The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) has released genomic-enhanced EPDs (GE EPDs) with the fall 2014 international cattle evaluation. GE EPDs combine pedigree, individual performance and genomic information to save time and money, reduce risk and accelerate the rate of genetic progress.

Most ranchers and land managers are familiar with downy brome or cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and the substantial effects it has on ecosystems – most notably, its influence on fire frequency and intensity.

When thinking about the beef industry, Iowa is generally not the first state that comes to mind. However, Iowa has a booming beef industry thanks to readily available resources, and in fact, there are more cattle living in Iowa than there are people.

Successful cow-calf producers usually have excellent animal nutrition, health, breeding and stockmanship programs but often became complacent when the trucks arrive to haul calves to market.

We are in the fall run, the busiest time of the year for American and Canadian feedlots. Thousands of calves are entering the production system and will become, in just a few months, wholesome and healthy beef.

Travis Meteer, sales manager for the annual Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale, offers these tips for consignors: Develop a relationship with the buyer Establish contact on sale day with the buyer and continue to keep the lines of communication open.

At 5:30 a.m. you pull on your boots and, if there’s enough light, head to the pasture to see if the weaned calves broke the fence line.

For many of us, this year’s sale date is a highly anticipated event. While calf prices remain at an all-time high, it is important we pay particular attention to our handling techniques and transportation practices to avoid any unnecessary losses.

The use of antibiotics in the livestock industry has provided a hot topic for media and imposed government regulations. Current measures have been set in motion to reduce and further regulate antibiotic usage through the Guidance for Industry #213 plan released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December of 2013.