Placements of feeder cattle into feedlots of 1,000-plus head in February 2015 were lower than some analysts expected, with lower placements in most weight classes.

Some forage species are more energy-dense than others. Beef producers around the world have been utilizing some of these species in grass-fed beef production, using forages instead of grain for finishing beef animals.

My grandmother has been gone now for 13 years. Yet hardly a day goes by that I’m not remembering some direction or counsel she preached in passing that became a lesson lasting a lifetime.

It’s a call no cattle owner wants to receive – news that his or her cattle got out onto the roadway and were struck by a vehicle.

Land managers have witnessed reduction of standing forage supply due to drought, but how many of us are fully aware of the damage inflicted by dry weather on pasture ecosystems?

We begin with a formula for feedback that, when implemented, will increase performance and enhance job satisfaction: Large quantities of specific positive feedback + Continuing excellent redirection feedback = Reduced need for negative feedback + increased productivity + greater job satisfaction

Editor’s note: This article is the second part of a two-part series. Click here to read part one of this two-part series. Determining forage needs was discussed in the April issue of Progressive Cattleman as Part 1 of the broader topic of developing a forage management plan for herd rebuilding, a presentation delivered by Dr. F.T. McCollum III during the recent cattle industry convention and NCBA trade show in San Antonio.

In the May issue of Progressive Cattleman, my column focused on “Why people follow leaders.” Followers may include employees, middle managers, committee members, volunteers, etc. According to Gallup, the four main reasons followers follow leaders are trust, compassion, stability and hope.

Fire, grazing and rest are three of the most important processes that producers can apply, and control, on properties consisting of native plant communities.

The strong demand for pasture and lower grain prices has generated renewed interest in irrigated pasture.