The Role of Longevity and Maternal Performance
Insights on the economic effects and sustainability of cow-calf operations.
October 8, 2024
by Lauren Gatz, BIF communications intern
Longevity and maternal performance are central to economic success in cow-calf operations, Rick Machen, Texas A&M University–Kingsville, told attendees of the 2024 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium in Knoxville, Tenn.
Longevity, which he defined as the ability of cows to remain in production many years, contributes significantly to an operation’s profitability.
“The longer these cows stay in the herd and are productive at or above the average for the herd, the more profitable those cows can be,” said Machen, professor and Paul Genho Endowed Chair in Ranch Management for the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. By retaining cows that continue to produce calves efficiently, operations can benefit from a lower unit cost of production.
Of the three pillars of sustainability (economic, social and environmental), economic sustainability is crucial, Machen said. Without a strong economic foundation, social and environmental goals cannot be achieved.
Like Machen, fellow speaker Bob Weaber, Kansas State University, emphasized the importance of integrating genetics and the environment into the decision-making for a breeding program.
“From a commercial cow-calf perspective, of course, most people in the room will recognize that it’s the phenotype of that cow and her performance in a production environment that builds herd profitability.” — Bob Weaber
Without a strong economic foundation, social and environmental goals cannot be achieved, said Rich Machen, Texas A&M University. [Speaker photos courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.]
K-State’s Bob Weaber explained how, for a herd of 100 cows, improving the calf crop percentage 7% could add $10,000 to the bottom line.
“From a commercial cow-calf perspective, of course, most people in the room will recognize that it’s the phenotype of that cow and her performance in a production environment that builds herd profitability,” said Weaber, who serves as head of the Eastern Kansas Research and Extension Centers.
He highlighted the combined role of genetics and environmental management in creating a productive cow.
“We can’t overlook the impact of our management,” Weaber emphasized, acknowledging that changes to the cow’s environment, such as supplemental feed and the breeding program, can affect productivity.
Improving calf crop percentages is one strategy they discussed for increasing revenue.
“Even a modest increase of, say, 7% for a herd of 100 cows, that’s seven additional calves. Even if they’re not very big calves, by weight and current prices, [that increase] can generate an additional $10,000 in revenue,” Weaber said.
Machen discussed the importance of calving early, emphasizing that heifers born early in the calving season are likely to be more productive.
“The idea is that these females that are born early in the calf crop are likely from genetics that are adapted and work in our production system,” he explained. By selecting for early calving, producers can ensure a longer productive life for their cows.
Lastly, Machen addressed the often-overlooked cost of depreciation.
“Depreciation is a non-cash cost. We don’t write a check for depreciation, but it’s a very real cost in these enterprises,” he said. Understanding this cost is essential for operations to accurately plan their financials and maintain profitability.
Watch the full presentation. For more information about this year’s symposium and the Beef Improvement Federation, visit www.bifsymposium.com.
Editor’s note: Lauren Gatz is a senior at Kansas State University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and journalism. [Lead photo by Shauna Hermel.]
Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 16, No. 10-A
Topics: Management , Reproduction , Sustainability
Publication: Angus Beef Bulletin
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