Weather patterns have been difficult to nail down with any degree of accuracy this year. In Saskatchewan, late snowfall has delayed thawing and therefore grass growth and typical seeding plans.

Forage is the foundation of most beef cattle diets. Whether cattle are grazing pasture, eating hay or being fed silage, these feeds provide the bulk of nutrients for cow-calf, stocker and backgrounding operations.

Reproductive technologies such as estrus synchronization, artificial insemination and embryo transfer have significantly improved genetic progress in beef cattle. Yet, one major biological limitation continues to constrain reproductive efficiency across operations: early embryonic mortality.

It is finally that time of year when many producers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing winter is almost behind them. As green grass begins to emerge, it is tempting to assume that winter challenges are over and that cattle will quickly rebound once they are turned out to pasture.

Sheep and goats share ruminant anatomy with cattle, but their smaller rumens and distinct grazing behaviors demand higher-quality, more digestible forage to meet energy needs.

After years of drought, Nebraska hay producers faced a new challenge in 2025: too much rain. This high-moisture hay raises new questions about winter feeding strategies.

Cattle prices are at historic highs, making management of the cow herd investment more critical than ever. A lot of focus is put on developing heifers, rebreeding the 2- and 3-year-old cows, delivering a uniform, healthy calf crop to the next segment of the industry, or managing cull cows. Rightly so, as all these topics are important to the overall financial success of the beef cattle operation.

Playing markets and feeding calves without the foundation of a program is like taking the family on a road trip without planning your destination, fuel stops, alternate routes or snacks for the kids.

We can think of each calf as its own business. Calves need a consistent flow of energy, amino acids, antioxidants and other nutrients to pay the “bills” like supporting growth, immune function and metabolism.