As it does every year, the Idaho Potato Conference, held in Pocatello Jan. 21-22, delivered vital educational opportunities for growers, agronomists and the allied industry. With the potato industry facing some of the highest supplies and lowest prices it has seen in years, wise producers are taking any opportunity to gain an edge in the coming year.

When leaders adjust how they lead – not just how much – performance almost always improves. Conversations get easier, expectations feel clearer, and employees start taking more responsibility on their own. Not because they’re being pushed harder. Because they’re being led in a way that fits where they actually are.

Turning cows out on immature forages can have long-reaching consequences, including permanent damage to grass stands, high risk of grass tetany and a need for supplementation to fill nutritional gaps.

Although it is nice to have abundant forage during springtime, rapid growth often outpaces animal demand and may quickly push plants beyond the vegetative stage, which reduces nutritive value and pasture longevity.

While removing animals from the herd can be a difficult decision, addressing problem cows early helps prevent repeated issues in future calving seasons.