Thanks for the comments Chad.

Obviously one could write a disertation on the profitability issue.

From my data of the past few years, in my acre-limited operation, it is very obvious to me that I can support three 1200 lb cows on about the same grass and hay resources as two 1800 lb cows. Maybe not exactly but close.

The three 1200 lb cows, with the right genetics, will wean me THREE 650+ lb  205 day calves where the two 1800 lb cows will wean me TWO 650+ lb 205 day calves.

[obviously the two 1800 lb calves will NEVER wean two 975 lb 205 day calves]

Since I harvest all of mine for freezer beef at about 14 months, the question of whether or not the two larger cows' steers will later "catch-up" is immaterial. Same for anyone selling calves.

I am glad to hear you feel the same way based on your parents' experience.

As far as time frame goes, yes the economics may change somewhat given a multi year anaylsis. But my immediate decision is whether or not to buy more hay vs selling my three largest cows. Just food for thought.

If you have excess grass on wide open range land this discussion probably doesn't matter to you.

Thanks again.

Jim at Dawn