Regional Roundup

Regardless of how prepared we are, the first calf of the season often seems to come as a surprise. The following is a list of considerations to help make sure you, your cows and the barn are ready to go.

I hope this article finds you and your family doing well. This time last year, none of us could have foreseen 2020 unfolding the way it has. We have all been negatively impacted by COVID-19 in at least one significant way.

Getting the most out of your winter feeding program is important to keep costs down and make sure cows come through the winter in good shape.

Body condition scoring (BCS) your cows may seem like a fruitless effort. You take the time to record all the data and maybe even sort the thin ones and fat ones out and feed them separately, but does it really pay for that extra work? Well, the answer to that question is: Yes.

Marketing of retired breeding stock accounts for roughly 20% of an operation’s annual income. In times of herd consolidations, making the decision of which females to sell might be tough. While it’s easy to part with open cows, late-bred females may be more challenging.

What better time to talk about technology than during this pandemic? We have all been stretched to our limits with the use of technology over these months of virtual content. Schools, churches, livestock producer meetings, national conventions and numerous other programs and events have been impacted.