Being a caregiver and providing food to sustain others is part of being a cattle producer.
BeefTalk
Archive of BeefTalk columns
Tools such as expected progeny differences help producers buy the right bulls.
Nice winters are not the time to skimp on cow nutrition.
The opportunity to use nontraditional beef production methods is very real.
Changing from March to May calving is not simple, but it is doable.
Producers need to plan ahead for cattle-working days and invest in good, secure cattle-working facilities.
Aggressive cattle producers need to continue exploring how to improve their business and performance records.
Don’t join the “I wish I had sorted the cows!” club.
When feed costs are too high, consider selling the higher-maintenance cows.
Producers should strive for a stress-free environment when weaning and stress-free movement of cattle in their care.
Getting a better handle on expenses involves keeping track of costs.
The way to maximize calf weight is knowing and controlling direct and overhead costs incurred up to weaning.
Weaning weight numbers imply that pounds of calf weaned off commercial cows are not increasing.
Costs are going up, production is stagnant and prices are falling.
One of the biggest expenses is total direct and overhead costs.
Cost control is the key to long-term success in the cow-calf business.
Appraising genetic and managerial inputs is critical to ranch management.
The integration of knowledge from one generation to the next can be difficult in the beef industry.
The current low grain prices and ample forage availability can make beef industry expansion a reality.
Once the weighted stocking rate average is calculated, producers can begin stocking at the right number.
Grazing systems are dependent on location and available feed.
A ranch’s profitability and sustainability are based on understanding grazing systems.
Start with the concept of “take half, leave half” when setting up a grazing system.
Pounds, efficiency and quality are important components of the beef business.
The pounds of calf weaned per acre is key to the evaluation of any cattle system.
May calving is enjoyable, manageable and workable.
Visitors may not be aware of the dangers on the farm or ranch.
Be on the lookout for parasites this year.
I must confess some consternation with this expectation of restrictions such as protective boots and clothing and bottles of disinfectant.
Coffee discussions tend to assume an answer quickly, but the reality is much more difficult and complicated.
