Control Failures Becoming More Common for Some Dewormers

Control Failures Becoming More Common for Some Dewormers

Boyd Kidwell

Progressive Farmer

Whether you’re a large cattleman or a small producer just getting in the business, the dewormer talk is a good one to have with your veterinarian. Some lower cost products that used to work well aren’t as effective these days. "It’s cost-effective to have a surveillance program in place, so the producer and the veterinarian can devise a parasite-control program," Kirkman said. "In addition to reduced weight gains and lost income, parasite infections can have serious health effects for cattle."

Full Story

Adding Value to Cull Cows

Adding Value to Cull Cows

Dennis Bauer

University of Nebraska

Typically the sale of cull cows accounts for 15 to 30% of the yearly gross revenues of cow-calf operations in the U.S. Historic cull cow prices over the past 30 years have been the lowest in the months of November, December & January; and at their highest in level in March, April and May.

Full Story

The root of the problem: Is it disease, nutrients or weeds?

The root of the problem: Is it disease, nutrients or weeds?

Melissa Bravo

Progressive Forage

It’s hot; it’s muggy; and the potted plants on the porch are wilting. Farther out, the grass beneath the old oak tree is devoid of the vibrant green color associated with a healthy ecosystem. You’re not concerned though – the solution is to just turn on the water, right? Plants just need a drink is all.

Full Story

Fall Stockpiling and Pasture Housekeeping Tips

Fall Stockpiling and Pasture Housekeeping Tips

Victor Shelton

On Pasture

I’ve clipped a lot more pasture this year than normal, but it was needed for a couple reasons. First, I wanted to make sure I was maximizing the solar panel and keep forages growing as long as possible. The more growth you get this time of year, the longer you will be able to graze.

Full Story

Protein supplementation using urea

Protein supplementation using urea

Drovers

Urea is not protein, but for the ruminant (cattle, sheep, deer, goats) it does have the potential equivalent of 281% crude protein under certain circumstances. The items to consider bringing this about deal with the animal’s age, the quantity of fermentable carbohydrates provided in the animal’s diet and the other forms of protein in the diet of the animal.

Full Story

Profitability in focus at Red Angus Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium in Oklahoma City

Profitability in focus at Red Angus Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium in Oklahoma City

Jared Decker

A Steak in Genomics™

Oklahoma City – Cattlemen from around the country gathered in Oklahoma City to attend “Dollars in Your Pocket,” the Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium held in conjunction with the National Red Angus Convention.

Full Story

Succession planning by the book

Succession planning by the book

Kindra Gordon

The Cattle Business Weekly

If your family is having a difficult time talking about succession planning, perhaps they’ll feel more comfortable reading about the topic. Dave Specht, a nationally known speaker and consultant on the topic of farm transition planning, has authored The Farm Whisperer which identifies key pitfalls that families face with generational farm transitions and offers strategies to help individuals with the succession process.

Full Story

Grazing Corn Stalks for Cattle

Grazing Corn Stalks for Cattle

Michael Baker

Farming Magazine

To date, it’s been a dry, hot summer. Second cutting of grass meadows has been non-existent. Pasture is short or gone. Many farms have been feeding hay, hay which may be in short supply. What does this mean for the upcoming winter? As a farm manager you either need to reduce demand or increase supply. Reducing demand can be accomplished by weaning early.

Full Story

Direct Marketing: Benefits, Challenges and Advice From Ranchers Who’ve Been There

Direct Marketing: Benefits, Challenges and Advice From Ranchers Who’ve Been There

Kerry Halladay

Western Livestock Journal

The cattle markets are changing and “uncertainty” is the name of the game now. Volatility in the calf markets and the rancher’s eroding share of the consumer’s beef dollar are just two points on a laundry list of issues besetting commercial cattle operators. One answer is to hang up the hat and be done with it, but that answer doesn’t appeal to many who grew up in the saddle with dirt under their nails. For those who want to stick it out, adapting to the changing market demands diversification and a deeper investment.

Full Story

Does the Yield Grade system need updating?

Does the Yield Grade system need updating?

Larry Stalcup

Beef Magazine

Despite major advances in beef production and processing technology, yield grading of beef carcasses is determined today using an archaic system developed in the early 1960s, says a leading meats scientist at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) in Canyon, Texas.

Full Story