In drought years, grass that once sustained a herd through the grazing season stops growing early, reducing overall biomass production, and water resources begin to tighten. For livestock producers, this period becomes a balancing act between meeting immediate cattle needs and protecting the long-term productivity of the land.

Most cattle producers first think about feed, forage and mineral supplementation when evaluating herd performance or troubleshooting challenges. Water quality often doesn’t even make the list. But high levels of iron and other mineral antagonists in water sources can interfere with trace mineral absorption, limiting health and performance long before obvious signs of deficiency appear.

Calves have never been more valuable than they are today. The price of a 550-pound steer has doubled in the last three years! Preparing a calf for weaning has always been critical, but the cost of mistakes is increasing exponentially.

Summer’s warmth and sunshine should spell carefree days for young nursing calves, with pastures coming to life and the stresses of harsher weather in the past. Yet, behind this idyllic curtain, the threat of summer pneumonia lies in wait, ready to challenge newborns’ health and well-being.

Effective water and feed management are the cornerstones of a profitable and healthy beef cattle operation. When properly executed, these two elements work in tandem maximizing performance, reducing health issues and improving overall efficiency.

While new irrigation technologies can be valuable tools, improving irrigation efficiency does not always require a major investment. In many cases, small management changes can have a significant impact on water use, crop performance and overall profitability.

Across much of the U.S., ranchers are dealing with a shift that’s been building for years: The patterns they’ve relied on are changing.