Cow-Calf
Preparing for frigid temperatures can help producers facing inclement weather this calving season.
K-State beef systems specialist researching the effects on stocker cattle performance.
With spring bull buying season here, producers should understand their goals for marketing calves and the genetic value to make replacement females.
USDA’s annual Cattle Inventory Report released Friday shows the U.S. total cattle inventory shrunk another 1% over the past year, with the number of beef cows also down 1%.
Last year’s USDA Cattle Inventory Report showed the smallest cattle herd since 1951. With strong heifer prices and no strong signs of rebuilding underway, the Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor shows supplies may come in even lower than last year.
Calving during the winter months can present some unique challenges, so being prepared with supplies and supplemental nutrition will help.
While some operations are increasing cow numbers, there are a couple segments decreasing numbers or exiting for good.
Topics include genetic modifications in livestock, yield grades and a beef industry economic outlook.
While rare in most cowherds, retained placentas jeopardize reproductive efficiency and can rob operations of profit potential.
A more productive cowherd fuels the growth of beef production which in turn reduces the need to increase cow numbers to generate that same growth.
Tight cattle supplies will remain the primary driver in the new year and weather will have a significant impact on feed and forage availability, and cattle marketing patterns.
The pest can travel on humans, vehicles, pets, livestock and even on some wildlife species — all of which increase the likelihood it could eventually enter our country.
Veterinarian Kirk Ramsey discusses ways to to prepare first-calf heifers to breed back.
The performance of growing calves on wheat pasture can by increased by providing a small amount of a concentrate supplement carrying an ionophore and minerals that are deficient in wheat pasture.
Top Story
USDA approves funding to bolster efforts to prevent further spread through surveillance, animal health checkpoints and domestic preparedness.
One of the questions veterinarians are helping cow-calf producers answer is whether it’s a better decision to raise their own calves or buy them.
In a USDA study, 7.9% of U. S. cow-calf operations were found to contain one or more Johne’s positive cows.
A recent study at Kansas State University highlights some of the benefits.
Better rumen function means more available energy, helping improve cattle productivity.
The project, developed by Cooperative Extension livestock specialists and veterinarians, aims to mitigate profit, production and financial risks to cattle producers.
There are many management options to consider for weaned calves depending on feed resources, labor, and subsequent management strategies.
Learn the difference in weight per day of age and average daily gain, and how can you use those to help in cattle management decisions.
Here are some basic rules of thumb to follow when determining the hay supplies you will need to sustain your cow herd over the next few months.
Total beef production is down a scant 0.7 percent so far this year and may end the year equal to year ago levels. Despite this, wholesale and retail beef prices are higher thus far in 2024.
Needle size matters when using hormones during synchronization protocols for breeding cattle.
Have you wanted to have more calves born earlier in your calving season, but didn’t want to deal with the increase in labor, cost and facilities to utilize estrus synchronization and artificial insemination?
Kennedy Cattle Company triples feedlot size to take advantage of strong cattle prices. Manages margins by growing more of its own feed.
David Lalman, Ph.D., has researched cow size and feed efficiency with intent to help producers create a cowherd that is resilient and productive in the best environment and still productive in the worst of years.
The pace of expansion of the U.S. cow inventory will be slower than past cycles including the fact that beef production takes longer than other proteins.
There’s a lot of hyperbole out there about USDA’s EID mandate — much of it serves as nothing more than fear-mongering.