Chute N the Bull

Cull cows represent between 15 and 30 percent of a cow-calf herd's revenue, but relatively little attention is given to cull cow marketing. Most cow-calf producers traditionally sort and sell cull cows in the fall when prices are at or near the seasonal low. However, alternative management systems and timing of cull cow marketing may increase net revenues for the cow-calf operation. The purpose of this weeks article is to report the first year's findings of a three-year cull cow management study conducted at the Noble Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Economics at Oklahoma State University.
A total of 48 cull cows were randomly assigned to one of two cull cow management systems, including 1) feeding 24 cull cows on grain and supplement in dry lot confinement and 2) a system that allowed 24 cull cows to graze native forage pasture. The experiment was conducted from October 2007 to April 2008. Various data measurements were taken at five intervals including the initial culling date (Oct. 3). Time periods after culling were 42 days (Nov. 15), 78 days (Jan. 10), 111 days (Feb. 12), 134 days (March 6) and 164 days (April 2). Data were collected on weight, estimated USDA grade, estimated dressing percentage, costs (feed, animal health, etc.) and estimated market value. For each feeding time interval and each cumulative period, estimated animal performance and net returns were calculated. Estimated USDA grade and dressing percentage were used to assign a price to each cow, based on prices reported by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for cull cows in Oklahoma sold the same week. The market value of each cow at each period was calculated. Data enabled tracking animal performance, costs and estimated value, all of which are critical to assessing the added costs and returns for retaining cows beyond the normal culling date.
Average daily gain (ADG) declined generally for each group of cows. ADG was higher for cows in dry lot after 42 days (November) and remained higher for each cumulative feeding interval. For both management systems, the decline in ADG indicated weight gain was slowing as the length of the feeding period increased.
Average cost of gain was lower for cows on grass compared with cows in dry lot. Cows in dry lot gained faster, but ration costs were much higher, thereby contributing to the higher cost per gain. Feed costs accounted for 83 to 93 percent of total costs for each feeding interval. Percentages were higher for cows in dry lot than cows on grass.
For all intervals, net returns were greater for cows on grass than cows in dry lot. Cows gained in value during the first 42 days (October to November) from added weight, but declined in value over that 42-day period from the drop in prices. After the first interval, price increases offset losses in value from weight loss for cows on grass. Cows in dry lot increased in value both from additional weight gain and increase in prices. However, net returns for cows in dry lot declined due to the higher feed costs associated with obtaining the weight gain.
Cows on grass lost weight after the first 42 days (October to November), reducing their value. However, their ration costs were low, so even at lower weights, their value increased due to higher prices. The higher prices and lower costs compensated for the loss in weight.
Results suggest a potential for holding cows beyond culling for about three months on a low-cost feeding program. However, results indicate the key to net returns in this first year of the experiment was experiencing the typical seasonal price increase from the low in November through the January-February period. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperatings serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.


Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax

COW COUNTRY CONGRESS – 2009

The 2009 Cow Country Congress program will meet at the Corlay
Farm & Cattle Co. in Dodge, Texas on Friday, September 25th. This
multifaceted agricultural enterprise is owned by Dr. Jody Crawford of
Huntsville. Dr. Crawford’s farm has been known in Walker County for
extremely high quality hay production, and intensive beef herd
management characterized by progressive reproductive practices. Dr.
Crawford’s interest in wildlife management has developed into a
variety of wildlife related enterprises and projects which will be viewed
on the ranch during the program. Corlay Farm & Cattle Co. has had an
ongoing quail management and establishment program for many years
and is now diversifying into Whitetail deer operations. This event will
showcase truly outstanding facilities for working both cattle and
Whitetail deer. Additional information regarding the Corlay Farm &
Cattle Co can be viewed online at http://www.corlayranch.com
Program registration will begin at 8:30 AM. The program will begin
with introductions at 9:00 AM. Individuals interested in attending the
2009 Cow Country Congress should R.S.V.P. prior to September 21st
to the Walker County Extension Office (936) 435-2426, or your local
participating County Extension Office from any of the seven traditional
host counties. A registration fee of $10.00 per person will provide
each participant a Chicken Fried Steak Lunch with ALL the trimmings!
In addition to the benefits of a catered lunch, on-site
commercial vendors, and touring the ranch
operation, each participant with a Texas
Department of Agriculture- Pesticide
Applicators License will be eligible for 2
hours of Continuing Education Credits for
renewal of their license. Additional
participant credit of 3.5 hours will be given
for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
recertification. Some of the bucks in the two year old pen.
Views of the beef cattle facilities.

ABOUT COW COUNTRY CONGRESS
Cow Country Congress is an annual multi-county event
begun in the early 1980’s supported by the Extension Beef
& Forage Committees from Walker, Madison, Houston,
Trinity, Leon, Freestone and Anderson Counties. This
educational program rotates within the group of host
counties each year. In addition to the traditional seven
county area, beef producers from outside these counties
are invited to attend this educational program.
Participants in attendance have the opportunity to visit
with a variety of commercial exhibitors several times
during the course of the day between presentations,
demonstrations, and tours of the host property.

COW COUNTRY CONGRESS DIRECTIONS
Directions to Corlay
Farm & Cattle Co. are
as follows:
1-45 to Madison-
1-45 to Conroe
Hwy 30 to
College Station
Hwy 190 to
Oakhurst &
Riverside
Hwy 19 to
Trinity
Huntsville
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Tx
FM 405
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Texas (FM 405)
September 25, 2009
8:30 –9:00 AM – Registration
Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
R.S.V.P. is required for Meal Planning prior to
September 21st. Contact Your Local County
Extension Office:
• Walker County (936) 435-2426
• Madison County (936) 348-2234
• Trinity County (936) 642-1421
• Houston County (936) 544-3255
• Leon County (903) 536-2531
• Freestone County (903) 389-3436
• Anderson County (903) 723-3735

Walker County – 2009 Host for
Cow Country Congress
Corlay Farm & Cattle Co.
Dodge, Texas (FM 405)
September 25, 2009
8:30 AM – Registration
Registration Fee: $10.00 per person
R.S.V.P. is required for Meal Planning prior to September 21st.
Contact Your Local County Extension Office.
9:00 AM – Welcome:
Topics & Presentations:
"Smart Fertilizer -
Planning, Purchasing & Utilization"
Artificial Insemination & Embryo
Transfer for small producers-
Realistic Expectations, Logistics,
Equipment & Practices
Forage Legumes-
Can They Meet Your Needs
Alternative Methods for Legume
Establishment
Native Forages
Selection, Establishment & Management
Noon Meal: Chicken Fried Steak and ALL the Trimmings!
Concurrent Sessions:
Beef Quality Assurance –Chute Side Management
Facilities for working Whitetail Deer
Tour of Deer Breeding Pens
Visit With
Commercial Vendors from a
Variety of Ag Support Industries
This program is supported by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Beef &