David, Cassidy, Paul and Carrie discuss the end of 2021; and David chats with Oklahoma State's Derrell Peel about supply issues and inflation; Hector Menendez of South Dakota State introduces new model system thinking for event challenges such as drought. Cassidy shares the journey to adopting their family's first child.

Cow energy requirements change throughout the year. As we enter into the winter months, it is important to remember the nutritional needs of the cow herd are a dynamic situation which operate as a yearly production cycle.

As the year comes to an end and we gear up for another calving season, I believe we are all thinking, “What can I do best this year for my cows?” This past year has taught us the importance of having a plan; droughts, fires and water shortages have forced many producers to make difficult management decisions to ensure the viability of their herds.

As the end of the year approaches, it is a good time to evaluate how things went for your operation and start making plans for next year. Good records (both financial and production) are critical to make informed decisions and develop strategic plans for the future.

David, Paul and Carrie visit with Troy Marshall, director of commercial relations for the American Angus Association, about the Genetic Merit Scorecard and its use for predicting the performance on a pen of calves, and how the scorecard adds value with higher participation among producers participating.   The hosts also discuss growing concerns about the U.S. supply chain for production and manufacturing, and what they’re prepared to keep and avoid for upcoming Thanksgiving.

As feed prices have skyrocketed over the last several months, many producers are rethinking their winter feeding strategy in the southeast U.S. While weather is a big driver of our forage growing conditions, there are many forage management strategies that allow us to extend the grazing season well into the fall forage gap.

Careful consideration in selecting replacement heifers is vital to the future of a cattle herd. Each producer will have different priorities depending on herd goals. However, these selection tips will help incorporate proven selection strategies into your keep/cull process.

Herd health has never been more apparent and needed than in today’s cattle markets. With an ever-increasing emphasis put on individual animal and herd health, it is vital to ensure cattle get the best start.