Progressive Cattle

May 25, 2026 Progressive Cattle digital magazine

May 25, 2026

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What’s in the 2026 Farm Bill?

May 14, 2026

Carrie Veselka

The Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, the next iteration of the farm bill, was passed by the House of Representatives with a vote of 224-200 on April 30.

Weaning rate and measuring cow herd ‘yield’

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

May 7, 2026

Garth Ruff

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

Artificial intelligence and the future of the beef industry

Artificial intelligence often seems to be invading our lives. How can beef producers leverage these tools to improve the health of their herds and the profitability of their operations?

May 7, 2026

Ira Parsons

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.

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Recruiting a winning team for your operation

An effective way to manage challenges is building a team of trusted professionals tailored to the operation’s specific needs.

February 17, 2026

Garrett Reed

Operating a successful farm or ranch today requires more than strong production skills and long hours in the field. Modern agricultural operations function as complex businesses that face legal, financial, regulatory and risk management challenges that can significantly impact long-term viability.

Don’t let horn flies eat your profits

Horn flies contribute to measurable losses in weight gain, milk production and overall animal performance. A proactive approach is essential for protecting herd performance and profitability.

May 1, 2026

Dave Boxler

Since its introduction into the U.S. in the late 1800s, the horn fly has become a persistent challenge for livestock producers in pasture-based systems. For beef and dairy operations, horn flies are more than a nuisance; they contribute to measurable losses in weight gain, milk production and overall animal performance.

Does your deworming program align with the data?

A fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) can help identify parasites that wreak havoc on herd health and productivity. Implementing strategic timing in your deworming program can help provide season-long parasite control and safeguard cattle health and gains.

May 1, 2026

Kevin Johnson

As a cattle producer, you are constantly managing to give your herd the best chance at production, health and well-being. Unfortunately, an unseen obstacle can be working in the background to derail your efforts: internal parasites.

When it comes to genetic improvement, phenotypes are king

Keeping and reporting accurate phenotypic records is essential for the industry to continue improving genetic performance and profitability.

May 19, 2026

Troy Rowan

When we look back at the evolution of genetic improvement in the beef industry, almost all of our major improvements have come relatively recently. Each of the steps in this evolution improved the accuracy with which we make selection decisions.

Rat-tail syndrome in beef cattle

Calves with rat-tail syndrome can easily be identified at birth with curly, malformed hair and an abnormal tail switch. But why are they discounted in most markets?

May 4, 2026

Kalyn Waters

Let's get right down to it: the what and whys of rat-tail syndrome (RTS) in cattle. This trait has been around for decades, and most ranchers and cattlemen are aware of it and can easily identify those tight, curly-haired little rascals at birth.

Biosecurity best practices to maintain a healthy herd

Take these steps to protect your cow herd’s health, especially when introducing new cattle to the place.

April 1, 2026

Patty Scharko

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.

Autogenous vs. commercial vaccines: Exploring the trade-offs

As cattle producers continue to evolve herd health and disease management practices, the use of an autogenous vaccine is sometimes considered. Some examples of autogenous vaccines include pinkeye or bovine respiratory disease (BRD) vaccines.

April 30, 2026

John Pollreisz

As producers and veterinarians consider vaccination programs, it’s important to understand the key differences between autogenous and commercial vaccines.

Cattle-handling evolutions: Designing modern facilities

Cattle-handling facilities are critical long-term investments. Their qualities, function and layout directly impact animal and handler safety, efficiency and operational profitability. Well-designed features help save time and labor, plus increase overall productivity.

May 20, 2026

Bruce Derksen

Squeeze chutes, alleys, tubs or Bud boxes may be decades old or brand-new, but all remain the greatest defense against chaos and bring their level of safety and order to the handling process.

When the fires came, the Sandhills answered

April 29, 2026

Callie Hanson

When wildfires tore through the Nebraska Sandhills this spring, they moved fast – faster than communication, faster than formal response systems and, at times, faster than families could fully process what was happening.

Precise nutrition for early-weaned calves

Carefully considered early weaning strategies and targeted nutrition set calves up for long-term performance.

May 8, 2026

Brandon Koch

As environmental pressures and market dynamics shift, producers are taking a closer look at how early weaning, paired with precise nutrition and management practices, can unlock both short-term flexibility and long-term gains.

Irons in the Fire: Just close the gate

May 25, 2026

Paul Marchant

As far as winters are concerned, the past one was pretty easy on me. I started to get quite concerned in mid-January when I glanced up at the mountains to the east where my summer water supply is usually stored in the form of some stout drifts and snowpack on the peaks and in the draws and north facing hillsides.

Across the Fence: Gifts and talents on the ranch

Look at individual gifts for maximum joy on the ranch.

May 18, 2026

Marci Whitehurst

I remember the day our son said he didn’t want to ride horses. We couldn’t blame him because he is allergic to them, and his allergies weren’t getting any better. Yet it wasn’t just the allergies that made him want to stop.

Dear future self

May 28, 2026

Abigail George

Dear future self, what are you going to remember about this time in the cattle business?

South Central: What makes a good commercial cow

May 21, 2026

Jason Banta

The list of traits that make a good commercial cow may vary some by producer. However, there are several fundamental things every producer should keep in mind when evaluating commercial cows.

West: Handling the summer heat

May 21, 2026

Carmen Willmore

While producers can’t change the weather, they can adjust management practices to help cattle stay cooler and maintain productivity.

Midwest/North: Tips for drylotting beef cows

May 21, 2026

Travis Meteer

When drought forces tough decisions or expanding herds find themselves without pasture availability, drylotting beef cows may be an option to consider.

Southeast: Pounds weaned per acre – rethinking metrics

May 21, 2026

Katie Mason

Bigger calves are beneficial, but weaning weight alone doesn’t tell the full story.

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May 25, 2026

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