Evaluating Grazing Systems Options Lynn Myers Tippets Myers Ranch Lewellen, NE

Considerations for Building a Systems Level Ranch Plan Drought Plan Grazing Plan Transition Plan

GPS Goals Philosophy – property ability, personal ability System – grazing and operation plan

Plan A Trigger dates June 4-July 4 – Provides flexibility to destock beginning June 4 – Populations receiving consideration Fall cows Fall calves and yearlings Dry cows

Plan B Trigger date mid-July Populations receiving consideration – Early wean old cows and poor genetic cows and those with defects – Custom grazed cows and heifers removed from ranch

Plan C Trigger dates of late August-September – Population receiving consideration Wean rest of calves early. Normally deliver calves Oct rotated through winter just like summer move every 30 days

Considerations to achieve sustainability Pregnancy rate Length of breeding season Performance and rate of gain Time of year calving and breeding Basic marketing plan and target dates What you can stand labor-wise Cost and need of infrastructure Do you want to maximize or optimize in one area of your operation? How does that affect other areas?