For optimum health, cattle diets need adequate amounts of protein, energy, vitamins and certain minerals.

Can you outguess Mother Nature? What is a “normal” year for weather? What do you consider a normal year? Every rancher has an idea in their mind what a normal year entails for their production cycle of cattle and grass for the area where they live and ranch.

Every cattleman understands that getting cows bred is among the most basic of necessities in any cow-calf operation. If cows don’t get bred, the revenue stream dries up and the business is no longer sustainable.

A well-balanced mineral and vitamin program is the foundation for healthy, productive and profitable cattle. However, when specific challenges arise, the strategic use of mineral additives can provide targeted solutions.

Phytogenics means “derived from plants.” Specifically, secondary metabolites from plants have been proven, to some extent, to improve animal health or growth. How, exactly?

Phenotype is what puts pounds on calves, beef in bellies and dollars in bank accounts. While significant genetic progress has never been more attainable, optimizing an environment to fully take advantage of that careful genetic selection remains a challenge for many producers.

It’s typical for newly weaned or sale barn-acquired calves to experience multiple stressors simultaneously when brought onto the farm. This might be the first time those animals are introduced to new feeds. In addition to the new diet, there is a new home along with new penmates and a social hierarchy. These changes then can compound on top of the stress of removing the calf from their dam.

For the first time in years, you felt that you could take the family on vacation this summer. It seemed like a fun idea at the time when you bought the tickets to the amusement park. Standing in line, listening to the screams and seeing the cars go flying by on the roller coaster have you second-guessing life’s decisions. Just keep reminding yourself that it will all be over in a few minutes.