After a long winter in the region, now is a good time to elevate pasture conditions and forage management. While it is tempting to turn cows out to pasture as soon as it’s greening up, remember: Plants should be approximately 4 to 6 inches in height before grazing to avoid forage yield drags throughout the whole growing season.

As winter comes to an end and we start thinking about spring turnout, it’s also time to ensure all our equipment is in order. Before loading cattle this spring, it’s important to ensure that your truck and trailer are ready for the task.

Bull buying season is in full swing. When selecting bulls, one thing that is often overlooked but deserves consideration is the way in which the bulls were developed.

Progressive Cattle editors David Cooper and Cassidy Woolsey share the second of three podcasts from the 2020 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association convention, this time with presenters from Cattlemen’s College . In this episode, David and Cassidy chat with Michael Bishop, director of strategy for Vytelle and his presentation on in vitro fertilization; Tom Brink, the CEO of the Red Angus Association of America about value programs and balancing management for genetics with marketing; and then talk with Dr. Dusty Abney, a cow-calf consulting nutritionist for Cargill’s nutrition division Provimi.

Join Progressive Cattle editors David Cooper, Cassidy Woolsey and Carrie Veselka from the 2020 National Cattlemen’s Beef Associations Industry Convention and Trade Show. For the first of 3 podcasts. In this version, the editors talk with Will Sawyer of CoBank about Walmart’s decision to get into beef with its processing plant; Dr. Jared Decker from the University of Missouri, about research into traits related to hides for southern climate cattle; and with Dr. Shalene McNeill, NCBA’s executive direction for nutrition science, about the upcoming dietary guidelines.

The Progressive Cattle editors David Cooper, Cassidy Woolsey, and Carrie Veselka kick things off at the 2020 National Cattlemen’s Beef Associations Industry Convention and Trade Show. How is the weather? Is that a taco hat? Listen as they get things started and introduce some of the industry guests from across the industry you can listen to in our three-part podcast episodes.

We live in an information-savvy world and industry. Information has come to be expected for use in decision-making processes. We have access to more information on individual beef animals than ever before.

Calving season decisions should be made based on labor availability, feed resources, cow nutrient demand, weather patterns and seasonal cattle markets.

February is marked by the beginning of bull sales out West. The western region of the U.S. has some of the top seedstock producers for many breeds used across the nation. However, before going to a sale, you should do your homework to ensure you know what you are looking for, how much the animal is worth and what you are willing to pay.