https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us terrell@cattlemax.com Making the move from paper or notebook records to computer-based cattle software can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. There are so many benefits to software that can make a tremendously positive impact for your ranch. Making the move from paper or notebook records to computer-based cattle software can seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. There are so many benefits to software that can make a tremendously positive impact for your ranch.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63420 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63420-seven-tips-for-choosing-the-right-record-keeping-system-for-your-ranch 63420-miller-illustration.getty.jpg emmahoman@cattlekrush.com Feeding cattle used to be a pen-and-paper business. Feed sheets, herd health records and inventory notes were written in notebooks, on scraps of paper or in binders tucked in barns and pickup trucks. Now more producers are relying on cloud-based software to streamline operations, but hesitation remains, especially if internet access is limited. Feeding cattle used to be a pen-and-paper business. Feed sheets, herd health records and inventory notes were written in notebooks, on scraps of paper or in binders tucked in barns and pickup trucks. Now more producers are relying on cloud-based software to streamline operations, but hesitation remains, especially if internet access is limited.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62821 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62821-bridging-the-digital-divide-rural-broadband-and-the-future-of-agriculture-technology 62821-homan-DeniseLoyning1.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com Calving season is a time for renewed growth and is a product of planning and ensuring the continued growth of the ranch and the cattle industry. You know keeping records is important, but what does that look like at calving time? Calving season is a time for renewed growth and is a product of planning and ensuring the continued growth of the ranch and the cattle industry. You know keeping records is important, but what does that look like at calving time?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62578 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62578-recordkeeping-for-calving-season 62578-miller-1.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com As we all turn the calendar to another year, this is a great time to reflect on what worked in 2025 and what improvements we want to make in 2026. Reflecting on past times while evaluating and planning for future opportunities is a way to ensure progress of both short-term and long-term goals. As we all turn the calendar to another year, this is a great time to reflect on what worked in 2025 and what improvements we want to make in 2026. Reflecting on past times while evaluating and planning for future opportunities is a way to ensure progress of both short-term and long-term goals.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62435 Wed, 26 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62435-what-is-too-much-to-keep-on-record 62435-miller-illustration.coreylewis.jpg dljones@ag.tamu.edu Accurate financial recordkeeping is crucial for cattle operations. Creating annual budgets helps ranchers manage income and expenses, plan for financial obligations and mitigate risks from market fluctuations and unexpected costs. Accurate financial recordkeeping is crucial for cattle operations. Creating annual budgets helps ranchers manage income and expenses, plan for financial obligations and mitigate risks from market fluctuations and unexpected costs.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61987 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61987-the-importance-of-budgeting-under-volatile-market-conditions 61987-jones-getty.jpg dljones@ag.tamu.edu Ranchers are often asked multiple economic questions when meeting with their bankers. These may include: Are you making more money on raised or purchased cattle? Are you better off selling your calves at weaning, as stockers or carrying them through the feedlot? Is it more profitable to retain heifers or purchase cows when replenishing the herd? Ranchers are often asked multiple economic questions when meeting with their bankers. These may include: Are you making more money on raised or purchased cattle? Are you better off selling your calves at weaning, as stockers or carrying them through the feedlot? Is it more profitable to retain heifers or purchase cows when replenishing the herd?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61649 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61649-tracking-livestock-enterprise-profitability-through-quickbooks-classes 61337.jones.illustration.getty.jpg rena@tomorrowiscoming.com Every rancher faces difficult decisions. Whether it's investing in new equipment, expanding pastureland, preparing for succession planning or navigating generational transitions, the weight of uncertainty can paralyze even the most experienced rancher. Decision paralysis – the state of overthinking to the point of inaction – is a common challenge. Every rancher faces difficult decisions. Whether it's investing in new equipment, expanding pastureland, preparing for succession planning or navigating generational transitions, the weight of uncertainty can paralyze even the most experienced rancher. Decision paralysis – the state of overthinking to the point of inaction – is a common challenge.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61470 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61470-overcoming-decision-paralysis-how-to-make-bold-moves-in-agriculture 61470-striegel-frozen.jpg dljones@ag.tamu.edu QuickBooks Desktop launched in 1998 as financial accounting software comparable to Quicken but with more features. Accountants and bankers became early adopters, liking the program’s double-entry system that allows users to create detailed financial reports. They began recommending QuickBooks to clients, including agricultural producers. QuickBooks Desktop launched in 1998 as financial accounting software comparable to Quicken but with more features. Accountants and bankers became early adopters, liking the program’s double-entry system that allows users to create detailed financial reports. They began recommending QuickBooks to clients, including agricultural producers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61337 Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61337-is-quickbooks-financial-accounting-best-for-the-ranch 61337.jones.illustration.getty.