The long-term trend in the feedlot industry is that cattle are on feed more and more days every year. Feedlot data shows that the 12-month moving average of days on feed has increased approximately 30% just in the last two decades.

How often has the calving book been lost or accidentally destroyed by the calf being warmed in the feeding pickup? Or when has information failed to be recorded toward the end of the calving season because our attention turns to other matters that time of year?

Cows that arrive on the farm with a high price tag have a tendency to be crowned as queens before they prove themselves in the system. Hopefully, they are worth that special treatment and they pay for themselves quickly, but it takes time to find out.

Without a doubt, castration is an extremely valuable management practice. Research has long reinforced the benefits of castration to mitigate unwanted behavior, prevent unwanted pregnancy and benefit carcass development.

Safety is important. We all know that, but cattle feedyards can be dangerous places to work. In addition to working with cattle, which can be unpredictable, workers use horses and tractors; machinery in the feed mill; trucks, all-terrain and utility-task vehicles and other vehicles; and are exposed to challenging weather conditions.

Young cows in the cow-calf operation are the genetic future of the herd and represent a large economic investment. Unfortunately, young cows leave the herd at a higher rate than other age categories.

Embarking on the spring calving season is a pivotal moment for producers, offering a firsthand glimpse into the results of strategic decisions made during sire selection.

A well-prepared calving area with proper equipment that emphasizes safety and accessibility, ensuring proper cattle nutrition and having a solid emergency plan with detailed records to fall back on will serve you well.

Bottle teats can be more than just an inconvenience during calving; they can play a major role in the economic efficiency of that cow.

To work safely around cattle, handlers must understand how to read their behavior and take advantage of natural behaviors.