Finding a formula to determine exactly what your cow herd is producing compared to your inputs is essential to maximizing your operation’s profits.

Over the past several decades, beef cows have quietly gotten bigger. In 1975, the average beef cow weighed just over 1,000 pounds; by 2009, that number had jumped to 1,350 pounds, and today, many herds include cows tipping the scales at 1,400 pounds or more.

Pricing of feeder calves is based on weight as well as their expected future performance. Feedlot owners and managers are tracing superior as well as inferior animals to the previous owners, and future bids depend on animal quality.

Every cattleman understands that getting cows bred is among the most basic of necessities in any cow-calf operation. If cows don’t get bred, the revenue stream dries up and the business is no longer sustainable.

In reviewing large commercial datasets, experts are seeing certain patterns beginning to emerge – particularly as it relates to a cow’s ability to stay in the herd. These trends are important to be aware of to identify challenges as well as opportunities.

After more than 15 years of practicing in a large-animal clinic, a veterinarian pinpoints three herd health issues on which producers can take action to add pounds to their calves and efficiency to their operations.

With markets demanding ever more proof of beef’s environmental sustainability, taking relatively simple steps such as improving your herd’s genetics or mineral supplementation can pay big dividends.