It’s fair to say embryo transfer (ET) isn’t a common practice for most U.S. beef herds. Current data indicate that less than 5% of cow-calf operations have adopted ET technology.

The foundation of a strong mineral program for your cow herd can pay major dividends, not only for the coming year’s calf crop but for years down the line.

In 1940, my great-grandfather, Joe Mendel, started the Mendel family farm, located outside of Doland, South Dakota. What started as a diversified farm with beef, hogs and small grains is today an operation focused on corn, soybeans, wheat and sunflowers, as well as a 1,000-head feedlot and 600-head cow-calf operation.

The Stirrup Bar Ranch went from average to iconic in less than five years through improving genetics and utilizing reproductive technologies.

Speckle Park cattle may get attention for their colourful appearance, but it is their ability to thrive in a variety of climates and feeding regimens that really make them popular.

If we use the age-old math that herd bulls should be worth five to six times a feeder calf, then get ready for $10,000 to $14,000 bulls this winter/spring! With cow numbers at all-time lows, do you gamble that bulls will be plentiful and cost less? Is it time to consider leasing a bull?

Every cattleman understands that getting cows bred is among the most basic of necessities in any cow-calf operation. If cows don’t get bred, the revenue stream dries up and the business is no longer sustainable.

When a lack of rainfall negatively affects the pastures that producers rely on, moving cow-calf herds into drylot settings tops the list of management options. While this change is a multifaceted challenge, it also brings some surprising benefits.

Whether the market is as strong as it has been recently or in a slump, the health and growth of calves are critical to long-term success. Producers need to adapt their strategies to ensure they maintain profitability as best possible.

Doyle Sanders didn’t go to Turkey in 2016 with cattle on his mind. Well, that’s probably not entirely true; Sanders – who owns Dbl D Bar Ranch in central Texas and is a tireless advocate for the Beefmaster breed – is likely to have bovine on the brain at any given point in time.