Progressive Cattle

August 25, 2023 Progressive Cattle digital magazine

August 25, 2023

First-half 2023 heifer and cow slaughter stronger than previous contractionary period

July 21, 2023

Since January, slaughter data has indicated a 12% decline in beef cow slaughter. This is likely a combination of improving pasture conditions, sufficient reductions in animal units per acre on poorer pastures and the prospect of improved profitability from selling calves.

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Commercial Cattlemen’s Symposium to focus on post-drought rebuilding

The free event hosted by the Red Angus Association of America is open to all beef cattle producers and will take place Sept. 13.

July 31, 2023

Amy Wampler

Over the past two to three years, the heart of cattle country experienced extreme drought conditions. Many producers have faced difficult decisions concerning their cow herd health and maintenance on top of the financial pressure of managing through a difficult weather event.

44 Farms and Douglas Lake Cattle Co. win BIF Producer of the Year Awards

July 28, 2023

Tyrell Marchant

The Beef Improvement Federation recognized 44 Farms of Cameron, Texas, as the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year during the organization’s annual research symposium in July in Calgary, Alberta. Douglas Lake Cattle Company of Douglas Lake, British Columbia, was presented with the Commercial Producer of the Year Award.

Sustainability, beef-on-dairy big topics at BIF Symposium

Researchers, marketers, and commercial and seedstock producers from around the world gathered at the 2023 BIF Symposium to discuss how improving beef genetics are helping the industry face the modern world.

July 17, 2023

Tyrell Marchant

The usual suspects (expected progeny differences [EPDs], genomic testing, heterosis) were covered, as were some issues (beef-on-dairy, methane emissions, cardiac health) that may have been a bit more of a surprise to the uninitiated at an event ostensibly dedicated to beef cattle genetics.

Leachman acquired by Urus

Genetic marketing company Urus has purchased a controlling interest in Leachman Cattle of Colorado, effective Aug. 1.

August 3, 2023

Tyrell Marchant

Urus Group LP, one of the world’s major marketers of bovine genetics, completed the acquisition of a majority interest in Leachman Cattle of Colorado, one of the largest and most respected seedstock producers in the U.S.

Planning: The key to backgrounding on grass

When carefully considered, backgrounding calves to different weights can offer a path to more profitability for cow-calf producers as they market their calves at less conventional times.

July 19, 2023

Shelby Roberts

When to market your calf crop is one of the most important decisions that a producer must make and can have a significant impact on your operation’s profitability. Market dynamics are usually the main drivers behind when a producer decides to sell their calves.

Mitigating shipping stress in calves

Animal stress is inevitable, especially come shipping time. But there are steps producers can take to manage stress, reduce shrink and improve profitability and animal welfare.

July 18, 2023

Beth Reynolds and Erika Lundy-Woolfolk

One of the beef industry’s greatest strengths is its diversity. However, this segmentation often results in a calf being transported as many as four to six times prior to harvest, with each transit event inducing stress.

Things to consider before adding females to a production sale

Females need to be marketed differently than bulls. Knowing how to effectively market these animals will help lead to a successful sale.

August 16, 2023

Abigail George

Adding females to a sale can be a big decision for a producer. The type of sale, where to focus marketing efforts and how to stay relevant in an ever-evolving business all play into the decision.

Why are dairy-beef crosses so prominent right now?

The beef-on-dairy phenomenon seems to be here to stay. It’s worth looking at some of the industry dynamics that have led to the dramatic growth of this part of the national beef herd.

July 20, 2023

Zeb Gray

In recent years, the dairy industry has witnessed a significant rise in the number of beef cross calves being born. This emerging trend of crossbreeding dairy cows with beef bulls at a large scale has not been a linear process.

Selecting for reproductive efficiency in beef herds

Keeping your cows on a 12-month calving interval is not an easy task, but understanding what their bodies are going through will help achieve that goal.

July 3, 2023

Dan Busch

The reproductive efficiency of cow-calf operations is one of the most important factors affecting the potential profitability of herds. The ideal cow calves early in the calving season every year, breeds back early in the breeding season and weans off a heavy calf year after year.

Maximizing profits with smaller cows

Ideally, a profitable cow weans a calf that is 50% of her mature weight, which isn’t always feasible with heavier cows. Learn how frame scores, body condition and genetics can lead to greater profitability.

August 23, 2023

Gilda V. Bryant

Larger cows and their calves’ heavier weaning weights may not bring profits to the operation. How do these cattle impact productivity, and what changes can beef producers make to improve profitability?

Maximizing the ROI of your silage

Silage, like any other feed, is a big investment. When producers understand the components of a good silage product and the steps they can take to maintain its integrity, that investment is more likely to be worth it.

May 4, 2023

Renato J. Schmidt

Properly ensiled forages can be stored for extended periods of time and support the performance and health of your herd. Alternatively, you could be dealing with spoilage, plummeting palatability and a rising feed bill.

Opportunities and challenges: Utilizing alternative feed sources

Depending on location, many byproducts and co-products can be utilized as feed ingredients for beef cattle. When utilized properly, these can provide a profitable source of animal nutrition for producers.

