Page 6 - MWC 9-10-20s

The Midwest Cattleman · September 10, 2020 · P6
WINTER WHEAT GRAZING PROSPECTS

By Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist
Winter wheat is used for planting wheat in late August ditions this year vary across
grain-only, forage-only, or du- or early September. The desire Oklahoma ranging from very
al-purpose systems target- to jump-start wheat forage dry to adequate moisture
ing cattle grazing and grain growth by planting early in the with generally favorable soil
production. In the Southern fall must be balanced against temperatures. Early planted
Plains, stocker producers in- frequent seasonal drought and wheat also faces a bigger likeli-
terested in grazing winter hot soil temperatures that pre- hood of fall armyworm or other
wheat pastures often begin vent wheat germination. Con- pest invasions, disease pres- es from $0.90 to $1.00/lb. using
current auction prices. Cost of
sure and increased weed com-
petition. Dual-purpose wheat production is likely less than
$0.90/lb. in many cases, sug-
producers must navigate both
the production tradeoffs be- gesting potential positive re-
turns for stocker production.
tween wheat forage and grain
A common wheat pasture
production as well as the eco- grazing budget is based on Oc-
nomic challenges in wheat and
cattle markets. tober stocker purchases with
feeders marketed in early
Current feeder cattle pric-
es provide an indication of the March including roughly 120
economic prospects for fall and days of winter grazing. For
winter grazing. In the last example, based on current
week of August, the Oklaho- market conditions, 475-pound
ma average auction price for steer price is projected to be
475-pound steers was $165.25/ between $160 and $165/cwt.
cwt. with 750-pound steers at in October. This estimate is
suggested by both typical sea-
$140.40/cwt. This calculates to
a value of gain of $0.975/pound sonal cash price patterns and
October Feeder futures at the
for 275 pounds of gain. Across
beginning weights of 450-600 current time. Budgets using
pounds, the value of gain rang- continued on page 17

3-D Quik Hand

Cattle Sprayer

Easy Way

Cattle Saver

Stress Free Fly Control

11025 OO HWY. - BOONVILLE, MO