BeefTalk: The Challenge of Cow Size

BeefTalk: The Challenge of Cow Size

Kris Ringwall, Beef Specialist, NDSU Extension Service

Size has been the common denominator in revenue generation for cow-calf, backgrounding and feedlot operators. The process of raising cattle has been quite steady, with a general acknowledgment that growth is key to success. That is a true statement because calf weight, the product of the cow-calf producer, and carcass weight, the product of the feedlot, drive total dollars. What also is true is that bigger cows producer bigger calves, but the discussion becomes clouded when factoring mature cow size into the discussion.

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Where The Dollars Are

Where The Dollars Are

Becky Mills

Progressive Farmer

Ralph Pelaez and daughter, Stephanie Pelaez Fowler, cherish their time on their Okeechobee, Florida, operation, especially when Fowler’s 2-year-old son, McKinley, is in tow. But, make no mistake, this ranch is a profit-oriented business.

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Low-stress techniques save time, money

Low-stress techniques save time, money

Kerri Rempp

FarmTalk

It took patience, but within 30 minutes, Ryan Sexton had a small group of cattle exactly where he wanted them – up against the arena fence, near a crowd of people in the Coffee Ag Pavilion. He did it without raising his voice, shaking a flag or rattle paddle or waving his arms.

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10 things to double-check on your facilities before working cattle

10 things to double-check on your facilities before working cattle

Kellie Gregorich

Progressive Cattleman

When it comes to working cattle, things can get stressful. Before you begin your day in and around your working equipment, John Kornmann, DVM, Dewitt Veterinary Clinic, and Cameron Schulte, Arrowquip Cattle Equipment salesman, gave us 10 things you need to double-check to keep your day running smoothly and efficiently.

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Garlic extracts being fed to livestock instead of antibiotics

Garlic extracts being fed to livestock instead of antibiotics

Amanda Radke

Tri State Livestock News

Since the inception of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD), producers could be seeking alternative methods to feed-grade antibiotics in order to keep their calves healthy. With growing consumer concerns about super bugs and antibiotic resistance, there is a closer eye on the livestock industry and increasing public pressure to reduce and eliminate the use of antibiotics for growth promotants in agriculture.

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Well-balanced mineral mix benefits next breeding season of beef cows

Well-balanced mineral mix benefits next breeding season of beef cows

Peter Vitti

Grainews

Despite recent rain/snows, prolonged dry conditions this summer have left a wake of poor grazing pastures across the Prairies. High-fibre (aka low-energy) and low-protein grass has been the norm as well as a very poor mineral profile.

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Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association to Hold 33rd Annual Convention and Trade Show

Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association to Hold 33rd Annual Convention and Trade Show

Laurem Neale

The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) will celebrate 33 years of serving the state’s cattle producers with its annual convention and trade show in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on January 26-27. Nearly 1,000 attendees will hear from top livestock industry speakers addressing topics like herd health, forage systems, sustainability, and the current state of the beef business.

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Farmers urged to bury their underpants to improve quality of their beef

Farmers urged to bury their underpants to improve quality of their beef

Sarah Knapton

The Telegraph

Burying a pair of underpants in a field may not seem the obvious starting point for the perfect roast, but farmers are being urged to dig deep for tastier meat.

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Beef industry constantly changing

Beef industry constantly changing

Janeth Moutray

KBTX

To not only survive but to also grow, any business seeks to maximize what it receives for whatever product or service they sell. For that to happen for beef producers it’s never been more important for them to have a good understanding of the process it takes to get their product to consumers.

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Three tips for swath and bale grazing this winter

Three tips for swath and bale grazing this winter
Alberta Farmer
Successful extended grazing matches the energy requirements of the cow with the true quality of the forage and/or supplement being offered. Knowing the quality of the feed, by reviewing the results after sending samples to a lab for feed analysis, is the first and critical step to a successful winter grazing program.
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