March 25, 2023

March 25, 2023 Progressive Cattle digital magazine

March 24, 2023

Cattle report shows significant herd reduction

February 24, 2023

The total number of all cattle and calves on Jan. 1, 2023, was estimated at 89.3 million head, about 2.8 million fewer than the previous year. This marks the fourth year of contraction for aggregate beef and dairy cattle inventories, in the ninth year of the current cattle cycle – the cyclical expansion and contraction of the national cattle herd over time.

Brazil beef exports to China stall after BSE case; NCBA calls for U.S. ban

March 9, 2023

Carrie Veselka

Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry confirmed a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) on Feb. 22, triggering an automatic ban on beef exports to China.

Initial and periodic safety training in the feedyard

Immediate safety training for new employees, combined with follow-up monitoring, is essential to ensuring employees understand safe working processes and fully implement what they’ve learned.

February 8, 2023

Aaron M. Yoder

Since well over 50% of feedyard injuries involve employees who have been on the job for less than 12 months, immediately providing safety training for new employees is the best way to ensure they have the necessary information to complete job duties in a safe manner.

Landowner considerations when negotiating solar energy leases

Solar energy leases can provide an added source of revenue for farmers and ranchers. However, the implications of a solar lease are far-reaching and should not be taken lightly.

February 13, 2023

Garrett Reed

Because solar leases are long-term commitments and dictate the future use of the property, landowners should carefully consider a variety of factors when deciding whether a solar lease is right for them, their family and their land.

Made in the shade: Explaining silvopasture

A sustainable silvopasture system can be achieved by ensuring that tree, pasture productivity and livestock are managed for optimal production.

March 7, 2023

Carrie Veselka

Silvopasture is a practice that integrates livestock, forage production and forestry on the same land management unit. It has the potential to be a great fit for producers looking to up their grazing game and add a revenue stream.

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Be aware of the presence of Asian longhorned ticks in your state

March 1, 2023

Cassidy Woolsey

There’s a new tick in town, and it’s made its way to 17 different states – ranging from the South all the way up through the East Coast.

NCBA 2023: New technologies accelerate genetic improvement

Precision genetics and their economic impact on the beef industry were a hot topic at Cattlemen's College in New Orleans.

February 28, 2023

Tyrell Marchant

At a time when the agriculture industry is under unprecedented pressure to prove its sustainability bona fides, the livestock genetic sector is in prime position to be among the biggest drivers in providing more sustainable food sources for consumers.

CattleFax: Cattle liquidation to taper off in 2023

February 20, 2023

Carrie Veselka

Over the next few years as the cattle herd builds back, cull cow prices and all beef prices will rise as the U.S. cycles into tighter supplies, giving more market leverage to the producer.

Pinkeye: A cattle producer’s nemesis

March 25, 2023

Jason Anderson

Hate dealing with pinkeye? Isn’t it a summer issue? So why do outbreaks occur at unusual times of the year?

Size matters: The impact of proper needle selection and management

Using the wrong length or diameter of needles can cause issues when treating or vaccinating calves. Best management practices can help avoid failed efficacy, potential harm to the animal and product loss through trimming or carcass condemnation.

March 13, 2023

Paige Pratt

Size especially matters when it comes to needle selection as you treat or vaccinate calves. Needles that are the incorrect length or diameter can cause serious issues.

Picture this: Remote cameras keeping an eye on water availability

Two ranchers share how using remote cameras to monitor cattle waterers saves them money, time and labor. This technology can help limit the stress that comes from the constant worry of making sure cattle have adequate water.

February 22, 2023

Abigail George

Remote game cameras, typically used to watch wildlife, have found a new use for ranchers spread across the U.S. While the type and kind of cameras vary based on rancher, they all serve the same purpose – to watch the waterers.

Digital dermatitis or 'hairy heel wart' is not just a dairy issue

For many feedyards, digital dermatitis is rapidly becoming the most common cause of lameness. Understanding its causes, as well as prevention and early treatment protocols, can help gain control over this infectious hoof issue.

March 8, 2023

Heather Smith Thomas

Digital dermatitis (DD) has been a problem in dairies for a long time and is becoming more prevalent in beef cattle, says Terry Engelken, a professor in the college of veterinary medicine at Iowa State University.

An evening at the Confused Chromosome Club: Exponential genes

At first blush, PCR technology may seem like a redundancy on the ranch, providing little beyond a talking point at the local watering hole. But when utilized correctly, it can supply producers with a slew of valuable genetic information.

