Managing through drought

HERD MANAGEMENT

KEEP OR CULL DURING A DROUGHT?

from South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension

With drought conditions impacting much of the western U.S., management practices on the cow/calf operation are being adjusted to compensate for the shortage of forage and other resources. One of the adjustments started back in May for some producers was choosing to reduce herd size or purchasing more feed to make it through the summer and into winter. Depending on the going price for cattle, feed price and location, this choice varied from producer to producer.

THiNGs To CoNsiDER

As we get near the end of August and conditions have improved some but have not reversed, producers face the decision on how to tackle weaning and prepare for next spring. Early weaning has been implemented in many cases to save pasture yet this fall. Now to keep and feed or sell weaned calves is the next big decision in the near future. Weaned heifer calves and bred heifers become a particular concern as replacement female programs may not follow the traditional system this year if feed is in short supply to get through the winter. Ask yourself these questions: can I afford not to develop replacement heifers for next year? Should I sell heifer calves and buy back bred heifers or cows? Heifers or cows; which will make best use of feed resources available? Adding up the dollars and cents will ultimately be the best way to make this decision.

While recent rains may delay some of these decisions, applying some intensive selection and management can assist you in keeping the “right” females this year, and sell the rest to ultimately improve the herd. These can be a key step to success, regardless if you are experiencing a drought or even during normal years.

REPLACEMENT HEIFERS

Keep the oldest heifers and feed the youngest.

Females born earlier in the calving season are more likely to reach puberty and breed earlier. Furthermore, by breeding early their first year, they are more likely to breed back early each year, thus, returning more dollars to the operation due to larger calves each weaning.

Cull any heifers from cows you have or will likely cull.

Some traits can pass on more than others. Disposition and udder quality being some of those more highly heritable traits. Therefore, if her mom caused you trouble before she paid herself off on the ranch, it’s likely that any daughters kept as replacements may follow in the same path.

Feed to 55 percent of mature body weight by breeding.

The debate to feed to 65 percent versus 55 percent mature body weight can vary from operation to operation. Yet, when feed resources are short, planning to develop them only to 55 percent will likely get you farther down the road. Yes, less heifers will breed during the designated time, but more emphasis would be placed on heifers that can get bred on the resources they have. Ultimately, they

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maintain themselves on less resources and saves the farm money on feed costs by the time they enter the mature cow herd. BRED HEIFERS

Shorten the breeding season.

Second to feed costs, fertility is a large component driving profitability on the ranch. Placing emphasis on fertility by shortening the breeding season, or only keeping heifers that breed early in the season is one way to separate the pack, so to speak. These females that breed early are more likely to remain in the herd longer than counterparts that conceive on their second or third cycles.

Eliminate poor doers.

Heifers that aren’t keeping up with the pack, or are taking in extra feed compared to the rest, may need to be eliminated. Find heifers that are ahead of the game on less resources and are bred early and have greater chances to stick around until spring.

Feed to 85 percent of mature body weight by calving.

Anything that is hard doing get rid of, before she becomes a 2-year old. If she is struggling to keep up with the pack as a yearling, her second calving experience will likely require extra feed inputs also.

MATURE COWS

Eliminate any aged cows that will need extra feed this winter.

Market them early before the flood of cull cows comes to town or feed them through the winter on cheaper feedstuffs, while adding white fat to create a more marketable product come early New Year.

Composition.

Bad feet, legs, udder, teeth and lumps will make it hard for cows to successfully make it through the winter. Furthermore, come calving time these problems will not get better and make for more sleepless nights.

Compare cow size to weaning weight.

If cows are not weaning calves near 40 percent of their mature body weight, they may need to be evaluated before staying around. Also, if a cow has been late calving consistently and also weaned a light calf, it’s likely that she is not covering her costs and her spot could be replaced with a more profitable female.

THE BoTToM LiNE

Each operation is unique and will change from year to year. However, drought forces unexpected changes so it’s critical to have a strategy to keep only the “right” females that will benefit the operation. Always consult your management team of lenders, nutrition and health professionals and extension specialists to assist you in making the best decision for short and long term plans of the operation.

Winter pasture available for lease in northern California

Six leases will be available for up to 5 years (a basic year and 4, one-year option periods) at Beale Air Force Base, Yuba County: Lease A = 3,185 acres Lease B = 3,065 acres Lease C = 3,228 acres Lease D = 801 acres Lease F = 2,348 acres

A sixth lease, identified as Lease H = 819 acres, may be available this or the following year. - All acreages given are approximate- To graze mature bulls, pregnant cows, or cows with suckling calf less than six months in age. Grazing season is November 1- May 31 with the possibility of an early start or extension, conditions permitting. Solicitation for the leases with a site visit date will be posted at SAM.gov in August 2022.

