Beef Production News

Matching Forage to Fertility: How to Choose the Right Calving Window

Wed, 13 May 2026 17:49:11 GMT

There is no single “best” calving season in the beef industry, but there is a “best” system for your specific resources. While the choice between spring and fall calving often sparks debate at the local sale barn, the real driver of profitability isn’t when you calve — it’s how tightly you control the window.

“One of the most important management decisions in a cow-calf operation is determining when cows should calve,” says David Lalman, Oklahoma State University professor and Extension beef cattle specialist. “Yet, there is no single ‘best’ calving season for every ranch. The ideal system depends on forage resources, labor availability, weather patterns, marketing plans and overall management goals.”

He explains regardless of whether producers choose spring calving, fall calving or even a combination of both, having a defined and controlled calving season is one of the most effective ways to improve efficiency and profitability.

The Economic Power of a 75-Day Window

Research and standardized performance analysis (SPA) data collected from nearly 400 herds in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico demonstrated that longer breeding seasons increased cost of production. In fact, each additional day in the breeding season increased cost per hundredweight of calf weaned.

“Herds that reduced breeding seasons from year-round exposure to approximately 75 days substantially lowered production costs while also improving calf uniformity,” Lalman says. “Uniform groups of calves are generally worth more at sale time because buyers prefer cattle that are similar in age, size and management background.”

Controlled breeding and calving seasons also simplify management. Vaccination schedules, nutritional management, pregnancy diagnosis, weaning and marketing can all be streamlined when cows calve within a relatively short window. In contrast, year-round calving often creates nutritional and labor challenges because cows are in different stages of production simultaneously.

Spring Calving: Lower Costs, Higher Weather Risks

According to Lalman, spring calving remains the most common system in Oklahoma and much of the Southern Plains.

“One advantage of spring calving is that cows are typically dry, not producing milk and pregnant during winter feeding,” he explains. “The dry, gestating period represents lower nutritional requirements compared to post-calving when cows are producing milk. Thus, wintering costs are generally lower for spring-calving cows.”

He adds calving too early, for example in January or February, in Oklahoma offsets some of this advantage.

“Spring-calving systems are not without challenges,” he stresses. “Severe late-winter and early-spring storms can result in newborn calf losses. Another disadvantage is that cows can slip in body condition during early-spring forage green-up.”

High-moisture “washy” grass lacks the dry-matter density needed to meet the requirements during lactation. Cows tend to burn a lot of energy “chasing” bits of tender green forage and ignore available low-quality standing forage or hay provided, resulting in inadequate forage intake and weight loss. This challenge is exacerbated when the early green-up period coincides with peak lactation.

Lalman says delaying the calving season too long can expose females and herd sires to extreme late-summer heat stress during the breeding season.

Fall Calving: Better Body Condition, Higher Feed Bills

Fall-calving systems offer a different set of advantages and disadvantages.

“Fall-calving cows are usually in excellent body condition at calving because they have recovered body reserves during summer grazing,” he explains. “Calves are also generally older and heavier at weaning. However, on most ranch operations in Oklahoma, winter supplementation costs are greater in fall-calving cows. Increased nutrient requirements for lactation in combination with lower-quality winter forage or hay results in a dramatic gap in nutrient supply.”

Without proper adjustments in the nutritional program, cows can experience rapid weight and body-condition loss during the breeding season. In addition, if calving starts too early, extreme heat during late summer can lead to weak or even stillborn calves.

The Silent Profit Killer: Heat Stress and Conception

Heat stress deserves increasing attention in Southern beef systems.

“Breeding cattle during periods of high heat and humidity can reduce conception rates, lengthen the postpartum interval and negatively impact bull fertility,” Lalman summarizes. “In some regions, pregnancy rates may decline substantially when cows are bred during late July through early September. Adjusting breeding and calving seasons to avoid predictable periods of extreme heat may improve reproductive performance.”

The BCS Benchmark: Setting the Stage for Rebreeding

Regardless of calving season, body condition management remains critical. Lalman says mature cows should generally calve in a body condition score (BCS) of approximately 5, while first-calf heifers should be closer to a BCS 6.

“Long-term data consistently show that pregnancy rates decline dramatically in thin cows,” he says. “Producers should evaluate whether their calving season aligns with forage availability and allows cows to maintain adequate body condition economically.”

Adoption of synchronization and artificial insemination (AI) is gradually increasing in the commercial beef cattle operations. Lalman says recent research indicates that pregnancy rates to AI are improved when cows are slightly gaining weight and condition during the breeding season. This is most economically achieved through timing of the calving season and selection for cattle that are a good match to the forage system.

One Season or Two? Balancing Management and Market Risk

Lalman summarizes there are also trade-offs between operating one calving season versus two.

“A single calving season simplifies management and creates larger, more uniform groups of calves to market,” he says. “Multiple calving seasons may spread marketing risk and increase bull utilization, but they also complicate labor, nutrition and herd health programs.”

Ultimately, the “best” calving season is the one that best matches the ranch environment and available resources. Producers should design systems that minimize purchased feed, maintain reproductive efficiency and fit local forage resources.

Your Next Reads:

Stop the Guesswork: Build a Targeted Parasite Plan

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:20:18 GMT

As grass greens up and cattle head back to pasture, many producers are “throwing darts in an open field” when it comes to parasite control, says Tennessee Hereford breeder Ryan Proffitt.

The real-world frustration of deworming programs is knowing if they are working, Proffitt says.

Norbrook Technical Services Veterinarian Megan Bollin explains fecal egg count testing, targeted treatment, concurrent deworming, maintaining refugia and smarter pasture management can turn parasite control guesswork into a targeted plan that protects herd health, preserves dewormer efficacy and ultimately adds pounds to the calf crop.

Both Bollin and Proffitt agree a pragmatic roadmap for modern parasite control is anchored in diagnostics, targeted treatment and strong relationships with veterinarians.

Bollin shares five practical strategies to get the most out of today’s dewormers and preserve them for tomorrow:

1. Sit Down with Your Vet.

She encourages producers to map out a herd‑specific internal and external parasite plan with diagnostics built in.

“Your local vet should be your key partner in designing a program that fits your parasites, climate and management style,” Bollin says.

2. Use the Right Product at the Right Time.

Use the correct class, correct dose and consider concurrent deworming when resistance is a known issue. Your local veterinarian can guide you on proper treatment timing to avoid wasting money.

3. Manage Pastures with Parasites in Mind.

Bollin says pasture management is as important as treatment. Pasture type, quality, topography and drainage should all be considered in your plan, knowing we can’t always do much to change them.

“Only about 10% of the parasite life cycle is in the animal; 90% is on pasture,” she says.

Larvae generally stay below 4” on the grass blade. She says it is important to avoid overgrazing pastures below this height and manage stocking density accordingly.

“When you get a big rain after a drought, the larvae that had been waiting in the manure pats can quickly become infective and significantly increase the risk of infection, especially in young calves,” she says.

4. Prioritize High-Risk Animals.

Calves, stockers, bulls and replacements should be prioritized with the strictest parasite control and monitoring programs.

“Calves, replacement heifers and bulls are typically heavier shedders and more susceptible to the effects of parasites than mature cows,” Bollin explains.

Proffitt notes that many producers historically concentrate on keeping mature cows dewormed while underestimating calves’ role as carriers.

“We don’t need to, and shouldn’t be, treating every animal like we always have,” Bollin adds. “That has gotten us in a pickle with resistance.”

5. Measure and Adjust Treatment.

Bollin says it is important to know where you started. Get a baseline fecal egg count, understand your resistance patterns and monitor the efficacy of your treatment program. So many variables change from year to year: climate, weather conditions, new animals and other stressors. It’s critical to routinely evaluate your deworming program and avoid blindly doing the same thing year after year.

(Proffitt Family)

Diagnostics Are Essential, Not Optional

Fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) are the most practical method we have to determine if dewormers are still working and at what level.

