In the first article in this two-part series, I focused on the leadership, parenting and mentoring required by parents from birth of their children to the time they do or do not return to the ranch or farm business.

The use of game cameras in a cattle operation is not a new idea. Many producers have implemented some type of camera system to monitor their herd, check for predators or to cut down on time spent driving around checking fence. Most would agree a camera system is a useful tool, but pictures are just the beginning.

Imagine being able to scan a barcode on a package of steaks at the grocery store and access indisputable data for the entire life cycle of the animal – from conception to change in ownership, vaccines and processing.

As producers evaluate their bull battery and prepare for the winter bull sale circuit, it is useful to consider the importance of selection indexes on both sides of a mating in herd improvement plans.

Imagine being able to select animals for their grazing ability. The ideal result would be a herd that makes the most efficient use of their given resources, grazing as uniformly as possible throughout the different terrains and altitudes.

Cattle producers, are you looking for ways to use your time more effectively? The solution may be already in your hand, shirt pocket or belt holster. The rise of smartphone technology in the last 10 years has been revolutionary.

Technology and equipment from companies such as GrowSafe Systems and SmartFeed are changing animal selection and herd management for seedstock and commercial producers alike.

Cold temperatures and frozen ground create challenges for fencing. Cold weather is hard on machinery (hard to start the tractor, skid steer or excavator the post pounder is mounted on), and frozen ground makes it difficult to set posts.

When it comes to the treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), antibiotic selection has always been an important decision. That’s because BRD moves fast, and its damage can be permanent.