Over time, selection pressure for improved growth efficiency and earlier reproductive maturity in cattle has focused heavily on muscle development, fat deposition and reproductive performance, while the skeletal system is often overlooked. However, these same selection pressures also influence skeletal growth and maturity, making proper bone development critical to overall cattle performance.

When the time comes and we move into a period of softer cattle prices, conversations on many operations will naturally shift. When prices are strong, it is easier to absorb inefficiencies. When prices soften, those same inefficiencies can show up quickly on the bottom line.

To succeed in the Fescue Belt – particularly in endophyte-infected pastures – producers should chase these traits in their herds.

Estrus synchronization is a powerful tool to help tighten calving windows, incorporate superior genetics and improve long-term herd efficiency. But even with the right protocol, results can fall short if the fundamentals aren’t in place.

With feeder calf prices at record highs and USDA predictions for prices to remain at or above $3 per hundredweight (cwt) into 2027, it’s an exciting time to be in the cow-calf business.

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.

With markets demanding ever more proof of beef’s environmental sustainability, taking relatively simple steps such as improving your herd’s genetics or mineral supplementation can pay big dividends. 

With reproductive success estimated to be three to nine times more influential on operational profitability compared to other production traits, it makes sense that we would provide the best opportunities to maximize the number of cows we are able to get pregnant.