A brood cow is the heart of the herd. She is the one that lays down each year to have a calf to ultimately propagate her outstanding genetics or help feed the world. And even though her role is considered important by all those around her, being a cow is not always a glamorous job. […]
Comparing the Advantages of Spring and Fall Calving Systems
Cattle producers have many choices when it comes to their herd. Perhaps one of the most important decisions they will make when they are starting their operation and getting a foundation cow herd established is if they will calve in the spring, calve in the fall or perhaps they will choose to have two calving […]
Health and Nutrition are Keys to Prevention
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And for one progressive cattle producer, doing things the right way the first time is worth keeping his cow herd healthy and performing. The Boyd family has been raising registered cattle in north central Kentucky for more than a century. Charlie Boyd II along with […]
A Guide to Anaplasmosis in Your Cow Herd
Anaplasmosis is a wide-spread concern to the U.S. beef industry. Cattle in nearly every state are impacted by the blood-borne disease that with proper management can be controlled within your herd. “With animal diseases like Anaplasmosis, it is very important for cattle producers to have a good working relationship with their veterinarians,” said Kevin Glaubius, […]
Turning Pastures into Profit Doesn’t Have to be a Gamble
“You’ve got to know when to hold ’em; know when to fold ’em.” If the lyrics of this age-old Kenny Rogers song, “The Gambler” sound familiar to you, you might be in the cattle business. But, with proper planning, adequate resources and some helpful advice, you can reduce the gamble, and turn existing pasture land […]
One Mineral Does It All: Keeping Calves Alive and Getting Cows Bred
Cattle producers rely on reproductively sound females to provide them a live calf every 365 days. With proper management, good nutrition and sound breeding decisions, a live calf is typically delivered, and the mama cow keeps her baby alive and thriving. However, what if a hidden culprit wiped out a big percentage of your calf […]
Consumer Demand Influences Gavel Price on Sale Day
Today’s beef consumers have more options than ever before. Beef isn’t just the protein of choice saved for special occasions, like Grandma’s Sunday pot roast or a fancy T-bone grilled especially for you on your birthday or anniversary, it has become an everyday staple in American diets. Beef consumers now have access to more specialty […]
Numbers Don’t Lie: Incredible Improvement in Conception Rates & Calving Intervals
Profitability in the cattle business starts with producing a live calf every year that puts on pounds efficiently. Those live calves start with getting cows bred and rebred in a timely matter. Evan Farnsworth, owner of Farnsworth Angus Ranch at McHenry, N.D., understands this need to stay profitable with his herd of approximately 150 registered […]
Give your Calves a Jump-Start the Natural Way
Taking chances usually isn’t easy. In fact, it can be down-right scary. Cody Murphy, owner of Standing M Livestock at Greenville, Ala., faces a lot of challenges, as he preconditions high-stressed, high-risk, weaned calves straight from the sale barn and prepares them for backgrounding on rye grass. Throughout the year, Murphy contracts load lots of […]
How Nutrition Plays a Key Role in Animal Gains
When it comes to your cattle feeding operation, pounds matter. The more pounds your animal gains in a shorter period means the animal is more efficient and consequently, you should see a greater return on your investment. But what factors influence those gains? Certainly, genetics play a role, but so does the nutrition you provide […]
