Jogeephus":3g8i3iba said:
gberry":3g8i3iba said:
When does your void occur? I think one pair per 4 acres is a little low, but one pair per 4 acres making money is better than one pair per acre losing money.
1:4 is low to me too. But the good thing about this stocking rate is you can leave your gates open and the cows won't leave the pasture.(I know this from experience
) Our void normally begins at the end of November and runs till about mid February. If we have a wet spring and if we have steady temps during the winter things aren't so bad and there will be grazing. But if we have a dry fall or wild swings in the weather this will mess with forage production. These IF's can make or break you.
I also agree with you about making money but prefer to keep track of this on a per acre basis rather than a per head basis. Afterall, I net I'd rather net $400/calf on 2 acres than $600 on 4 acres. Just easier to compare other options.
Your pasture cycle is not much different than ours. I am sure you could stockpile bahia to get you to January 1st, but it all depends on what class of animals you are grazing. For our dry cows, it seems more than adequate, but for replacements, we have to supplement or have a bunch that don't get to breeding weight.
We usually get our grazing started in December, but to do this, we have to plant on a prepared seedbed. I want to get away from this as it really sets back the spring pasture not to mention reduces the amount of pasture that we can stockpile. We've just leased a piece of property that will basically double our acreage and I am hopeful we can make it through without hay this year.
I know you have thought of and likely tried all of this in the past, but I'm enjoying the discussion. BTW, if your net is $400 or $600 per calf, I would continue your current practices.