Cattle production is often at the mercy of major influences, such as market volatility, government regulations and feed supplies and shortages. These prominent factors undeniably shape the industry and impact producer success on a broad scale.

Fencing is a critical tool for enhancing grazing management through managing livestock access and distribution. However, constructing physical fences, both permanent and temporary, can be labor-intensive and costly. The introduction of virtual fencing into North America has many ranchers wondering how it works and whether it fits their operations.

“Schwauuuuhhh!” You hear the distinct cattle call my father has consistently sent ringing through Draper’s Valley in Virginia for at least the 35 years I’ve been alive. It’s the same call my older sister and I have comically attempted to replicate throughout the years to no avail.

While cool-season grasses grow well in the Upper Midwest, producing forage in the spring and again when temperatures cool off in the fall, they suffer from “summer slump” when conditions get too hot or dry, and their growth slows.

As we begin another year, I’m grateful for fresh beginnings. Although, I have to say, every new year that comes I personally don’t feel new – and I don’t sense that my life has changed. Yet, that change of the calendar often brings a sense of rebirth and renewal.

Lone Star Ranch took the plunge with virtual fencing to better utilize pasture and eliminate fencing challenges in tough terrain.

Rotational stocking improves forage use, but it can't overcome the biological limits of pasture growth. Meeting animal demand requires aligning stocking rates with forage yield.