By Garth Ruff
2024 has been quite the year. We started the year with record high cattle prices, and what appeared to be the most profitable calf crop in several years. Move into planting season and first cutting hay harvest that went fairly well across most of the state and then it began to get dry. Really dry.
The drought of 2024 will be remembered for a long while as one of the greatest challenges to livestock production in Ohio. Whether it was hay being fed in August or water being hauled daily, the drought has certainly provided some challenges to those in affected areas but also provide some opportunities to make decisions on herd management, forages, and on farm water systems going forward.
I am not one to make New Year’s resolutions, but after hauling water at home for the past four months, I am going to commit to not complaining about mud this winter. I have even threatened that the first time that my dad or brother complain about muddy conditions, that I am going to throw a handful at them.
Going into winter the greatest concerns I have heard are potential shortages of feed, pasture/forage availability going into next spring, and questions regarding about how much purchased feed can be invested to maintain cows this winter.
While each one of those concerns are specific to individual operation there are a few recommendations for all producers that experienced D3 and D4 drought.
If you haven’t done so yet visit your FSA and SWCD offices. They have programs that were unrolled for drought relief. Your local SWCD/NRCS office is the go-to resource if developing livestock water infrastructure is a goal.
Do not abuse pastures. We have had some green-up from recent rainfall. Don’t confuse green-up of cool season grasses with new pasture growth. Over grazing newly green pastures at this time of year may have negative impacts on root reserves of energy and re-growth in the spring.
Work with a nutritionist. Once you know the quality and quantity of available forage, a beef cattle nutritionist should be able to provide some feeding options going forward.
One of the other questions that has been frequently asked this fall is, “What does 2025 look like from a price standpoint?”
All indications are that the cattle market should continue to be strong going into next year. Even though feeder cattle futures have been on a roller coaster as of late, the reality is that heifer retention numbers are still low and the January 2025 cow herd is expected to be smaller yet than 2024.
I think there is reason to be optimistic as a cattle producer going into the new year. Feed costs are down and cattle prices are still strong. Inflation of prices at the retail case is still a concern for consumers however from August 10, 2023 to August 10, 2024 fresh retail beef sale grew 0.6%, from 3.26 to 3.28 billion pounds. With that said, have a safe holiday season and as always: Eat Beef!
Source : osu.edu