– 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 […]
Category: Management Practices
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. […]
Tips for Forage Testing
Cattle producers are continually looking for ways to cut expenses and increase profits; they’re no different than any other good business operator. Andy McLaughlin owner of McLaughlin Cattle has found one simple and efficient way to cut some of his feed costs down while ensuring his cow herd gets the nutrition it needs during the right production […]
Every Animal has Value: Keeping Cull Calves Profitable
Each fall when you go to market with your weaned calves, it seems like there are a handful of outliers in your calf crop that could cost you some premiums. But don’t dismay; there are ways to find value for every calf that you’ve produced; it might just take some extra time or some different […]