What can we do versus what should we do?

In managing through the recent drought covering much of cow country, I hear a lot of discussion around questions like: “How many cows ‘can’ we keep?” “How much hay do we have on hand?” “How much hay can we afford to buy?”

These questions are not very helpful. They miss the larger point. In looking at a situation, it is much more useful to ask, “What should I do?” rather than “What can I do?” When we put the known information on the table and get our team around it, the conversation can change. 

For example, in making decisions around drought management, relevant information will include:

— What is the current condition of our grazing land?

— What are these animals worth in today’s market?

— What is the feed we have on hand worth today?

— What will be our costs to get these animals to the next grazing season?

— How does this fit with our mission/vision?

— What is our projected gross margin for this coming year?

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