Considering Crossbreeding

High calf and feeder cattle prices during the past couple of years have helped many of Missouri’s cowcalf producers achieve profitability. Even though many cattle producer’s operations are profitable, work should continue to improve the economic position of the farm or ranch. Profitability may be enhanced by increasing the volume of production (i.e. the pounds of calves you market) and/or the value of products you sell (improving quality). The reduction of production costs, and thus breakeven prices, can also improve profitability. For commercial beef producers, the implementation of technologies and breeding systems that increase the quality and volume of production and reduce input costs is essential to maintain or improve the competitive position of the operation. More and more producers are finding that a structured crossbreeding system helps them achieve the goals increasing productivity and reducing production costs.