August 10, 2023

Stephen B. Blezinger

Over the years, cattlemen have proven resourceful in finding nutrient sources for feeding cattle. Recent challenges caused by drought, supply chain issues and conventional feed ingredient availability have only emphasized the need to recognize and potentially utilize alternative ingredient sources.

Reframing perspectives on grass- and grain-finished beef sustainability

Sustainability means different things to different people, even within the cattle industry. Cattle finished on both grain and grass offer options for long-term environmental and economic viability.

June 26, 2023

Jacquelyn Prestegaard-Wilson

“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.

Get the most bang for your mineral buck

Consistent consumption and bioavailable ingredients are keys to a successful mineral program.

July 19, 2023

Kent Tjardes

The influence of mineral on your cattle’s performance – and the potential impact of that performance on your profitability – can’t be overstated.

Manage the whole system to stay ahead of BRD outbreaks

High calf prices may compel stockers and feedlots to buy riskier, BRD-prone cattle. Proper management and on-arrival practices reduce health risks and promote successful feeding programs.

August 9, 2023

Vickie Cooper and Daniel Scruggs

With the fall calf prices setting up to be some of the highest since 2014, stocker and feedlot operations may be forced to purchase cattle that are higher risk than they are comfortable with when it comes to the chance of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in order to fill pastures and pens.

Tackling the challenges of calf scours and coccidiosis

Every year, calf scours and coccidiosis negatively impact bottom lines. These pathogens and parasites assault young immune systems, but careful long-term planning, targeted management practices and solid treatment protocols can limit their influences.

August 23, 2023

Bruce Derksen

Neonatal diarrhea, or calf scours, is one of the costliest diseases in the cattle business and is responsible for more mortalities in calves under 1 month old than any other disease.

Is there a future for mRNA vaccines in commercial cattle production?

MRNA vaccines, although not yet approved for use in cattle, have generated interest and debate within the beef industry. Experts cite the potential benefits of such vaccines and the challenges that lie ahead.

July 10, 2023

Jaclyn De Candio

In recent years, mRNA vaccine technology and all its promises have drifted into public discourse. This year, the possibility of an mRNA vaccine made its way into the beef world, sparking debates, rumors and uncertainty, prompting public statements from major industry leaders.

Airports and combine rides: A winning combination

Industry and community involvement has driven the success of J. Willrett Farms in Illinois.

June 15, 2023

Callie Curley

Think back to the first dates you’ve had in your life. Did any of them involve an airline ticket and a ride in a combine?

Stuff that lasts

The Lyssy family of south-central Texas has been an important force in improving and spreading the Beefmaster breed, but family legacy is what really keeps them going.

June 19, 2023

Tyrell Marchant

Driving down the county road past drought-stricken fields of sandy, caliche soil in south-central Texas’s Wilson County, you’d be forgiven for thinking it might not be the most fertile ground in the world. But for the Lyssy family, this is the perfect place to grow a cow herd, a family and a legacy.

Using virtual fencing as a tool to keep cattle off of burned rangeland

Rangeland scientists tested the effectiveness of using virtual fencing to keep cattle out of recently burned areas, which aided plant regrowth in the burned areas while fully utilizing the available pasture.

August 11, 2023

Morgan Lawrence

Rangeland scientists at the Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center (EOARC) tested whether virtual fencing could prevent cattle from grazing recently burned areas within sagebrush steppe pastures.

Hank the Cowdog’s adventure to the classroom and beyond

Through five educational books about ranching, school children are learning about ranch life, all through the eyes of Hank the Cowdog.

August 21, 2023

Allyson Dalton

Through a partnership with John Erickson, author of the beloved Hank the Cowdog series, the story of ranching is spreading far and into the minds of school children, one book at a time.

Irons in the Fire: Do your best, but be your best self

August 21, 2023

Paul Marchant

I was not happy as I followed my 10-year-old daughter from the show ring back to the barns. Between me and her and the halter in her hand, lumbered the stout, gentle tank of a 4-H steer that I figured was likely the best show steer we’d probably ever raise on our place.

Across the Fence: The good, the bad and the ugly

The wonder of seeing ourselves with fresh eyes.

August 15, 2023

Marci Whitehurst

A couple of weeks ago, we A.I.’ed our herd. Last year was our first year A.I.’ing, and we were on a new place – and let’s just say it wasn’t as smooth as we had hoped.

Ask the right question

August 25, 2023

Carrie Veselka

I write this editorial huddled in a hotel room in front of my A/C unit, seeking respite from the humid convection oven that is Texas in August.

South Central: Estimating hay needs

August 14, 2023

Jason Banta

Now is a good time to double-check hay inventories and test hay quality.

West: Hay testing – how and what for

August 14, 2023

Meranda Small

If not already completed, sellers and buyers alike should consider accomplishing the task of testing their hay, allowing managers to ensure nutritional needs of their cattle can be met one way or another.

Midwest/North: Plan to grow more forage with cover crops

August 14, 2023

Travis Meteer

Utilizing tillable acres to provide feed for cattle while still harvesting a cash crop is becoming a popular goal for farmers.

Southeast: Overseeding – why, when and with what?

August 14, 2023

Kim Mullenix

Overseeding warm-season perennial grasses, such as bahiagrass or bermudagrass, with cool-season annuals can extend the forage production season into the winter months.

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August 25, 2023

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