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com It’s an exciting time when you can grow your herd – whether it’s adding more cows because you have more forage or additional acreage, retaining replacement heifers or other factors. This can also be a challenging time and strain on your current systems and processes, so let’s make sure you are ready for herd growth and set up for success. It’s an exciting time when you can grow your herd – whether it’s adding more cows because you have more forage or additional acreage, retaining replacement heifers or other factors. This can also be a challenging time and strain on your current systems and processes, so let’s make sure you are ready for herd growth and set up for success.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61336 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61336-the-importance-of-recordkeeping-when-herd-expansion-begins 61336-miller-getty.jpg jentz@uwalumni.com We’ve all got them – tasks that seem harder than they should be. “There must be an easier way,” we think, so we start searching for that simpler way and often end up considering a new technology. We’ve all got them – tasks that seem harder than they should be. “There must be an easier way,” we think, so we start searching for that simpler way and often end up considering a new technology.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61134 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61134-evaluating-new-livestock-technology-check-these-boxes 61134-jentz-technology.jpg dljones@ag.tamu.edu Setting up a reliable record-keeping system is one of the first stages of becoming a good ranch manager. Accurate recordkeeping has numerous benefits, like helping an operator develop realistic forecasts for the next year and improving relationships between accountants, lenders and commodity brokers. Setting up a reliable record-keeping system is one of the first stages of becoming a good ranch manager. Accurate recordkeeping has numerous benefits, like helping an operator develop realistic forecasts for the next year and improving relationships between accountants, lenders and commodity brokers. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60862 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:55 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60862-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-using-quickbooks-inventory-for-ranch-operations brandt.self@claconnect.com President Donald Trump’s platform includes proposed changes to income taxes, renewable fuels policy and the farm bill, which could have substantial implications for agribusiness producers, processors, cooperatives and related businesses. President Donald Trump’s platform includes proposed changes to income taxes, renewable fuels policy and the farm bill, which could have substantial implications for agribusiness producers, processors, cooperatives and related businesses.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60796 Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60796-us-agribusiness-explore-future-possible-federal-tax-policies 60796-duda.coreylewis.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com Another year has come and gone, and now it's 2025! A common process for many of us is to set goals or resolutions to strive for in the new year. A new year is a new beginning – a time to reflect on what has worked so far and what may need some adjustments. Another year has come and gone, and now it's 2025! A common process for many of us is to set goals or resolutions to strive for in the new year. A new year is a new beginning – a time to reflect on what has worked so far and what may need some adjustments.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60608 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60608-lets-make-2025-the-year-of-organized-cattle-and-ranch-records 60608-miller-records-getty.jpg jason.nickell@merck.com The term, “precision agriculture” is oftentimes associated with row crop farming, but what if gathering critical data to inform decision-making could be applied to your cow-calf operation or feedlot? The term, “precision agriculture” is oftentimes associated with row crop farming, but what if gathering critical data to inform decision-making could be applied to your cow-calf operation or feedlot?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60390 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60390-is-new-monitoring-technology-right-for-your-operation 60390-nickell-1.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com The cooler temperatures bring a flurry of activities on the cattle farm and ranch. From breeding time to cows ready to calve to weaning calves, there’s plenty of cattle production activities to keep everyone on the go. The cooler temperatures bring a flurry of activities on the cattle farm and ranch. From breeding time to cows ready to calve to weaning calves, there’s plenty of cattle production activities to keep everyone on the go.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59977 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59977-five-tips-to-be-ready-for-the-upcoming-fall-season 59977-miller-5-tips-fall.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com Another year, another season of taxes. It’s the same time every year, but for many of us, the time seems to sneak up as the days go by quickly. Another year, another season of taxes. It’s the same time every year, but for many of us, the time seems to sneak up as the days go by quickly.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59114 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59114-having-ranch-records-ready-at-tax-time-is-easier-than-you-think 59114-miller-receipts.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com Calving season is an ongoing process that can occur over a few months, rather than a single short-term event like pregnancy checking or weaning. Recording calving records provide great benefits and opportunities to collect data and details that can then be used to evaluate and rank cows in the herd. Calving season is an ongoing process that can occur over a few months, rather than a single short-term event like pregnancy checking or weaning. Recording calving records provide great benefits and opportunities to collect data and details that can then be used to evaluate and rank cows in the herd.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58740 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58740-the-importance-of-calving-records 58740-miller-calf1.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com As the prospect of a new year dawns, it's an opportune moment to consider refining our record-keeping habits. Transitioning from traditional paper records to digital platforms can be transformative, and here's a comprehensive guide on how to make that change. As the prospect of a new year dawns, it's an opportune moment to consider refining our record-keeping habits. Transitioning from traditional paper records to digital platforms can be transformative, and here's a comprehensive guide on how to make that change.