Page 14 - MWC 10-6-2022s

The Midwest Cattleman · October 6, 2022 · P14
Feed Price Implications for Fall

By Dr. Kenny Burdine, Extension Professor, Livestock Marketing, University of Kentucky
As we move into fall, we hear a lot more discussion of
have a pretty good feel for feed prices than value of gain
the size of the 2022 corn crop. when producers discuss cattle
Acreage is down significantly feeding programs. In truth,
from last year and yield projec- opportunities can still exist in
tions were reduced by almost high feed price markets de-
3 bushels this month to 172.5 pending on cattle price dynam-
per acre. After spending some ics. So, producers need to push
time below $6 per bushel this the pencil on post-weaning
summer, CME© December feeding programs to determine
corn futures are in the upper if opportunities exist this fall
$6 per bushel range. Barring and winter. Generally speak-
a major shock on the demand ing, there is more feed flexibil-
side, feed prices are going to ity for growing programs than
be a challenge for cattle oper- finishing programs. Producers
ations this winter. So, I wanted may find that opportunities
to briefly talk through some to grow feeders still exist, es-
implications of high feed prices pecially if they can efficiently
on feeder cattle marketing and make use of alternative feeds.
management. Along those same lines, pro-
Perhaps the most import- ducers need to make sure they
ant thing to remember is that distinguish between cost of
cost of gain and value of gain feed and cost of gain. Cost per
are correlated. Feedlots prefer ton of feed really does not tell
to place heavier feeder cattle me much unless I know some-
when feed prices are high, so thing about that feed’s (or ra-
the price discount on higher tion’s) ability to put weight on
weights gets smaller. This nar- cattle. There are lots of ways
rowing of price slides increases to lower feed cost per ton, but
the value of additional pounds I must make certain that I am
when feeder cattle are sold. I not losing more value of gain
than I am sav-
ing in cost per
ton. This is
why I tend to
lean towards Finally, there are also impli- have certainly not increased
cost of gain cations for fall grazing. A quick as much as purchased feed.
when compar- glance at the drought monitor So, fall pasture is likely the
ing programs reveals how much variation most attractive feed that can
and prefer exists across the county. But, be utilized to add pounds. The
to run multi- if you are in an area that has current market also increases
ple programs had good moisture conditions incentives to incorporate rota-
through a full and is getting solid pasture tional grazing or strip grazing
background- growth, make certain to uti- to increase the utilization of
ing budget to lize that to the extent possible. those forages.
compare ex- While grazing costs have in-
pected profit. creased recently as well, they

WHEN TO CULL BULLS LIFE
continued from page 13 traits to name a few. continued from page 5 constant companionship and
Culling bulls this fall that support to me as I go about my
among some producers where have reached the end of their around by a leash, would be se- daily activities, and far be it for
the thought process is, “the genetic contribution to the op- verely criticized. But, no, their me to question whether or not
bull is paid for and regardless eration not only has a positive official stance is that caring the alligator does the same for
of his issues I am going to con- impact on this year’s income and loving people who share its human counterpart.
tinue to use him.” The problem but can lead to long term prof- their home with an animal, I’ve learned my lesson from
with this concept is that every itability in the cow herd. and said animal can provide this story, however, and the
year the bull is allowed to con- University of support and companionship in next time I’m approached by
tribute his genetics to the herd Wisconsin-Madison return, is totally acceptable. one of the people lambasting
he is passing along his nega- The animal-rights group me for my occupation, I’ll sim-
tive traits as well. Buying a that thinks it’s perfectly fine ply remind them that my cat-
new bull has the potential to to lead around an alligator in a tle are emotional support ani-
be more profitable if the new city park, is the same one which mals for me.
bull possesses the genetics to criticizes and condemns those One can never have too
improve reproductive perfor- of us who are involved in ani- much emotional support.
mance, growth rate, or carcass mal agriculture. My dog offers