Strategies Vital to Success
Cow-calf producers weigh in on what producers should be doing to succeed.
by Troy Smith for Angus Productions Inc.
SAN ANTONOIO, TEXAS (Jan. 28, 2010) — Cattle producers assembled for the second General Session of the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention, in San Antonio, Texas, listened while a panel of speakers shared their strategies for operating successful and sustainable businesses. Among the panel members representing various segments of the beef industry was Paul Bennett, a seedstock breeder from Red House, Va. Bennet emphasized the importance of gathering credible information on which to base business decisions, making practical application of technology and networking among beef industry segments.
“I believe management decisions must be data-driven, not tradition-bound,” Bennett stated. “Sound decisions will reflect a clear understanding of the total industry and not concentrate on the interests of a single segment.”
Bennett advised fellow cattle producers to embrace emerging technology. He cited, as an example, the emergence of DNA marker-assisted selection for genetic improvement. He predicted this particular technology will advance the industry at a rapid pace, particularly as it is applied to selection for more efficient production. He also advised cow-calf producers to recognize and incorporate heterosis in their breeding programs.
“All of us must also accept responsibility for the traceability of our product and documentation of our production practices,” Bennett added. “And we must view ourselves as members of a team involved in production of beef for consumers.”
Rancher Homer Buell, whose family runs a diversified ranching operation near Rose, Neb., advised fellow cattle producers to “accentuate the positive. Buell said no cattle operation is easy to manage, and many issues challenge individual operations and the industry. Producers cannot stick their heads in the sand and ignore those challenges, he admitted, but they should seek solutions with a positive attitude.
Buell urged producers to focus on the positive aspects of their individual operations and eliminate the negative aspects. Using his own ranch as an example, Buell said application of Integrated Resource Management (IRM) principles has enabled his family to take advantage of their strengths. They also identified weaknesses — negative aspects that should be eliminated.
“About a year ago, for example, we stopped haying,” Buell explained, “We determined we couldn’t afford to own and operate haying equipment, so we hire it done.”
Buell also talked about the value of good counsel. He advised producers to build a team of trusted advisors, including an accountant, lawyer, veterinarian, Extension personnel and other producers.
“And be active in your industry,” Buell added. “We all need to be advocates, and involvement helps you gather information and build your network. It’s important to always continue to learn.”
For more API coverage of the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, visit the newsroom at www.4cattlemen.com.
Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of Angus Productions Inc. (API), which claims copyright to this article. It may not be published or distributed without the express permission of Angus Productions Inc. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at (816) 383-5270.