Larson emphasized the importance of reproductive efficiency.
“Producers need to look at the number of calves weaned per cow exposed and you want that number to be high,” Larson said.
Lancaster stressed the role of nutrition in having an efficient cow herd.
“Nutritionally speaking, it is important to evaluate the amount of money spent on winter feed versus the amount of time cattle can graze the pastures,” Lancaster said.
These measurements influence the economics, according to Marston.
“Feed is going to be one of the greatest out of pocket expenses, so to be efficient you have to match their cows to your resources,” he said.
One way to track those expenses is through keeping good records, said the experts.
“If you can identify the inefficient individuals, then you change the management to improve the efficiency of the whole herd,” Lubbers said.
He also highlighted the importance of herd health.
“While nutrition and reproductive efficiencies can be harder to measure, I can count sick cows and they don’t perform well,” Lubbers said, “The beef animal’s health impacts how efficient it will be in all aspects of the factors already mentioned.”
Marston added: “Most producers are really trying to match their biological efficiency with their economic efficiency because they are trying to get a return on investment for each of their inputs, such as labor, equipment, feed, etc...”
Source : k-state.edu