Starting in the stocker cattle business can be a profitable and rewarding enterprise. However, definite challenges also exist. Like any business venture, it requires careful planning, knowledge, management and the proper resources.
At BioZyme®, our mission is to provide care that comes full circle to every animal and every person we encounter. We know that if we help the animals, they will help the people. Giving that care that comes full circle is much like a boomerang that we throw that comes back to us.
Due to the experience of the Gain Smart team, many people have come to us curious about how to start a stocker cattle operation. It’s not an easy task. But, nothing worth having in life is easy. Plan properly, put in a little elbow grease, and add some faith, and you can have a profitable and successful stocker operation.
Our Gain Smart® staff wants you to get started on the right foot. We’ve brainstormed the best practices for your initial preparation. The one thing you can’t forget is a quality nutrition program. Be sure to provide healthy, efficient pounds with one of our four Gain Smart products.
How to Start a Stocker Cattle Operation
There is nothing lucky about being involved in the cattle business. However, we have compiled 7 lucky tips on how to start a stocker cattle operation.
1. Research & Education
Gain a solid understanding of stocker cattle operations. Attend workshops, read industry publications, and connect with experienced cattle producers. Find a mentor to learn about best practices in cattle production and management, as well as health, nutrition and market trends.
2. Develop a Business Plan
Create a detailed business plan outlining your goals, budget and operational strategies. Identify your target market, determine the number of cattle you plan to manage, and develop a budget. Calculate startup costs, including land, equipment, feed and livestock purchases. Remember, the cost of cattle is a significant one, so plan wisely. It’s always good to have a wise banker and solidify the relationship with that individual, too.
3. Secure Land & Facilities
Stocker cattle require adequate pastureland for grazing. Ensure the land is well-fenced and has access to clean water. Invest in facilities for handling and treating cattle, such as a corral and chute system, if necessary.
4. Select the Right Cattle
Purchase healthy, lightweight calves (400–700 lbs.) suitable for grazing and growth. Choose breeds or crossbreeds with proven performance in your region. For instance, eared cattle probably aren’t going to perform well in the harsh North Dakota winters. Buy calves from reputable producers and determine if it is worth paying a premium for those cattle that have been preconditioned.
5. Establish a Health Program
Work with a veterinarian to develop a health protocol that includes vaccinations, deworming and nutritional supplements. Quarantine new arrivals to prevent disease spread and monitor cattle closely for health issues.
One way to get your new calves started right is by giving them a dose of VitaFerm Cattle Drench upon arrival. VitaFerm Cattle Drench supports digestive health before, during and after challenges. AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a research-proven prebiotic that enhances digestibility, is the key ingredient in VitaFerm Cattle Drench and all Gain Smart minerals.
6. Implement a Grazing Plan
To optimize forage utilization and promote pasture health, use rotational grazing. Monitor grazing conditions and supplement feed, when necessary, especially during periods of low forage availability.
7. Monitor Markets & Finances
Keep track of cattle market trends and adjust your selling strategy accordingly. Maintain accurate records of expenses and income to evaluate profitability. Complete and detailed health and nutrition records can help you find a buyer. You are more likely to find a buyer who wants to finish healthy cattle and have a good nutrition history.
Gain Smart Can Help Start a Stocker Cattle Operation
We hope we’ve answered how to start a stocker cattle operation. The final and most important tip is: don’t forget the Gain Smart. Gain Smart is a vitamin and mineral supplement that comes in one of four formulas.
We know from experience that when you feed Gain Smart products, you’re doing more than giving your cattle the best vitamin and mineral package possible. You are supporting their immune health and helping enhance their digestive system with the research-proven prebiotic, AO-Biotics Amaferm.
Amaferm has over 70 years of research and more than 110 research studies proving its efficacy. When we tell you that feeding a mineral supplement with Amaferm will promote feed intake and help your cattle gain at least .25 pounds per head per day, we mean it.
We know that 70% of the immune response starts in the gut. If you can feed your cattle a research-proven prebiotic that helps keep the gut healthy, then the rest of the animal should also remain healthier. Consequently, this should lead to an overall healthier group of calves.
A healthier animal not only tends to eat better but also gains and performs better. You can feed your cattle less feed due to the enhanced digestibility of Amaferm yet gain more. It just makes economic sense.
Get your Gain Smart Today
Now that we’ve discussed how to start a stocker cattle operation, what should you do next? Do your homework. Secure your land. Build good relationships. Feed Gain Smart. Those are the keys to starting a successful stocker cattle operation.
The cowboy math is simple: Gain Smart‘s combination of organic trace minerals and Amaferm will help your calves put on healthy, efficient pounds. Locate the dealer nearest you to find Gain Smart in your area.
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