Sometimes it’s the small details that are the most important; take vaccine storage and handling for example. Just a slight misstep and the vaccine you’re relying on to protect your herd could be rendered useless. As branding season approaches and producers start to consider calfhood and pre-breeding vaccinations, it’s worthwhile to refresh your memory on proper vaccine management.

The latest Drought Monitor shows that drought continues to worsen in the southern High Plains. Across the continental U.S., 0.55 percent of the country is in D4 (exceptional) drought. The majority of that area is in Oklahoma, where D4 makes up 14.79 percent of the state, focused in the northwest and panhandle areas.

Most Progressive Cattleman readers do not use a natural service synchronization protocol in their herd.

The “corner post” of any cow nutrition program should be a year-round mineral program. Every rancher knows that to build a good fence, you must have a good corner post. In the same way, building a sound beef cow nutrition program starts with a sound mineral program.

Grazing season is just around the corner – a welcome break from cold weather, muddy lots and delivering feed to cows. As springtime approaches, it may be worthwhile to think about ways to improve your grazing system.

The 2018 Cattle Raisers Convention wrapped up on March 25 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Attendees from across the state and country gathered to hear industry experts, engage in educational opportunities, connect with other ranchers and browse an enormous trade exposition featuring the latest and greatest products available to cattle raisers.

So far in 2018, beef production is higher year over year as expected, with increased cattle slaughter and carcass weights. Beef demand has continued strong, carrying forward momentum from 2017. Cattle prices, both feeder and fed, along with wholesale and retail beef prices have generally been higher year over year so far this year.

Time. We all wish we had more of it. It slips through our fingers. We start a project and it takes longer than anticipated; the cows move slowly or the barn is dirtier than we thought. Now in springtime we're checking calves, building or repairing fences, and lining up irrigation equipment: We're busy.