Over the years, I’ve argued, debated, conversed and commiserated with my kids over myriad subjects and themes, ranging from the length of my daughters’ dresses and my sons’ ability to tuck a shirt in to presidential politics, the price of October fat cattle and serious social issues like racism and sexual violence.

Yer lookin’ at a feller with no tennis shoes, a ’76 GMC pickup, an outhouse and a learning permit for a cellphone. But, lest you lump me into that group of stodgy ol’ dinosaurs who cling to the days of Garth Brooks, pygmy Angus and real spare tires, let me assure you I have stepped boldly into the modern world of manly footwear.

Here’s a look back at which stories captured the most online attention from readers of Progressive Cattleman from December 2016 to November 2017.

It’s a simple choice: Plan or react? Every day, we encounter uncertainties. It’s how we plan for these moments that will affect our businesses, investments and pocketbooks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) informed industry representatives on Nov. 20 that it would allow a 90-day waiver from the electronic logging devices (ELDs) mandate for all transporters of agricultural commodities.

Growing up on a Colorado cattle ranch, earning an animal science degree and riding for the Certified Angus Beef (CAB) brand for nearly 16 years, Paul Dykstra has learned a thing or two about “First-class feeder cattle marketing.”

“Safety of man and animal” – these are words I often used in the classroom or during an extension meeting to describe one of the overall purposes of cattle-handling equipment and facilities.

The wind likes to blow on a regular basis in many areas of the country during the winter months. Couple this wind with cold temperatures and wet conditions, and the wind chill can cause a great deal of stress for cattle.

The Red Angus breed – often heralded by commercial producers as a consistent provider of fertility, longevity and overall herd profitability – is increasing its market share across the U.S. beef industry and has experienced two consecutive years of rapid growth.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released new recommendations in early November calling for farmers and those in the ag industry to stop routinely using antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease in healthy animals.