Due to a wet fall and delayed harvest in the Midwest, conditions have been ideal for mold growth. Therefore, mycotoxins will likely be an issue in many feeds and ingredients this year. Mycotoxins are a toxic, secondary metabolite produced by fungi/molds that result in undesirable performance when animals (or even humans for that matter) are […]
Adding Amaferm® to Range Cakes Increases Efficiency, Convenience and Consistency
When the snow is deep and continues to fly on the wide, open range, producers have one priority – making sure that their cows have feed and water available to them. Although they understand the importance of a quality mineral program, it isn’t always feasible to scrape away the snow, so the cows can find […]
Vita Charge® Neonatal Supplements New Calf Nutrient Needs
There is nothing more exciting around the farm or ranch than the anticipated arrival of a newborn calf. Many months of hard work and preparation go into bringing a new calf into an operation. Therefore, getting them off to a solid start is key to producing a healthy and thriving animal. Newborn calves, like any […]
Tips for Low-Stress Newborn Calf Processing
Calving time is much-anticipated around the farm or ranch. Cattle producers work tirelessly to make sure their cow herd is maintained, cared for, fed and vaccinated. Matings were carefully selected, females bred, and roughly 283 days later, the next calf crop hits the ground (hopefully) running with vigor. When those calves do come, be sure […]
Good Nutrition Helps Keep Cattle in Natural Programs
Today’s consumers are more aware than ever before. They want to know where their food comes from, how it is raised, and that is safe and wholesome for the entire family. Consumers are attracted to words like natural, hormone-free and antibiotic-free, and the beef industry has responded with branded programs to meet consumers’ demands. Although […]
How Nutrition Adds Value for Sellers and Buyers
As the leaves turn from green to crisp golds and yellows, it’s a reminder that fall weaning is right around corner. Many weaned calves will be making their way to feed lots across the Midwest. As the time comes to market calves, producers are always looking for ways to capture extra profit, and the buyers […]
How Amaferm® Aids in the Transition to the Feedlot
It’s no secret, efficient gain in the feedlot means more pounds with less feed; and more efficient pounds equal more profit. However, when big, grass-fed yearlings come in to the feedlot and have to transition to a high-concentrate diet in a short period of time, it is well known that a great start will lead […]
How to Host a Successful Bull Sale
You’ve been selling a few bulls off your seedstock operation for several years now. You have increased your herd size and think next year might be the year to make the switch from selling your bulls privately to conducting your first bull sale. Are you prepared? Do you know the amount of time you will […]
Tips to Reduce Shipping Stress
Change is never easy. That is true if you’re a young person moving away to attend college, someone changing jobs or a freshly weaned calf with a long truck ride in its future. However, in each of these scenarios there are ways to lessen the stress and make the transition a little easier. Weaning […]
How one Farm Uses a Mineral Program to Raise the Next Generation
At Next Generation Genetics, Tod and Sondra Brancel understand the importance of raising the next generation – both livestock and humans. The couple married in 2005 and formed Next Generation Genetics from a mutual love of livestock – specifically registered cattle. Sondra is a fifth generation Hereford breeder; Tod’s family raised dairy cattle and milked […]