Bollin explains the process includes:

Collecting rectal fecal samples and recording identification.
Treating animals with product or products of choice.
Resampling the same animals by taking rectal fecal samples, 10 to 17 days later, depending on the drug or drugs used.

The lab will count how many eggs per gram are in that fecal sample. There will be a pretreatment and a posttreatment sample. Bollin says the goal should be greater than 95% reduction.

Proffitt argues FECRTs are worth the hassle.

“If we don’t have a game plan on what we’re doing and we’re just rushing,” he says. “What did we win at the end of the day if we don’t know what we’re doing?”

Proffitt says testing tells him which cows he can skip treating, which saves him money.

Bollin explains in many cases mature cows 3 years and older, shedding low levels of eggs, on a good plane of nutrition, with no other stressors or health concerns (including liver flukes), should not need to be dewormed.

“This supports ‘refugia’ — intentionally leaving low-risk animals untreated to slow resistance,” she explains. “Because they’re mature, they’ve got a competent immune system that can actually fight off these parasites by themselves without a dewormer.”

To reduce costs further, Bollin says producers can pool fecal samples from multiple cows into a single submission.

(Deb Gustafson)

Beating Parasite Resistance Starts at the Chute

Bollin says dewormer resistance, long documented in sheep and goats, is being seen more frequently in U.S. cattle herds.

She says overuse, underdosing and treating every animal regardless of need are major drivers in resistance.

“All of these deworming products, when they were originally approved, had very high levels of efficacy. We’re talking 99% and above,” Bollin explains. “As we’ve continually used these products, efficacy has been challenged because resistance has increased.”

If you’re using products that are no longer effective in your herd, you’re spending money on drugs that don’t work, and you’re not getting the production benefits. One way to restore efficacy when resistance is present is to use concurrent deworming.

Why Concurrent Deworming Matters

Bollin says concurrent deworming is using two dewormers from different classes at the same time. She stresses producers need to work with a veterinarian to avoid unknowingly pairing two products from the same class, which doesn’t provide the intended benefit.

She explains the benefits of concurrent deworming are:

· Higher overall efficacy when two partially effective products are combined. “Say you’ve got two products, for example, each with 70% efficacy. By using them together, you can raise your overall efficacy to levels exceeding 90%,” she says.

· Broader spectrum of parasite coverage.

· Models would suggest a slowing of resistance.

· Only sustainable long-term when used in conjunction with a refugia program. This means we don’t treat every animal. We want to keep a few “good” worms around that are still susceptible to the drug.

Bollin gives the example of pairing a benzimidazole, or a “white dewormer,” such as fenbendazole, albendazole or oxfendazole, with a macrocyclic lactone such as ivermectin, moxidectin or eprinomectin.

She emphasizes the industry unfortunately doesn’t have a lot of studies looking at this, but a study published in 2025 highlighted the benefits of concurrent treatment with fenbendazole in situations where resistance to macrocyclic lactones is likely.

Dung Beetles Are Valuable Allies

Dung beetles break up manure pats, exposing eggs and larvae to sunshine and dry conditions. Some dewormers are more compatible with dung beetle health.

“Two of the dewormers that are not harmful are moxidectin and fenbendazole,” Bollin says. “Those are two molecules that are generally safe for dung beetles, and those could be a good option to pair together.”

Facility where researchers collect blood samples and weigh cattle before and after they are transported. Steers have painted numbers on their backs so their activity can be followed on camera.

(Stephanie Hansen)

Application Technique and Dosing Accuracy Matter

Bollin says accurate body weights, not visual estimates, are critical, explaining underdosing is a key driver of resistance.

“One of the biggest contributors to resistance is that we are just not giving them enough active ingredient,” she says. “If you don’t have scales, it is best to treat to the heaviest body weight in the group, so that you make sure that they’re all getting enough.”

She also stresses the importance of storing deworming products correctly.

“Leaving them by the chute in temperature swings can reduce efficacy,” she says.

Proffitt also reminds producers to read labels and understand rain windows with pour-ons and to avoid mud or manure on hides. Bollin notes that injectables can provide more certainty that the animal is getting the full dose, whereas oral drenches can be spit out and pour-ons can run off or be groomed off by penmates.

Both Bollin and Proffitt frame parasite control not as one more chore on an overloaded to-do list but rather as a strategic, data-driven opportunity to protect animal health, slow resistance and convert good management into pounds sold.

Your Next Read:

Determine Parasite Load and Follow With Treatment

10 Toxic Pasture Weeds: How To Identify and Manage

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:11:28 GMT

Not all toxic plants are equally dangerous, and many factors, such as stage of growth, part of the plant consumed and quantity, play a role in whether animals are affected.

With the ongoing weather variability the past few years, pasture conditions have been highly inconsistent. Some are thriving, while others are struggling due to overgrazing, flooding or drought.

“When pastures thin out, they leave space for opportunistic weeds to move in,” Shelby Gruss, Iowa State University Extension forage specialist, says. “While all weeds can compete for light, nutrients and moisture, some pose a greater threat due to toxicity risks for livestock.”

Below is a list of some of the most common toxic pasture weeds in Iowa and the Midwest, with tips on identification:

Poison Hemlock

(Kevin Bradley)

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Toxic Part: Entire plant, especially leaves and stems
Risk: Highly toxic to all livestock (and humans); small amounts can be fatal
ID Tips: Finely divided, fern-like leaves; purple-spotted stems; umbrella-shaped white flower clusters
Notes: Often found in ditches and low-lying areas; do not mow when flowering — can release toxins and spread seeds
Common look-a-like: Queen’s Anne Lace/wild carrot

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L)

(John Cardina, The Ohio State University, IPM Images)

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
Toxic Part: Sap causes skin irritation when exposed to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis)
Risk: Mainly a risk to humans (and pets) through skin contact; generally avoided by livestock, but ingestion can cause photosensitivity and severe sunburn
ID Tips: Yellow umbrella-shaped flowers; hairy and grooved stems; leaves look like celery or parsley
Notes: Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling; mowing before seed set helps control
Common look-a-like: Queen’s Anne Lace/wild carrot

Common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum L.)

(L.L. Berry, IPM Images)

St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum)
Toxic Part: Entire plant
Risk: Contains hypericin, which causes photosensitivity (sunburn-like skin damage) in light-skinned livestock such as sheep, cattle, goats and horses; severe cases can lead to skin sloughing, blindness or death
ID Tips: Upright perennial with small flowers; the flowers have five bright yellow petals that often have black dots on the petal margins; leaves are opposite, oval and have translucent spots when held up to light; woody base; grows 1' to 3' tall in clumps
Notes: Becomes more problematic in overgrazed or low-fertility areas. Most toxic when flowering. Often avoided unless forage is limited

Common Milkweed

(Kevin Bradley)

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Toxic Part: Leaves and stems
Risk: Contains cardiac glycosides; toxic in large amounts, especially to cattle and sheep
ID Tips: Thick oblong, opposite arranged leaves; milky sap; large round pink flower clusters; stems covered with dense pubescence
Notes: Generally unpalatable unless forage is scarce; monitor pasture for adequate forage growth

Johnsongrass

(Kevin Bradley)

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) / Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense)
Toxic Part: Wilted leaves (Black Cherry); young regrowth and frost-damaged tissue (Johnsongrass)
Risk: Both produce cyanide (prussic acid), which can be fatal within minutes
ID Tips (Cherry): Tree with shiny leaves, dark bark, and white flowers
ID Tips (Johnsongrass): Tall grass with prominent midrib, purple panicle seeds, spreads rhizomes
Notes: Do not allow livestock access to wilted branches or frosted regrowth; delay grazing after frost or drought
Common look-a-like (Johnsongrass): Sorghum species

White Snakeroot (Ageratina Altissima)

(Ansel Oommen, IPM Images)

