Judith Basin County Range School 2006
Introduction
With support from the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, the Judith Basin
Conservation District and Cascade County Conservation District and the Natural
Resources Conservation Service joined forces and presented an outstanding class
on figuring cattle costs and changing cattle calving seasons.
Objectives
The objective of the Range School was to provide participants with an
increased awareness and knowledge about annual cow cost and about how changing
calving season makes sense.
Study Area
The study area for the seminar was at the B & O Ranch (owned by Joe and Peggy
Broesder and Lanell and Kelly Ashley) in Belt, Montana.
Methods
Harlan Hughes, Professor Emeritus at North Dakota State University and
currently residing in Laramie, Wyoming, opened the range school. Harlan shared
his vast knowledge in determining cattle costs and record keeping and also
explained weaning weights of the 1990’s and how those profited in the 90’s.
There are two key questions every rancher needs to ask:
- What does it cost me to produce a hundredweight of calf?
- Am I a High-Cost or Low-Cost producer?
Harlan stated that the key to cutting cow costs is to have herd performance
records. Harlan writes the Market Advisor, a monthly column in BEEF magazine.
Bill Milton of Roundup, Montana, returned to ranching in 1978. Bill has spent
the last twenty-eight years developing drought-tested, holistic grazing
practices that support their cattle and sheep. Bill shared why he changed
calving seasons to a late spring-summer calving season and how it has affected
his operation.
Lanell Ashley of Belt, Montana, provided comments on his experience of
shifting calving seasons to a late spring-summer timeframe.
Results
A total of 83 participants received folders of information on cattle costs,
changing calving season, and a “Poisonous Plants of Montana” book. As per quote
from Judith Basin Extension Agent Janna Kincheloe, “There was a great turn-out
for the Range School, and attendees represented every sector of the agriculture
industry – farmers and ranchers, bankers, political representatives, and
government agencies. Topics covered during the day addressed several current
issues that are important to producers, and the setting allowed everyone an
opportunity to interact with the speakers and with each other.”
Contact Information
Judith Basin Conservation District
Teresa Wilhelm, District Administrator
(406) 566-2311 x107
Natural Resources Conservation District
Stanford Field Office
Rick Caquelin, District Conservationist
(406) 566-2311 x101
Judith Basin County Extension Service
Janna Kincheloe, County Extension Agent
(406) 566-2277 x104
Last Modified:
01/08/2007
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