Fall & Winter Feeding

Newsletter #2

From Henry’s Desk:

When it comes to fall and winter feeding, you've got to think ahead. Don't wait until the snow flies to start planning – watch the markets. That's especially true with feed prices. Keep your eyes peeled for deals, but don't sacrifice quality. Your rations should be flexible, adjusting based on both nutrition needs and feed costs. Don't get stuck in a rut with what you've always fed. Look beyond the usual suspects – sure, wheat, corn, and barley are staples, but have you considered peas or lentils? They can be nutritious alternatives that might save you a pretty penny. The key is to stay informed and adaptable. Your livestock's needs will change with the weather, and so should your feeding strategy. Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and always have a backup plan. Winter can be unforgiving, but with the right preparation, you'll see your herd through to spring.

Remember, "What goes up comes down, what goes down comes up," that applies to livestock, feed, and life and it's something I always keep in the back of my mind.

LEARN MORE

Market Insight: Match Your Resources to Your Environment

A Cattle Buyer's Perspective from Mike

What I'm seeing in the yards lately has me concerned. We're getting too many open heiferettes coming through, and many are showing up significantly undernourished. This isn't just about current market losses – it's a red flag pointing to a deeper issue in herd management.

The hard truth? These animals likely never stood a chance because they weren't suited for their environment from the start. When your genetics don't match your land and resources, you're setting yourself up for:

Poor conception rates
Reduced body condition
Higher feed costs
Lower return on investment
Increased culling rates

From the Freezer (aka Sara’s Desk):

Over the past decade, High Five Meats has taken me on an entrepreneurial journey that's been nothing short of a masterclass in business evolution and marketing strategy. We started small, selling directly to consumers at weekly farmers markets. Now, we've grown to focus primarily on wholesale, supplying restaurants and grocery stores. This transition has led us through the intricate maze of local food systems, sharpening our grasp on the ever-changing landscape of customer preferences and market dynamics.

Starting from scratch, I leveraged social media and direct marketing to build our brand in the meat industry. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about content creation - what resonates with our audience and what falls flat. As the business grew, I adapted new strategies, pivoting towards wholesale markets and refining our approach to meet changing demands.

Throughout this journey, I've gained rich insights into various aspects of the meat industry, from consumer preferences to the intricacies of local food supply chains. Now, I'm eager to share these hard-won insights, hoping to help fellow entrepreneurs navigate similar challenges in their own pursuits, whether in the food industry or beyond.

Question: You have a spare $10,000 to invest in something TODAY, what would it be?

Henry’s Answer: With markets favorable, this is an optimal time to stock up on feed inventory. Feed is like money in the bank. When you buy right and store properly, it gives you the flexibility to say "yes" to profitable opportunities that fit your operation's environment and capabilities.

Mike’s Answer: Before jumping into any investment, Mike advocates for a thorough evaluation of your operation. What does your land actually support? What water resources do you have? How's your fence and facility infrastructure? What's your true carrying capacity? What labor resources are available? Answer those questions, then give him a call while he is driving to the next cow sale, and he will give you, his opinion.

Sara’s Answer: Feeder goats, mainly because they’re cute, second because the market seems hot hot hot and only going up from here. While my first reason might make you roll your eyes, the goat market has been seeing strong demand and impressive returns. With more ethnic market growth and increased consumer interest in goat meat, this "cute" investment could mean serious business.