In an exchange parroted ad nauseam with my buddies with every charming ounce of teenage wit available to us in the mid-2000s, two movie pirates discuss their Plan B should Plan A go awry: “What if the worst should happen?” “Keep to the Code.”

Winter can take a toll on your sleep, stress and energy levels. Keep in mind that your cows are experiencing at least equal levels of stress. 

To safeguard your controllers and on-board technology, follow the same end-of-season cleaning and storage prep practices you do for the machines.

I’ve always hated winter. I think it’s a rite of passage as a farm kid, and naturally so. It is bred into us to despise the time of year when you seem to be doing chores in the dark – regardless of what time you start.

By prioritizing proper ventilation system design and operation, you can successfully house your calves indoors without compromising their health.

Every environment has unique opportunities to succeed and overcome production issues. These include feed costs, environmental stressors, health challenges unique to geographical areas and local or regional economic climate. Operational resiliency relies on our ability to address challenges.

Like the fall leaves, your pastures are undergoing similar changes in plant maturity as the plant prepares itself for the harsh, cold winter months.

As we roll into the new year, one thing is on almost every rancher’s mind: calving season. For those who calve in January and February, the rapid changes in temperature may play a role in calf sickness and growth.