Thanks to enhanced genetics for growth, today’s cattle are larger than those from 15-20 years ago. If you’re running the same number of cows on the same number of acres as before, you could be overstocking your pastures. Bigger cows eat more grass.
Economic and financial risks on the ranch go hand in hand with other risks facing the operation. Producers need to ask the questions to make sure they are adapting to present needs.
This time of year, many producers are feeding cows hay. Have you ever stopped to think about what the dollar value of the nutrients in the hay are worth as fertilizer once they have been processed by the cow?
Changes in cattle market value are having an impact on beef cow share and cash lease agreements in determining what is “fair” to both cow owners and those who are leasing the cows.
Selling home-raised bred cows that may be approaching their cyclical peak in market price with that income taxed at a capital gains rate rather than as ordinary income could be a significant wealth building advantage!
When going out to tag calves, most cow-calf producers would prefer to find a new bull calf. However, it’s important to remember the extra options and opportunties heifer calves provide.
Drought conditions across much Nebraska has ranchers considering options for reducing stocking rates on pasture this spring and summer: supplement/substitute feed; ship cattle to non-drought areas and sell cattle.
