It is no secret that technological improvements are critical to the continued success of agricultural producers. Row crop farmers operating machines with varying levels of sensors have enjoyed watching their progress through the field for decades now, while poultry, swine and dairy producers have access to the capability of numerous robotic systems designed in some cases to automate barn management decisions and lower onsite labor requirements.

Finding a formula to determine exactly what your cow herd is producing compared to your inputs is essential to maximizing your operation’s profits.

Seedstock producers are often faced with the challenge of preparing their young bulls for a sale and having those animals ready to go to work for their customers. There is a lot of truth to the old adage “fat sells.” Bulls that are underconditioned are viewed as higher-risk and of lower value than those that carry more muscle and cover.

All producers aim to maintain the health of their herds. Because losses from sickness and death take a toll on cattle and producers alike, it can be helpful to periodically review farm biosecurity practices.

Bull sale season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in a cattle operation, offering an opportunity to shape the future of the herd. Unfortunately, it may also bring confusion. Over time, the amount of data available to guide sire selection decisions has grown significantly. While more information can lead to better outcomes, it can also create undue stress and decision fatigue.

The bull purchase is unlike any other decision that gets made by a cow-calf operation. It carries enormous importance to the success of a herd. The average bull will have a far larger genetic footprint than even the most productive cows, siring well over 100 calves over the course of his time in a herd.

Over the past several decades, beef cows have quietly gotten bigger. In 1975, the average beef cow weighed just over 1,000 pounds; by 2009, that number had jumped to 1,350 pounds, and today, many herds include cows tipping the scales at 1,400 pounds or more.

Although some ranchers haven’t started calving yet, it’s never too early to consider what bull(s) you’re going to use during the next breeding season.

Choosing the correct bull(s) for your operation is extremely important. The cows in your operation influence one calf per year, but a bull has the potential to influence up to 25 or more calves per year.