Adding Value to Your Cattle
Adding value to your cattle doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the most important way to add value is simple: raise good-quality animals. Quality calves is an added value that can be implemented by all producers. The easiest way to ensure you have great cattle is to make sure your program has consistent genetics, vaccinations, and a schedule. If you want to find other ways to add value, there are programs that exist to help you further improve your herd.
Value-added programs provide opportunities in the market. You can use these programs to fill a hole in the industry and receive a premium for your product. For example, a seed stock program should be used to fill a need in your herd. Figure out where your herd is lacking, and find a program that, over time, can fill this need.
Another sure-fire way to add value is to make sure your calves are given all necessary shots. If calves don’t have at least one round of shots some buyers won’t bid.
I recently spoke to members of Cattleman U about different ways to create value in your herd and here are some of the tips I gave:
Know the exact dollar amount to break even when selling; do the math.
Seek out potential buyers in advance of the sale. Provide them with a printout that includes your operation name, bull details, ear tag color, brands, shots, and details about your program. Let them know what you’re bringing to town ahead of time. This will allow them to be prepared and could increase the price of your cattle.
Sell early. Tell the main buyers ahead of time so they can go to work for you, consign your cattle. Ask the sale barn what time to get there to sell early, (later at night and early mornings make it more difficult to get better prices).
Value-added programs don’t indefinitely add value to your cattle. Quality, good bulls, all the right shots, and integrity add the best value.
Don’t sell on Halloween. This is international shipping week and everyone else is doing it.
Don’t sell open cows in fall, again, everyone else does it. After the New Year, the demand for cull cows is higher. Watch cyclical markets to know when to sell for better prices.
Finally, be sure that you’re also marketing your cattle to your potential buyers with great video content and photographs. 80% of buyers will make a decision to buy based off of available photos or video. If you are looking for help marketing your cattle, KRose Company has an experienced team that can handle all of your video and photography needs to make sure it is done right!