Prior expectations for the number of cattle on feed in the second half of 2023 were that generally tighter cattle supplies and potentially growing retention of heifers for breeding would lead to smaller levels than a year ago.

With the frigidity of winter comes the realities of needing to continue to manage external parasites of cattle. Regardless of an operation’s size or type, when it’s winter, we’re dealing with lice here in the West.

Controlling lice populations is important from both a performance and animal welfare standpoint. Proper lice management will help cattle get through the winter in better shape.

While the realities of mud are part of the winter management season on the farm, there are several strategies that can help lessen its impact on the beef cattle herd.

Proper nutrition prior to calving can greatly impact the developing fetus and colostrum quality.

When some folks think about the cowboy life or ranch life, they think of being horseback 24/7. In fact, there are a fair number of cowboys I’ve met in the last few years who only want to be horseback. One tool we’ve grown to love and appreciate perhaps more than any in all our learning is a solid spreadsheet.

Every year around this time, some of us find ourselves filled with mixed emotions. As temperatures drop, we are pleased by the reprieve from sultry summer afternoons, the natural abatement of biting flies, mosquitos and gnats, and football-filled weekends.