Optimum productivity should be the goal of each cow-calf producer and that productivity begins with cows producing at least one calf every 365 days. With proper management, including a good health and nutrition program, that goal is easily attainable. Shortened calving intervals – or the time between birth of one calf and the subsequent birth […]
Category: Breeding/Calving
How a Supplement Helps Fertility, Fly Control and Forages
England Cattle Company has been raising Brahman cattle for generations in the southern-most “tropical” part of Texas. Mike & Elizabeth “Cricket” England started their operation in the 1980’s on her grandparents’ homestead, and today ranch manager and son, Benton, oversees the nearly 200 registered polled, grey Brahman and commercial F-1 cows. The family understands the […]
VitaFerm Gain Smart Stocker HEAT Helps Hinder Health Challenges on South Dakota Ranch
In the spring of 2017, Melynda Gress of Y-Cross Inc., was looking for a supplement alternative for her backgrounding operation. Located in the northwest corner of South Dakota where she and her family run 800 to 1,000 yearlings each spring and summer, she knew she needed a more natural mineral option for her calves. Two […]
Keeping Bulls Fertile During Summer’s Heat
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 […]
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, […]
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. […]
When Rebellion Pays Off with Extra Calves
With a rebellious attitude, Michael Guazdausky decided to try something different than his dad had done for more than 40 years in the cattle business. And his decision changed his cow herd for the better. Michael, a second-generation cattle producer at Hartshorne, Okla., raises F1, Brahman and Hereford crosses, commonly referred to as “tigerstripes.” Michael’s […]
Tips to Get Your Cows Bred Back
Today’s cow-calf producers place extremely high production demands on their cows for them to remain in the herd. Producers expect their cows to calve without difficulty, provide enough colostrum and milk for a rapidly growing calf, come in heat quickly after calving and conceive early in the breeding season. Consequently, these expectations take their toll […]
How to Improve Calf Vigor in Late Gestation
It’s about to get exciting around your cattle operation. Carefully planned mating decisions, breeding and waiting for those offspring to arrive mean producers will soon have new born calves bouncing around the lot. Or will they? Calf vigor is the combination of many factors with cow nutrition during the last 60 days of gestation topping […]
