The cattle industry has rarely seen better times than right now. The local stockyards lowest price at the last sale of 2014 was $127/cwt… for a Holstein 900 lb steer, a price that most of us would have been ecstatic to receive for the same black steer just a couple years ago. Feed costs are low – local cash prices for corn and soybeans are averaging $3.50/bu and $9.55/bu, respectively. A good summer left us with hay and stockpiled pasture. In fact, things are going so well, the pessimistic farmer in all of us is wondering when the other shoe is going to drop, and how hard. We all know the markets have to correct themselves at some time. So, how can we best take advantage of the industry environment right now? One option would be creep feeding.
For those unfamiliar with the idea, creep feeding is giving unweaned calves access to additional feed away from the momma cows. It is used as a supplement to, not a replacement for, momma’s milk. Calves naturally start exploring the grass, hay and feed available to the momma cows, some as early as a few days of age, but there are additional ways we can help that process along.
Creep gates are one option. This stationary gate has an opening large enough for calves to go through, but not large enough for an adult cow, so calves can access the supplemental feed on their terms.
Another option could be incorporated in your rotational grazing program. A few days before you give the herd access to the next strip or paddock, allow the calves access by placing the fence wire higher (or installing a creep gate). The premium grazing can be utilized by the growing calves.
But how does creep feeding add to the bottom line when you have the added expense of additional feed and/or gates, fences, etc.? Simply by adding pounds to that calf. At today’s cattle and input prices, a mere extra 50 pounds can be gained at a very little cost over a 3-5 month period. A bonus result is that the supplemental feed takes some pressure off the momma cow, allowing her to maintain a better body condition, which means easier, quicker breed back and healthier calves overall. It is a win-win for all involved.
Managing the nutrition of your herd is the best investment you can make. Calves are healthier and fatter, which means a higher price at the stockyards, and your breeding herd is also better conditioned to produce those better calves. And investing in those fixed inputs, such as gates and fencing, now, when sale prices are high, frees up capital for nutritional supplements when prices are not as good. So when that market correction comes, and come it will, hopefully you will have positioned your operation and your herd nutritionally so that you can continue to bring those “nice” calves to market and receive the premium pricing.
