The calendar never lies. While it may feel like New Year’s celebrations have scarcely fizzled, the calf crop is on the ground, the winter feed supply is dwindling, and patches of green grass are beckoning.

The Southern Idaho Livestock Hall of Fame recognizes the men and women who have made positive impacts on the livestock industry. The newest inductees were honored on April 8 during the organization’s 64th annual banquet in Twin Falls.

Some producers may be leery of adopting practices such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization due to perceived high costs and risk factors. Here’s a look at some of the numbers.

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. 

When Kee Jim talks, people in the cattle world listen. He has spent a decades-long career refuting the notion that a jack of all trades is the master of none, offering his extensive expertise to help feedlot operators become as efficient and profitable as possible.

Calving season is upon us, and being prepared can be the best strategy for a successful calving season and healthy calf crop. Gathering supplies and preparing facilities for the calving season is critical so that last-minute preparations are minimal.

I grew up on an 80-cow Holstein dairy family farm cropping corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat in eastern Iowa. I am putting the animal science (2005) and DVM (2009) degrees I earned at Iowa State to good use by focusing on the basics of cattle husbandry.