Too often, we wholly apply the simple answers from ag research to solve the complex problems we face as beef producers. When it comes to managing a grazing program, we can be our own worst enemies.

Whether the topic is animal health, forage production, profitability or quality of life for us and our families, we seem determined to create problems for ourselves.

One source of problems comes from the never-ending stream of recommendations on how to increase production. By adopting all the latest techniques and practices – without understanding the total and long-term effects of these changes – we have greatly increased the amount of meat produced per animal but the cost has been reduced profitability. This is true whether profits are measured as per dollar invested, per acre, per hour of labor or as sustainability of the program.

To read Davis' complete column, click here.

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