February 24, 2023

Woody Lane

My friend wasn’t buying it. He had just asked me about the meaning of PCR, and I had flippantly answered, “Polyvinyl chlorinated RedAngus.” I liked my poetic license. He was less than pleased.

Picking a winning bull by the numbers

Understanding what goes into determining expected progeny differences (EPD) numbers can go a long way toward helping producers better know which bulls will work best in their herds.

February 24, 2023

David Callister

Picking sires is where producers can make the greatest impact on their herds. Bulls are responsible for many calves a year, while cows usually contribute one calf a year.

Precision animal management: What is it and how can it help you?

Thanks to new technologies, producers can manage cattle more precisely and efficiently. Learn how to apply precision animal management practices on your operation.

February 28, 2023

Ali Luety

Expanding working facilities. Switching to a feeding software. Building another sorting pen. Adding calving pens. We all have something we wish we did sooner. Once we finally got around to it, we wonder, “Why the heck did I wait so long?”

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Minerals: A puzzling part of the foundation in grazing cattle systems

It’s important for cattle producers to consider factors such as source and bioavailability when purchasing mineral supplements and delivering them to their animals.

February 23, 2023

Brian Fieser

Forage is the foundation for grazing beef cattle diets. Unfortunately, the perfect forage simply doesn’t exist, even with ideal growing conditions.

Uncovering the value of fecal starch

With cost of gain continuing to rise, performing a fecal starch analysis can give producers a deeper look at how efficiently their cattle are utilizing feed starch.

February 28, 2023

Katie Raver

Most of us have had an X-ray, CT scan or MRI at some point in our lives. This type of imaging allows the medical professional in-depth insights on what may be causing an ailment or pain we feel.

Finding the critical balance in the wildlife and livestock relationship

Maintaining the economics of ranching alongside the sustainability of hoofed wildlife (ungulates) is difficult, especially when these interests conflict. Cooperation and understanding are key, as multiple viewpoints and concerns can quickly tip this delicate balance.

February 16, 2023

Bruce Derksen

“Elk and other big game can be a positive or a negative for a ranch, depending largely on how they impact the bottom line. If a ranch is able to derive sufficient income through hunting, ecotourism or from government programs – such as the USDA Grasslands Conservation Reserve Program – then wildlife can be a benefit.”

Breaking down parasite resistance

Although most scientists agree that anti-parasitic resistance cannot be avoided or stopped completely, there are strategies producers can implement to slow the progression and help preserve the efficacy of current products.

February 13, 2023

Jody Wade

You may have heard about parasite resistance before, but what makes it a topic worth talking about? Understanding the what, why and how of the issue can help to ensure your operation has a successful deworming program for many years to come.

Loyalty is key to success in both life and the cattle business

March 16, 2023

Abigail George

Rich Porter of Porter Cattle Company runs a stocker operation through the efforts of several fantastic employees. While he is proficient at turning high-risk calves into profitable feeders, he is also extraordinary at being a manager for his farm, land and employees.

Irons in the Fire: The days go slow, and the years go fast

February 28, 2023

Paul Marchant

As the bus rolled up to the high school gym on that cold, late-February Saturday night, I cracked my aching joints and unraveled myself from the nonexistent comforts of the third seat behind Russ, the ever-patient driver of Cassia County Joint School District bus number 9.

Across the Fence: Ain’t nothing but a cow dog ...

A stock dog will save your skin – and most likely embarrass you at some point.

February 22, 2023

Marci Whitehurst

Cow dogs are a breed all their own. Sure, I know there are different kinds – heelers, border collies, Catahoula, Hangin' Tree, shags, etc. But bloodline is irrelevant when it comes to a true stock dog.

Putting on my big boy pants

March 21, 2023

Tyrell Marchant

I have a major bone to pick with the American blue jean industry. Seriously, have you gone shopping for jeans lately? It’s not uncommon to find price tags ranging from $29.99 all the way up past the century mark, all on the same shelf.

South Central: Castration: The best thing for the calf and the owner

March 1, 2023

Jason Banta

Castration is an important part of beef production and animal welfare.

West: Spring turnout: Managing lactation and preventing grass tetany

March 1, 2023

Meranda Small

With spring turnout coming up, producers need to keep the nutritional demands of lactation and risks of grass tetany in mind as they prepare cattle for greener pastures.