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Changing our ranching operation

Trinity man

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 12, 2009
Messages
1,259
Location
Guy Store, Texas
With all the problems with my parents sickness I am selling all of my parents cattle and have started running yearlings. I have a guy bring me around 250-300 hd and will be running them on so much per head. I would like to do it on the gain, but I need a good monthy income to cover all the cost for all medical and home care cost. I will also be running 100 cows for a guy. Over the years our cow herd has been getting smaller and smaller with the dorughts in the summer time and we just don't have the numbers to do it any more. From what I can make running yearlings for people its alot more than what we make running cow/calf operation.
 
And you can set it up so you get winters off... :D
An open attitude to things is a great strength.
 
Doing it on the gain can be risky. You darn sure need a scale and a good relationship with your yearling owner. Many like putting them out on the gain but they don't supply cattle that are good gainers or they are full or fleshy coming in. The day rate lets you know what you have coming and if your gains are good they will be coming back with cattle.
 
What are you charging as a day rate? I may be interesting in talking with you about some deals. I live in Wichita Falls but have cattle scattered here and there. Send me a PM if you would like!
 
I'm running stockers in the winter on cotton and corn fields sowed in wheat. I'm doing in on rate of gain.
 
Rate of gain can be a deal breaker-maybe a flat day rate plus a rate of gain incentive if you reach certain performance levels. Some outfits have come to the brink up here just running 'storage' cattle on a gain basis. The right cattle will grow through their hide and should make everybody money. You need to have who takes death loss, who pays for treating etc figured in also. Cow calf pairs on a straight day rate might be a bit easier-your bringing in both so you'll be able to make a decision. I'd get things in writing. I've been a field supervisor for feeder associations for 20 years or so a little time spent at the start cuts down on the refereeing at the end.
 
There is a true saying, "You can't starve the profit out of a cow." If you are putting cattle out, whether on shares or per head per month, sometimes the person taking in the cattle does try to "starve the profit" out (for the owner). Of course, by doing so, they can make more profit. :? :roll: Be very cautious with whom you do business, no matter which side of the fence you are on.

The old Golden Rule applies quite well, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." :-)
 

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