Page 22 - MWC 2-2-2023s

PREPARING The Midwest Cattleman · February 2, 2023 · P22
continued from page 13 GRASS FOCUSED
continued from page 19
at a ballpark figure for the 10% to account for previously
cost of gain (COG) on the stated expenses results in a are straight forward - keep it can anticipate that same low
368 lb. needed to reach the breakeven of $1,281. simple and low stress,” Don maintenance.
target weight. This could be o At $1.30 COG: 368 x 1.30 said. “We started using more “A customer can take our
achieved in multiple ways, = $479. This added to the natural forms of parasite con- bull and keep it on grass, and
depending on available feed current value of the heifer at trol in 2009, as opposed to com- he'll breed their cows just fine,”
resources. For this example $777 equals $1,256. Again, mercial insecticides. This has Don said.
I will assume a cost of gain raising that value by 10% resulted in healthier livestock “If they choose,” Sheri added,
at $0.80, $1.05 and $1.30 to results in a breakeven of and larger populations of tur- “they can put it on their own
make the following calcula- $1,382. keys, dung beetles, bees, and grain-fed program. It's like a
tions: Manage your business, butterflies in the pastures.” starter kit. They can stay sim-
o At $0.80 COG: 368 x do the math, take invento- Their natural approach is ple with him or put him in their
0.80 = $295. This added to ry of your resources, and balanced by a traditional vac- traditional operation and go
the current value of the heif- consult with a nutritionist. cination program to ensure from there.”
er at $777 equals $1,072. To Each of the ‘breakevens’ cal- the herd is at their healthy Don emphasized one signifi-
account for opportunity cost, culated above are below the best when bulls are turned out cant benefit he sees from rely-
financing, additional grazing fall values of good-quality, with the cows in mid-August to ing on grass-only development.
past breeding season, poten- spring-calving, bred heifers mid-October. “I'm not sure you can take a
tial death loss and the cost of during the past couple of “It's a tight window,” Sheri grain fed animal and take it
breeding naturally or by arti- years. said, “but calving in May is down to grass only and expect
ficial insemination (AI), I am Mark Johnson is a beef cat- a healthy start for a calf. It's him to not fall apart.”
raising this value by 10%, re- tle breeding specialist with not too hot. Not too cold. And In the end, Don and Sheri
sulting in a breakeven value Oklahoma State University there's good grass for lactating Bryan believe a mid-sized Red
of $1,180. Do you believe bred Extension. momma cows. This timing also Angus herd is the perfect fit
heifers will be worth at least works well for our weaning pro- for two conservationists who
$1,180 per head a year from gram. May calves are weaned are developing cattle raised on
now? at ten months of age, in late grass that flesh easy, calve easy
o At $1.05 COG: 368 x March of the following year. and are naturally healthy. They
1.05 = $387. This added to Again, calf health and forage contend that their scaled-down
the current value of the heif- are a priority.” model is the key to their suc-
er at $777 equals $1,164. Those who become fans and cess.
Again, raising that value by customers of Bryan Red Angus

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