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Heifer Retention

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    #1

    Heifer Retention

    Just wondering what ranchers thoughts on heifer retention is with such high prices. I kept back more last year and will again this year. Fortunate to have lots of feed, if that changes going into spring numbers will be reduced.
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    #2
    Personally I haven't increased retention. Always kept about 60% of the heifers and cull hard on cows. This year I'll likely keep less, maybe only 40% of the heifers. Just because herd is young and I don't need a surplus of heifers anymore.

    I don't know of anyone that is going over and above on retaining heifers, but I do know a lot of people that are culling cows hard and planning their exit over the next couple years.
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      #3
      No expansion here, hopefully pastures turns around with some spring rains.

      I know i don't cull hard enough, generally keep back 15% of the calves. This year it's one cull cow for one heifer, knowing that still results in a decline.

      I have also noticed more good younger cows bulling than should be. A bit worried that the lack of nutrition in the grass this summer may have hurt fertility. Will see i guess.

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        #4
        We try to keep up replacement heifer numbers with the number of culls/opens plus cows of a mandatory retirement age of 12. Some producers can't afford to do this and unfortunately the herd gets too old which leads to more problems and more handling. We learned that lesson during BSE.

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          #5
          Originally posted by littledoggie View Post
          We try to keep up replacement heifer numbers with the number of culls/opens plus cows of a mandatory retirement age of 12. Some producers can't afford to do this and unfortunately the herd gets too old which leads to more problems and more handling. We learned that lesson during BSE.
          Mandatory retirement age of 12? Ive always thought if they make it there and still in good condition, they are the ones that are making the most profit! I'd only ship them if they show any signs of slowing down or having an issue. But prices are different now and there are different economics today too. Food for thought I guess.
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            #6
            Originally posted by dfarms11 View Post

            Mandatory retirement age of 12? Ive always thought if they make it there and still in good condition, they are the ones that are making the most profit! I'd only ship them if they show any signs of slowing down or having an issue. But prices are different now and there are different economics today too. Food for thought I guess.
            And there is the odd one that goes beyond. But we have found that the chances of having to help them for birthing/nursing and other calf issues goes up with age. And we're not getting any younger.

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              #7
              At a 2000$ plus price for a heifer, the bred heifers better be worth gold next year.

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                #8
                Originally posted by littledoggie View Post

                And there is the odd one that goes beyond. But we have found that the chances of having to help them for birthing/nursing and other calf issues goes up with age. And we're not getting any younger.
                Fair enough! That is very true.

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                  #9
                  Bred heifer sales to 6000

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