White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima)
Toxic Part: Entire plant
Risk: Causes “milk sickness” in humans through milk from affected cattle; toxic to cattle, goats, horses
ID Tips: Opposite triangular leaves with serrated edges (sharply toothed) with three main veins; white flowers in flat-topped clusters
Notes: Common in wooded pastures or shaded edges; control early; avoid grazing densely infested areas
Common Look-a-like species: bonesets, other snakeroots

Horsenettle (Solanum Carolinense)

(Kevin Bradley)

Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense)
Toxic Part: Berries and leaves
Risk: Contains solanine; can affect the nervous system and digestive tract
ID Tips: Spiny stems and leaves; small, star-shaped purple flowers; yellow berries when ripe
Notes: Toxic when consumed in large amounts; spot spray or dig out to reduce spread; berries are particularly toxic

Cocklebur

(Kevin Bradley)

Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)
Toxic Part: Seeds and seedlings
Risk: Toxic to pigs, sheep and cattle; seedlings are especially dangerous
ID Tips: Rough stems with darks pots; sandpaper-like, triangular leaves with serrated leaf edges; hooked burs that cling to fur and clothing
Notes: Can cause liver damage; avoid overgrazing, as seedlings are more likely to be eaten when forage is limited

Pigweed (Genus Amaranthus L)

(Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, IPM Images)

Nitrate Accumulators
Some plants can accumulate toxic levels of nitrates, especially after drought or heavy fertilization:
Common culprits: Pigweed, lambs quarters, Johnsongrass, and thistles
Risk: Nitrate poisoning reduces oxygen transport in blood — can be fatal
Management Tip: Have suspect forages tested before grazing or feeding; elevated risks following fertilization, and following drought breaking rains

Field Horsetail (Equisetum Arvense L)

(John Cardina, The Ohio State University, IPM Images)

Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
Toxic Part: Entire plant
Risk: Contains thiaminase; can cause neurological symptoms, especially in horses
ID Tips: Hollow, jointed stems; no true leaves; resembles a bottle brush
Notes: Grows in poorly drained soils and along ditches; improve drainage and limit access

“The first step to weed management is identifying the species you have in your field,” Gruss says.

If you’re unsure about a plant in your pasture, contact your local field specialist.

“When in doubt, better safe than sorry — keep animals away until you’ve confirmed safety,” she summarizes. “Typically, animals will avoid toxic species when there is something else to graze, but eliminating the toxic weed species is ideal. If using herbicides, please read and follow all herbicide directions and grazing restrictions.”

More information on common pasture weeds can be found here: Recognizing and managing common pasture weeds .

More information can be found here: 2025 Herbicide Guide: Iowa Corn and Soybean Production for herbicides labeled for grass pasture, hayfield (table 6) and alfalfa and legumes (table 7).

Earlier Calves, Bigger Paychecks: Utilizing Estrus Synchronization to Increase Ranch Profit

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:44:46 GMT

In a cow-calf operation, timing is the primary driver of profitability. By using estrus synchronization, producers can ensure more than 50% of their herd conceives on the first day of the breeding season, leading to earlier calving dates and heavier weaning weights. According to Mario Binelli of the University of Florida, shifting the calving window to the “front” of the season ensures calves are older and more uniform when they hit the scale on sale day.

Binelli was a featured speaker during the Beef Reproduction Task Force’s 2025 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium . He says the purpose of estrus synchronization is to get cows to come into heat and ovulate together in a short window of time. Estrus synchronization works with a series of hormone treatments to control the cow’s natural cycle; as a result they all come into heat at the same time.

The 3-Step Synchronization Process

By synchronizing cows, more of them are bred at the start of the breeding season rather than spread out over several weeks. Binelli shares these three steps to get a cow herd on the same schedule:

Reset the Cycle: A GnRH injection and a progesterone device (CIDR) are used to reset the follicular wave.
Producers typically start by giving a shot to reset the cows’ cycle and inserting a progesterone device to keep cows from coming into heat.
“We want to remove a dominant follicle — then a new follicular wave will emerge,” Binelli explains.
Induce Estrus: After approximately seven days, remove the CIDR and a Prostaglandin shot is given to bring the cows into heat simultaneously. Producers should watch their herd to identify when the cows are ready to breed.
“The goal is to have cows expressing estrus within a short, predictable window so producers can make breeding decisions more effectively,” Binelli says.
Insemination and Cleanup: Cows are artificially inseminated (AI) upon heat detection, followed by bull turnout approximately 15 days later to cover any remaining cows.

Because of the improved cost to reward ratio, more producers are utilizing synchronization protocols with natural service breeding programs . The Beef Reproduction Task Force’s website has a list of protocol options for producers to consider when planning their estrus synchronization program.

Read More About Synchronization Strategies:

Maximizing Reproductive Success: How to Use Estrus Synchronization to its Full Potential

Technology Takes the Guessing Out

Adapting to new technology makes heat detection easier. Accelerometers, commonly used in dairy cattle, are wearable devices on ear tags or collars; they are used to track rumination, activity and welfare. During the estrus cycle, a cow’s behavior changes, with activity peaking while rumination declines. The cow data is sent to the producers’ devices; from the patterns they can identify when she is ready to be bred.

“New technologies are helping decrease labor while increasing the accuracy of estrus detection,” Binelli says.

Read More About Technologies Available:

24/7 Employee: How One Rancher Is Using An App-Based Monitoring System

Bridging Genetics, Management and Technology in Beef Production

Another heat detection tool is heat detection patches placed on the cow’s back. Patches take the guesswork out to determine if the cow is in heat. As another animal mounts the cow, the paint on the patch is scratched, indicating she is in standing heat.

Why Timing Makes Money

Every day a calf is born earlier in the season adds age and weight. By consolidating the calving window through synchronization, producers reduce labor during calving and increase the total pounds of beef sold at weaning.

Your Next Reads:

Tug of War in the Cattle Industry: Cow Size, Carcass Weights and Total System Efficiency

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:52:36 GMT

The beef industry is currently experiencing a tug of war between biological efficiency and market signals that reward heavier carcass weights.

Recent Oklahoma State University Rancher’s Thursday webinar sessions highlighted the growing tension in the beef industry between the market-driven feeding for heavier carcass weights, selection for increased growth and efficiency, and the economic realities of maintaining larger cows.

The Feedlot Perspective: Why Tonnage is King in 2026

Carcass weights are increasing largely because feedyards are keeping cattle on feed longer and marketing systems reward pounds of carcass weight. At the same time, cow size has increased, in turn raising maintenance requirements and forage demand.

Speakers also discussed the biological factors behind heavier carcasses. Growth in finishing cattle remains relatively linear even at heavier weights, and modern marketing systems favor carcass-based pricing.

There are market incentives that encourage feeding cattle to heavier endpoints, including low cattle numbers, relatively inexpensive feed and reduced discounts for heavyweight and yield grade 4 carcasses. These conditions can improve gross revenue at the feedlot but also increase days on feed and reduce feed efficiency.

The Hidden Cost of Growth: Maintenance Requirements and Production Risk

Bigger cows are not necessarily more efficient cows. Cow size is closely related to feed intake, so selecting for larger mature size without considering forage resources can reduce stocking flexibility and increase production risk, particularly during drought or periods of high feed costs. Matching cow type to the ranch environment remains one of the most important management decisions producers make.

Ultimately, long-term profitability of beef production depends on balancing genetics, nutrition and available resources across the entire production system. Producers who align cow size, stocking rate and marketing strategy with their forage base are better positioned to remain resilient in volatile markets and challenging weather conditions.

Efficiency should drive replacement and management decisions. The most profitable cow herds are those that fit their environment and optimize performance from pasture to packer.

Your Next Reads:

Breeding in the Drylot: Strategies for Success in Confinement

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:00:51 GMT

Whether confinement feeding of beef cows is part of a cropping and livestock integrated system, or if cows have been displaced due to drought or fire, there are several key concepts to keep in mind when breeding season occurs in confinement.

