1. An area for a lot of cow/calf producers to focus on is getting set up to wean your calves on the farm before market. If you aren’t currently able to do this, make a point to work on this for 2009. This will add value to your calves and give you more options on marketing. There may still be times when it’s just as economical to sell off the cow, but you need to be set up to hold them for a while if you need to. This adds flexibility and gives you more control of farm income.
2. Focus on pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed. There are several parts to this goal also. Improving reproductive efficiency is the place to start. Focus on getting a live calf born from each cow in the herd. Cows that don’t calve need to meet the butcher.
3. A record keeping system to go along with that set calving season is also necessary. Don’t let those unproductive cows slip past you. If you don’t keep individual records on each calf born, at least use a herd inventory and record the range of dates of that herd’s calving season. This will also prepare your farm for compliance with the new COOL program.
4. Increase pounds weaned per cow exposed through herd bull selection. He’s gotta be fertile, athletic enough to handle the job, matched to his mates to reduce calving problems, and give you the growth and performance you want. The value of that calf crop is also increased if he’s polled and will sire that solid colored, growthy calf that the buyers want.
5. Manage your fescue this year to avoid endophyte problems. Avoid grazing in late May to June if you can, or at least clip the seed-heads off if you can’t. Fertilize it the first of September in the fall and keep the cattle off of it again until after Thanksgiving.
6. Get on those weeds before they get on you. An early spring spray and an early summer spray may certainly pay off.
7. Work on a grazing program that focuses on keeping forages from getting too mature. Consider the areas of your farm which can’t be cut for hay production if needed, and use cattle to keep these areas reproductive.
8. Stocker operators need to pay close attention to markets and explore marketing options for calves. Video markets can certainly provide a valuable option. Watch futures markets on live and feeder cattle to make adjustments in your marketing plan.
9. Don’t forget your neighbors in the dairy business this year. If milk prices follow the futures market, our dairy neighbors will need all the help they can get. This would be a great time to remind your representatives in the legislature about the need for help in milk pricing.
