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The core of any successful operation no matter the species, is a well maintained system around it. Whether that be knowledge of the livestock, to the actual resources used to raise it. In the case of a grass-fed beef operation, it it crucial to have a well maintained grassland. Ensuring that our grassland is healthy will ensure a healthy herd of beef cows. Managing the pasture's growth leads to a better idea of the goals and opportunities that are available for your operation. Today I have presented a SCOT analysis of my personal beef operation along with a 5 year plan to increase to efficiency and prosperity of my grasslands back in the United States of America.

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My grass management plan will allow our operation to increase the tonnage per acre of grass and increase to quality of the cattle that we raise on it. Being smarter about what goes on during the growing season can help lead to happier and healthier cows. Along with the increase in data and tonnage, we also plan to increase the stock size and the operational system that we currently use while grazing.

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My operation consists of 120 acres of pasture ground with 50 head of cows for our cow-calf operation. The pasture is a mixture of fescue and alfalfa. The cows stay on grass during the spring, summer and fall months. During winter they are moved to a feedlot due to extreme cold winters in northern Illinois. The cattle operation is a side business for our main enterprises of hogs and grain. We currently don't collect any data for the pasture in terms of tonnage or quality.

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Plenty of acreage

Access to materials and supplies

Young farmer (32 yrs old)

Capital available

Strong local beef market in area

Education (Agriculture Economics Degree)

Member of American Beef Association

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Knowledge of grass operations

Time available

Equipment currently in place on farm

Breeding stock quality

Rations and nutrient availability

Cost of infrastructure

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Farmer is eager to learn

Ability to expand operation

Local consumers to market grass fed beef

Attend Grass-fed beef conventions

Tour local farms

Grass measurement tools available

Electronic management systems being used with other species on farms

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Market pressures and trade potential

Weather (Extreme cold winters and hot summers)

Lack of rainy season

Quality labor

Predators of livestock

Diseases

Pests/insects

Dietary Changes

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Obtain equipment to measure grass

Begin measuring grass tonnage to keep records

Split open pasture into multiple paddocks

Soil test

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Compare recordings of previous years tonnage to determine averages and base lines

Soil test

Create rotational grazing paddocks

Measure grass levels weekly during grazing season

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Increase herd size to maximize potential usage of current system

Replace current old fencing with new electric 3 wire fencing

Re-Seed north side pasture with new blends

Soil test

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Increase acreage from 120 acres to 200 acres

Increase cow herd size to capacity of 100 head

Install automatic waterers in each paddock

Soil test

Explore more local markets for local raised beef

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Re-Seed south side pasture with new blends

Evaluate previous 4 years of data to determine area of growth

Soil test

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After taking a real hard look at our current operation and where we would like to go, we can see there is a lot of room for growth. Collecting data of the grass and the herd will ensure a strong future for this beef operation.