Good nutrition means greater reproductive success, and reproductive success drives profitability in the cow-calf sector. 

Turning cows out on immature forages can have long-reaching consequences, including permanent damage to grass stands, high risk of grass tetany and a need for supplementation to fill nutritional gaps.

Although it is nice to have abundant forage during springtime, rapid growth often outpaces animal demand and may quickly push plants beyond the vegetative stage, which reduces nutritive value and pasture longevity.

While removing animals from the herd can be a difficult decision, addressing problem cows early helps prevent repeated issues in future calving seasons.

Have you ever put much thought into how cattle behavior can drive productivity and profitability on your operation?

Healthy calves start with good colostrum, a clean environment and thoughtful management.

The constant talk of the cattle markets and market volatility has put a lot of anxiety into decision making. I have found myself trying to be a steady voice in consultations with producers, reminding them that a little better is still better.

When it comes to selecting bulls, there are several factors to consider. Additionally, some factors that should be emphasized will vary depending on the type of operation and how cattle are marketed.

Cow nutrition remains one of the most important management concerns for producers heading into calving.

Understanding how to support the “microbial workforce” in the rumen is key to improving feed efficiency, herd health and overall profitability.