Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State University Extension Beef Cattle Breeding Specialist, offers herd health advice as part of the weekly series known as the “Cow Calf Corner,” published electronically by Dr. Peel, Mark Johnson, and Paul Beck. Today, Johnson talks about planning for 2024.
Happy New Year! As we embark upon 2024, this week I suggest some plans to make now for a more successful 2024 in the cattle business. Cattle prices should remain strong this year. Educational opportunities, technologies and best management practices shared through this newsletter should permit great future opportunities for cow-calf producers. Don’t get caught off guard and let opportunities pass you by. Answer the following questions as you make plans for 2024:
1 – Is your calving tool box stocked and ready? Don’t be looking for your OB chains AFTER determining that first calf heifer needs help!
2 – Do you have colostrum on inventory?
3 – Are you prepared for the spike in your cowherd’s nutritional requirements after calving and during cold, wet weather?
4 – What is your marketing plan for your next calf crop?
5 – Based on your answer to question 4, how should that impact your sire selection for the upcoming breeding season? Are you capturing the value of your genetics? Or is the lack of genetic potential limiting the profit potential of your operation?
6 – Has your grazing ecosystem recovered from drought? What are you doing to sustain the long-term health of your soil, plants and cattle?
7 – Are you capitalizing on the educational opportunities available to improve your management?
For example, OSU will host a “Blueprint for the Future – Part 2” on May 22 – 23, 2024 in Stillwater. The 2024 conference will address crossbreeding and gene editing and the impact these will have on the future of our industry. Please make plans to attend. More information on this conference is available at https://cattlemenscongress.com/conference/
