What is seed stock?
Seed stock refers to companies involved in seed production for the agriculture industry. These companies typically modify or engineer seeds to have certain traits. Seed stock is not be confused with seed capital. The latter is money used to start a company.
What is the difference between seedstock and commercial cattle?
One is a change in philosophy. The revenue stream for commercial cattle producers is beef production based on phenotype, while seedstock producers should focus on the accumulation of genetic merit. Plus, seedstock producers make rapid genetic changes, with faster generation turnover, using younger sires and dams.
How do you market your beef cattle seedstock?
Effective marketing is essential to profitability for beef cattle seedstock suppliers. Many marketing methods can work for seedstock marketing. Develop an individual marketing program, including product development, promotion, and customer service that best fits the specific operation.
What is a seedstock operation called?
Seedstock operations are considered genetic suppliers, and genetic improvement is often a key focus of a seedstock cattle operation. Seedstock operators are also called breeders. Commercial cattle are usually not registered animals, may be crossbred, and may or may not be offered as breeding herd replacements.
What is seed stock production?
At its simplest, the seedstock sector represents both the beginning and the end of beef production. It provides the genetics utilized by commercial cattle producers to build market calves for harvest, as well as replacement females to replenish the commercial cow factory.
What is the seed stock business?
Seed stock refers to stocks issued by publicly traded companies that operate within the agriculture industry. These companies specialize in plant research and development (R&D).
What are stocker heifers?
What's a Stocker? The University of Kentucky describes a stocker calf as a steer or heifer that is 6 to 9 months of age and weighs 400 to 700 pounds. After weaning from its mother, a stocker is put on grass or some other type of forage to promote growth and weight gain.
What does TM stand for in cattle?
Calving Ease Total Maternal (CETM), Calving Ease Maternal (CEM) or Maternal Calving Ease (MCE); Milk Production (Milk) or Maternal Milk (MM); Total Maternal (TM), Maternal Weaning Weight (MWW) or Maternal Milk and Growth (M&G);
What is the difference between stocker and feeder cattle?
Stockers Refers to weaned calves grazing pasture to enhance growth prior to finishing and slaughter; they are usually younger, weigh less, and are of lower condition (finish) than “feeders.”
What is a stocker operation?
In a stocker operation, cattle are obtained that can range from 200-650 lb. with the ultimate goal of providing a consistent pen of cattle to be sold to the next stage of the production line — the feedlot operation.
Is there money in stocker cattle?
Stocker cattle represent a great opportunity to turn forages into profit for the savvy cattleman. Stocker calves represent a lot of potential gain, but also a lot of potential loss. The keys to a successful stocker program lie in pasture management, cost control and animal management.
How long do you keep stocker cattle?
Generally, the longest anyone will own a stocker calf is eight months, but it can be as short as two months. Advantages to managing stocker cattle is the flexibility to respond to changing conditions, such as drought, because it is designed for animals to come and go relatively quickly.
How much can you make on stocker cattle?
A producer who is buying Holstein stockers that will gain 2 pounds per day and sell for $0.65 per pound in fall can pay up to $1.09 per pound in spring and break even. Daily rate of gain has an important impact on the profitability of the operation.
What does SS mean in cattle?
short solid mouth“SS” stands for “short solid mouth”, which means her teeth are wore down but still intact. She's probably somewhere around 7 to 9 years old. “BM” stands for “broken mouth” which means she's started to lose some teeth and is an older cow.
What does BBF mean in cattle?
3. DOB: date of birth. 4. Color: BBK = Homozygous Black, BLK = black, BWF = black white face, BBF = black brockle face, RED = red, RWF = red white face, WHT = white, BRC = black red carrier.
What does WW stand for in cattle?
WW: weaning weight – weight of a calf at weaning (time at which a calf is no longer allowed to nurse); typically measured within a certain age window around 205 days of age and then adjusted back to 205 days of age.
