Information is money, so share the wealth -

Yet somehow I think we are communicating even less effectively than before the days of smartphones.

The communication struggles that occur between individuals are also apparent among business sectors.

Because of the highly segmented nature of the beef industry, information flow back to the ranch has been a challenge. I still regularly hear the logic that “I would rather not know if I have a problem.”

I question this attitude since information is now more valuable than ever in a time when high costs and low margins contribute to the difficulties in maintaining profitability on cattle operations.

The cattle industry has for years debated the necessity of an information system to help identify cattle harvested back to the farm and ranch source.

And if there was a need, the next questions were: What will the system look like? How intrusive and how expensive will it be?

The recent publication of the final animal disease traceability rule in the federal register seems to have appeased most of the many organizations contributing comments.

It allows use of systems already in place to track animals. My opinion is that it still makes traceback to the source very difficult.

Cattlemen who want to know if there are problems with the cattle they raised will need to be innovative in getting that information. Obtaining that data can be difficult, but there are several options to consider.

The first option is still to retain ownership of your cattle through the feedlot phase. This will get you all the health, performance and carcass information if you work with a feedyard that has a history of supplying that data.

I do like to remind cattlemen that you need to have a good relationship with the yard management and make sure they understand your wishes.

Some yards routinely cut out all tags when they process calves, therefore losing the ability to trace back to the cow. Maybe you just desire pen data, but again, make sure that is communicated.

Retaining full ownership may not be a financially viable option for many operations. With that said, many feedyards are willing to partner on a percentage of the cattle. With this option, your financial risks are less, but still make it clear that you want information back.

The negative aspect of receiving information back from your cattle is that you may not like what you see. The first and most common reaction when performance is poor or excessive health issues are present is to put blame on the feedlot.

The ranch, in the vast majority of cases, is a very low-risk environment. However, this all changes when your cattle are exposed to animals, feed and environments different than their original home.

Be open to the fact that you may need to address issues with vaccination, genetics and nutrition that cause an increased susceptibility to disease when calves leave the farm.

If you don’t own ’em, how can you get the data?

There are fewer options and an increased need for improved early communication when you don’t own the animal.

Also key in this situation is the business relationship you build with potential yards that agree to work with you. Obviously, selling direct to a feedyard gives you the best chance of getting information returned.

Before you make assumptions that you will get info back, talk to the manager of the yard and see if that is part of their normal practice.

You can also work through an order buyer, but beware … not all of them want you to know that you have great-performing, healthy cattle.

With the current shortage of cattle to fill the feedyards, many games are played, so make sure you communicate and preferably get what you are agreeing to in writing.

Other considerations

Most yards will sort cattle into groups that are matched by size or genetics, which means your cattle will end up in multiple pens.

This may inhibit the ability to get performance data, but health data can still be gathered depending on the yard’s system for data collection and management.

As mentioned earlier, it is common practice to cut off tags, so you need to be sure you know the yard system. If EIDs (electronic identification) are used to collect data into a system, the yard could potentially tell you animals that were treated or died.

The return of information is least likely to occur when selling cattle through the salebarn. Some barns do work with customers through age and source programs and assist in getting information back; however, the reality is that feedlots buying salebarn cattle cannot easily trace the cattle except back to the barn.

Like I said, the key is communicating with your buyers and understanding your options.

Information flow back to the ranch will only happen if you develop a plan and have a desire to get it done. In my experience, good information is usually relayed as a simple comment of “they did good, no problems.”

This data can be misleading as many buyers do not want to upset clients for fear that they will not get a chance to buy the calves the next year.

When calves are a wreck, one of three things will happen. One, you will be informed, as some yards want to help; two, the buyer just won’t be back to buy the calves; or three, they’ll want to pay less for them.

In 2013, API is partnering with the NCBA on a BVD control and surveillance program. This national effort is important as we are encouraging stocker and feedyard operations to do BVD testing on deads.

The unique thing about finding a PI in the dead pile is that it was created back at the ranch. We will be assisting yards with identifying problem sources and areas of the country where BVD might be causing poor health and reproduction.

This is one effort in an attempt to get useful information back to the farm or ranch to improve health and performance. More information about this program can be found by clicking here.

Communication is not easy even with all the current tools available. It requires a plan and effort in creating relationships that will get results.

I do think it is important for producers that want to stay progressive and profitable to work at getting any information back as to the health and performance of their cattle. Not wanting to know just doesn’t cut it.

PHOTO

Relaying information back to the ranch requires that you develop a plan and have a desire to get it done. Photo courtesy of Progressive Cattleman staff.