https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us katie.martin@urus.org The genetic direction of your herd is one of the most powerful management decisions you make. As genetics improve, the performance of your herd improves as well. The genetic direction of your herd is one of the most powerful management decisions you make. As genetics improve, the performance of your herd improves as well.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63116 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63116-semen-handling-protocols-for-successful-pregnancies 63116-martin-Good-Clips.jpg A productive cow can only have one calf per year. For generations, that biological limit has defined how fast beef producers can make genetic progress in their herds. No matter how elite a female is, her influence on a herd is constrained by time. A productive cow can only have one calf per year. For generations, that biological limit has defined how fast beef producers can make genetic progress in their herds. No matter how elite a female is, her influence on a herd is constrained by time.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62956 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62956-the-fast-lane 62956-whitaker-george.jpg wbechtel@broadheadco.com Research and breeding experience show that estrus expression is not exactly a yes-or-no trait. Rather, estrus exists on a spectrum, and where a female falls within that range can have a significant impact on reproductive success. Research and breeding experience show that estrus expression is not exactly a yes-or-no trait. Rather, estrus exists on a spectrum, and where a female falls within that range can have a significant impact on reproductive success.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62799 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62799-why-arent-all-heats-created-equal 62799-betchel-estrotect_mount_1.jpg grippe@genex.coop Estrus synchronization is a powerful tool to help tighten calving windows, incorporate superior genetics and improve long-term herd efficiency. But even with the right protocol, results can fall short if the fundamentals aren’t in place. Estrus synchronization is a powerful tool to help tighten calving windows, incorporate superior genetics and improve long-term herd efficiency. But even with the right protocol, results can fall short if the fundamentals aren’t in place.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62663 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62663-synch-smarter-not-harder 62663-rippe-getty.jpg arobinson@neogen.com Collecting a genomic sample is as easy as tagging a calf. To help ensure actionable results, let’s review key genomic sample collection best practices for a clear path to progress cattle herd goals forward – beginning with why genomics matters, when to collect samples and how to take samples correctly to keep herd improvement goals moving forward. Collecting a genomic sample is as easy as tagging a calf. To help ensure actionable results, let’s review key genomic sample collection best practices for a clear path to progress cattle herd goals forward – beginning with why genomics matters, when to collect samples and how to take samples correctly to keep herd improvement goals moving forward.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62681 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62681-collecting-genomic-samples-why-when-how-and-best-practices 62681-robinson-1.jpg arobinson@neogen.com As the industry works to build back the cow herd after reaching historic low numbers, quality genetics will remain key to continue progressing herds, and the industry, forward. As the industry works to build back the cow herd after reaching historic low numbers, quality genetics will remain key to continue progressing herds, and the industry, forward.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62631 Fri, 26 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62631-moving-quality-forward-faster-in-building-back-the-cow-herd 62631-robinson-dixon.jpg dgomez@naab-css.org Not all domestic semen is required to be certified by CSS. Consequently, semen straws from bulls with unknown health status that may also be produced with less-than-ideal practices, abound. They cross state lines; they hop from one semen tank to another; and they can introduced an unwanted disease to your herd. Not all domestic semen is required to be certified by CSS. Consequently, semen straws from bulls with unknown health status that may also be produced with less-than-ideal practices, abound. They cross state lines; they hop from one semen tank to another; and they can introduced an unwanted disease to your herd.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62534 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62534-behind-every-straw-the-story-of-safe-artificial-insemination jeremy.howard@simplot.com It’s fair to say embryo transfer (ET) isn’t a common practice for most U.S. beef herds. Current data indicate that less than 5% of cow-calf operations have adopted ET technology. It’s fair to say embryo transfer (ET) isn’t a common practice for most U.S. beef herds. Current data indicate that less than 5% of cow-calf operations have adopted ET technology.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62436 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62436-embryo-transfer-trends-and-opportunities-for-beef-herds 62436-howard.jpg tyrell@agproud.com Doyle Sanders didn’t go to Turkey in 2016 with cattle on his mind. Well, that’s probably not entirely true; Sanders – who owns Dbl D Bar Ranch in central Texas and is a tireless advocate for the Beefmaster breed – is likely to have bovine on the brain at any given point in time. Doyle Sanders didn’t go to Turkey in 2016 with cattle on his mind. Well, that’s probably not entirely true; Sanders – who owns Dbl D Bar Ranch in central Texas and is a tireless advocate for the Beefmaster breed – is likely to have bovine on the brain at any given point in time.