grade, trying to sell select cattle into that market will kill you.
AI and being able to repair or fabricate most of what is needed is probably our biggest contributrs.
But so much of being succesfull goes bakc to the area you're in, what is a real profit enhancer for one place may just be excess costs for another.
But that's just an old pharts opinion!
dun
Craig-TX":2rerw2i2 said:
We don’t run a sophisticated operation. While there are numerous areas that are mission critical to success, it pays to concentrate on the tried and true wisdom that comes down from those before us. I’m no luddite, but in my way of thinking a rancher will put more in his hip pocket by practicing prudent management than chasing a new technology, certain breed or the latest idea. Making money in cattle all goes back to the basics of keeping costs and expenses down. To me, that is more important to profitability than figuring out novel ways to increase income. Chief among the basics is not spending a lot of money (stock, Rx, fancy remedies or preventatives, etc.), minimizing risk (vaccinating, avoiding first calf heifers, not overstocking, etc.), and being quick to cull. Maybe it’s boring and old fashioned, but it works.
AZ, I suspect that I’m pretty safe on this comment. I don’t expect to hear much static from you or Dun or the others that have been at this for a good long while.
Craig-TX