When drought or wildfire forces cattle off the range, the breeding season doesn’t stop — it simply changes location. Transitioning cow-calf pairs into confinement is often a move of necessity, but maintaining reproductive efficiency in a drylot requires a specialized blueprint.

Breeding beef cattle in confinement presents a unique set of challenges, but it also offers a significant opportunity for precision management. According to Nebraska Extension Specialist Karla Wilke , success in a confined breeding system hinges on three critical factors:

Providing adequate bunk space to manage social hierarchy
Delivering nutrient-dense rations that meet the high energy demands of lactation
Leveraging the close proximity of working facilities to implement advanced reproductive technologies like artificial insemination

Wilke shares her suggestions regarding breeding season confinement in a recent UNL BeefWatch article and in a webinar focused on confinement feeding cow-calf pairs .

(Karla Wilke)

Housing and Space: Beyond the Feedlot Pen

According to Wilke, bunk or feeding space needs to be about 2 feet for cows and bulls and about 1 foot for calves. This is especially true if a nutrient-dense, limit-fed ration is being used.

“Feedlot pens are not the only place cow-calf pairs can be confined,” she says. “Producers may also be able to use fallow ground, pivot corners or calving pastures. However, a minimum of 500 square feet per pair is recommended.”

When possible, it is also recommended that calves have their own loafing space inaccessible to the cows. Wilke stresses this reduces exposure to pathogen loads, may provide shade or wind protection and during breeding season can shield calves from getting stepped on.

The Lactation Gap: Meeting High Nutritional Demands

Lactation is a huge energy drain on the cow.

“Feeding a diet similar to what the cow received during gestation will not meet her needs, causing her to draw from her energy reserves to feed her calf, and thereby decrease her chances of rebreeding,” Wilke explains. “A lactation diet similar in intake and quality to green grass is needed.”

Read more about why energy, protein, minerals and weekly body condition checks are critical to getting cows and first‑calf heifers rebred on schedule:

From Calving to Conception: Nutrition Strategies to Keep Cows on Track

Wilke adds the calf is beginning to eat forages, so extra feed needs to be provided to ensure the calf is not eating feed that was assumed to be for the cow, thereby causing her to lose body condition.

The Confinement Advantage: Streamlining AI and Synchronization

She says one positive aspect of maintaining cows in confinement is that they may be in close proximity to working facilities, providing an opportunity to employ artificial insemination (AI) or allow producers to tighten the calving window by synchronizing cows while still using natural service.

Read more about synchronization options and the benefits of AI:

Upgrading in One Generation: The ROI of Artificial Insemination

Maximizing Reproductive Success: How to Use Estrus Synchronization to its Full Potential

(Karla Wilke)

Social Dynamics: Managing Bull Age and Hierarchy in Close Quarters

Older bulls tend to dominate the breeding season, and this can be especially true in confinement.

“If possible to divide cows into groups, consider pairing younger bulls together, giving them the appropriate ratio of cows for their age ,” Wilke explains. “When dividing bulls into groups for confinement breeding, strong fences between groups are critical. Giving bulls two or three weeks to acclimate to breeding groups before turning in with cows when possible also helps reduce fighting.”

Drought and fires can take a toll on cattle. While it is always recommended to have a breeding soundness exam on bulls before turnout, it is especially important when bulls have experienced stressful situations that may impact structural soundness and fertility.

Read more about how a bull’s fertility and breeding ability are crucial to a producer’s success:

Wanted: Bulls Ready to Work

Is Your Bull Ready for Turnout? 4 Steps to Ensure Breeding Success

Due to the size of mature bulls, the growth requirement of young bulls and the activity level during the breeding season, bulls also need a high-quality diet. Maintaining bulls in a body condition score (BCS) of 5 or 6 on a 1 to 9 scale helps keep them healthy and productive.

Read more about how body condition scoring is an important tool for producers to use to make sure bulls are in good condition:

Body Condition Scoring Bulls: Now is the Time to Make Sure Bulls Are Ready for Turnout

Your Next Reads:

Do You Have Adequate Bull Power?

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:40:27 GMT

It is time for bull turnout for herds that calve in January. As we prepare for breeding season, it is critically important to address bull-to-female ratios and answer the question: Do you have an adequate number of bulls on hand to get females bred promptly?

The first goal of breeding season is to get cows bred early in breeding season resulting in more calves born earlier in calving season, shorter breeding or calving seasons, older calves at weaning and ultimately more pay weight at weaning due to calf age.

The typical beef calf gains about 2 lb./day up until weaning; accordingly a calf born one heat cycle (21 days) earlier will wean off about 40 lb. heavier. How do we get this accomplished? By having an adequate number of bulls to get cows serviced.

The following shows a conservative expectation of the number of cows we should expect bulls to cover in a defined (45 to 90 day) breeding season.

12- to 15-month-old bulls = 10 to 12 females
15- to 18-month-old bulls = 12 to 18 females
18- to 24-month-old bulls = 18 to 25 females
2- to 6-year-old bulls = 25 to 35 females

Rule of Thumb: One female per month of age at turnout for yearling bulls after passing a Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE).

For example: If I have 60 heifers to breed and plan to turn out 15-month-old bulls, I will need four bulls.

What is the typical life expectancy of a breeding bull?

Typically up to the age of 6 is “prime of life” for breeding bulls. This isn’t to say that all bulls will break down at this age, but it is more likely to happen after age 6. Often when an older bull goes bad, it isn’t discovered until after breeding season when we are doing pregnancy checks.

Get prepared, make sure your herd bulls have passed a BSE prior to turnout and take measures to have an ample number of bulls with females to ensure prompt breed-up this season.

Your Next Reads:

As Breeding Begins: 3 Keys to Success

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:51:25 GMT

As pastures green up and calves hit the ground, the real work of the breeding season quietly begins. It’s a short window with long-lasting consequences. From post‑calving cows trying to regain body condition to replacement heifers who must stick the first time to bulls whose soundness and stamina drive the whole program, every decision you make now echoes through future calf crops.

As breeding begins, industry experts share these three keys to help ensure you don’t just turn out cattle — you turn out results:

1. Cows: Manage the Post-Calving BCS Slump

Shelby Roberts, Alltech beef technical support, encourages producers to manage energy, protein and water so cows, especially first‑calf heifers, maintain a body condition score (BCS) of 5 to 6.

She says it is important cows don’t lose more than one score post‑calving. Thin, losing cows come into heat late and breed late.

Read more about why energy, protein, minerals and weekly body condition checks are critical to getting cows and first‑calf heifers rebred on schedule:

From Calving to Conception: Nutrition Strategies to Keep Cows on Track

2. Heifers: Get Replacements Ready to Stick

Dan Tracy, Zoetis beef technical services, says heifer selection drives the herd. He suggests producers select heifers by birth date and quality, then grow them to 65% to 70% of mature weight and BCS 5 to 6 by breeding.

“The most single important thing is their birthday,” he says. “The older heifers are going to set the tone. They’re going to stay in the herd longer. They’re going to calve earlier.”

He says it is important to be hard on heifers — set minimums.

“We’re going to spend a lot of money getting them bred, so we want to get that payback,” he adds. “Use reproductive tract scoring and pelvic measurements 45 to 60 days ahead of breeding to cull the ones that won’t keep up.”

Read more about the importance of heifer development:

Building for the Long Haul: The Hermes Strategy for Premium Bred Heifers

From Selection to Breeding: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Productive Heifers

3. Bull Power: Soundness, Condition and Semen Production Cycles

It is important to manage bulls as seriously as cows. Take the time to evaluate bulls and make sure they are ready to go to work.

Saulo Zoca, University of Tennessee assistant professor and beef cattle reproduction specialist, says a breeding soundness exam (BSE) is like a car insurance policy for a bull. He suggests testing bulls 30 to 60 days before the breeding season to allow time for management decisions.

