This spring season has seen colder-than-normal temperatures in many parts of the country. Cold temperatures and wind can result in damage to bulls’ ability to produce viable semen. Bull breeding soundness exams offer the opportunity to identify and remove bulls from the breeding herd that have a low probability of siring calves.

As the winter is winding down, many producers are getting ready to turn out bulls. Often, the supplement used for the cow herd contains whole cottonseed, and this prompts questions such as, “Can I feed whole cottonseed to my bulls?” and, “Will it make them infertile?” Our answer to this question is always, “Absolutely not, if you stay within the recommended feeding levels."

Understand the risks of trich and the colossal impact the disease can have on your herd.

Fall calving continues to increase in the U.S. Approximately 30% of the herds in the U.S. are calving in the fall. Depending on where you are in the country, calving could start in late August, mid-October or anywhere in between.

“There’s one commonality with every cattleman I’ve talked to – they are all seeking higher productivity because they know it’s essential for profitability,” says rancher Deb Brown, who is president of the Irish Black Cattle Association. Deb Brown and Larry Licking founded Long Pines Land and Livestock in the far northwest corner of South Dakota, along the Montana border and only a few miles from North Dakota. Deb’s son, Sterling, is an active part of Long Pines, taking on more of the day-to-day management.