Beef calving - Articles - Page 4

Genetic improvement driven by distinct factors

Improving a cow herd’s genetics can happen from many different points of origin and emphasize even more tactics. Fortunately, a few factors top the list when looking for guidance on these important decisions.

December 14, 2023

Bruce Derksen

“Genetic improvement” is a term with far-reaching implications, uniquely and individually defined by those in the beef industry.

Preparing for the upcoming calving season

Keeping a finger on the pulse of your cow herd’s needs in the weeks prior to calving will pay big dividends when calves start hitting the ground.

December 13, 2023

Megan Van Emon

As we roll into the new year, one thing is on almost every rancher’s mind: calving season. For those who calve in January and February, the rapid changes in temperature may play a role in calf sickness and growth.

Midwest/North: Pre-calving nutrition

November 21, 2023

Travis Meteer

Proper nutrition prior to calving can greatly impact the developing fetus and colostrum quality.

Retained placenta causes and treatments

The placenta should shed on its own, but in some instances, nutritional deficiencies or a difficult calving can keep the placenta retained. In this case, producers should monitor the cow for infection and avoid manual and antibiotic treatments.

February 9, 2023

Heather Smith Thomas

Most cows shed the placenta within two to eight hours after calving, and when a cow has not shed the placenta for 24 hours or longer, it is considered retained.

[Podcast] Managing year-round reproduction with veterinarian Lee Jones

January 25, 2022

Joining David, Cassidy and Paul on this episode is Lee Jones, an associate professor of beef cattle production medicine with the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He discusses everything from discovering problematic patterns in calving season to balancing modified live and killed vaccines in the cowherd. Also, the Progressive Cattle podcast hosts share their thoughts on President Biden’s plan to improve beef market competition, as well as their now-irrelevant Super Bowl picks.

Systems approach to calving success

January 24, 2022

Lee Jones

We often approach every calving season by addressing parts of the management or farm puzzle. And there is value in doing that.

Managing Mother Nature and the newborn calf

January 24, 2022

Lindsay Waechter-Mead

Spring calving in the Midwest has its fair share of unfortunate weather events. From the 2019 bomb cyclone to the 2021 polar vortex, cattle producers should not be surprised when the weather forecasts the worst.

4 factors during calving season that can impact rebreeding

December 31, 2021

Jeremy Howard

Calving and rebreeding are two of the most notable events for a beef cattle operation. These two times of the year have a major impact on profitability.

[Podcast] Management variabilities with Jordan Thomas

December 30, 2021

Cassidy, Paul and David visit with University of Missouri assistant extension professor Jordan Thomas on the management variabilities that producers can prepare for in a given year. Whether it be for calving, forage or marketing, cattle producers can sometimes be their own worst enemies in managing for profit. Thomas applies system thinking that helps minimize risk. The Progressive Cattle podcast hosts also discuss the outlook for the new year.