Feed efficiency is a topic that’s been kicked around nutrition circles for some time. For decades, producers and nutritionists have focused on getting more milk from each pound of feed.

Researchers suggest utilizing growth-promoting implant technologies for cattle marketed live and taking advantage of branded programs like NHTC that may benefit grid-based marketing schemes.

As the population continues to grow, the demands of consumers and the workload on ranchers and feedlot operations also increase. It is critical now, more than ever, to save time and streamline expenses to keep your operation as efficient as possible.

Anybody who has succeeded in any business for any amount of time knows at least this one simple truth: Efficiency equals profits. The tricky part, of course, is figuring out just where your inefficiencies lie and what you can do to remedy them.

Corn and distillers grains are staples in Midwest finishing diets. Understanding how the various types and inclusion levels of these feed resources impact cattle performance and ultimately the bottom line of an operation is important.

Profitability is basically the difference between income and expenses. In today’s world of tight margins, producers should be looking at their own balance sheet now more than ever to make sure they are making smart decisions that can impact either end (income or expense) of the equation.

We’ve all known animals we call "easy-keepers" – memorable cows that always seem to hold their own or even gain weight on overgrazed pastures of rocks and cactus.

By now it’s no secret: Hay yields have been a little short this year. Coupled with the fact that we carried over very little inventory last winter, it is time to do some serious planning to survive winter feeding this year.

Last summer, I had the opportunity to work as an intern for Standard Dairy Consultants in southern Idaho, working with nutrition consultant Tevan Brady.