Genetic progress by breeds and seedstock breeders has helped improve our odds of making improvements in multiple traits by raising the average in specific traits.
Fertilization requires the ability to use increased forage growth in a timely manner. That’s more important for stockers than cow-calf operations as excessive early pasture growth is more efficiently used by mature cows.
Since 2011, dairy cows evaluated using genetic testing has doubled every five years to exceed 1 million annually. That reduced sire generation interval to the point where genetic improvement is at the biological limit.
Rather than wondering how long this market will last or when will it turn south, let’s consider opportunities to capitalize today and be prepared for tougher times when they come.
Precision animal management is an oft used term with a view toward the future state of livestock management. The challenge with precision management systems is they often lack simplicity in technology application.
Summertime in July means there are often two pasture requirements: shade and reliable water. There is plenty of debate whether shade is required or not in arid parts of the country as well as beyond the pasture setting.
Times of profitability provide excellent opportunities to reflect on what decisions we made to get here, more specifically what management practices resulted in the improving balance sheet.
Nearly all market indicators suggest the time to rebuild the cow herd is here, all we need is a cooperative environment. For those turning out bulls this spring the foundation of herd rebuilding has already begun.
