With parts of the country battling their way back from drought and U.S. cattle numbers reaching historic lows over the last few years, it’s reasonable to ask when producers are going to start rebuilding their herds.

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.

While results may differ across the entire U.S. cow-calf industry, the majority of our poll respondents said they use A.I. for at least part of their herd.

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.

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.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued its final ruling regarding e-ID tags on April 26, requiring these tags as a way to increase disease traceability.