While the negotiated base price typically represents 98 percent of the carcass value on grid formula-priced sales, the net effect of individual premiums and discounts can be the difference between profit and loss on a load of finished cattle in today’s high-stakes, narrow-margined cattle market.

The cattle industry has been moving toward improvements in low-stress handling, better ways to manage cattle.

Weaning is the process of separating the calf from its dam and is an essential procedure for any cattle operation to be profitable. However, it is also the most stressful time period in the life of a calf.

Mention to someone in the cattle industry, “What are your plans for a vacation this year?” and they will most likely roll their eyes at you and say, “Vacation, what is that?”

Working cattle can require several people depending on corral design and its access routes from pastures.

While being able to get a veterinarian to the animal in trouble would be ideal, sometimes that is just not going to be possible. Iowa State University Extension veterinarian J.K. Shearer says in emergency situations there may not be enough time for a veterinarian to get there, so producers need to have a plan.

One of the more fascinating aspects of grazing management in recent decades has been the contrast between what scientists say about rotational grazing and what ranchers say.

Say goodbye to over-the-counter cattle antibiotics. Starting December 2016, all antibiotic drugs will be under the guidance of a veterinarian. A recent webinar sponsored by Zoetis invited members of the industry and veterinarians to discuss what ranchers can do now to get ready for the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD).

As beef producers start thinking about flies, they need to keep fly tags in mind. South Dakota State University Extension and state public health veterinarian Russ Daly says producers need to make sure they are rotating the type of fly tags they use for their herd.

Every year we hear of a new incident, or see a new statistic, but we don’t entirely comprehend just how dangerous our livelihoods can be until someone is injured or even worse – killed.