Along with feed costs, reproductive efficiency is a major driver of profitability for the cow herd. Because of this, the importance of proper breeding season preparations is essential.

As we progress into the summer months, many producers will lease pasture as a common management practice. Dry conditions in most of the West may force others to start evaluating different grazing options.

For many operations, May is calf-working time. This initial calf working may include branding or some other form of identification, vaccination, deworming, castration, dehorning and implanting. A little planning and attention to detail can reduce stress on both cattle and people, and ensure vaccines have the greatest chance to work.

Brazil’s Marfrig Global Foods SA has acquired a 51 percent interest in Kansas-based processor National Beef Packing Company, making it the world’s second-largest beef processor behind JBS.

Most Progressive Cattleman readers believe it’s time for the U.S. to adopt a national traceability program for beef.

President Trump has reportedly asked his economic and trade teams to investigate the possibility of rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 12-country trade agreement Trump pulled the U.S. out of in the first week of his presidency in January 2017. The TPP was finalized in February 2016, but was not ratified by the U.S. before Trump withdrew the U.S. signature from the pact.

After the second-most-profitable year ever in 2017, cattle producers are wondering how long the good times will last. But with a growing global middle class that has a taste for red meat, it appears the long-term outlook is positive. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), by 2030 nearly 5 billion people will be in that category, up from 2 billion in 2014.

Effective May 13, 2018, the USDA will no longer adhere to the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule, published Jan. 19, 2017, in the Federal Register.

Depending on where you call home, spring and winter swapped places this year. While the Winter Olympics were taking place, it was 50 to 60 degrees in Idaho. But once March rolled around, winter decided to show up.

Cattle producers preparing to add more livestock to the cow-calf herd should be willing to include one interested party before heading to the sale.