Another hurdle that can set back cattle producers in the region is cow herd variation. Of course, this is not to suggest every herd should look the same but, instead, that inconsistency within a herd is often a weak link in profitability. Most of us in the South grew up with herds of all shapes and sizes.
As producers switched bull breeds every few years, particularly back in the ’80s and ’90s, herds often times developed a lot of variety.
At our family farm, we always seemed to end up with a random half Holstein or Brown Swiss. Some of these females may be good in their own right when it comes to raising a calf, but too many times the weaned calf crop resembles grandma’s fruit salad. Order buyers aren’t asked to pay top dollar for fruit salad. Calf crops with too much variation in frame and muscle are going to require different management in the feedlot.
This limits marketing in commingled loads and the number of interested buyers. Wide variation also tends to create more difficulties meeting nutritional needs. One cow is as “fat as a bear” in a body condition score of 8 weighing 1,700 pounds, and another is a body condition score 4 weighing 1,150 pounds – and neither is ideal.
Transitioning to a consistent herd takes time. Setting goals for cow size and type is obviously important. Develop a plan to stay on track. Close the gaps in mature weight, fleshing ability and hide color, for example. But just as importantly, make sure they are “good ’uns,” whether straight-bred or crossbred.
Select females that will flourish in your environment. If you are looking at a group of heifers or cows of similar age, those that are tight-middled and narrow are going to be more difficult fleshing.
We all have different opinions about what makes a good cow, but if they are too thin and don’t breed, we don’t have a leg to stand on. In a nutshell, quality and consistency yields profit. Have a great November. 
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Jason Duggin
- Beef Extension Specialist
- University of Georgia
- Email Jason Duggin
