Farm & Ranch
[AgriLife Today] Marketing options for cattle discussed at Blackland Income Growth Conference
By: Blair Fannin
Writer: Blair Fannin, 979-845-2259, [email protected]
Contact: Dr. Jason Banta, 903-834-6191, [email protected]
WACO – From traditional livestock auctions to online sources, cattle producers have a variety of options to choose from when marketing cattle, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist.
Dr. Jason Banta, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist, said the biggest impact on income in a cattle operation is percentage of calves weaned. Other pieces of the equation include how many pounds the calves weigh and price received per pound. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)
Dr. Jason Banta, beef cattle specialist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton, gave a broad overview of marketing options at the recent Blackland Income Growth Conference in Waco.
Banta said the biggest impact on income in a cattle operation is percentage of calves weaned. Other pieces of the equation include how many pounds the calves weigh and price received per pound.
“Condition of cows at calving time has the biggest impact on pregnancy rates,” Banta said. “You want those cows to be at a body condition score of five or better.”
Genetics also play an important role as well as input costs. Cull cows and cull bulls account for 10 to 15 percent of producers’ income.
“There’s value in these animals, and we need to market these animals to maximize the value,” Banta said.
There are several marketing channels, such as traditional livestock auction markets and online sources where a producer can post a classified ad.
For feeder calves and stocker cattle, Banta said producers can use livestock auction markets or sell through special preconditioning sale venues.
“You’d be surprised how far you can haul some cattle and get them into a preconditioning sale. The key is to go with one that has a good reputation to capture that premium.”
There are also video auction services as well as having someone come to your ranch and buy direct.
Dr. Jason Banta, beef cattle specialist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton, gave a broad overview of cattle marketing options at the recent Blackland Income Growth Conference in Waco. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo by Blair Fannin)
“Out of all of these options, it has to fit your operation and knowledge base,” he said.
When using auction markets, producers who have 15 to 30 better quality calves can call the barn ahead of time so the barn can advertise and help better market the calves.
“Some will let you pull tags early,” Banta said. “This is a good way to get a group of calves you have and sell them together before buyers who might be looking for a good group. They like this instead of having to pick them out one by one throughout a sale day or at multiple sales.”
Factors affecting the selling price of calves include color. Banta advised against producing calves with spots or paint colors. However, replacement females with stripes, such as a Braford cross, will bring a premium.
“We sell cattle on perceived breed type,” he said. “There are significant discounts if you have more influence of a breed that is not wanted by order buyers.”
Recommendations include no more than one-quarter Bos Indicus, at least one-quarter British and no more than one-half Continental.
“The industry wants medium to large frame cattle,” he said.
Banta said time of year can also affect prices paid. Spring typically brings some of the higher prices for weaned calves and cull cows, while fall will bring the lowest since many cattle operations are selling at this time.
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By: Martha Crump
Most cattle producers can tell you quite a lot about balancing cattle diets for energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals based on the specific needs for their herd and type of operation.
A key factor, and one that is often overlooked, is that how your animals perform is also directly affected by their water intake.
Now many of you may already be thinking “well of course water is necessary, anybody knows that!”
In many years, as September marches into October, we are beginning to experience some return of rainfall. But as many of us know, that is not always the case. Often we are still experiencing hot and dry weather, and water supplies are dwindling.
When we find ourselves experiencing those types of fall conditions, it is critical to not only understand the daily water requirements for cattle, but also the impact that the quality of water can have on herd health and development.
To read more, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Tony Dean
Since their introduction to the U.S. in the early 1900s, Old World Bluestems such as King Ranch bluestem and Dahl bluestem have become established on farms and ranches from the Rio Grande to Nebraska. With such a wide range of adaptability, these species are subjected to a wide range of management, depending on location and the goals of the rancher.
Due to the aggressive nature of OWBs, producers in far South Texas have been trying to find a way to eradicate OWBs in their pastures. Texas AgriLife Extension bulletin “Introduced Bluestem Grasses: Management on Native Lands” describes several methods being used in the effort to rid pastures of OWBs. In 2016, one project involved using chemicals, plowing, mowing, reseeding, summer burning, and combinations of these practices.
To read the about the researchers findings and hear Tony’s take, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Rayford Pullen
Watching our pastures over the years, I have noticed our forages quit growing when nighttime temperatures begin hitting that 45-degree mark, and in North Texas, that will usually be around October 20.
While growth stops, our forages will still be high quality which allows our momma cows to gain weight for another 40 days or so.
Getting these cows in better condition is key to getting them through the winter and breeding after they calve.
Read more in the October issue of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available online and in print. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive NTFR in your inbox each week.
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