Aaron, Kyle, Marj and Randy Schmidt to the rancher and weight and carcass yield to the cattle feeder are what will keep the Charolais breed in the forefront. “ “There is no doubt some merit to the science and in the future (genomics) may prove valuable, but at this point eye appeal and pounds matter and are the easiest to attain,” said Schmidt. “There are a multitude of other contributing factors that have much more effect on the outcome of a calf crop.” Schmidt Cattle Company utilizes the AICA’s Whole Herd Rewards program as an objective way of collecting data for review. “Keeping records on all cows provides the basis for many decisions which include not only selecting for desirable traits, but just as importantly, it also identifies cows to cull,” said Schmidt. “This helps us meet the goal of improving our cow herd and possibly the entire breed.” Keeping every cow registered is important to Schmidt who sees the registry as a means of ensuring “everything we do is recorded and evaluated.” He also praises the WHR program for its attributes. “Not only does WHR allow free registration and transfer of all offspring of cows enrolled, it also provides EPDs on calves from enrolled cows even if the offspring are not registered,” said Schmidt. “Other programs available do not allow for free registration and transfer and do not calculate EPDs on unregistered calves.” The breed in general has done an excellent job of eliminating old concerns of disposition, birth weight and calving ease,” said Schmidt. “Not only Charolais, but most breeds are producing much better cattle. The cattle we buy and feed are simply much better in all aspects than in the past.” A member of both, the AICA and the Nebraska Charolais Association, Schmidt admits he is not an exceptionally active member in either organization, but praises those individuals that are willing and take the time to attend meetings. “They are without a doubt doing what they believe is correct to promote our breed and industry as a whole.” So, what concerns a small feedlot in northwestern Nebraska? Schmidt is quick to explain his viewpoints, ranking positive public perception and price discovery at the top of the list. “Although the producers’ goal of providing high quality beef
at an affordable price continues, both justified and unjustified factors can very easily alter public perception domestically and at an international level,” said Schmidt. “Continuing to be diligent in how we raise and promote our product is critical in maintaining consumer confidence.” “Price discovery is becoming a big issue,” said Schmidt. “A high percentage of fat cattle are sold on a formula basis and that formula price is based on a small percentage of negotiated prices. The formula cattle are committed at least a week in advance which leaves a small number of cattle the packers have to buy at a negotiated price and the major packers have plenty of their own cattle to cover those needs.” “The formula cattle are priced on the negotiated price the week they are committed and then delivered the following week,” continued Schmidt. “This practice has become very prevalent in recent years and from appearances would have room for substantial price abuse to the feeder.” Expressing concern at that thought, he also noted that packers do most of the price reporting for negotiated cattle that the formula cattle prices are based on. Aside from struggling with packers, prices and perception, Schmidt is optimistic about Charolais in the future. “We’re seeing record prices across the entire industry, but one aspect that sticks out is the price of Char-cross calves matching or being superior to other breeds, which has not always been the case,” said Schmidt. “Feedlot cattle with a Charolais influence are among the top when looking at feedlot efficiency and carcass data. If we don’t fall off the rail and start producing the wrong type; the future for the Charolais breed is bright. Although the entire industry may have a plateau, the Charolais breed is wellpositioned for the future.”
CHAROLAIS JOURNAL
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