Dr. Eric Bailey shares insights on beef cattle nutrition, grazing strategies, and innovative solutions. Topics include economics of hay feeding, flexible grazing units, drought effects, and the Feedlot School Program. Learn about optimizing cattle feeding operations, adapting to drought, and exploring new opportunities in agriculture.
Stocker cattle provide flexibility during droughts and reduce winter feeding challenges.
Adopting a flexible grazing system enhances land use efficiency and profitability in cattle operations.
Use risk protection tools like LRP to manage financial risks in volatile cattle markets.
Deep dives
Transition to Stocker Cattle in Drought Conditions
Producers are considering transitioning from cattle to stocker cattle due to the challenges of feeding hay through winter and the industry's shift towards stocker cattle amidst drought conditions. Stocker cattle offer flexibility in managing drought impacts on grazing lands and reduce the labor-intensive winter feeding practices.
Adopting Flexible Grazing Systems for Resilience
Encouragement to adopt a flexible grazing system combining both cattle and stocker units to maximize land use efficiency and adaptability during drought periods. The model involves diversifying cattle operations to increase profitability and reduce vulnerabilities to feed shortages and high input costs.
Managing Market Fluctuations with Risk Protection
Discussion on the importance of monitoring market fluctuations and utilizing risk protection tools, like LRP, to mitigate financial risks associated with volatile cattle markets. Recommendations highlight the need to secure profitable margins amidst rising cattle prices and uncertainties in market trends.
University of Missouri Feedlot School Program
Introduction of the University of Missouri Extension Feedlot School Program initiated in 2021 to address the growing demand for fat cattle for processing plants in Missouri. The program aims to educate producers on feedlot management practices, cattle feeding strategies, and enhancing cattle finishing operations in the state.
Supporting Cattle Feeding Education and Value-Added Agriculture
Organizing a two-day school in partnership with the University of Missouri to educate individuals interested in or already practicing cattle feeding, focusing on scaling up operations and understanding the nuances of cattle feeding. The program includes visits to cattle feeding facilities across Missouri to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Plans to expand the program to cater to those selling beef directly to consumers, emphasizing the importance of proper feeding techniques for achieving high-quality beef products. Initiatives aim to promote value-added agriculture in Missouri and align with efforts to regionalize beef packing, driving the resurgence of cattle feeding in the region.
Promoting Efficient Farm Resource Use and Positive Cash Flow in Agriculture
Advocating for a shift towards creating cash-flow positive agricultural business models to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers. The importance of balancing equity appreciation with positive cash flow to ensure sustainable farming practices and profitable operations. Encouraging farmers to focus on business aspects such as financial planning, evaluating stocking rates, and managing operational costs to generate income. Emphasizing the significance of diversifying agricultural operations, integrating value-added marketing strategies, and rethinking conventional farming approaches to foster economic viability and attract new talent to the industry.
In this episode, our special guest is Dr. Eric Bailey, assistant professor of animal science and state beef nutrition specialist at the University of Missouri. With a focus on enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency, Dr. Bailey's insights from his extensive research and practical applications offer valuable strategies for cattle grazing and management. His leadership in educational programs further underscores emphasis on innovation and future directions in the beef cattle industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone connected to the beef cattle industry, looking to explore beef cattle nutrition and pasture management. Tune in to explore innovative solutions in beef cattle operations.
"We just turned cattle out on the pastures and pulled them off the same pastures 90 to 110 days later, depending on how the forage availability held out." - Dr. Eric Bailey
What you’ll learn:
(00:00) Highlight
(01:24) Introduction
(07:14) The economics of hay feeding in winter
(17:19) Bale rolled out compared to bale fed in a ring
(30:40) The importance of flexible grazing units
(39:35) Insights into drought effects
(55:04) Feedlot School Program
(1:09:29) Final three questions
(1:22:00) End of the episode
Meet the guest: Dr. Eric Bailey is currently an assistant professor and state beef nutrition specialist at the University of Missouri, and is renowned for his research in beef cattle nutrition. He focuses on enhancing stocker cattle systems and the use of Kentucky 31 tall fescue pastures, vital for Missouri's agriculture. With over $1.1 million in grants and 21 peer-reviewed publications, his work has significantly contributed to the field. Dr. Bailey also leads the MU Extension Feedlot School program and co-coordinates the Missouri Grazing Schools, demonstrating his commitment to education and practical application in beef cattle management.
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