Tuesday evening, Don and I attended a farm walk sponsored by the Boone County SWCD. The purpose was to view, first hand, the grazing program utilized by an area cattleman and his wife. This program was fairly standard. Forty percent grazed, 30% trampled, 30% left standing, daily moves, fly control, etc. Personally, I like to see what others are doing or not doing and how well their programs are working or not working. The most interesting facet of the entire operation though, is the type of animal being grazed. This cattleman purchases thin cattle headed for slaughter, fattens them on grass, then resells them for slaughter. All the while, he uses the cattle to managing his pastures. According to his wife, this is common practice in the United States and other countries. I didn’t realize this but can see some advantages. The practice seems basic and straight forward. No money is tied up in developing genetics or marketing and advertising.

The year 2012 was plagued with drought conditions here in Missouri and grazing cattle with little investment has some real flexibility. If a rancher has to sell out, he won’t be selling the hard work put into genetic development. He might take a hit selling in the ring, however when the rains come, he can easily pick up where he left off by purchasing more thin cattle at the sale barn that show potential.

Unfortunately, an internet search for forums on fattening cull cattle for slaughter was fruitless. It would be interesting to know how widely practiced it is. We have no plans to sell our registered Red Angus and buy into slaughter cattle though. I just find the concept interesting. What are your thoughts?