Read more about how a bull’s fertility and breeding ability is crucial to a producer’s success:

Wanted: Bulls Ready to Work

Along with a BSE, another tool producers should use to make sure bulls are ready to go to work is BCS .

Phillip Lancaster, Kansas State University beef cattle nutritionist, stresses, compared to cows, bulls require more weight change to move between BCS points due to their larger size.

Read more about how environmental and nutritional factors can affect fertility:

Factors That Can Affect Bull Fertility

Synchronization and AI Can Front‑Load Pregnancies

Artificial insemination (AI) and synchronization programs can be a powerful tools when they’re planned, not improvised.

“Synchronization only works if you work the protocol,” says Jennifer Koziol, Texas Tech University associate professor of food animal medicine and surgery. “Put it on a calendar, know who’s doing what on which day, and don’t try to wing it between everything else.”

Oklahoma State University’s Mark Johnson says regardless of when your calving season occurs, manipulating the reproductive process of your cow herd can result in shorter breeding and calving seasons. Accordingly, more calves born earlier in the calving season result in an older, heavier, more uniform calf crop when you wean.

Johnson explains estrus synchronization can be used for natural mating or AI breeding. The labor, not the products, is usually the limiting factor.

“Synchronization protocols permit us to concentrate the labor needed for heat detection to a few days, and in some cases eliminate the need for heat detection when cows can be bred on a timed basis,” he explains.

Read more about synchronization protocols in heifers versus cows and how to find what works best in your operation:

Maximizing Reproductive Success: How to Use Estrus Synchronization to its Full Potential

Trace Minerals: Important for the Whole Herd

A good mineral program can help set a herd up for success. Trace minerals play a critical role in reproduction — supporting fertility, embryo survival and sperm production.

Craig Louder, Axiota Animal Health senior technical consultant, explains, after calving, a cow has roughly 90 days to rebreed in order to stay on a 12‑month calving interval.

“Because that window is so short, we can’t afford delays — mineral deficiencies need to be addressed promptly to support timely conception,” he says. “If we do not have adequate trace minerals. We decrease both the ability to achieve pregnancy and the ability to maintain it. Getting a cow bred has little value if she cannot carry that pregnancy to term and deliver a viable calf.”

Reproduction is one of the first things to suffer when trace mineral status isn’t right. You may not see a sick cow; you just see fewer pregnancies.

“Research has shown that if we don’t have adequate copper, we’re going to be nearly four times more likely to end up with a stillborn calf,” Louder says. “If we don’t have adequate selenium, we can be 31 times more likely to have a stillborn calf.”

As soon as a cow delivers a calf, her trace mineral status drops by 30%. Louder stresses producers have two months to get the trace mineral status built back up.

He says research shows even when on a great organic trace mineral program, feeding a cow 150% of what her requirements are is still going to take close to a month to be able to build it up.

“That’s if your cow is smart enough to go out and read the label and understand that she has to do this and gets all that taken care of,” he adds.

With an injectable, like Multimin 90, producers can bypass a lot of those hurdles an oral supplement takes and rapidly replenish that cow’s trace mineral status.

“It doesn’t replace the oral program,” Louder says. “This is simply a way that we can get it into her at the time we need it for those management practices in a more rapid and efficient manner.”

He suggests producers give a Multimin 90 shot twice per year:

Precalving — 30 days prior to calving is ideal. However, if management doesn’t allow that, supplementation at any point during the third trimester can still provide meaningful benefit.
Prebreeding — 30 days prior to breeding is ideal. If using AI, there is benefit when putting it in at the same time as the CIDR.
“We have reset the follicular waves, and the minerals can be utilized by the follicle that will ovulate the egg that will be fertilized,” he explains.

Don’t forget the bulls.

“Sperm production requires a lot of trace minerals,” Louder says. “It’s a 63‑day process. Most breeding soundness exams are done about two months before turnout. We can hit them with a dose of minerals then, and I recommend giving them another dose at turnout.”

The Countdown to Breeding: A 90-Day Management Timeline

Here’s a suggested timeline as producers prepare for breeding season:

90 days before breeding:
Evaluate cow and heifer BCS. Adjust rations.
Pull previous conception data. Identify problem groups.
60 days before:
Schedule BSEs for bulls.
Finalize heifer development targets and mineral program.
30 days before:
Confirm synchronization protocol and handling dates.
Double‑check facilities, labor and record systems.
Day 0 (AI or bull turnout):
Quick recheck of bull condition and soundness.
Confirm tags and records.

Breeding season will never be completely simple, but it can be far more intentional. The experts agree: protect body condition before you lose it, develop heifers like the high‑dollar investments they are and expect your bulls to work as hard on fertility as you do on everything else. Every pregnant female counts, and success comes from stacking small, disciplined decisions across cows, heifers and bulls.

Your Next Reads:

Maximizing Reproductive Success: How to Use Estrus Synchronization to its Full Potential

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:43:14 GMT

Synchronization programs are always evolving, and you want to use the best one.

Kansas State University veterinarian Brad White says, “The problem is, the best has a couple of different definitions.”

In a recent episode of “Herd Health,” White and fellow K-State Veterinarian Bob Larson compare estrus synchronization protocols for heifers and cows, and how to determine which is best for your operation.

When determining what protocols to use for artificial insemination (AI), Larson explains there is a difference in steps for heifers versus cows. To see a list of protocols and steps, Larson recommends utilizing the Estrus Synch Planner on the Beef Reproduction Task Force website.

The Hormonal Toolkit: GnRH, Prostaglandin and Progesterone

Protocols are similar for cows and heifers, but there are a few differences to be aware of. Larson explains the three hormones used to synchronize estrus are progesterone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GNRH) and prostaglandin F2Alpha. What varies from cows to heifers is hormone placement time and combinations.

The period from giving the prostaglandin injection to optimal insemination time, is shorter in heifers than cows. When using fixed-time AI, cows should be serviced later.

Why Heifers Respond Faster Than Cows

Larson discusses a key difference in fixed-time AI with heifers is the length of protocol from start to finish. Some protocols can be as long 33 to 36 days or as short as eight days, so producers must decide how much time they have or are willing to spend.

Another factor to consider is how many times a producer will run animals through the chute. In some cases, it could be twice, once for a prostaglandin injection and once for insemination, and other cases could be up to four times. Group size and animal location are both items to consider when choosing the best protocol.

When looking at specific components like progesterone, different protocols list giving this for five, seven or 14 days. If heifers have not already reached puberty and are cycling, they will be jumpstarted, Larson says.

He explains some will reach puberty sooner than usual with this progesterone addition. The longer they’re exposed, the more successful jumpstarting will be. The downside is it is a longer process.

MGA vs. CIDR: Weighing Cost Against Convenience

Heifers can receive progesterone needed for estrus synch in feed form with melengestrol acetate (MGA) or intravaginally with a CIDR that slowly releases progesterone into the bloodstream.

MGA is inexpensive and you don’t need to run heifers through a chute, so if cost and gathering are concerns, this is an effective system. The disadvantage is that the dosage is 0.5 mg per head per day, and that can be difficult to maintain when factors like weather and herd dominance come into play.

To ensure the most successful synchronization, Larson stresses maintaining feeding schedules and allowing plenty of bunk space is crucial. If using MGA, the feeding period is usually 14 days.

White explains the decision to use MGA or CIDRs as cost versus convenience. However, MGA can only be used with heifers.

Most protocols include a GnRH injection at the time of fixed-time AI. This is because all protocols are designed to be optimized, meaning for the majority of the heifers, Larson says.

For example, a 66-hour time frame from the prostaglandin injection to insemination is best for most heifers. This could be late or early for some, so the GnRH injection causes heifers to ovulate if they haven’t already, but most protocols state that heifers will have ovulated prior to the time of insemination.

