Farmers know a lot about the microscopic elements affecting the health of their dairy herds and crops. As researchers at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in Marshfield, Wisconsin, we are taking a fresh look at agricultural microbiomes (the clusters of bacteria, fungi and viruses that live together) in different farm environments.

What are you producing at your operation? The answer is: beef, of course. Anyone who owns cattle is a food producer. This has been the most critical point for all generations of producers.

Warmer weather has many of us thinking about green grass and the anticipation of a lighter workload while cow-calf pairs graze throughout the summer months. However, there are some important herd management practices to consider before that point.

Below-normal moisture and above-normal temperatures have been the spring weather pattern in most of the West. Variability in precipitation and subsequent variation in forage production is a huge challenge to manage.

As I look at the most current drought monitor map published on Feb. 15, most of the south-central region is experiencing dry conditions. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the area has received widespread rain, and pastures are covered with abundant supplies of green-growing forage.

Little Washburn Creek runs through the wooded hills of Sebastian County, Arkansas, where Tracy and Julie Leonard created a nontraditional ranch.

The subject of animal traceability has been bouncing from boardroom to courtroom to corral for years. The global and domestic demand for traceability has highlighted the need for a nationwide animal ID traceability system.

Most Progressive Cattleman readers feed round bales. In a recent online poll, Progressive Cattleman asked, “What form of hay do you feed?”

It all started with an innocent comment on a Facebook post in a local community group. A young woman was looking for a place in town to start an animal rescue. I politely told her city and county laws dictate that one must own at least 10 acres to house livestock.

While calving season is still in full swing in some states, planning for a successful breeding season should be in the back of our minds. The use of estrous synchronization in beef cattle production is often linked directly to artificial insemination (A.I.). However, one of the most valuable benefits from A.I. has nothing to do with A.I. itself, but actually comes from the estrous synchronization programs.