Hard-time tips for beef producers

Have a plan

With higher feed, seed, fuel and fertilizer costs, beef producers need to consider alternative approaches to feeding and managing their herds, said a Purdue University expert. "They need to make sure they have a feeding and management plan in place to minimize feed costs, optimize herd performance and maximize profit," said Ron Lemenager, Purdue Extension beef management specialist. Lemenager recommends that producers:

• Get rid of unproductive cows.

• Have forage tested.

• Evaluate and body-condition score cows.

• Think about ways to extend forage supplies.

• Get the most value possible from calves.

Feed costs represent between 60 percent and 75 percent of the annual cost of keeping a cow. Lemenager said that this year, the annual cost to keep a cow will likely exceed $500 per cow and could be as high as $700 per cow in some operations. "Feed costs are going to be high, so producers must make plans now on how to get through the winter, and one strategy is to cull unproductive cows," he said. "Cows that are open, cows that are old and arthritic, and cows that are not going to produce heavy weaning weight calves that will allow you to pay the cow's way next year need to be culled." Getting rid of non-productive cows also will help to extend the grazing season by allowing more acres to be available later in the fall and on into the winter feeding period.