Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” While he was referring to strategy in the boxing ring, the same holds true for starting lightweight (sometimes called peewee) calves.

U.S.-based beef cattle operations face unique challenges ranging from labor and time shortages to water source and feeding management issues. More than ever, technology is confronting these obstacles.

Progressive Cattle asked producers how long they keep their bulls. The majority of respondents said they keep their bulls for three to four years.

The June Feed Outlook report shows global coarse grains production forecast is lower for 2024-25. The 2024-25 U.S. corn crop has moved forward and is largely completed.

Feedlot operators tap into their hard-earned instincts almost every minute of every day. Most also lean into data and information. When critical decisions need to be made, it can be difficult to choose the right lane. Should instinct or data guide the thinking, or is there an overlap? If they’re both valuable, how do producers find their appropriate balance?

Summertime brings in the warmer weather and, with it, a different set of stressors for cattle. A number of factors can lead to stress in cattle, including fluctuations in temperature or adverse weather conditions.

What makes the difference between employees who are happy at work and those who are miserable? 

The June World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (WASDE) showed no change to the 2024-25 U.S. corn outlook relative to last month. The season average price received by producers remains at $4.40 per bushel.

As we approach midsummer, there are important reasons to consider deworming. Almost immediately after cattle are turned out on contaminated green grass, they begin picking up parasites that can start doing damage in a very short time.

In cattle feeding, effective risk management is crucial for maintaining profitability and long-term success. Traditionally, many cattle feeders have relied heavily on fundamental analysis for their marketing strategies.