At some point, every pasture or hayfield needs to be renovated. Although there are many useful approaches to improving a piece of land for forage production, some cover crops offer distinct advantages and disadvantages.

JB Ranch in Immokalee, Florida, comprises roughly 10,000 acres in south Florida’s humid, subtropical climate. Russell and Liesa Priddy manage roughly 600 Brangus and Beefmaster cattle on the ranch, with calves being sold to operations in the Western part of the U.S. once a year.

Native to Ethiopia, teff grass holds up well under drought conditions. With drought common in many parts of the country, teff offers up an interesting option as cattle feed. But does it live up to the hype?

Although there are many skills and tasks required to successfully get beef cattle to market, special attention must be paid to the days just prior to slaughter.

For beef producers, any number of uncontrollable factors can make financial sustainability an elusive goal. Some ranchers are capturing more dollars by marketing beef directly to the consumer.

Many beef producers use a bull to make sure calves are hitting the ground. However, artificial insemination is a viable option for farmers and ranchers.

In recent years, black vultures have been expanding their range northward. Common in the southeastern U.S., black vultures now range at least as far north as Pennsylvania and southern New England. 

Johne’s disease is often thought of as a dairy problem. In fact, beef producers also need to be vigilant to prevent the spread of this destructive, chronic disease.

In winter, wind can be the most serious threat to the health and comfort of cattle. Although snowstorms often come to mind first when preparing for winter, being prepared to protect cattle from wind should be the priority as temperatures drop and days shorten.

Successful beef producers are constantly looking for ways to keep their cattle happy, healthy and well fed, while making sure to not break the bank. One way to ensure long-term profitability is to keep feed costs down.