When we think about reproduction in the herd, our first thoughts immediately shift to the cows. Are they at the proper body condition to breed? When do we need to synchronize and breed them to hit our target calving window? However, the bulls contribute their genetics to each calf, and work harder than the cows […]
Solutions for Making the Most of the Grazing Season
There is nothing more satisfying as a beef producer than turning cows and calves out on lush summer pastures. After a long winter, spring and early summer can offer some relief in more ways than one. During this time, cows are in peak milk production, calves are rapidly growing and forages are at their best. […]
Repeat Customers Revolve Around Good Genetics, Reputation and Quality Nutrition
Jeff Simmons recalls riding horses on his grandfathers’ ranches when he was just a small child. Now, decades later, he owns and operates his own cow-calf operation, J&S Cattle near Bastrop, La., and takes great pride in the cattle he produces and the relationships he’s built with his customers. “In the cattle business, the most […]
How Nutrition Plays a Role in Raising 4-Legged Kids
With a 4-H project “gone mad” Kedrick Miller has devoted the last two decades to building his meat goat operation. Located in Thorntown, Ind., Miller along with his wife, Melissa and four kids focus their attention on raising high-quality Boer goats for youth livestock exhibitors. What started at as a 4-H project about 20 years […]
Rancher Appreciates Quality Mineral Program and Customer Service
Cattle producers are looking for ways to make their breeding season as seamless as possible. They typically want a condensed calving period, which means a shortened breeding window. Proper management plays a key role in both the tight breeding and calving periods, and part of that management protocol includes a high-quality supplement program. Douthit Herefords, […]
What’s Inside Your Creep Feed?
Is creep feeding your calves the right thing to do? And if so, do you know what is in the creep feed you put into their feeder? Creep feeding might not be the best option for everyone, but if it is something you feel will benefit your farm or ranch, be sure to know what […]
Keep Her Bred Through the Heat of Summer
Cattle producers go to great lengths to do whatever it takes to get their cows bred. But what about after they are bred? Keeping a cow bred, especially during the summer months, can be equally as challenging. Typically, if a fertile bull breeds cows at the correct time, fertilization rates should nearly reach 100%. However, […]
Gain Smart Program for Weaned Calves
It’s weaning time. Whether you are retaining your own stocker calves or getting them in from other producers, it is important to have a plan to grow those calves in a healthy, efficient manner. The Gain Smart® Stocker Program is one program dedicated to growing cattle in three easy steps. The Gain Smart Program is built around Amaferm®, is a natural […]
How Change and Progress Go Hand-in-Hand
For progress to happen, change is usually going to occur. Jay Dickson, Manager at Center Ranch in Centerville, Texas, has seen and made his share of changes in the 26 years that he’s been with the operation, and with the changes have come growth and progress. Finis Welch, started Center Ranch in 1987 with 130 acres. When Dickson arrived in 1992, the ranch had 800 acres, 50 cows and 3 horses. Today the ranch is comprised of more than 10,500 acres, 2,500 head of cattle and 500 horses. It also includes a state-of-the-art equine veterinary center and a haying operation. […]
What is the Cost of Keeping an Open Cow?
Financial survival as a cow-calf producer is like a game of Risk. Producers have a lot of factors to consider each year, and without a doubt, one of those decisions will be what the cost is to keep an open cow in the herd. First, the particular segment a producer is in needs to be […]
