For that reason, he recommends using purebred
bulls whose expected progeny differences (EPDs) for weaning weight and yearling weight put them in the top 20 percent of their breed. The EPDs of virgin bulls are slightly less accurate than mature bulls, but by purchasing from the top end, producers can ensure they have a bull that will perform above breed aver- age, he says. “Buy the very best bulls you can afford,” Wells says.
Value-added calf programs Ranchers who have gone the extra mile to produce
healthier and heavier calves should capitalize on their investments of labor, time and inputs by strategically marketing their calves to get the best return. One option is value-added calf programs such as the
Noble Foundation’s Integrity Beef Alliance (IBA). “Participants in the Integrity Beef Alliance have
implemented all the best management practices and grown a better calf,” Wells says. “Better calves should be positioned to earn a premium in the marketplace.” To be admitted to IBA, operators must be part of the
Noble Foundation’s Consultation Program, be nominated by a fellow producer or consultant, and use bulls within
MOLY MFG., INC. T for:
•Processing •Sorting •Loading •Unloading •Animal Health Needs
T T E E TM TM ®
the top 20 percent of their breed for weaning and year- ling weight EPDs. “To get the most out of their calves’ superior genetics,
nutrition and health, it makes sense for producers to hang onto them for a minimum of 45 days of precondition- ing,” Wells says. In the IBA, producers precondition for a minimum of 60 days because that’s what the buyers demanded — and were willing to pay for. In 2014, the IBA producers added $250 net profi t per
head on average after weaning through the precondi- tioning program. The lowest returning producer earned an additional $135 net profi t per head, while the highest returning producer earned an additional $400 net profi t per head. (More information on the IBA can be found at
www.integritybeef.org.) “It seems counterintuitive, but when the cattle mar-
ket is at its highest, buyers are willing to pay more for a superior product,” Wells says. “In today’s market, 1 dead calf can destroy the profi t for an entire pen, so well-managed, high-quality cattle are viewed as insur- ance against loss.” He continues, “It’s worth the time to produce a
superior product and seek out marketing options that recognize the value of what you are providing.”
SOLUTION
2-Walk-Thru Alleys for People = Added Safety
True Self-Standing, Adjustable Panels adjusts for ground contour; concrete not a necessity.
Hydraulic 3-Way Sort Gate Module Qty. 3-60 ft. X 10 ft. Holding Pens
Qty. 3-64 ft. X 10 ft. Holding/Sorting Pens Qty. 10-10 ft. Animal Entry/Exit Gate
(numerous configurations available) 2-Day Setup
molymfg.com • 785-472-3388 •SILENCER MAXX Hydraulic Squeeze Chute Pick it Up & Move it!
tscra.org June 2015 The Cattleman 49
•TurretGate •Circular Fencing •Hydraulic Adjustable Loading Chute -- Load-out a Pot or Stock Trailer •2-Sections Alley with Hydraulic No-Back Fold Gates & Blinder Belting
the a safer animal health & sorting system
U
U
TA
TA
R
R
Tax Write-off 179 Direct
R
R
G
G
E
E
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116