An early 1960s issue of
The Progressive Farmer featured Oliver Grote, an Angus convert who helped the breed become commonplace in central Texas. Today his grandson Will Grote has expanded the Grote Angus Ranch into Oklahoma, and he has seen Mother Nature throw some punches.
Grote made it through the 2006 drought, thanks to his "prepare for the worst, but hope for the best" management plan. He says looking back he realizes he survived by managing his pastures and keeping his animals healthy.
On herd genetics
I believe a good herd starts from the ground up. Understanding stocking rates and how much feed and land you'll need to keep cattle in good condition is important. You have to always be prepared for the idea that you may end up keeping cattle longer than you initially intended to maximize your return.
For me, a key to that is investing in the best genetics I can afford. I always choose quality over quantity. It takes longer and costs more to improve a poor herd than it does to purchase proven, sound bloodlines.
On making the hard work count
There is not necessarily any one secret to a healthy herd. I just think you have to avoid cutting corners. There's too much risk in that, as tempting as it is sometimes.
It's a full-time job managing a ranch. And like many folks, I also have a nine-to-five job. There are lots of days when I'm out feeding cattle after dark. But when I think about taking a shortcut, I think about the fact that if I don't have live calves, I don't have calves to sell.
On pasture management
Whether you're talking about animal-health products, feed or fencing, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of gain.
Managing pastures against overgrazing really paid off for us last year. We had enough hay and grass to get through the drought. I also utilize pasture rotation to help minimize parasite contamination and manage grass.
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On vaccinations
I believe it's key to use reputable products from reputable sources that you know store those products correctly. Vaccines are not going to work correctly if they've gotten overheated.
And I think no matter what a person's level of experience is, it's critical to read labels, follow directions and give shots in the correct sites.
Proper sanitation is another key factor in herd health. Be honest with yourself: If you are not going to correctly sanitize the automatic syringe after use, buy disposables and throw them away. It will be money well spent.
This also eliminates dull needles that create lesions and ample opportunities for infections.
On critical relationships
It's not something we talk about a lot, but it's so important to have a good relationship with a banker who understands the cattle business. It's all about cash flow to a bank; but with a controlled breeding program, you'll likely have income only twice a year. You need someone who understands that.
Also establish a relationship with a local veterinarian who has cattle experience. Sooner or later you're going to need him for a health consultation or an emergency situation. Out here we're pretty isolated, so the vet's location is also key to his availability.
A vet or an experienced cattleman who can palpate your cows if you're not comfortable with it is really important. It's one of the most effective things you can do to maximize returns. If you're feeding a cow for six months and she doesn't have a calf, you've just lost money.
My biggest day-to-day challenges
Often it feels like there are not enough hours in the day. It's also very difficult to find labor with the level of dedication you need in a cow/calf operation.
What I wish for right now
I want to see more of the younger generations returning to the family farm. With the birth of my son, I realized what my father meant when he said he was doing this for my sister and me. He and my grandfather had the foresight to build something that could be passed along.
Where I go for information
I typically turn to industry professionals and cattle-industry leaders for advice. I also get a lot out of discussing the issues with really good, experienced cattlemen.