Polls

As fall approaches, most spring-calving herds are approaching weaning season. For calves, weaning can be more or less traumatizing depending on how it is handled by producers.

In an online poll, Progressive Cattle asked readers, "What method of weaning do you use?"

The biggest group of responders, 41% said they use fenceline weaning. 

The second-largest group (36.1%) chose corral separation, also referred to as drylot separation. 

The rest of the respondents indicated two-stage weaning (9%), or other unspecified weaning methods (13.9%).  

What method of weaning do you use?

• Fenceline: 41%

• Corral separation: 36.1%

• Two-stage: 9%

• Other: 13.9%

The traditional meat processing system has experienced several setbacks and ups and downs in the chaos that followed the arrival of COVID-19. Since then, more and more interest has arisen from beef producers and consumers about selling beef directly from the ranch. 

Everybody's done it. "Someday, when we can afford it, we'll –– " or, "Did you hear? Joe's just blown $5,000 on a new ___."

Since COVID-19 swept across the world, shutting down life as we know it, many industries, the beef industry included, have learned to adapt to the "new normal." Quarantines and shelter-in-place orders have caused widespread cancellations of ag conferences, field days and other eductional events, and the folks who facilitate those events have gotten creative with sharing knowledge with anyone who wants to learn through venues like virtual events and webinars, to name a few. 

"It is better to aim for the stars and miss than to aim for a pile of manure and hit it." – Unknown

If you have any kind of livestock, chances are high that your local vet will be a steady (though hopefully infrequent) visitor.