Everyone acknowledges that the most recent drought left cattle herds at their lowest level since the 1950s and reduced pastures and grazing lands to dry and crispy areas unsuitable for assisting with the replenishment of a herd lost or sold prematurely over the past year.

Philip Seng is the president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. He spoke with Progressive Cattleman about the trends that continue making exports a critical factor in growing beef demand.Q: With the downgrade of the U.S. debt rating on the S&P, how might that affect exports and trade as it relates to beef and other products?A: Initially, I think there will naturally be concern about the impact of this. But as we take a look at agriculture and especially at what we are doing in the export market ... this really has not been a negative impact for us internationally.

The majority of U.S. cow-calf producers spend time and money to add some level of “value” to their calves before selling each fall. Historically, this has included using basic management practices including dehorning, castration and using superior genetics for growth, as well as selling calves in larger groups that are similar in age, weight, color and type.

There are many ways to save on feed costs and have cows graze longer into winter.

The problems caused by drought in the South are no secret. Farmers and ranchers across several states are trying to hold on to their herds.

To make a beef cattle operation a success in California, you need more than just a spate of warm weather. Other key elements would be deep roots to cattle production, a cultural tie to the land and people, proximity to good herds and ready supplies of feed.

For years, cattle producers have castrated bull calves as early as possible to reduce stress and minimize the interruption in calf growth. Recently, there has been some interest in delaying castration.

After having lived his entire life – up to that point – in the arid, rural West, my oldest son spent a couple of years in the Washington D.C. area. He was quite an anomaly in the cities of the East Coast. While some of his roommates and acquaintances were not completely unfamiliar with the West, none of them could quite understand his addiction. It wasn’t completely his fault. I suppose it was partly a product of the environment to which he was constantly exposed as a lad and partly due to his genetic makeup.

It’s far from 20 degrees below zero, but it’s never too early to think about winter weather and proper cattle management.