4 minute read
From the Field
Congratulations to all who had a great spring selling bulls. It truly was very good with increased demand and higher prices being displayed at sales right across the country. It is also a testament to the breeders who have built a product that is in demand and getting stronger. There were a number of factors contributing to the increased demand and prices but optimism is the only explanation I have that pushed most sales in all breeds as high as they were this spring. I don't think anyone could have predicted at the start of the year just how good the sales this spring would be. The interesting thing I see is that the market has continued to strengthen with some $1,700 fat steers that should continue to keep this market strong for many years to come. We all know the prices are finally where they need to be and they need to stay here for a number of years to get the equity back that was lost in the years since 2003. Were all the sales great? No, but the few that were not, in most cases, had some weather issues attached. If weather wasn't a factor then we need to look at what was.
I have always said that breeders need to use their bull pen as a barometer of what their customers want. We all need to listen close to our customers and produce what they are asking for. If you don't, they won't be your customers for long. If they want lower birth weights, you need to introduce genetics that will do that or make sure that you are not feeding too much birth weight on. If they want more meat or more growth then you need to find the bulls that will give you this.
The other thing to look at closely is your total operation. Everyone has limitations and the key to removing these limitations is to first identify them and then to correct them. People will not spend money buying your excuses, so you need to fix the problems. Some of the things I see are:
There are those that can breed very good cattle but can't market them to their fullest potential. Some can genetically breed good cattle but can't get them fed well enough to capitalize on their potential. Then there are those that can market well but don't have the product to keep up to the marketer's potential.
What is holding your operation back from reaching its full potential? If you are having trouble identifying your weakness then look at what is most dissatisfying in your year – that is probably your weakness. Or, ask someone in the industry, like a successful breeder to help you with this. Once you have identified the problem you must move forward and fix it. Again use the resources that are available to you. Most breeders will give you advice and there are nutritionists out there getting paid to help you if feed is your shortfall. If you feel you are not finding or keeping customers you need to look a few simple things. Remember you need to treat your customers how you would like to be treated. Personal contact is still your best way to keep happy customers and if you haven't been following up with your buyers a couple times a year, then you need to start. Spending time off the farm isn't always easy but is necessary if you are going to develop new customers down the road. Wherever you feel you need help, get it so you can ride the wave that is going to be fun for hopefully many years to come.
A busy summer awaits the Charolais industry starting with the AGM in the Maritimes where 75 people from outside of the Atlantic provinces are booked to attend. I encourage all to attend the T Bar Invitational Golf Tourney as it is a great fundraiser that benefits the youth of the cattle industry. The end of June everyone from across the country is invited to Manitoba for their picnic. It would be a great time to do some herd touring there and relax and visit with the friendly Manitobans. The third week in July the Canadian Charolais Youth Conference and Show is being held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In conjunction with this the Saskatchewan Charolais Association is holding their AGM and all are welcome to these events.
There is complete information on these events and more throughout this magazine but if you have any questions, give us a call. I would also encourage you to give Craig Scott or myself a call to schedule a herd visit and picturing of your program for the Annual Herdsire edition which is put together in July. Your cowherd and herdbull pictures are also great for marketing your bulls next spring.
Until next time,
Helge
