Texas A&M professor David P. Anderson visits with David Cooper to review how many operations in the beef livestock industry have been lost or consolidated in the most recent USDA Census report.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines trust as “an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something; dependence on something future or contingent: hope.”

Even though sustainability has been a frequent topic of discussion among animal and natural resource stewards and consumers alike, there remains confusion within the industry regarding what sustainability actually involves.

We all know the basics to ensure safer trailering for our horses such as brake early, take turns slow, etc., but what are some of the more minute aspects that are in need of our consideration?

Efficient. Sustainable. Profitable. Productive. Economical. They feel like buzzwords, yet they’ve maintained their lofty position in the cattle industry zeitgeist for long enough now that it’s impossible to shy away from the inevitability – and even merit – of defining and reaching for such ideals.

Over recent decades, cattle disease management, prevention and treatment have changed dramatically. Vaccines, antibiotics, technology and even diseases have altered course.

I’m reminded every so often of a conversation I had with a friend of mine over 30 years ago. The memory is usually triggered by some random comment or event, but it’s one of those memories that seems to always linger near the surface of my thoughts.

Early summer generally provides the highest-quality forage of the production cycle. Producers frequently assume most nutrient requirements are met, yet many nutritional and metabolic details are overlooked.