It's more important than ever for beef producers to be mindful of under-performing cows in their operations, especially during one of the worst droughts in history. Dr. Monty Rouquette, Texas AgriLife Research forage scientist, drew a room full of laughs during the forage management workshop Monday. He told beef producers they need to be mindful of poor-performing cows and gave some criteria for evaluation, especially during times of drought. Calling it the "Cash for Clunker Cows" program, here's his cow criteria cattle producers should use in evaluating their herd:
- Calves every other year.
- Calves on 18-month schedule.
- Heaviest weaned calves are 400 pounds.
- Always has a Body Condition Score Greater than 7.
- Often jumps fences, prefers to graze on roadsides.
- Auction barn has cash for next four days.
- BLAIR FANNIN
b-fannin@tamu.edu