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62101 Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62101-huge-export-potential-exists-for-us-beef-genetics 62101-marchant-austria.jpg courtney.stelzer@genex.coop According to the January 2025 USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report, the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest point since the early 1960s. According to the January 2025 USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service Cattle report, the U.S. cattle herd is at its lowest point since the early 1960s.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61885 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61885-smart-growth-using-sexed-semen-to-help-rebuild-with-purpose 61885-stelzer-sexed-dixon.jpg kenny.wells@genusplc.com Artificial insemination as a regular practice may seem out of reach on your operation, but this floor- and ceiling-raising technology is more affordable and easier to access than ever before. Artificial insemination as a regular practice may seem out of reach on your operation, but this floor- and ceiling-raising technology is more affordable and easier to access than ever before.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61705 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61705-unlocking-your-herds-potential-with-genetics 61705-wells-1245.jpg raegan.jacobsbell@transova.com Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation. Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61443 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61443-adding-value-to-your-dairy-operation-with-reproductive-technologies 61443-feldner-1.jpg ppratt@neogen.com We see a lot of variation in cattle, even when we utilize full siblings within sire groups. We wonder why there is so much variation from the lightest calf to the heaviest calf, and from the highest-quality grade to the lowest-quality grade, and from the calf that stays in the herd until she is 14 to 17 years old versus the one that falls out at 2 years old. We see a lot of variation in cattle, even when we utilize full siblings within sire groups. We wonder why there is so much variation from the lightest calf to the heaviest calf, and from the highest-quality grade to the lowest-quality grade, and from the calf that stays in the herd until she is 14 to 17 years old versus the one that falls out at 2 years old.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61555 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61555-you-cant-manage-what-you-cant-measure-leveraging-genomics 61555-pratt-staff.jpg tiffany.wood@dyneval.com A single low-fertility bull can wreak havoc on breeding success, leading to fewer calves and major financial losses. But how can producers know which bulls are underperforming before it’s too late? A single low-fertility bull can wreak havoc on breeding success, leading to fewer calves and major financial losses. But how can producers know which bulls are underperforming before it’s too late?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61531 Thu, 05 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61531-unlocking-bull-fertility-new-technology-reveals-what-traditional-tests-miss 61531-balla-1.jpg kenny.wells@genusplc.com Today, sexed semen is available on a wide selection of sires and performs at a fertility level encouraging the most skeptical operators to give it a try. Today, sexed semen is available on a wide selection of sires and performs at a fertility level encouraging the most skeptical operators to give it a try.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61401 Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61401-strategies-for-implementing-sexed-semen-in-your-breeding-program 61401-wells-calf.jpg jeremy.howard@simplot.com With dairy heifer replacement values at historic highs due to tight inventory, keeping high-producing dairy cows in a herd, especially those beyond their first lactation, is economically significant. Some dairies are turning to beef embryo transfer (ET) to keep productive cows in their herds longer. With dairy heifer replacement values at historic highs due to tight inventory, keeping high-producing dairy cows in a herd, especially those beyond their first lactation, is economically significant. Some dairies are turning to beef embryo transfer (ET) to keep productive cows in their herds longer.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61256 Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61256-how-beef-embryos-are-extending-the-productive-life-of-dairy-cows 61256-howard-1.jpg csankey@genex.coop What is creating your next genetically superior herd matriarch worth to you? What is it worth to add more value to your next calf crop that steps across the scale on sale day, or the last lot of heifers that close out the sale? Some may say it’s priceless, but they all add up to real dollars and cents. What is creating your next genetically superior herd matriarch worth to you? What is it worth to add more value to your next calf crop that steps across the scale on sale day, or the last lot of heifers that close out the sale? Some may say it’s priceless, but they all add up to real dollars and cents.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61316 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61316-how-ai-transforms-herds-and-increases-returns sblez@verizon.net Some producers may be leery of adopting practices such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization due to perceived high costs and risk factors. Here’s a look at some of the numbers. Some producers may be leery of adopting practices such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization due to perceived high costs and risk factors. Here’s a look at some of the numbers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61251 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61251-are-advanced-breeding-tools-economically-feasible-on-commercial-operations 61251-blezinger-breeding-tools.jpg Running a successful cow-calf operation requires an almost immeasurable amount of management decisions, ranging from ration ingredients to whether in vitro fertilization (IVF) is in the cards. Running a successful cow-calf operation requires an almost immeasurable amount of management decisions, ranging from ration ingredients to whether in vitro fertilization (IVF) is in the cards.