Quick
Thought: Yesterday I watched a 2400lb cull bull sell for $0.73/lb. That works out to
$1752. What a great time to trade in your old genetics and
buy a new bull. Buying a new bull is the fastest and most
cost effective way to improve your next calf crop. Have
a look at the following table where I compare the cost difference
between buying a $1800 bull versus a $3000 bull. †††
†††
| Cost
of Bull |
$1800 |
$3000 |
| Salvage
Value (after 4 years of service) |
$1500 |
$1500 |
| Actual
Cost |
$300 |
$1500 |
| Cows
Bred (4 years @ 30 cows/year) |
120 |
120 |
| Cows
Sired (95% calving rate) |
114 |
114 |
| Cost/calf |
$300/144
= $2.63/calf |
$1500/144
= $13.15/calf |
When
you look at the final costs per calf the difference between
an $1800 bull and a $3000 bull is only $10.52 per calf.
Thats only about ten more pounds of weaned calf required
to justify the extra expense. Your calves off of the better
bull will probably sell for more per pound as well. Another
thing to remember is that if you are keeping replacement
females from your herd, a better bull means better cows which
will also increase long term profitability.
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