A beef producer's view of the role of bovine practitioner

Abstract

The beef industry has changed significantly over the past decades, and especially in the past five years. Changes in beef industry fundamentals, the broader commodity markets, and the changes in technology and information availability have altered the needs of producers to remain competitive in an ever-challenging market environment. Producers are in need of a strategic partner to assist in development of successful production strategies, manage data available to create valuable information, and to enhance execution capabilities. In short, bovine practitioners should not think of themselves as merely providers of services; a cost of doing business for the producer. Rather, the view should be of that of a strategic partner providing a high return on investment for the producer.