It was shipping day, or at least the first of a few. We were only shipping one load, so I didn’t expect much drama, but shipping day is always accompanied by some angst. We’re not a huge outfit, and our final day of harvest is when we ship the previous year’s calf crop to its final destination to a packing plant in Texas or California. It may not be as romantic or Instagram-worthy as branding day or turnout day, but it is every bit as important and impactful.

Feeding cattle used to be a pen-and-paper business. Feed sheets, herd health records and inventory notes were written in notebooks, on scraps of paper or in binders tucked in barns and pickup trucks. Now more producers are relying on cloud-based software to streamline operations, but hesitation remains, especially if internet access is limited.

Strong cattle markets have allowed some producers to finally upgrade equipment, but those purchases come with more stress than most people realize.

Bull sale season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in a cattle operation, offering an opportunity to shape the future of the herd. Unfortunately, it may also bring confusion. Over time, the amount of data available to guide sire selection decisions has grown significantly. While more information can lead to better outcomes, it can also create undue stress and decision fatigue.

D’après mes discussions avec les producteurs, presque tout le monde peut constater des améliorations, même ceux qui se disaient satisfaits de leurs pertes suite au parage et de l’état de santé générale de leurs troupeaux.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is a fast-moving upper respiratory disease that can quietly drain profitability in beef and dairy herds. It spreads quickly through close contact and, like other herpes viruses, it doesn’t leave the herd once it arrives.

Labor shortages and high turnover remain among the top concerns keeping dairy owners and operators up at night. In 2026, the challenge is not only finding workers but also keeping them engaged and committed to one of the most vital roles on the farm.