In today’s market, if you are not using the best management practices in your cattle operation, then you are falling behind. Oklahoma State University Beef Cattle Specialist Gant Mourer told Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays that in response to the decline in cattle prices, the majority of producers have implemented some form of value-added program to their ranching business in order to capture the highest possible premiums for their cattle. He says this strategy has actually become the new norm.
“Really all it boils down to, is quality genetics and quality management - that’s all value-added really is,” Mourer said. “These well-managed cattle have become the norm and if you’re not managing your cattle to this standard, you’re actually receiving a discount.”
Depending on how you look at it, this premium or discount, could cost you up to $10 or $12 a head, he says. More often than not though, Mourer insists most producers are typically managing their cattle with, if nothing else, a VAC45 program. He believes you can add as much or as little value as you want through the various programs that could potentially be implemented on your place, but suggests you start by evaluating your existing management style and decide what programs fit best with your current operation.
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