Within a vitamin and mineral pack, there are different classes that are supplemented to cattle.

Profitability is basically the difference between income and expenses. In today’s world of tight margins, producers should be looking at their own balance sheet now more than ever to make sure they are making smart decisions that can impact either end (income or expense) of the equation.

We’ve all known animals we call "easy-keepers" – memorable cows that always seem to hold their own or even gain weight on overgrazed pastures of rocks and cactus.

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.

By now it’s no secret: Hay yields have been a little short this year. Coupled with the fact that we carried over very little inventory last winter, it is time to do some serious planning to survive winter feeding this year.

When people hear that they need to “make a plan,” it can seem overwhelming, which leads them to looking for anything else to do instead. If I say, “Make a nutrition plan,” you are probably going to suddenly decide it sounds like a great time to fix all your water gaps and check the wheel bearings on your trailer.

A properly balanced mineral program is important for optimum immune function, calf health and growth, milk production, and reproductive performance of beef cattle.

Backgrounding spring-born calves on winter range or cornstalk residue after weaning is a way to increase weight and add value to weaned calves. However, calves grazing low-quality dormant forages or residues need protein supplementation to support gain.