Late-summer rains have helped ease some of the drought-stricken pastures in the Southeast. Still, hay and winter feedstuffs are weighing heavy on the minds for many in the drought areas. If you are in a position to sell hay this year, make the selling process easier for everyone involved by submitting correctly gathered samples for analysis.

During the fall, many Western ranchers are weaning and checking for open cows. Cull cows will begin to be sorted from the herd, so it’s time to decide the best way to market this valuable set of cows.

The goal of every receiving protocol in the feedlots is to get cattle up on feed quickly and keep calves healthy to optimize weight gain and feed efficiency during the finishing period. While feedlots have several tools to aid in accomplishing this goal, management on the cow-calf farm is really the driving force behind the success – or lack of success – of a group of steers entering the feedlot.

Spring-calving herds Weaning time is upon most producers in the Southern Great Plains. Make sure you are ready with adequate supplies of vaccines, needles, eartags (if not already tagged), dewormer, etc.

What if someone is injured on my property? It is a concern shared by landowners across the country. Although the law regarding landowner liability differs greatly among states, many states have statutes designed to protect landowners in certain situations where injures occur.

During July, fed steer prices were quoted approximately 21 percent below the previous year and between 22 and 30 percent below July 2014 levels. Fed cattle prices experienced a strong correction during the last half of 2015, and prices have continued to trend lower through much of 2016.

Silage quality is important because of its value as a source of energy and other nutrients for growing cattle and as a roughage source for finishing cattle.

Consider the lowly fats. Since they are only a small fraction of most rations, they get no respect. We measure them, note them, neglect them and move on.

Feedlot managers should be checking the manure on their boots – it could tell a lot about the health of the cattle.