1. Economic importance of cow longevity and depreciation

The verdict is in – an open cow is among the top three financial liabilities for cow-calf operators. Calf sales are the largest contributor to annual income; cows that fail to wean a calf are a financial burden borne by the productive cows. Profit-driven cattlemen focus on managing annual cow cost. Depreciation, which is the purchase/capitalization cost minus salvage value divided by years of useful life, is typically among the top three contributors – along with labor and fed feed – to annual cow cost.

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2. Tips for success when starting an A.I. program

As with everything in the beef industry, there is no magical potion or protocol that will guarantee achieving maximum success with an A.I. program in all management scenarios. One of the best recipes for success with an A.I. program is keeping a keen eye on all aspects of herd management, nutrition, vaccinations and administration and implementation of synchronization protocols.

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3. Size matters: The impact of proper needle selection and management

Size matters in all kinds of scenarios. You have to wear the right size of boots when you work cattle in the mud, or your socks might get muddy. You have to know what size shirt your wife wears when you are buying her a Valentine’s Day gift, as being wrong might not lead to marital bliss. Size matters at the headgate of your working chute. Size especially matters when it comes to needle selection as you treat or vaccinate calves. Needles that are the incorrect length or diameter can cause serious issues.

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4. A roadmap to supplementing your cows this winter

With margins remaining slim in the cattle business, eliminating the guesswork out of the most expensive cost for cow-calf producers is more valuable now than ever. A $15 forage sample acts as a roadmap that points you in the right direction and to maximizing the value of your hay and your supplements.

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5. Understanding emotional intelligence

Understanding our own emotional quotient (EQ) requires the ability to understand three key elements of our interactions with others. First, we need to understand our personal tendencies toward different reactions in a variety of situations. Next, we need to recognize the different types of responses that are most appropriate. Finally, we need to act in a manner that is most suitable for the situation. These three elements of understanding, recognition and action provide a framework for enhancing our own emotional intelligence as well as those we interact with on a regular basis.

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6. Considerations when using self-feeders to finish cattle

At one point or another, we have all fed cattle on a self-feeder – whether it’s to creep feed some calves; finish out a few fat steers for locker; or if it’s the only way we can successfully manage space, time and labor, it might be the only way we finish cattle. Regardless of why you utilize them, there are right and wrong ways to manage a self-feeder that can impact the overall health and performance of cattle. Compiling a list of things to consider will help you effectively utilize a self-feeder to reach your end goals.

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7. Hydroponic forages: A potential resource for beef cattle

Hydroponic forages, or forages grown using a specially formulated combination of water and light – no soil required – are not a new technology. Increased pressures to find sources of quality feed through several years of persistent drought, along with the appeal of a land- and water-efficient, environmentally friendly source of high-quality forages, has spurred a growing interest in using hydroponic forages in the U.S.

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8. Timing of weaning: How should we think about it?

Most of us have our own ideas about weaning strategies for calves. Perhaps you are a fan of fenceline weaning. Perhaps you like two-stage weaning. Perhaps you feel like the market doesn’t compensate you for weaning calves at all, so you “wean on diesel fumes” and market bawling calves each year.

I have my own thoughts about what’s best for calves on my operation. But let’s set aside our opinions on what is best for the calves for a moment, and let’s think through how weaning impacts the farm or ranch overall. Our decision on when to wean calves is an incredibly powerful lever we have as managers. How should we make the decision on when to wean?

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9. British Whites and grass-fed beef: A match made in the pasture

Grass-fed beef is a growing niche market in the U.S. Consumers are also showing an increased interest in learning where their food comes from. Combining this niche market with direct marketing creates a great opportunity for beef producers.

10. Development of heat-tolerant breeds in the U.S.

Almost all breeds in the U.S. today are of British and European descent, but many ranchers in southern areas prefer cattle with some Zebu influence. American Brahman were developed from several strains of Bos indicus cattle imported from India between 1854 and 1926, and Zebu cattle from Brazil. Several American breeds and composites have been created using Brahman, including Santa Gertrudis, Brangus and Beefmaster. In recent years, African types with less Zebu genetic influence and more Bos taurus have been introduced.