News

Strategic cattle herd rebuilding: choosing the right genetics

Jamie Courter, the state beef genetics specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says rebuilding the cattle herd starts with a genetic business plan, defining the exact job a cow will have when added to the herd.

“For your operation, how do you make money? Do you sell it weaning? Do you retain and sell it yearly? All of those are different ways that you go about making money. And so therefore, if that’s your business, you have to hire a cow that will excel in that business model.”

Courter tells Brownfield rebuilding herds will take time, but the most important thing is to be intentional and stick to a plan, especially when there’s a genetic bottleneck in cattle country.

“If you can strategically define a breeding objective or a business plan and stick to that in the coming years and retain five, eight percent more heifers than usual, then slowly, over time, you’re going to end up with quite an elite genetic cow herd.”

She says producers should pay attention to traits like calving ease, mature cow weight and hair shedding.

“We know cows that shed early get pregnant earlier in their breeding season, and they wean a heavier, older calf.”

While most of cattle country isn’t focused on herd rebuilding due to widespread drought and other factors, Wesley Tucker with MU Extension tells Brownfield there could be an opportunity for cattle producers in Missouri, or areas with limited drought, to start rebuilding now.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Jamie Courter.