Some sources say to provide GnRH seven days prior to removing the progesterone source. Larson reminds producers that the whole point of these protocols is synchronization. Giving this injection at that time ensures heifers’ follicular waves are in the same pattern, meaning synchronization is tightened among the group.

The Postpartum Countdown: When to Start Synchronization

The main difference in synchronization in cows is timing between hormone administration and breeding. However, Larson also points out that cows do make the process a little more difficult when they have calves at their side or they are on pasture.

Cows are also actively calving, and Larson says they should calve at least 40 to 50 days before the start of synchronization, but they will vastly range.

Crunching the Numbers: Is AI Right for Your Operation?

Ultimately, deciding to use estrus synchronization and AI comes down to what works best for your operation.

“You have to do the math to make sure it’s worth it for you,” White says.

There are some differences when comparing the protocols for a seedstock and commercial operation.

Once you find a protocol that works for you, he adds, “There are some real advantages to picking a protocol, working with it, and going through the process.”

Consulting the Beef Reproduction Task Force , veterinarians, semen dealers and other community resources are great options when deciding what to implement in your operation.

Your Next Reads:

Building for the Long Haul: The Hermes Strategy for Premium Bred Heifers

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:07:56 GMT

Selecting and managing highly desirable heifers is Anton Hermes’ specialty. He offers various services to develop heifers on a custom basis for customers and markets his own bred heifers.

Alongside his brother, Derek, who runs Hermes Genetics, Hermes manages Hermes Livestock, and the brothers work hand-in-hand to breed sale and customer cattle. They travel and breed around 10,000 to 12,000 head a year with their artificial insemination (AI) services. For his own herd of commercial mother cows, Hermes will purchase heifers from AI customers or ranches the brothers do business with.

“The customers bring their heifers to our grow yard where we feed and develop them, and later artificially inseminate them, then send them back to the customers pregnant,” Hermes explains.

(Hermes Family)

Steps to Developing a Bred Heifer

The heifer selection process starts with their home-raised females and then buying load lots of females, often from Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming ranches. Then they do pelvic measurements, bangs vaccinations and sort non-breeders into grass cattle groups.

“We prefer to buy heifers when they’re 500 to 600 lb. in the fall, but we will buy some later in the spring if we have pasture available,” Hermes says. “About 200 of these heifers would be grown in our own herd.”

Hermes Livestock’s heifer program consists of Red Angus, F1 red baldies, black Angus and F1 black baldies. Hermes says he prefers the Hereford influence in their F1 heifers but also breeds purebred Angus and Red Angus.

When sorting heifers to the top of the group to develop and market as bred females, he looks for the feminine, moderate-framed heifers with adequate temperament.

“That’s what we’re after, and that’s what our customers are after,” Hermes says. “A lot of times there will be 500 head, and we want to sort 150 off the top to keep for us to breed. We look for something that’s structurally put together, that can walk miles out here in eastern Colorado or Oklahoma or Wyoming or wherever they will end up, and really maternal. We want these cows to live to be 12 years old and still be productive in the cow herd. We’re trying to build the cow herd in the U.S. right now, so maternal longevity is very important. We strive to develop these problem-free cattle that function in any environment.”

Once heifers are sorted, they synchronize them at the grow yard and breed heifers using AI. If they don’t show a heat, he will synchronize and AI again, so every heifer gets a chance to get bred on the AI cycle. After, they are turned out with bulls on grass.

Hermes chooses the bulls he’s going to breed customer heifers to by using them on his herd first.

“I test all the bulls on my own cows. I’ll find a young, up-and-coming sire that I really like and I’ll use them on my own heifers,” Hermes explains. “We’ll calve them out and if they pass the test we’ll use those the next year on the commercial groups. Typically, it’s all ABS genetics. They have an exceptional lineup of calving-ease bulls. We have some mainstays that we’ve used for four years in a row now that are just so popular that we can’t get away from them.”

Other bull selection criteria are liking the bull’s phenotype. Many of the bred heifers sold will go on to produce replacement females for producers so phenotype is important to Hermes.

“We’ll sell somewhere between, depending on the year, 600 to 1,100 head and we’ll market them through a couple different sales of our own as well as private treaty,” he says.

(Photos provided by the Hermes family)

Selling Across the States

Hermes helped start the Maternal Merit Sale Group with Dan Warner of Warner Beef Genetics and Don Maclennan with Valhalla Ranch. The sale offers bred heifers through live auction twice a year in Arapahoe, Neb., and Denver, Colo., at the National Western Stock Show. The Nebraska sale sells heifers in groups based on breed, size and AI- or bull-bred sire. He hopes to add another sale in Colorado this fall.

“We identify the sire groups then; we sort off by size and docility. We are especially picky on the heifer’s docility,” Hermes says of the heifers selected for the sale. “If they’ve got too much fire, then we sort them off. We don’t put them through our sales or private treaty large groups. We’ll sort them by breed and size, and then we’ll market them through that sale, and they usually go to about nine to 13 different states; we will deliver them right from there.”

The sale has offered up to 700 head between Anton, Warner and Maclennan.

The Denver Maternal Merit Sale started after a meeting with Warner, Maclennan and Bobby Strecker, ABS Global district manager. After which Hermes wrote the National Western Stock Show a letter in 2020 and asked if they would add a commercial heifer sale to the lineup at the new facility when it was done.

“We are trying to bring a commercial element back to the National Western and this sale gave us an excuse to do that,” Hermes explains.

Maclennan says it’s given them a platform to show commercial producers the quality of heifers brought to the sale.

“We are very particular on quality and after the first year, people saw that,” Maclennan says. “They have supported us quite nicely since then. We have had nothing but repeat buyers coming and either buying or at least bidding.”

Starting with around 400 Red Angus heifers selected in May, Maclennan will sort off the top 50 or 60.

“Throw them through so many hoops that by the time Denver comes, we’ll have 15 to 20 that are just the elite,” Maclennan says. “They’ve got excited about it and we had a really good crowd.”

The strategy in Denver differed from Arapahoe in that they were showcasing their programs developing heifers and offering programing for commercial producers at a major stock show.

“We’re really just trying to showcase the front end of our commercial genetics as a marketing tool and to bring the basic commercial element of the cattlemen back to Denver,” Hermes adds. “It’s a good tool for us to use for marketing, but it’s also been a good tool for the public. We have since added speakers and educational panels addressing current industry topics.”

A large portion of the private treaty sales tend to come from southern customers in Texas and Oklahoma.

“We have a big following where they’re really looking to improve genetics,” Hermes says. “Some of our best customers for the last five years have been south. We had a ranch last year where about 300 head of bred heifers went to in south Texas.”

His advice to marketing bred heifers is to start with a high-quality animal.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re selling five over 500,” Hermes says. “Sort through them and don’t just breed every one of them. Make sure you get them pelvic-measured, and tract-scored. Do a quality sort for docility and phenotype. If you’re planning to AI them or if you’re going to buy a bull, use a sire that is really current and recognizable. Everybody really likes to know what the cattle are bred to, so I recommend finding a calving ease sire. If you buy them as replacements find out as much information as you can about the genetics.”

His best marketing tactic has been repeat buyers and word of mouth.

“We get more and more phone calls from repeat buyers and their neighbors and that’s how we’ve done a majority of our marketing,” Hermes concludes. “We have grown our brand and sales through positive feedback.”

Your Next Reads:

The Heifer Retention Blueprint: Why Preparation Starts Long Before Breeding Season

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:58:22 GMT

Preparing replacement heifers to breed starts earlier than deciding which bull to turnout or what semen to purchase. The long-term management of heifers directly correlates with higher conception rates and avoiding calving challenges, and nutrition is key.

When Should I Start Preparing Replacement Heifers for Breeding?

The process begins at birth. While it is common for heifers to be bred to calve at 24 months of age, nutrition management practices starting in the first months of life impact their entire reproductive future. Purina recommends heifers reach a body condition score (BCS) of 6 before calving to ensure a shorter postpartum interval and a successful breed-back the following season.

