According to the January 2025 USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report, the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest point since the early 1960s.

Fall calving has its advantages for calf survivability, marketing and reducing calving stress. However, the challenges of fall and winter breeding require some adjustments to management to ensure success. 

It is easy to focus on your cows and calves this time of year. As your bulls provide 50% of the genetics in your calf crop, it is also important to evaluate your herd’s performance from the bull’s point of view.

Artificial insemination as a regular practice may seem out of reach on your operation, but this floor- and ceiling-raising technology is more affordable and easier to access than ever before.

Nestled just north and east of some of Alberta’s most stunning scenery is Soderglen Ranch, where cattle act like they’ve belonged on the terrain for thousands of years.

After more than 15 years of practicing in a large-animal clinic, a veterinarian pinpoints three herd health issues on which producers can take action to add pounds to their calves and efficiency to their operations.

A single low-fertility bull can wreak havoc on breeding success, leading to fewer calves and major financial losses. But how can producers know which bulls are underperforming before it’s too late?

Today, sexed semen is available on a wide selection of sires and performs at a fertility level encouraging the most skeptical operators to give it a try.

Steppler Farms, located in Miami, Manitoba, is the largest registered purebred Charolais herd in the province. Run by Andre Steppler, his wife Katie and their three kids (Brynn, Brayden and Declan), the operation continues to breed cattle for productivity and show ring appeal, while creating a legacy for generations to come.

Reproductive efficiency is a key driver of profitability in a cow-calf operation, since females that don’t conceive still consume resources without producing a return. Several factors influence pregnancy outcomes, including animal health, nutrition, stress and adherence to estrus synchronization protocols.