Seedstock Cattle Versus Commercial Cattle
Seedstock cattle are breeding cattle typically registered with a breed association. They have documented pedigrees and estimates of genetic merit, such as expected progeny differences. Seedstock operations are considered genetic suppliers, and genetic improvement is often a key focus of a seedstock cattle operation.
Seedstock Marketing Approach
Marketing seedstock cattle differs greatly from marketing commercial cattle. There are differences in products, product values, price fluctuations, target audiences (customers), marketing flexibility, and amounts of seller influence on price between the two types of marketing.
Customer Identification and Satisfaction
In the marketing plan, identify potential customers, assess the competition, point out product uniqueness, and evaluate ranch resources to cover production costs and marketing budgets.
Information for Marketing Purposes
Many cattle buyers desire relevant information on seedstock cattle and are willing to pay more for this added value. An increasing percentage of seedstock customers insist on certain pieces of information, such as expected progeny differences on prospective herd sires.
Seedstock Marketing Alternatives
Seedstock suppliers can choose from a variety of marketing methods. Understand the pros and cons for each marketing alternative for the specific operation. Evaluate different marketing alternatives, considering ranch marketing goals and resources. Marketing is an ongoing effort, not an occasional event.
Private Treaty Sales
Private treaty sales are direct sales from seedstock suppliers to customers. Overhead costs are generally lowest with private treaty sales compared with other marketing methods. Spending money on advertising is still warranted in many cases, though.
Open House Sales
A seedstock operator who decides to host an open house places cattle on display for designated dates and invites potential buyers to visit during this time. This marketing method allows a large volume of cattle to be sold at once but requires less time showing cattle to potential customers compared with private treaty sales.
What are some examples of seed stocks?
Examples of Seed Stock Companies. Examples of seed stock companies include U.S.-based Bayer Crop Science (formerly Monsanto), Switzerland-based Syngenta, and China-based Origin Agritech. Bayer holds more than hundreds of biotechnology patents, the most of any U.S. company.
Who bought Monsanto?
Monsanto responded to their portrayal in the film with a media statement and direct responses to questions from viewers and consumers. Bayer AG acquired Monsanto in 2018. Syngenta, another prominent global seed company, manufactures some neonicotinoid products.
Why do cattle producers jump into the seedstock business?
Commercial cattle producers may jump into the seedstock business because the notion of selling a bull or heifer for big bucks is appealing. However, this approach often leads to problems. In fact, new seedstock producers have a high rate of failure; the average operation folds in five years or less. Common mistakes include not having or ...
What is the revenue stream for commercial cattle producers?
The revenue stream for commercial cattle producers is beef production based on phenotype, while seedstock producers should focus on the accumulation of genetic merit. Plus, seedstock producers make rapid genetic changes, with faster generation turnover, using younger sires and dams.
What does Spangler say about seedstock?
Spangler says people who try short-term trends and fads, constantly changing their breeding goals, often strike out. “Seedstock producers have to be willing to fail, and they have to quickly adapt to changes, ” Spangler advises. “Not everyone is good at every task.
What are common mistakes in seedstock?
Common mistakes include not having or following a business plan, not grasping the complex issue of genetics or simply the inability to prioritize chores. Matt Spangler, Ph.D., University of Nebraska – Lincoln, says new seedstock producers may not understand their unit cost of production will likely increase.
What is Progressive Cattle magazine?
Progressive Cattle magazine captures the essence of the cattle producer and ranching experience. This monthly publication is tailored for all segments of the beef industry and consistently provides compelling features and photography, timely news, expert industry voices and entertaining commentary.
Where does Gordon Jamison raise Hereford cattle?
Seedstock producer Gordon Jamison raises Hereford cattle on the Jamison Ranch in western Kansas.
What is the best feed for cattle?
Pasture grass is the most natural feed for cattle. Raising beef cattle and dairy cows on high-quality pasture grass is also beneficial both nutritionally and economically.
What are the genetic attributes of cattle pasture grass?
Genetic attributes such as nutrient content, grazing tolerance and disease resistance. Our cattle pasture grass blends also contain the proper amount of legumes designed to improve cattle performance and provide a natural fertilizer for soil health.