My cowboy and I have been married for 26 years. As I think of the Valentine’s Days we’ve experienced over the years, it’s clear that just like other things in life, there are phases. And there are probably more phases to come.

When it comes to breeding heifers there are several questions that often come up. Should they be bred to calve at 24, 30, or 36 months of age? Should they be bred to calve a month earlier than the cow herd? How long should the breeding season be?

The University of Illinois beef cattle group has been investigating and producing cattle in alternative housing systems for several years. Research results have consistently shown acceptable cow and calf performance.

This spring, when you are selecting bulls to breed cows at high elevation or selecting bulls for use as terminal sires for calves destined for a feedlot, consider using PAP score as a metric of selection.

Minerals are a crucial component in beef cattle diets. While mineral mixtures may vary among farms, there is one mineral that is on many minds this time of year: magnesium.

It was another one of those nights. I slowly brought myself back to reality from one of those crazy dreams that makes no sense, opened one eye and glanced up at the old digital clock radio on the dresser next to the bed.