Picking sires is where producers can make the greatest impact on their herds. Bulls are responsible for many calves a year, while cows usually contribute one calf a year.

Rising operating costs, global competition and societal concerns about energy and the environment have created many economic challenges for the U.S. beef industry.

During the bull selection process, growth traits receive a lot of attention.

For many cow-calf producers, fall means calves have recently been sold or will be sold in the coming months, so this is a good time to evaluate how the calves did or are doing.

As the year comes to an end, it is a good time to look back and evaluate how the operation did and what things can be improved on moving forward to increase profit potential and reduce risk.