Tough Times For Cattle

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What are you doing in terms of herd size to prepare for winter?


  • Total voters
    45

MYT Farms

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Oct 28, 2008
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Peyton CO
I think this same thing was posted last year. What are you going to do in terms of cow herd size to ride out these tough times? Myself, all bought and sold, am downsizing this winter.
 

GoWyo

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Nov 29, 2008
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Wyoming
We had a bumper crop of grass and guys have been putting hay up on subdivision lots and places like that.  The horse people have all the hay they can use and it got somewhat cheap around here (at least compared to the last few years).  Hay quality not necessarily great, but cows will use it well, so going to run full numbers and hope it doesn't drought me out next year.
 

Cattledog

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Mar 27, 2008
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I'm expanding.  Been to a couple of sales and have found some real deals.  I should say 'deals' cautiously.  I deal primarily with the show sector and if the sale prices don't get better I may have just created more work for myself.  I guess I'm one of those who sees this time as an opportunity.  I was able to get a great hay crop so I'm given it a whirl!
 

farmboy

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Apr 21, 2007
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south webster ohio
we havent gotten rid of anything and i don't think were going to be adding anything either. then again e only have like 15 or16 grazing.
 

forcheyhawk

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Jul 17, 2008
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Staying the same now but always on the lookout for the right opportunity.  I've often heard that you buy when everyone else is selling.  The scary part is that demand may never be the same again if the entire economy doesn't turn around.  People still have to eat but they are eating cheaper.  Let's hope it's a temporary blip on the radar screen.  Good luck everyone.
 

forbes family farms

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May 30, 2009
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Iowa Lone Tree
Were getting rid of some very old cows i mean very old cows like 13-21 year olds. And replacing them with nice show heifers. So we might grow or stay about the same don't know yet.
 

ROAD WARRIOR

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Jun 9, 2007
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After 30+ years in the cattle business I've seen alot of price swings. I've sold feeders for 28 cents a pound as well as $1.40 a pound. The cattle business is not something that you can jump in and out of if you are going to survive. There is some truth in the buy when everyone else is selling statement. I probably won't change much and will probably retain the same heifiers I would have in a strong market. RW
 

kanshow

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May 24, 2007
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Kansas
I put 'stay the same' but might actually increase, depending on how available grass will be next spring. 
 

Show Heifer

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Jan 28, 2007
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Buying like crazy and having fun doing it.  Bargins are everywhere and I plan on taking advantage of it.  I am also keeping heifers, as I have done in years past.
Those "doom and gloom'ers"  are usually the ones that "wish I would've" !

And no, I have never been bankrupt, and in no threat to do so, nor do I for see it! So I am not "going over my head". I am just taking advantage of....
 

Diamond

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Nov 14, 2007
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CT
Dumping the junk but buying some nice ones to fill in there spots :)
 

MYT Farms

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Oct 28, 2008
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Peyton CO
Cool to hear! Our operation isn't exactly freaked out, but our weaner prices are gonna need to come around to expand any. Good to hear that everyone is alive and well in the cattle business!
 

forcheyhawk

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Jul 17, 2008
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315
I'm sure beef production is going to survive, but the world is a different place than it was 30 years ago.  I can definitely see demand going down in our own country as more and more people are becoming vegetarians.  Some Doctors are talking out against red meat consumption.  Animal rights activist don't like the killing of animals for any reason.  Truth be told, there are too many folks with a voice that don't have a clue.  I think the key to the industry growing will be to tap world markets more than we are today and continuing to increase the quality of the product.  Agreed that price will always fluctuate but I really do think that the landscape is changing and it's up to all of us to promote our businesses.  <beer>
 

aj

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Jul 5, 2006
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western kansas
I'm with hawk. I think there is going to be a heck of a mess for the next 10 years because we are so far in debt. We are printing way to much money. I think corn will be cheap...protein high, we are in for a wreck and beef and fairly low on most peoples pryority lists. jmo
 

CJC

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May 16, 2008
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BROOKSHIRE, TX
What are all the vegetarians going to eat when all the animals eat it up, beings they don't like animals to be killed. Thinking they will just be eating AIR.
 

aj

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Jul 5, 2006
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western kansas
I know I like meat....I like chicken also.....my wife doesn't like chicken though.....she says she won't eat any thing that eats with its pecker.Something to ponder.
 
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