Depending on who you talk to, attitudes toward the use of implants in beef cattle production are very different. Most finishing yards are using implants today unless cattle are enrolled in a non-implant, natural or organic program that prohibits their use. Before the feedyard, however, their use decreases the smaller the animal becomes. 

Efficiency of production, quality of product and sustainability are the intuitive goals of the cattle industry. Producers and consumers alike are interested in the economy of scale and acceptance of beef.

Feedlots must adopt innovative strategies to maintain their competitive edge while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare.

Studies have also determined that some 50% of feedyard workers are Latino. Combining the inherent risks of a feedyard with a language barrier that significantly hampers communication can set the stage for serious incidents and injuries.

As the population continues to grow, the demands of consumers and the workload on ranchers and feedlot operations also increase. It is critical now, more than ever, to save time and streamline expenses to keep your operation as efficient as possible.

It’s that time of year when many producers will begin weaning calves, and new cattle will be entering stocker and feedlot operations. During this stretch, stress is the number one issue that will influence health and performance.

Since man began keeping and managing animals for production of milk, meat, fiber, etc., he has continuously searched for better, more productive and profitable means of doing so.

Fall is a busy time in the cattle business. For the rancher and cow-calf producer, it is the time to reap the fruits of our labor.

Corn and distillers grains are staples in Midwest finishing diets. Understanding how the various types and inclusion levels of these feed resources impact cattle performance and ultimately the bottom line of an operation is important.

All along the marketing chain of beef cattle, shrinkage of beef calves is a concern. Both sellers and buyers are constantly seeking information on shrink and weighing conditions of calves, feeder cattle and fats.