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| This has been discussed in other threads in the past. Was quite a stir a few years ago when ACTUAL RANCH DATA from various various extension programs across the country (such as SPA CHAPS etc.) showed weaning weights have been more or less flat for decades while mature cow size continued to climb. Feeding more factory for nothing. That is what the numbers race has produced. "SEEDSTOCK" operations generally don't care about the cost of production because there is little correlation to what their cattle bring (besides fat usually sells in that scenario.)
While we have cattle prices approaching those seen eight years ago, look at what input costs have done. There is no proof that on the cow-calf end increasing production can offset increasing production costs in many areas and for the near future anyway. There has never been a time when cattle that fit your environment has been more important. Yes there are areas that consistently produce more forage. But the competition for those acres for other purposes has never been higher either. Traits like longevity and fertility are where you find them. Cows that can cycle and get pregnant with a less than optimum BCS are out there, but they aren't likely the result of chasing EPD's. | |
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Terminal vs maternal breeding
