November 25, 2022

November 25, 2022 Progressive Cattle digital magazine

November 25, 2022

Drought continues to impact timing of future marketings

October 31, 2022

The U.S. beef sector continues to see drought conditions impacting the movement and timing of cattle placement in feedlots, as well as the number of beef cows culled, which will likely continue into early 2023.

In the News: Report highlights value of global trade to U.S. beef industry

November 1, 2022

Tyrell Marchant

A recently published trade report analyzing the effects of American beef imports and exports highlights the strong economic value of the U.S. beef industry’s participation in a global marketplace.

Identifying your competitive advantage

By defining your operational strengths and assets, you can identify competitive opportunities by reviewing your place, passion, problems, people and position.

October 26, 2022

Aaron Berger

Livestock producers can enhance success by identifying and exploiting their competitive advantage in relation to their competition.

Budgeting tips and programs for the new year

A new budget should be created each year at the beginning of a production cycle. Budgets contain both revenue and cost projections, helping producers plan ahead so financial obligations such as loan payments are met.

November 14, 2022

DeDe Jones

Budgets help ranchers plan ahead so they can meet financial obligations such as loan payments and monthly bills.

Cooperator herds: A way for cattlemen to collaborate

A concept combining a team of cattlemen with all with their own strengths coming together to produce and market the best cattle they can in volume.

October 10, 2022

Abigail George

By definition, to “cooperate” means to work jointly toward the same end. This is the idea when it comes to the development of cooperator cattle herds.

Looking backward to plan forward

Take time to reflect on business decisions made this past year and reevaluate how tasks are done. Prioritize improvements and consider what will happen if these changes are delayed.

November 1, 2022

Cindy A. Kinder

The end of the year can also be a great time to reflect on what happened this past year and to reevaluate how tasks are done. I encourage you to focus on the now and recent past to improve the future of your operation.

Forage management when facing drought conditions

Proper herd management in times of drought requires a sound plan that focuses on both short- and long-term needs of an operation.

November 4, 2022

Jason M. Warner, Sandy Johnson, Justin Waggoner, Dale Blasi, A. J. Tarpoff, and Jaymelynn Farney

For some cattle producers, drought is an expected and reoccurring event that is part of the management environment.

Hydroponic forages: A potential resource for beef cattle

Hydroponic forages are developing a presence in the U.S. and have the potential to become a good source of high-quality feed for cattle.

November 4, 2022

Carrie Veselka

Hydroponic forages, or forages grown using a specially formulated combination of water and light – no soil required – are not a new technology. Increased pressures to find sources of quality feed through several years of persistent drought, along with the appeal of a land- and water-efficient, environmentally friendly source of high-quality forages has spurred a growing interest in using hydroponic forages in the U.S.

Hospital pen use, design and management in colder climates

The use of designated hospital pens has decreased over the years. But for beef producers using them, their design, positioning and management should remain a priority. The future productivity of sick and compromised cattle hinges on these factors.

November 4, 2022

Bruce Derksen

Cattle producers use a variety of tactics when handling acute or chronically sick animals in cold winter weather. Some pull them for treatment before placing them in a series of designated hospital pens, while others prefer to return almost all to their home pens.

Help ensure herd health and prevent watering woes this winter

Help your waterers and heaters work throughout the winter by creating a good setup and ensuring consistent maintenance.

October 24, 2022

Aimee Robinson

Having ample water available to livestock aids their health and performance. “The importance of water intake is usually overlooked during the colder winter months.

First things first: Upgrade your cattle-handling methods before facilities

October 26, 2022

Heather Smith Thomas

During the past 25 years, there have been many improvements in designs of cattle-working facilities and in cattle-handling techniques, but some cattle operations still need to “tune up” their handling methods.

Baby, it’s cold outside

December 1, 2022

Tyrell Marchant

He glances up and sees a pair of headlights heading toward him from the direction of the gate, gleaming like the Christmas star itself.

12 days of (rancher) Christmas

November 30, 2022

Carrie Veselka

It is a well-known fact that farmers and ranchers love a good practical gift. In a 2019 reader poll, 59% of readers said they’d prefer a practical gift over any other kind. So, in the spirit of the season, we at Progressive Cattle are sharing some of our favorite useful gift picks for the rancher in your life this Christmas.

2022 agricultural law year in review

November 25, 2022

Tiffany Lashmet

Yet again, it has been a big year in agricultural law. Ranchers across the country should be aware of a number of significant legal issues and developments that have occurred over the past 365 days.

Progressive Cattle’s top 10 online articles from the past year

Here’s a look back at which stories captured the most online attention.

December 21, 2022

Here’s a look back at which stories captured the most online attention.

RancHER: Jennifer Redd Westfall: 'See the good, learn from the bad, plan for the better'

November 8, 2022

Carrie Veselka

Jennifer Redd Westfall is owner and operator of Redd Ranches based in Colorado. The family runs a Red Angus-based seedstock operation that also incorporates Angus, Simmental and Gelbvieh genetics. Jennifer oversees the registered herd and is actively involved in the day-to-day ranch management.

Irons in the Fire: Traveling alone together

November 28, 2022

Paul Marchant

I’m probably not really unique among the throngs of mankind when I pause, take a look back and marvel at the passage of time. My kids are all grown with children of their own, and it feels as though I’m mislabeled in my generation.

Across the Fence: The gift of presence

November 25, 2022

Marci Whitehurst

When our kids were little, we made an effort to go see grandparents over the holidays. We flew south some years and drove five hours to my folks other years.

The oldest Christmas tradition

November 30, 2022

Carrie Veselka

Something I love about the nativity is that, despite being strangers from different walks of life, this group of people is united in this moment – gathered together to celebrate a child’s birth.

South Central: Is that feed actually cheaper?

November 25, 2022

Jason Banta

When it comes to buying feed, the option that appears to be the cheapest may not be.

West: Does your herd have the right vitamins for calving season?

November 3, 2022

Carmen Willmore

With calving season on the horizon, it is time to start thinking about what you will need on hand for the upcoming season.

Midwest/ North: 6 ways you could improve infrastructure on your cattle operation

November 25, 2022

Travis Meteer

The decision to invest in your operation may be a difficult one this year. Here are a few areas of the farm and ranch to pay special attention to as you evaluate your operation needs and return on your investment.