Lemmy’s Thoughts for September:

1.   I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days with the Tri County Cattleman’s members and video their calves for this sale. They continue to do all the things that are needed to capture the full value for their calf production. They are always ready to make whatever changes that is necessary to improve their product. How needed is this attitude in our cattle business here in the Southeast!

2.   Let me remind you that our cow numbers and calf numbers are at a 50 year low. This is offset some by the increase of our weaned calf weights and our harvest carcass weights. Nevertheless I think we have some real opportunities to breed some good quality heifers and increase our cow numbers.

3.    Some Backgrounders have cut back in the last 12 months due to a lack of profitability. Those that continued their program are benefiting for the inventory that has increases in value for the last few months.

4.   Commodity feeding is a way to economically gain stockers on grass. I want to caution you to feed a good balanced ration, not gluten alone. We are seeing some negative reactions from over feeding gluten alone. Excess sulfur can cause polio, drunken staggering and death. Be on the lookout.

5.   GIPSA, the Packers and Stockyards Act has proposed rule changes that could very negative to the cattle business. Let your congressman know that these are not in the favor of cattlemen, but will really benefit lawyers that love to sue and upset our industry.

6.   Make plans to do the little extras to your calf crop such as identifying the birthdates of your calves, weaning and vaccinating and marketing with Hodge Livestock Network to get the full value for your efforts

Sincerely,

Lemmy