For further information, contact: Tamara Gallentine 9 CES/CEIE, 6425 B St., Beale AFB, CA 95903 email: tamara.gallentine.2@us.af.mil 530-634-2738

THE PUREBRED BREEDERS’ CONNECTION TO THE COMMERCIAL CATTLE INDUSTRY. Eric Duarte

World Livestock Auctioneer Finalist International Livestock Auctioneer Finalist

541-891-7863

YOUR 6-STEP HYDRAULIC CATTLE CHUTE

SHOPPING GUIDE

BY: JANELLE HULME, ARROWQUIP

Buying a new hydraulic cattle chute or upgrading to hydraulics from a manual chute can be both thrilling and daunting. There is so much information out there on cattle handling equipment, that sometimes it’s hard to know what to believe or ignore. Having the right cattle chute for your operation is critical. That’s one fact all ranchers know to be true.

A high-quality hydraulic cattle chute needs to be durable and functional to make your job easier. With so many options available, it’s important to research and consider the following factors before making a final decision. Stick to this shopping guide so you’ll be able to work confidently, knowing that your new hydraulic chute will serve your operation for years to come.

YOUR SHOPPING GUIDE

Budget Considerations

Setting your budget is the first major step. If you haven’t owned a hydraulic cattle chute before, or are upgrading from an older model, get to know your options and determine which may be best for your operation and bottom line. Sometimes, investing more upfront will lead to a higher return over time, and won’t leave you stuck with a chute that can’t live up to what you need it to do.

Also, consider looking into equipment grants available in your area. Ensure you explore all your options, so you can get the cattle equipment you need, without breaking the bank. Take time to also investigate the potential business you’ll be buying from, and if they offer warranty and financing.

Warranty

Cattle are unpredictable. Warranty should be provided on any chute to protect you from manufacturer defects and wear and tear. Make sure you do business with a company that stands behind its products and prioritizes customer service. Sometimes, parts will need replacing because we have worked them beyond their useful life.

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matter most to you. For example, consider chutes that offer more than one way to squeeze cattle, such as a 3-way squeeze with options for parallel, v-squeeze, and a-squeeze.

Cattle Flow

Animal science has become a larger focus for cattle equipment manufacturers, especially with consumers’ concerns shifting toward purchasing ethically raised meat. When considering your new hydraulic chute, think about the chute from your cattle’s perspective.

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Cattle have natural instincts to move toward light and balk at loud noises and dark, shadowed areas. Cattle should be able to flow through your chute with little to no delay once they have been introduced to it, making processing as smooth as possible.

Construction & Design

The design of a cattle chute goes hand in hand with cattle flow. Search for a chute that is designed to give cattle easy entry and exit. Along with this, a well-made hydraulic chute should be able to withstand time, consistent use, and your cattle, year after year. Compare the construction of the chutes at the top of your list and consider: • Frame construction – Will it stand up over time? • Wearable parts and hydraulic lines – Are they easy to locate and replace? • Flooring – Is it ribbed steel, rumber, or a true rubber floor? • Controls – Are they easy to use and access?

Access & Features

Ensure your chosen hydraulic chute also allows full access to the animal for the tasks you’ll be performing. There’s no point getting a chute if you can’t get access where you need it most. If you’ll be vaccinating your cattle frequently, look at the side access and needle access areas. If you have a cow-calf operation, you will likely find the addition of a vet cage handy.

If you manage a feedlot operation and prefer having extra control, think about getting a head restraint such as a head holder or neck extenders, and if you prefer them to be hydraulic or manual operation or fixed in place.

If you do require replacement parts, you should be able to trust that they will be readily available. Aim to select a hydraulic chute with easy-to-replace parts that can be ordered online or by phone and delivered to your operation quickly to minimize downtime.

Capacity & Adaptability

Today, most chutes are made to handle all sizes of cattle. Some chutes, however, have complicated or limited adjustments that can leave you feeling frustrated or worn out before the real work has even begun. Remember when investing in a new hydraulic chute, it should make your work easier, not harder.

Consider your business, and its future. Whether you’re a feedlot or cow-calf operation, your needs will differ. Take time to think about the features that Also, note if the chute you’re leaning toward has a portable option if you’re planning to move your chute between different locations. Businesses are always evolving. Chutes should be portable so they can adapt to the needs of an operation as they change.

To ensure you stay true to these critical points when shopping for your next chute, consider making the switch to hydraulics. The hydraulic chute of your dreams may be easier to get than you think! Visit arrowquip.com/buying-guide to start shopping today.