Australia-The cost of cattle feed.

AUSTRALIA-COST OF CATTLE FEED.

A combination of a near-decade extended drought, cattle feed prices escalating five to seven times the cost of a decade ago along with environmental regulations that make a profit more of a problem. The beef scare of BSE (mad cow disease in Canada) that caused a safety concern that does not exist as there never was a case of BSE in America. Land prices paid for mini farms and urban spread make cattle ranges too expensive to own and a lack of understanding by people who move to the country and failed to investigate the conditions (odors) of the rural area.

With all of the above, is the cattle business going to leave completely? The answer is no. It is being done with different management techniques and, in many cases, by new cattlemen. Those who stay in the cattle business will be better merchandisers, use more quality forage (grazing) and have genetically improved cattle. Be alert to the size of the producing cow in relationship to the weaned calf weight.

Many who produce beef will utilize niche markets, including selling the meat at the farm or, in some cases, delivering to the consumer. The Country of Origin labeling will be a blessing not a curse. Animal and Premis ID will be necessary. A profit can be made in the cattle business, and many will make a good one if we are ready for change.