Volatile commodity markets and other effects of COVID-19 have left many beef producers considering alternative management options for cattle they were planning to sell now or in the near future.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) has gathered resources to help farmers deal with the possibility that cattle will need to stay on the farm longer than expected.

ACES experts suggest viewing this challenge as an opportunity to innovate instead of focusing on strain on existing resources. It’s also time to improve the overall production efficiency of farms by focusing on 12 basic principles for managing an efficient beef cattle operation. 

For example, improving soil health and fertility will increase forage yields and, combined with rotational grazing and integrated pest management, can increase stocking rates. By-product feeds may be an option for some.

Access the remaining principles at tinyurl.com/CattleManagement.