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58535 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58535-10-strategies-for-record-keeping-success-in-the-new-year 58535-miller-cows-sunrise.jpg dljones@ag.tamu.edu While it is necessary for operators to monitor the number of cows, calves, stockers, fed cattle, etc. on hand, finding a good inventory software program can be challenging. While it is necessary for operators to monitor the number of cows, calves, stockers, fed cattle, etc. on hand, finding a good inventory software program can be challenging.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58132 Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58132-using-the-quickbooks-inventory-system dljones@ag.tamu.edu Learn the advantages and disadvantages of the QuickBooks platforms to help you decide which version best fits your business. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of the QuickBooks platforms to help you decide which version best fits your business.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57527 Mon, 08 May 2023 13:44:49 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57527-which-version-of-quickbooks-works-best-for-cattle-operations Herd management programs and data collection solutions are being advanced by various sectors of the beef industry today. And, while more of a good thing might be better than less, it can also lead to confusion and uncertainty when attempting to navigate its extreme boundaries. Herd management programs and data collection solutions are being advanced by various sectors of the beef industry today. And, while more of a good thing might be better than less, it can also lead to confusion and uncertainty when attempting to navigate its extreme boundaries.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57389 Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:25:37 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57389-what-data-is-required-for-herd-management-decisions 57389-derksen-calf.jpg kalyn.waters@ufl.edu For ranching families, it is common for their household expenditures to be included in their operating budget and loan. With that, household budgets need to be managed differently for ranch families than for families who don’t utilize operating loans. For ranching families, it is common for their household expenditures to be included in their operating budget and loan. With that, household budgets need to be managed differently for ranch families than for families who don’t utilize operating loans.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57090 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 13:36:48 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57090-4-tips-for-ranch-families-on-managing-a-household-budget 57090-water-monthly-expenses.jpg dljones@ag.tamu.edu Are you better off selling your calves at weaning, as stockers or carrying them through the feedlot? Is it more profitable to retain heifers or purchase cows when replenishing the herd? Are you better off selling your calves at weaning, as stockers or carrying them through the feedlot? Is it more profitable to retain heifers or purchase cows when replenishing the herd?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/57014 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/57014-using-quickbooks-classes-to-track-livestock-enterprises While agriculture extension has and continues to provide solid financial resources to teach farmers "in-house" accounting and finances, with growth, a farm or ranch must determine if and when to seek outside help. While agriculture extension has and continues to provide solid financial resources to teach farmers "in-house" accounting and finances, with growth, a farm or ranch must determine if and when to seek outside help.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56831 Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:48:21 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56831-farming-out-the-financials Keeping records current is a challenge for many busy ranchers. The lucky ones have a trusted family member who is willing to tackle this task. Experts recommend updating records at least once a month and backing up critical data to the cloud or another device to preserve information. Keeping records current is a challenge for many busy ranchers. The lucky ones have a trusted family member who is willing to tackle this task. Experts recommend updating records at least once a month and backing up critical data to the cloud or another device to preserve information.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56516 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56516-preventing-data-losses-on-your-operation 56516-bryant-prevent-data-loss.jpg dljones@ag.tamu.edu Budgets help ranchers plan ahead so they can meet financial obligations such as loan payments and monthly bills. Budgets help ranchers plan ahead so they can meet financial obligations such as loan payments and monthly bills. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/56305 Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/56305-its-time-for-a-new-budget 56305-jones-tv.jpg abby@agproud.com The agriculture industry is directly derived from what consumers want. And in today’s world, consumers want traceability. The agriculture industry is directly derived from what consumers want. And in today’s world, consumers want traceability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/55608 Thu, 22 Sep 2022 14:18:29 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/55608-blockchain-technology-leading-us-to-the-future 55608-george-get-ready.jpg “Cyberattack” and “cybersecurity” are terms that are no strangers to the corporate world. But more recently, they’ve become more familiar – sometimes with fear – in agriculture and food processing sectors. http://www.agproud.com/articles/55252 Mon, 25 Apr 2022 14:00:01 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/55252-enhancing-cybersecurity-for-today-s-beef-operations 0522pc ryan.rhoades@colostate.edu Have you ever been told you must keep a detailed set of records for the ranch to be successful as a manager? And have you ever considered you might be wasting a great deal of time? Hopefully that’s not the case, but it is certainly possible to be 100% efficient but 0% effective. http://www.agproud.com/articles/53298 Sat, 29 Jan 2022 22:26:39 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/53298-recordkeeping-is-a-waste-of-time 012722-working-notes-veselka.jpg terrell@cattlemax.com With a new year ahead, many producers will take time to reflect on what worked for them last year and what needs to change in 2022. The new year serves as a natural ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter. http://www.agproud.com/articles/53353 Fri, 24 Dec 2021 15:00:01 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/53353-record-keeping-resolutions-for-a-successful-new-year 0122pc