In an era of 24-hour news cycles, constant digital streaming and sensory overload, we don’t use our minds very well. The brain is the most complex and underappreciated organ in the body. Perhaps we should exercise ours with a balanced set of tools – including among them a healthy dose of skepticism.

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is one step closer to ratification. On Jan. 7, the Senate Finance Committee passed the USMCA with a bipartisan vote of 25-3, putting it on the fast track to the Senate floor.

The 2019 fourth-quarter beef production forecast was raised by 100 million pounds from the previous month to nearly 7 billion pounds. This raised the forecast for annual production to 27.1 billion pounds.

We live in an information-savvy world and industry. Information has come to be expected for use in decision-making processes. We have access to more information on individual beef animals than ever before.

Calving season decisions should be made based on labor availability, feed resources, cow nutrient demand, weather patterns and seasonal cattle markets.

February is marked by the beginning of bull sales out West. The western region of the U.S. has some of the top seedstock producers for many breeds used across the nation. However, before going to a sale, you should do your homework to ensure you know what you are looking for, how much the animal is worth and what you are willing to pay.

In last month’s roundup, I made the statement that it is important to focus on only the most important things in each scenario and not get overwhelmed trying to look at every expected progeny difference (EPD), index or performance information for a bull.

What on earth is a flight plan, and why do farmers and ranchers need one? The name is derived from the song “I’ll fly away.” You know the one … “I’ll fly away, oh glory, I’ll fly away. When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away.”

The IRC section 1031 exchange is one of the most powerful tax-saving and wealth-building tools available for people who own highly appreciated land.