From the Field
What happens after the sale ?
By Corey Wilkins , NALF regional manager
Breeders work tremendously hard to find potential customers for their cattle and make sure that the seats are full on sale day . They market cattle and advertise in avenues that will make the largest impact and give their operation the most exposure . They all spend hours on the phone sharing information about the upcoming sale and cattle that they have available in their sale or for private treaty . There is no doubt everyone asserts a tremendous amount of effort prior to a sale to get their cattle sold . However , I believe the effort made after the sale makes the greatest impact on if your program will excel or fail .
Bull customers are relying on genetic improvement from their seedstock provider and I believe it is a fair assessment that most seedstock producers offer genetics that will advance the genetics and profitability of most commercial producers in some manner . However , the largest differential among seedstock producers in my
eyes is the level of customer service that happens following the acquisition of seedstock . I see a wide array of customer service in the Limousin breed , from breeders willing to acquire feeder cattle from their customers to giving the option to allow their cattle to be marketed in the Limousin based Tyson grid . There is no doubt there is a tremendous amount of risk when purchasing customers feeder cattle and probably is not the right choice for all seedstock producers . However , going to see your past customer and educate them on the genetics that they have purchased and what would complement their herd in their next accusation in a bull is an avenue that could be used by all . When I think about educating the commercial producer it does not have to take place solely on your ranch ,
I think customer service is going to be the largest differential in seedstock operations in the coming years
it can be done just as much on your customers operation .
I think customer service is going to be the largest differential in seedstock operations in the coming years as everyone is going to have the opportunity to increase the quality of their herds through technology . There is no doubt that larger operations will have an advantage as they are able to take on more risk , but even smaller operations can offer a high level of customer service by making herd visits and sharing opportunities to improve their herd .
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope to see you soon .
God Bless ! I
58 | DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018