Anyone who is at least somewhat familiar with the cattle industry knows there is a long list of products and product types that can be used for providing supplemental nutrients to cattle.

We’ve made it through a tough winter, and calving season is winding down. If you’re like me, you’ve been looking forward to spring. It’s almost time to turn cows out on lush, green pastures as we start pondering the mating decisions for the breeding season. But as you know, our herd is entering the most critical nutritional point of the production cycle.

Over the coming weeks and months, ranches across the United States will gather their herds for the annual springtime tradition of branding. In addition to marking ownership of the year’s calf crop, cowboys will administer vaccines to young calves in an effort to curb a disease that is just as consistent as the spring ritual: pneumonia or bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

Salt is necessary for our livestock’s health – and they love the stuff. But it’s easy to go too far. Look out for these common pitfalls when developing your herd’s nutrition plan.

A well-balanced mineral and vitamin program is the foundation for healthy, productive and profitable cattle. However, when specific challenges arise, the strategic use of mineral additives can provide targeted solutions.

For the first time in years, you felt that you could take the family on vacation this summer. It seemed like a fun idea at the time when you bought the tickets to the amusement park. Standing in line, listening to the screams and seeing the cars go flying by on the roller coaster have you second-guessing life’s decisions. Just keep reminding yourself that it will all be over in a few minutes.

In many areas, it is weaning time. If you are looking for ways to maximize the value of your calves, implanting should be considered as part of your herd management program.

Anybody who has succeeded in any business for any amount of time knows at least this one simple truth: Efficiency equals profits. The tricky part, of course, is figuring out just where your inefficiencies lie and what you can do to remedy them.