Dear future self, what are you going to remember about this time in the cattle business?

The May Feed Outlook report shows global coarse grains supply in 2026-27 is projected at 2,156 million metric tons (MT), 15 million MT lower than 2025-26. Spurring the projected supply decrease are expected declines in production, particularly in the U.S. but with notable declines in other major producing countries, including the European Union and Argentina.

As far as winters are concerned, the past one was pretty easy on me. I started to get quite concerned in mid-January when I glanced up at the mountains to the east where my summer water supply is usually stored in the form of some stout drifts and snowpack on the peaks and in the draws and north facing hillsides.

When drought forces tough decisions or expanding herds find themselves without pasture availability, drylotting beef cows may be an option to consider.

While producers can’t change the weather, they can adjust management practices to help cattle stay cooler and maintain productivity.

The list of traits that make a good commercial cow may vary some by producer. However, there are several fundamental things every producer should keep in mind when evaluating commercial cows.

Bigger calves are beneficial, but weaning weight alone doesn’t tell the full story.