Farmers are invited to submit nominations for the 2022 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year contest. This is the fourth year of the contest, which celebrates farm dogs and the many ways they support farmers and ranchers.

The subject of herd improvement is more nuanced than, “Buy better bulls.” Yet, that’s a pretty foundational place start.

Heifers that calve unassisted do a better job of raising that calf, have shorter rebreeding intervals and calf earlier the following year. When calving ease as a priority, several selection tools are available.

The first hint of green grass was evident throughout much of the Midwest last week, and moisture across the High Plains was welcome with warmer weather on the way. Demand for grass cattle was high.

Cattlemen experienced a wide variety of weather across the Central Plains and mountain states last week, bringing much-needed moisture along with some unwelcome cold temperatures.

Veterinarians remind ranchers to keep calving best practices in place for the healthiest herd possible, including good vaccination programs, clean calving environments and good nutrition.