Pounds of feed fed to the cow is the biggest difference between high and low, he says. The low returners are feeding the wrong stuff. The high-return producers analyze feedstuffs. They know what winter pasture is out there and make cows work for it. They're supplemental feeders only.
Economists say there's no point in leaving dollars on the table now or when prices are low.
But it's clear you can't focus on production alone. There has to be an effort to control costs. That's why you have to concentrate on your cost per cwt. of weaned calf. This makes you address both the production and cost sides. McGrann adds that very few producers know their actual costs and returns because so few keep detailed books.