The focus for graziers has always been on forage quality in meeting the nutrient requirements of pastured cattle. The content of crude protein, neutral- and acid-detergent fiber (structural carbohydrates), water-soluble carbohydrates, crude fiber and minerals in a specific forage has been used for estimating forage quality and for formulating supplemental concentrate rations.

The beef industry’s transition to larger beef supplies in 2016 has been challenging. A persistently bearish psychology and ridiculous volatility in live and feeder cattle futures recently has contributed to a meltdown in cash markets and a mood among producers that is best described as fear.

“You’ll go just past Mineral Springs and hang a right at the camp trailer. If you pass a random recliner on a switchback in the road, you went too far. You will know when you’ve made it to the paint cans because you get service and there is a little clearing in the sagebrush.”

Farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals in the West are eligible to apply for a share of more than $1 million in available grants to study, demonstrate and improve sustainable agricultural practices on their land.

Since the veterinary profession began 250 years ago, veterinarians have been helping farmers and ranchers do what they do best – produce safe, nutritious food for the world. And there is no one more dedicated to the health and well-being of animals than the cattle production veterinarian.

Auto Easy Feeder The Auto Easy Feeder is programmable to feed your livestock up to 80 times a day, if desired. You set the length of run time to determine the amount of feed dispensed. It can dispense different types and sizes of bulk feed, textured-type feed and all cube sizes without any adjustment between types of feed.

There are few matters pertaining to cattle production that are predictable. For a cow-calf producer, determining the need and best option for a supplemental feeding program is one of them.

Cattle prices are down from the last couple of years, and that will intensify the urge to save money. The cost of hay and feed for winter supplementation is the largest expense cattle producers incur.

Years ago, my kids, out of a sudden case of curiosity, peeked into my old high school yearbooks. To my surprise and their amusement, they began mocking what was long ago a sophisticated look and style.

Colin Woodall is vice president of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Originally from Big Spring, Texas, he graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural systems management.