MANAGEMENT

It’s one thing to start, another to survive. What makes the difference?

That may seem like a trick question with subjective answers, but ranchers will cite common denominators, tricks of the trade that apply.

I discussed risk in an article a couple of months ago and explained that risk exposure is often a daily occurrence for most cattle producers and often comes in two forms: price risk and production risk.

This article is part two in a two-part series. Click here to read part one of Avoiding probate with beneficiary designations: Part one

Transfer on death (TOD) deeds, also called beneficiary designation deeds, are becoming a popular estate-planning tool for many. They are a simple and low-cost method for a person to avoid probate on real property.

The new tax law signed by President Trump, called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), has several provisions beneficial to owners and breeders in the horse and livestock industries. I will discuss some of the highlights.

As a group, farmers and ranchers are the hardest-working, highest-quality, most honest people around. They’re also among the poorest financial thinkers.

If ever there was a busy time in a producer’s life, it is right around the time decisions are made for which animals head to the sale barn. At the end of long days, it is easy to skip over any further management for those cattle earmarked for sale and focus on the retained or growing herd that stays. A few simple considerations and actions, however, can be the difference in dollars per head once those cattle go through the sale ring.