That's common sense. Cutting costs is not the same thing as not spending any money on the cow herd. Minimum input is not the same as no input. Producers need to realize that the factors that determine the profit or loss to a cow-calf operation include weaning weight, calf crop percent, market price and annual cow cost. Here's the formula.
Successful producers optimize the first three factors while reducing cow costs.
Profitable operations have a better forage program, use on-farm feed sources, have a better health program and use better quality bulls. Analyze your operation to see where you stand. First, look at weaning weight. Use good growth bulls. Deworm young animals - they are more susceptible to parasites.