At the 2024 Beef Improvement Federation Symposium, experts Rick Machen from Texas A&M University Kingsville and Bob Weaber from Kansas State University discussed the importance of longevity and maternal performance in cow-calf operations. Machen emphasized that cows’ ability to remain productive over many years significantly boosts profitability. Retaining efficient cows helps lower production costs.

Both speakers highlighted sustainability in the cow-calf industry, stressing the importance of economic sustainability alongside social and environmental concerns. Weaber pointed out that integrating genetics and environmental management is vital for enhancing cow performance. They also discussed improving calf crop percentages as a way to increase revenue, noting that even a small increase can lead to significant financial gains.

Machen mentioned the advantages of early calving, stating that heifers born early in the season tend to be more productive. In addition, he addressed the often-overlooked cost of depreciation, which is essential for financial planning and maintaining profitability. Throughout their presentations, Machen and Weaber provided valuable insights into how longevity, maternal performance, and effective management practices contribute to the success of cow-calf operations. For more details, additional presentations can be found at the Beef Improvement Federation’s website.