Bred Cow Prices

[smcgrath76]

Cow maintenance and cow depreciation are two of the biggest costs in any cow calf operation. We all do things to reduce maintenance cost, such as calving season, cheap feed sources, least cost rationing, controlling cow size. Not many of us (myself included) are really good at addressing the depreciation rate of our cowherds. There are some tools out there to help, but it is a tough thing to do.
Anyone have any ideas?

[brian99]

Sorry I didnt reply earlier, and I guess smcgrath addressed the missunderstanding. $4 barley causes low calf prices, and the resulting nonprofitabale cow herd causes low bred cow prices. Heard heifers quit selling at Perlich Bros. (Lethbridge) because there were no bids over $800. A few old blacks sold for good money, though.

I think most of us cow guys have done a good job keeping costs in line. When we are faced with a skyrocketing dollar, poor fat basis levels(which no one is talking about), and higher barley costs, all you can do is background longer and shrink the meat supply. After all we're the only cattle guys who can.