It’s no doubt, agriculture is a risky business. There are a lot of uncertainties, especially when you add the environment and the ever-changing weather into the mix. But with a good plan and some of these best management practices in place, you can come out in the springtime with healthy, growthy calves that are ready […]
Category: Management Practices
Progressive Cattlemen Focus on Improved Efficiencies over Generations
To be successful in any business, takes dedication, skills and the desire to improve efficiencies with new technologies while embracing tradition that still is applicable. Alpers Farms at Hudson, Kan., is one such business that has stood the test of time and has adapted to new technologies to improve proficiencies and increase profitability with each generation that […]
The Real Cost of Limiting Nutrients
– Dr. Les Anderson, Beef Extension Specialists, University of Kentucky Fall is rapidly approaching, and all cow-calf producers need to access the body condition score, or BCS of their herd. Spring-calving cows are weaned off and the fall is the most economical time to put weight back on. Now is also a key time to […]
How to Get Cows Bred Back the First Time
Bringing a new life into the world is perhaps one of the most exciting moments ever. However, it can be one of the most stressful too, because no matter how many books you read or classes you take, there is nothing to prepare you. That statement is true for humans, but even truer for the […]
How to Manage Consumption of Loose Mineral
Loose mineral has definite advantages in your cow-calf enterprise. It is a cost-effective way to supplement your cow herd, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need. However, too few vitamins and minerals won’t get the job done; and too much of a good thing will cost you, the producer, more than you budgeted for in […]
A Guide to Selling Stockers
For cow-calf producers who spring calve, now seems like a logical time to market weaned calves. You’ve invested time and resources into breeding the cows, raising the calves and getting them weaned. Those cows should be bred back, and the cycle continues. But, is this really the best time to sell? Like any good business […]
3 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 reduce the stress and make the transition a little easier. Up until this […]
4 Tips to Prepare for a Successful Calving Season
You made breeding decisions months ago and have been patiently waiting for nine more months to see the outcome of your diligent planning. Yet, researching and plotting breeding decisions is only half the battle. When calving season comes, it is time to plan all the important details that help deliver your calf crop and ensure […]
A Guide to Low-Stress Shipping
The cool, crisp mornings are a hint that fall is just around the corner. And for cattle operations, that means one thing – shipping time is quickly approaching. Shipping your cattle might seem like an easy task. Get them penned up, load them up and send them on their way. However, keeping your calves healthy and as low-stress as possible during this […]
5 Tips to Keep Protein Cost Effective
The two most vital nutrients in a cow’s diet are energy and protein. Energy plays a vital role in the reproductive and lactation process, calf growth, weaning and overall performance. However, without the proper amount of protein in the diet, the amount of energy and all other nutrient intake and absorption levels can be impacted. […]