Cows return to lush, green pastures as we ponder the mating decisions of the upcoming breeding season. The present time is critical for quality nutrition because we are asking for the most from our cows during the annual production cycle.

Recent research is investigating how understanding individual animals’ personalities can help producers more efficiently and sustainably manage pastureland.

Supplementing the cow herd with organic trace minerals improves ovarian activity, increases conception rates and helps cattle breed back sooner. Calves from supplemented cows are also in better health and immune status.

With respect to cattle inventories and price levels for both cattle and beef, the cattle industry is experiencing unprecedented times. Certainly, there have been swings both upward and downward in the feeder calf market, but prices have generally been historically high the past couple years, with the same expectations for 2025 and 2026. 

As the year transitions from winter to spring, producers are ready to stop feeding hay, and the livestock are eyeballing the “weakest link” in the fences to get to the green grass.

Wowk Ranch near Beauvallon, Alberta, specializes in breeding, training and selling high-quality horses of various breeds and runs 200 commercial cattle that they feed with a team in the winter.

Nutritional management plays a central role in promoting the health, productivity and reproductive success of beef cattle.