Board Commentary Investing in Profit Potential

by Aaron Kravig, Area 3 Director

A good investment should pay dividends, right? I wish this were true 100% of the time, but I can tell you from personal experience that during the course of my life I have made a few less-than-desirable investments. At the time, when these investments were presented to me, they seemed like “no-brainers.” Looking back, I may have acted on them too quickly. Without proper research and consideration of all the moving pieces, those investments weren’t always as profitable as I would have hoped.

Each fall or spring, depending on their calving season, cattlemen across the nation are investing into the future success of their cattle operations by selecting replacement heifers to improve their herds through increased performance of future calf crops. Whether the investment includes retaining their own heifers or purchasing someone else’s, it is important to analyze all the moving pieces of their program. Prior to making that final sort, one should consider all available resources, production records and operating goals and select a set heifers that will align with the operation’s resources, goals and, ultimately, improve the bottom line.

The mindset of selecting heifers for the replacement pen is no different than the mindset many of us have each spring when it comes time to purchase our next bull(s). Keeping in mind that 50% of the investment, or the genetic improvement, of the calf crop comes from the dam, it is important to select females that will create genetic improvement in the herd, yet also align well within the operation.

Just like some of those less-than-desirable investments mentioned earlier, selecting the next set of replacements based solely on a single trait can lead to negative impacts on the cow herd. Single traits such as average daily gain or birthweight can lead to negative impacts on the cow herd such as an increase or decrease in mature cow size, or perhaps, eventually, a set of less-than-desirable cattle when they go to the rail. Gathering and analyzing the data on paper of all the prospective replacements in the pen prior to the visual appraisal can help make the selection of replacements align well with herd goals.

Once the replacements have been selected, it is crucial to develop those females in a manner that also aligns with the same basic goals and philosophies in mind. Nutritionally speaking, a set of replacement heifers needs to be developed on a well-balanced ration. Whether they are out on winter pasture or in a grow lot, a well-balanced ration ensures their success as productive and efficient cows in later years. It is suggested that at the time of breeding, heifers should be at 65% of their mature body weight and at the time of calving they should be at 80% of their mature body weight. Developing replacements to gain at a rate of approximately 2 pounds per day is optimal. If they are pushed too hard, there could be negative impacts on not only their conception rates at the time of breeding, but also on future milking ability by causing them to deposit fat into their udders during the time of mammary gland development.

Replacement heifers are an investment which can be profitable in the long run. To ensure success, remember to analyze all the moving pieces of the program prior to making the final cut in the pens. //

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RAAA National Staff

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Tom Brink Ext. 4 | tombrink@redangus.org

DIRECTOR OF BREED IMPROVEMENT

Lindsay Upperman, Ph.D. Ext. 29 | lindsay@redangus.org

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Halla Pfeiff Ext. 10 | halla@redangus.org

REDSPRO & REGISTRY SPECIALIST

Kaitlyn Fulmer Ext. 6 | kaitlyn@redangus.org

REDSPRO & REGISTRY SPECIALIST

Stephanie Johnson Ext. 26 | stephanie@redangus.org

MEMBER SERVICES & DNA SPECIALIST

Ryan Starkey Ext. 5 | ryanstarkey@redangus.org

DNA DATA PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Kai Miranda Ext. 24 | kai@redangus.org

DATABASE AND REGISTRATION CONSULTANT

Kenda Ponder Ext. 15 | kenda@redangus.org

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & JUNIOR PROGRAMS

Kim Heller, Ph.D. (515) 851-2019 | juniors@redangus.org

PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Tracey Koester (701) 391-5440 | tracey@redangus.org

EDITOR & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Brandi Buzzard Frobose (785) 448-0239 | brandi@redangus.org

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Lisa Bryant (405) 766-8942 | lisa@redangus.org

SHOW SPECIALIST

Erin Dorsey (970) 396-5420 | erin@redangus.org

ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR

Janet Russell Ext. 11 | janet@redangus.org

RECEPTIONIST

Dalli Hobbs Ext. 3 | receptionist@redangus.org

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