Weston Schrader says strong maternal genetics are incredibly important to their operation, and that’s where the process of heifer retention starts.

(Schrader Family)

What Are the Best Criteria for Selecting Replacement Heifers?

Schrader Ranch in Wells, Kan., manages around 400 to 500 purebred Charolais, SimAngus and commercial cows. Their replacement heifers are evaluated on strict criteria to maintain quality and efficiency. Well in advance of making breeding decisions, sorting replacement heifers is important to later success.

“Strong maternal genetics are incredibly important to our operation, and that’s where the process of heifer retention starts,” says Weston Schrader. “We keep detailed records of calving ease, udder quality, docility and body condition. Phenotypic quality has always been a priority for our operation; cattle must be structurally sound, functional and fit our environment. From there, we use EPDs (expected progeny differences) to confirm genetic merit and make disciplined, data-backed breeding decisions.”

Schrader identifies four foundational pillars for heifer retention:

Phenotypic quality — Cattle must be structurally sound, functional and fit the environment.
Maternal genetics —Detailed records are kept on udder quality and docility.
Data verification — Using EPDs to confirm genetic merit.
Calving history — Selecting for proven calving ease to minimize future labor.

Christina Christensen of Christensen Charolais Ranch recommends producers only keep their best heifers and avoid single-trait selection.

Located near Wessington Springs, S.D., Christensen manages more than 400 purebred and commercial cows, plus runs stockers on grass. Their breeding program is divided among embryo work, artificial insemination (AI) and using their herd bulls.

“Our primary focus is on carcass and performance while still maintaining functionality and soundness,” Christensen says. “We base our decisions off performance, phenotype and EPDs. This careful selection helps us pick the best of the best. Commercial heifers are selected on breedability, pelvic measurement, disposition and maternal qualities.”

(Schrader Ranch)

Why Is Nutrition Important in Heifer Development?

After sorting heifers, Schrader shifts to nutritional management strategies.

“Ensuring females attain appropriate body condition prebreeding is crucial and allows your best chance at shorter postpartum intervals and the ability to efficiently breed back the following breeding season,” he says.

Christensen echoes nutrition in replacement heifers is of utmost importance.

“Having a stable feed and mineral program is absolutely key,” she says.

The combination of selecting their best heifers for retention and a quality nutrition program is vital for Christensen. When breeding season is approaching, checking breedability and pelvic measurement helps ensure the heifers are ready for breeding.

“Don’t chase only certain traits; make sure to have balanced traits,” she says. “Don’t limit the selection process to single traits. Chasing single traits tends to take away from the broad picture.”

(Christensen family)

Why Is Early Calving Critical?

Another strategy Schrader uses is setting up first-calf heifers to calve in their earliest calving window, allowing them to keep pace with their mature cows the next year.

“Ahead of breeding season we identify proven, calving-ease sires for use in a 14-day CIDR (controlled internal drug release) protocol with a timed-AI option,” Schrader explains. “Then calving-ease bulls are turned out for 30 days.”

By calving heifers in their earliest possible window, producers give them the maximum amount of time to recover and rebreed as second-calvers.

Cow-Calf Checklist: Is Your Cow Herd Ready for Pasture Turnout and Breeding?

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:40:19 GMT

Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist Jason Warner summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in April.

1. Evaluate cow BCS for spring-calving females going into breeding.

• Ensure thin (BCS ≤ 4) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition.
• BCS 5 or higher females should be maintaining weight and condition.

2. If you will synchronize females for breeding this spring, schedule your protocols well in advance and mark key dates on your calendar.

• Inventory your artificial insemination (AI) supplies and order products in advance.
• Check your tanks for current semen inventory and nitrogen levels.

3. If you have a fall herd, schedule pregnancy checks and make culling decisions.

• How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
• Do we need to rethink our fall/winter nutrition program for fall calvers?

4. Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.

• Make an effort to measure intake regularly and adjust it as needed.
• If using fly control products , start them at recommended times for your area.

5. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing lush, rapidly growing forages.

• Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass and other cool-season forages.
• Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows and older cows.

6. Evaluate herd bulls for BCS, adjust as needed prior to breeding.

• Bulls need to be in a BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use.
• Schedule breeding soundness examinations with your veterinarian well in advance of breeding.

7. Review your calf health protocols before spring turnout.

• Schedule calf working activities, mark dates on calendars.
• Reflect if changes from last year are needed.

8. Take inventory of any feed/forage that will be left over from winter.

• Cover piles or close bags if silage is left over and won’t be fed until fall.
• Clean up any soiled bedding or unused/wasted feed in pens and calving lots to reduce the breeding and development of stable flies as the weather warms up.

9. Take a balanced, multifaceted approach to fly and insect control.

• Use more than one method of fly control at the same time.
• Follow label directions and use proper dosage levels.

10. Wrap up any last-minute pasture management projects before spring turnout.

• Conduct burns , work to control trees and brush.
• Ensure sufficient water is available when cattle are turned out.

9 Tips to Ensure Calving Season Success

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:40:40 GMT

Early preparation prevents last-minute stress during calving season. From equipment checklists to mastering observation, veterinary collaboration and proactive intervention, calving season success starts before the first calf hits the ground.

AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State extension veterinarian, encourages producers to prepare for potential calving challenges through inventory assessment, tool and supply readiness, facility checks and mindful observation.

From years of hands-on experience, cattle producer and extension educator Shad Marston from Canton, Kan., says the key to a successful calving season is: “Just being prepared so you don’t have those unexpected problems.”

Marston highlights the importance of preparing earlier than expected.

“We have to prepare, not just the time that the breeding book predicts they’re going to calve, but maybe a week or two ahead of that,” he says.

Review breeding notes and pregnancy forms in advance to identify which cows are due first. He says shorter gestations (especially with calving-ease bulls) can result in females calving a week or two early. To prepare, he separates heifers into a dedicated pen for better monitoring and exercise as calving approaches.

Marston adds another step in preparation is having contact information handy for your veterinarian and neighbors to call during emergencies.

To help mitigate the potential of calving problems, Tarpoff suggests producers make educated genetic matings.

“Use proper selection tools such as calving-ease sires on heifers,” he stresses. “We have better tools than ever — use them.”

Tarpoff and Marston share these nine tips to ensure calving season is a success:

1. Build a Reliable Calving Kit for Every Scenario.

Ensure all tools, equipment and supplies like chains, straps, gloves, lubricant and colostrum replacer are cleaned, organized and ready before calving begins. Store crucial items in a portable, easy-to-access tote.

Check out Tarpoff’s Calving Checklist:

Your Calving Prep Starts Here: The Essential Checklist

2. Prioritize Facility and Equipment Maintenance.

Inspect calving facilities and restraint tools ahead of time to make sure everything is in good repair — fix or replace anything left undone from last season before calving starts.

Tarpoff reminds producers to determine how they will restrain animals in the pasture setting.

“Whether it’s a rope, whether it’s a portable corral or whatever that might look like, is everything in good working order?”

Marston encourages producers to walk their facilities: “Are your lights working? Do your gates latch? Bedding down?”

He says cameras are also excellent if your barn connectivity allows.

“Whatever the cost, saving just one calf … would pay for a camera system,” he says.

Learn more about calving camera systems:

Is a Calving Camera System Your Next Essential Ranch Investment?

3. Cleanliness and Biosecurity Matter.

Maintain clean, segregated feeding equipment like esophageal feeders to prevent disease transmission among calves.

Tarpoff encourages producers to have two esophageal feeders — one for colostrum and one for sick calves.

4. Collaborate with Your Vet.

Have proactive conversations with your local veterinarian about regional risks, health products and intervention protocols well before calving season begins.

