Farm Help

Feed ‘em and weigh ‘em. This has been the simple strategy for many producers for decades, but this won’t work anymore according to Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and CEO of Alltech.

Doug Peterson, a Grassland Conservationist for the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has traveled far and wide to speak to various groups and organizations about high density grazing, more commonly referred to as ‘mob grazing.'

Body Condition Scores – or BCS – are the numbers used to “suggest the relative fatness or body composition of the cow,” according to animal science expert, and University of Arkansas Extension Specialist, Shane Gadberry, Ph.D. A good BCS for a cow should fall somewhere from five to seven, if she is at her optimum condition.

Cattlemen know marbling is important, and they keep hearing about ways to give it a head start. Early weaning onto a high-starch grain ration sounds promising, but could it be risky? The price of corn and potential for lighter carcass weights keep some producers from taking that route.

Whether you’re looking to better market your seedstock animals, or track your herd’s performance, registering your cattle is a good management decision in any purebred operation. Registration can be as easy as paying a few dollars and submitting the name and registration number of the dam and sire, but taking advantage of the marketing and record keeping programs breed associations offer can make a big difference in the long run.

Doug Peterson, a northern Missouri Grassland Conservationist for the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has traveled across the region over the past several months speaking to various groups and organizations about high density grazing, more commonly referred to as ‘mob grazing.' He spoke Jan. 21 in Bolivar, Mo., at an event sponsored by Kit Pharo, of Pharo Cattle Company, Cheyenne Wells, Colo., and Pharo's Missouri division operator, Weston Walker.

Feed ‘em and weigh ‘em. This has been the simple strategy for many producers for decades, but this won’t work anymore according to Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and CEO of Alltech.

Producers try to manage cattle and resources based on market incentives, but that’s not simple when signals change faster than they can make adjustments. Sometimes it helps to step back and check the flow.

There are many factors to consider when you seek to get the best results from your grazing program: the types of animals you’re grazing, the type of pasture you have available, the weather, the economy, your operational goals and many more.

Body Condition Scores – or BCS – are the numbers used to “suggest the relative fatness or body composition of the cow,” according to animal science expert, and University of Arkansas Extension Specialist, Shane Gadberry, Ph.D. A good BCS for a cow should fall somewhere from five to seven, if she is at her optimum condition.