Below-normal moisture and above-normal temperatures have been the spring weather pattern in most of the West. Variability in precipitation and subsequent variation in forage production is a huge challenge to manage.

As I look at the most current drought monitor map published on Feb. 15, most of the south-central region is experiencing dry conditions. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the area has received widespread rain, and pastures are covered with abundant supplies of green-growing forage.

Little Washburn Creek runs through the wooded hills of Sebastian County, Arkansas, where Tracy and Julie Leonard created a nontraditional ranch.

The subject of animal traceability has been bouncing from boardroom to courtroom to corral for years. The global and domestic demand for traceability has highlighted the need for a nationwide animal ID traceability system.

Most Progressive Cattleman readers feed round bales. In a recent online poll, Progressive Cattleman asked, “What form of hay do you feed?”

While calving season is still in full swing in some states, planning for a successful breeding season should be in the back of our minds. The use of estrous synchronization in beef cattle production is often linked directly to artificial insemination (A.I.). However, one of the most valuable benefits from A.I. has nothing to do with A.I. itself, but actually comes from the estrous synchronization programs.

Atop his bay gelding, the cowboy rides through the undulating hills one last time in search of the missing calf. He is rather certain he knows the calf’s location, but the sheer pleasure of such a ride, in such a place, is worthy of the excuse.

It’s one thing to start, another to survive. What makes the difference? That may seem like a trick question with subjective answers, but ranchers will cite common denominators, tricks of the trade that apply.

Recent rains eliminated or greatly reduced drought in the eastern half of Oklahoma, but conditions in the western half of the state continue to worsen. Nine counties of northwestern Oklahoma and the panhandle have gone 155 days or more with less than 0.25 inches of rain.

Third-generation South Dakota rancher Todd Mortenson testified in a hearing of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management and Regulatory Oversight on March 8.