Page 211 - The Welfare of Cattle

188 the WeLfare of CattLe

StrateGIC MaNaGeMeNt aND DeCISION-MaKING

Decision-making processes in an extensive ranch environment can break down under the chaos
of rapid changes such as weather events or market movements so it is important to build a frame-
work that prevents emotional or irrational choices when conditions are less than ideal. Figure 17.4
provides a model where core values are at the center of the process followed by concentric rings
representing sound strategic planning, access to appropriate expertise, and effective communication
across the organization, and finally correct execution of the plan.
Developing a disciplined approach to decision-making allows the ranch to stay focused on the
critical issues, maintain a systems perspective, collect useful metrics, and to react appropriately to
changing conditions. In the realm of ranching, on a daily basis there are a multitude of decisions to
be made that ultimately impact key goals. But these decisions cannot be made in isolation—they
must be made in alignment with core values while recognizing the trade-offs that may be required
as well as the unintended consequences on other components of the ranch (Figure 17.5). For exam-
ple, the emergence of drought conditions may require that stocking rate is reduced through sale of at
least some cattle to assure that rangeland health is protected and that the available feed will be suf-
ficient to meet the needs of the appropriate number of animals. The positives of the decision include
protecting natural resources and assuring that livestock will have adequate feed. However, there are
trade-offs that must be made—reduced breeding herd inventories will negatively affect cash flow
in the future and fewer females will be available as potential replacements thus potentially lowering
the genetic progress of the cattle herd. Failure to make the trade-off by being immobilized under
difficult conditions erodes the well-being of animals, landscapes and people.

Core values

Strategic intent
Expertise
Communication

Execution of plan

Figure 17.4 decision process for effective ranch management.

Decisions Goal(s)

Alignment Best chance
tradeoffs for success
consequences

Figure 17.5 the role of trade-offs, consequences, and values alignment in decision-making.