In our rush to maximize economic return, many of us breed first-calf heifers as soon as we think they are ready.

Riding the ups and downs of weather and markets can be a trying proposition, but for Sanders Ranch in the Buffalo Gap Grasslands of South Dakota’s Black Hills region, the key to it is balance – in managing the land and the commercial cow-calf operation of terminal Charolais-Angus crossbreds and the purebred Charolais bulls they have been breeding for generations.

Cow-calf producers understand the importance of colostrum in calf health and performance, but the roles vitamin A and E play in colostrum quality are less known.

The good times didn’t always roll in 2018, but there was some nice music playing in the background. Prices were relatively stable on many commodities, production of beef escalated throughout the year, and demand held steady while energy prices began to taper off toward winter.

2018 was a tough year for U.S. trade relations, but 2019 holds potential for a little more peace on the trading front. President Trump reached a tentative truce with China President Xi Jinping during the much-anticipated G20 leaders summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Dec. 1, 2018.

If the thought of seeing more than 22 different cattle breeds in one place makes you want to jump in your truck or board a plane for Denver, then you won’t want to miss the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (NWSS).

Let’s run through the January checklist: grass tetany prevention for grazing winter annuals, spring-calving herds need to make sure bulls are in a body condition score (BCS) of 5 or 6 and have a breeding soundness exam, and ensure appropriate nutrition for cows in peak lactation.

For the last several years, calving in a confinement setting has been on the rise because of the advantages offered, including better opportunity to monitor and assist during parturition if needed, ability to control feed intake and waste, and avoid dealing with mud.

The new year symbolizes a great opportunity to reflect about ways to reduce costs and improve upon 2018 profitability. Ranch profitability is essentially determined by enterprise cost structure.

Bull buying season is just around the corner, and it is important to have a plan in place prior to attending a sale or visiting a ranch for a private treaty purchase. Identifying the goals and marketing strategy for your operation is the first step in the decision-making process.