While some producers struggle to stay afloat in what seems to be an unprofitable business, there are plenty of ranches defying the odds.

Location, rainfall, forage species, age of animals and stocking rates are all important factors in developing a strategic deworming plan. The key to a strategic deworming plan is to treat cattle when environmental/pasture conditions are less favorable for worm infection and survival.

In the summer months, cattle will consume approximately 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of bodyweight. Heat waves may increase this intake by 50 percent or more. If the water source you have is high in iron or sulfur, this represents a dramatic increase in total daily intake of these minerals.

The grazing season is finally here, and grazing irrigated land has garnered some renewed interest due to changing market dynamics. The economics of grazing irrigated pasture can be challenging but often more productive than haying.

Hay cutting is upon us, and some have been wrapping ryegrass and other cool-season forages since the end of January. How much hay will each mature cow need? The quick answer is: at least 1.5 tons per head.

Most Progressive Cattleman readers prefer to use eartags to ID their cattle.

Since the recently enacted changes in the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules, there is renewed interest in creating or improving the producer’s relationship with their veterinarian, which is surprising to me at least – I usually have a good relationship with my cattle vet.

Another needle has moved in events leading up to the long-awaited re-opening of U.S. beef access to China. On May 11, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a press release marking the first sign of progress on the 100-day action plan President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for during their meeting last month. And first in line is U.S. beef.

Beef industry officials were among the agricultural groups applauding two federal appointment decisions on May 11 that were made toward the goals of increasing U.S. exports.

Total U.S. cattle imports were down 7.4 percent in March compared with one year ago. Monthly imports of cattle from Mexico were down about 1 percent while cattle imports from Canada were down 17 percent year over year.