Choosing beef replacements is a foundational decision that affects herd productivity, profitability and long-term genetic progress. Whether you raise replacements on-farm or purchase them, understanding the economic, genetic and management implications is key to making informed decisions.

In reviewing large commercial datasets, experts are seeing certain patterns beginning to emerge – particularly as it relates to a cow’s ability to stay in the herd. These trends are important to be aware of to identify challenges as well as opportunities.

Phytogenics means “derived from plants.” Specifically, secondary metabolites from plants have been proven, to some extent, to improve animal health or growth. How, exactly?

How many of us wish we could add time back into our days? For many of my customers who own and operate diversified operations, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. This problem is often exacerbated by the challenge of finding skilled labor.

While most of us are either dodging rain or praying for it in the hayfield, fall will be here soon, and weaning time will sneak up on us again. Whether you ship your calves straight off the cow or choose to wean them, those days around weaning are key times for management decisions to be made and data to be collected. But not just for the calves, also for the cows.

Catch the sounds of Idaho’s Cassia County Fair, as our own columnist and fair board member Paul Marchant introduces the fair board President Trevor Stapelman, an FFA Advisor Cami Schumann and Addi Jones, overall champion from the heifer futurity contest. And catch up with two of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange analysts on the ranching work force and herd rebuilding.

On July 4, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law following swift passage by both the House and Senate. This sweeping legislation brings significant changes to individual, business and nonprofit tax planning – many of which take effect in 2025 or 2026.

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