Wyoming Hereford Ranch Illustrates Value of CRYSTALYX®
Jim Graves
Wheatland, WY
June, 2007
The Jim Graves family has been ranching in Wyoming for more than 60 years. The commercial Hereford cow-calf operation markets cattle through the Certified Hereford Beef Program. They have dealt with the realities of the ranching business over the years, including drought, cattle price cycles and changing trends. Over the last four years Jim Graves has used CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements supplied by their dealer, Western Cooperative in Torrington, Wyoming, to help smooth out the rough edges of some of those realities.
Graves began using CRYSTALYX® after an unsuccessful one-year trial with a competing block. They have been very satisfied.
"Consumption, cost and performance is where it needs to be, and this past winter was proof of that," Jim Graves said. "Our program consists of winter grazing, and this winter there was a lot of snow. The cows had winter range and CRYSTALYX® HE-20% barrels. At one point there was a 30-day stretch where we had a tough time even getting to the cows. When we did we were very pleased with their condition."
Supplements Should Add Value
If it's doing its job properly a supplement should be used to add value to a feeding program, not just expense. The value producers gain from supplementing with CRYSTALYX® includes getting the most out of forage while reducing labor and feeding costs. Jim Graves has seen the value.
"We want to let cattle graze the grass rather than cutting it for hay. It's not much different from what our ancestors were doing, but the forage does need a little help; and that's where the barrels come in.
Over the years on our ranch we've tried a lot of things, from range cake to ear corn to alfalfa hay. With other supplements the cows would come running when they saw the pickup, they were hungry. With CRYSTALYX®, the cows are more calm and content. It's the best supplement we've used in the history of our ranch."
Cost Savings Too
Controlling the cost of supplementation is essential to profitability, but the key in finding the true cost is figuring in other factors beyond price. CRYSTALYX® can help with cost control and peace of mind.
"Our supplement cost is about $30 to $35 per cow, per season," Graves said. "We like the convenience, the time savings, using less equipment and the way the cows perform. It's easier than having to go feed every day, especially if you have to fight the weather. This business is about cows keeping us, not us keeping the cows."
|
