Evaluating Cows for Optimal Performance

By Andi Anderson

As spring arrives, it's time for cattle farmers to evaluate their herds for optimal performance and profitability. The American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting and Conference provided insights into this critical aspect of farm management, emphasizing the importance of making tough decisions for the long-term success of your operation.

Dr. Will Carter, renowned for his environmental stewardship in beef cattle farming, highlighted a fundamental principle: keeping only the cows that thrive in your system. He aptly described this as "kicking the crutch out from under their cows," emphasizing the need to prioritize performance over sentimentality.

In the cattle industry, it's not uncommon for high-priced cows to be treated as queens, receiving special treatment despite underperforming. These "crowned" cows may linger on the farm, consuming resources without adding value. Similarly, those given "crutches" in the form of second chances only prolong the inevitable, increasing costs without improving outcomes.

To ensure profitability, every cow must meet specific job criteria:

• Reproductive Readiness: Cows should be ready to carry a calf by two years old and calve within the defined season.
• Breeding and Calving: They must be bred within the designated season and calve accordingly.
• Calf Rearing: Cows should successfully wean marketable calves on a regular basis.
• Consistency: These tasks should be performed consistently and align with the farm's management goals.
• Failure to meet these criteria results in reduced profitability due to low reproductive efficiency, inconsistent calf quality, and high feed and labor costs.

To enhance profitability and sustainability, farmers can implement several strategies:

• Efficient Management: Reduce supplemental feed costs by maintaining efficient cows and implementing rotational grazing.
• Genetic Selection: Opt for genetics that prioritize easy births, adequate milk production, and good maternal instincts.
• Labor Efficiency: Keep only cows with pleasant dispositions to minimize labor costs.
• Herd Health: Maintain a robust herd health program to ensure the overall well-being of the cattle.
• Reproductive Efficiency: Focus on reproductively efficient cattle that reliably get pregnant and stay pregnant.

Spring calving season serves as an opportune moment to assess each cow's contribution to the farm's profitability. By culling underperforming cows and focusing on those that consistently add value, farmers can move towards a more sustainable and profitable future.

For guidance on developing culling criteria and managing farm records, farmers can seek assistance from their local Extension services.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour