By the time the corn silage is covered and the last acres of sunflowers are combined, the pace at Feikema Farms hardly slows. Located in Rock County in southwest Minnesota, the operation feeds roughly 4,000 head of cattle while cropping nearly 6,000 acres, a scale that reflects decades of steady growth and careful decision-making.

One of the most notable recent feedlot trends has been the trend toward finishing heavier animals, a practice that has contributed to increased profits but has also introduced new challenges and potential concerns.

As we work to understand the nutrition, physiology and genetic potential of the beef animal, we grow closer to formulating and implementing more precise feeding and supplementation programs. The ultimate goal is the development of nutrition programs that best and most cost-effectively support reproduction, growth and health of the cow, as well as growing and finishing cattle.

It’s no secret: Feed has always accounted for, by far, the biggest production expense of beef cattle production.

Calves raised on the range are often lighter at weaning compared to calves raised on irrigated pastures. With the right management through backgrounding and finishing, range calves can catch up with their counterparts.

“Sustainability” is undoubtedly a buzzword, and buzzwords elicit passionate opinions. Such is the dilemma of the word sustainability. It is a multifaceted, emotionally charged and oftentimes controversial topic.

Demand for high-quality beef has been increasing at a rapid pace for the last decade, with no decline in sight. Prior to that, the percentage of cattle grading USDA Prime averaged about 2% to 4% nationally. Today, USDA Prime is often seen in 10% to 15% or more of cattle.

It’s that time of year when many producers will begin weaning calves, and new cattle will be entering stocker and feedlot operations. During this stretch, stress is the number one issue that will influence health and performance.

Since man began keeping and managing animals for production of milk, meat, fiber, etc., he has continuously searched for better, more productive and profitable means of doing so.