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60940 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60940-technological-evolution-propels-the-beef-industry 60940-nolan.coreylewis.jpg jenn@agproud.com Sitting in his home office sipping a cup of coffee, Paul Larmer is seemingly common. Unbeknownst to the average person, his influence on the dairy cattle genetics sector of the industry is undeniable. It is for both his remarkable leadership and self-effacing attitude that Larmer is named this year’s World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year. Sitting in his home office sipping a cup of coffee, Paul Larmer is seemingly common. Unbeknownst to the average person, his influence on the dairy cattle genetics sector of the industry is undeniable. It is for both his remarkable leadership and self-effacing attitude that Larmer is named this year’s World Dairy Expo International Person of the Year.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60069 Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60069-larmer-named-world-dairy-expo-international-person-of-the-year 60069-coyne-larmer-1.jpg Many beef producers use a bull to make sure calves are hitting the ground. However, artificial insemination is a viable option for farmers and ranchers. Many beef producers use a bull to make sure calves are hitting the ground. However, artificial insemination is a viable option for farmers and ranchers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59334 Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59334-is-artificial-insemination-the-way-to-go-for-your-operation 59334-omeara-gar-20200510-138.jpg wbechtel@broadheadco.com “Male sexed semen is an opportunity to capture value,” said Kansas State University's Ken Odde, who also helps manage a family cow-calf ranch in South Dakota. “The opportunity’s greater when the price spread between steers and heifers is significant.” “Male sexed semen is an opportunity to capture value,” said Kansas State University's Ken Odde, who also helps manage a family cow-calf ranch in South Dakota. “The opportunity’s greater when the price spread between steers and heifers is significant.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58031 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:19:40 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58031-sexed-semen-an-opportunity-to-capture-more-value-for-cattle 58031-bechtel-herd-of-cows-with-breeding-indicators.jpg tyrell@agproud.com 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. 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58095 Thu, 03 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58095-leachman-acquired-by-urus jim.keyes@usu.edu Most beef producers don’t adopt A.I. as a practice because they think it will require more expense or the hiring of a professional. Most beef producers don’t adopt A.I. as a practice because they think it will require more expense or the hiring of a professional.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56869 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56869-ai-versus-natural-service-an-economic-comparison george.perry@ag.tamu.edu Advancements in artificial insemination (A.I.) for beef cattle have come a long way in the past few decades. One reproductive technology with the potential to improve management and bottom lines even further for producers is sexed semen. Advancements in artificial insemination (A.I.) for beef cattle have come a long way in the past few decades. One reproductive technology with the potential to improve management and bottom lines even further for producers is sexed semen.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/55951 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:37:26 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/55951-how-to-increase-breeding-results-with-sexed-semen 0822pc-perry-1 http://www.agproud.com/articles/56116 Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56116-pregcheckingthink-ahead-and-set-up-for-success happy-girl-black-and-white.jpg Mostly known for its use in reproductive work – confirming pregnancy, looking at fetal gender, fetal age and ovaries – ultrasound technology has many uses in the beef industry. Mostly known for its use in reproductive work – confirming pregnancy, looking at fetal gender, fetal age and ovaries – ultrasound technology has many uses in the beef industry.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56040 Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:48:49 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56040-ultrasound-technology-aids-in-advancing-beef-production 56040-thomas-ultrasound3.jpg mspangler2@unl.edu No, this is not an article about artificial insemination – I’m talking about the other “AI.” Artificial intelligence (AI) is a phrase that is hard to avoid. http://www.agproud.com/articles/53421 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:00:01 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/53421-using-ai-to-improve-genetic-selection 1121PC “If you have a more fertile cow herd, the obvious benefit is: You have more calves to sell,” says Kent Andersen, director of technical services for global beef genetics at Zoetis. http://www.agproud.com/articles/53425 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 14:00:01 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/53425-finding-fertile-opportunity 1121PC Reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination (A.I.) and estrous synchronization (ES) can provide measurable value in the right situation – but often are dismissed as too complicated or logistically challenging to employ. http://www.agproud.com/articles/53590 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:00:01 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/53590-overcoming-logistic-challenges-of-repro-technologies 0721pc-derksen-1.jpg