5. Observe Females Closely.

Watch for subtle physical and behavioral cues such as herd separation, changes in appetite, vulva swelling or locomotion changes that signal impending calving. Tarpoff suggests producers train their eyes to watch for subtle changes.

(Illustrations: Oklahoma State University)

6. Understand Intervention Timing and Have a Plan for Emergencies.

Knowing the stages of parturition is crucial for timely intervention. It is also important to have a plan so you can safely restrain and assist cows. Don’t hesitate to seek veterinary help when needed for complicated or high-risk situations.

Offering assistance is a matter of judgment and good judgment is the result of experience.

Know the “rule of an hour”: Intervene if a mature cow hasn’t made progress within one hour of the water bag breaking. For heifers, the process can take a bit longer.

“It can normally take a heifer two hours to go through the normal birthing process,” Tarpoff adds.

If you don’t know when Stage 2 began and process seems to be slow, it might warrant a vaginal exam.

He says it is important to understand when to call for extra help or veterinary support. Visual red flags to intervene immediately include: head-only presentation, head with only one leg, backward calf with hocks visible but not progressing.

When intervention becomes necessary, safety and assessment come first.

“Proper restraint is very, very important,” he says. “When it’s time to intervene, take your time and get a diagnosis of what’s missing.”

Tarpoff instructs producers to diagnose quickly and protect mom.

Marstons adds, if possible, have the cow up on her feet, restrained in a well-lit area that is safe for both you and the cow. It is much easier when both you and the cow are standing.

Start by cleaning the cow’s vulva, rectum and surrounding area, as well as your hands and arms with soap and water. Cleanliness is important.

Wear protective sleeves. Gentleness and lubrication are important.

“Hair causes an enormous amount of friction,” Tarpoff explains. “I regularly use large amounts of lubricant to reduce inflammation and swelling.”

Feel for the cervix. If not dilated it will feel as if your hand passes through or along a firm, tubular or circular structure. Once fully dilated, you should no longer feel the cervical ridge.

Can you feel the calf? A normal anterior presentation will permit you to feel the calf’s feet and nose with the spine of the calf resting just under the cow’s spine. If the presentation is normal and the water bag is still intact around the calf, you can allow up to an hour to permit the cow to calve unassisted. If the water bag has broken and the cervix is fully dilated, the calf needs to be delivered sooner.

If you detect an abnormal presentation, encounter something that doesn’t feel right or a situation you can’t manage, you will need to contact a veterinarian for assistance.

Tarpoff tells producers if they are not making progress correcting the scenario in a half hour, it is time to call for help.

“The earlier, the better outcome for the cow, the better outcome for the calf,” he says.

Tarpoff reminds producers if a calf is not breathing not to hang it by the legs; instead, place it upright, clear mucus from nose/mouth and stimulate.

“It’s the physical stimulation that tells the brain it’s time to start breathing,” he says.

Tarpoff also suggests using the Madigan squeeze for non-thrifty or “dummy” calves. He says the procedure is an option within 48 hours of birth that can “pop” some calves into normal vigor.

7. Minimize Environmental Stress.

Be proactive about shelter, windbreaks and bedding to protect calves from wind, moisture and cold. Remember that wet, windy conditions can be just as dangerous as extreme cold.

“During the winter, our No. 1 thing that robs heat is wind and moisture,” Tarpoff says, “so if we have a nice wind protection or a windbreak, calves can stay comfortable.”

Body temperature matters more than outdoor temperatures.

“Once you get below 100°F internal body temperature, that begins the stages of hypothermia,” he explains. “Once we get into the mid 90s, we see blood shunting from the extremities, leading to frost bit ears or tails.”

He says outside temperature can be a poor indicator.

“Forty to 50°F and rain can cause hypothermia quicker than 17°F and dry,” he says.

Warming options range from calf warmers/hot boxes to safe heat-lamp setups (non-sparking units) to improvised pickup-floor “heat box” arrangements. Warm-water immersion can work but must be done carefully.

Tarpoff instructs to start with lukewarm water then gradually increase toward 101°F to 102°F. It is important to disinfect bathrooms thoroughly after use to protect families from pathogens.

8. Prioritize Nutrition.

Ensure cows are in proper body condition, not too thin or obese, to promote easier calving and healthy, vigorous calves.

Marston says feeding strategy can help shift calving to daylight. Feeding late at night can concentrate births in early morning.

“I feed in the evenings … open the gate later … they want to eat,” he says. “Then, once they get full, they lay down and have a calf … a lot of the time, it’s six, seven o’clock in the morning.”

Read more about the importance of nutrition prior to and post calving:

3 Nutritional Questions to Consider Prior to Calving

Does Supplementing Bred Heifers Increase Calving Difficulty?

Feeding at Dusk: How Does This Affect Calving Times?

From Calving to Conception: Nutrition Strategies to Keep Cows on Track

9. Don’t Forget the Colostrum.

Following calving is key to get colostrum in the calf within the first two to four hours. By nine hours after birth the calf will have less than 50% of absorption.

Tarpoff encourages producers to keep quality commercial replacer on hand. If a producer freezes on-farm colostrum, this should be used the same season and thawed under warm running water, not microwaved.

If a calf is cold and has not nursed, Tarpoff says it is important to “warm first, then colostrum.”

Gut absorption improves after warming.

Read more about colostrum:
How Important is Colostrum?

Tarpoff suggests producers assess calf vigor especially after a pull or C-section: “Use the suckle reflex — good suction and jaw tone suggests the calf will get up and nurse.”

Marston adds: “If I have that cow down or standing in the chute, I’ll milk her out right then and tube the calf. Then I know it’s got colostrum in its belly.”

He stresses this is especially important if you must leave and can’t monitor nursing.

Marston shares this simple mantra as calving season approaches: Get mentally prepared, be ready and be observant.

“Be prepared because it’s not going to happen when you’re home all day, it’s going to happen when you’re busy,” he says.

Your Next Reads:

The Heifer Health Roadmap: Protecting Your Future Herd Investment

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:36:58 GMT

Transitioning a heifer calf into a productive, long-term member of the breeding herd requires attention to many important factors, including nutrition, genetic and breeding decisions and environmental management. Disease and health challenges, however, can undermine all that work. Health issues can derail a heifer’s progress at every stage — from her own development to reproductive success, calving and rebreeding.

The Heifer’s Ability to Stay Healthy

Disease problems, even early in life, can have lifelong effects on the breeding female. The most common of these, bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC), might not seem like it has much to do with reproduction. However, evidence from the dairy world shows that heifers affected by BRDC as calves exhibit decreased survival to first calving, poorer calving scores, lower first lactation milk production and a higher chance of leaving the herd after first calving due to the disease’s draining effect on immunity and other body systems.

Preventing BRDC needs to start well before the heifer is selected as a replacement. Vaccination for pathogens such as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR, or “red nose”), bovine respiratory syncytial virus, Mannheimia hemolytica and Histophilus somni should begin before weaning or earlier, with boosters as required by the vaccine. Close regular monitoring for illness and prompt treatment is important for every calf, but especially for potential replacement heifers. Paying attention to biosecurity concepts, particularly segregating feeder calves or other animals brought into the herd, will help prevent herd BRDC problems as well.

Examples of other diseases affecting heifer health include pinkeye and foot rot. These conditions result in lower weight gains, poorer body condition scores, increased stress and decreased mobility, all potentially detrimental to future fertility. Managing environmental factors such as flies and other eye irritants, and muddy lots are important, while pinkeye vaccination should be considered for heifers. For these diseases, prompt detection and treatment are critical to minimize their effects.

Internal and external parasites are also detrimental to overall heifer health and productivity; calves coming off pasture should be dewormed with an effective parasiticide.

The Heifer’s Ability to Become — and Stay — Pregnant

A heifer’s capacity to become — and stay — pregnant hinges on nutritional, hormonal, genetic and immunologic factors all working together optimally. Lurking in the background, however, is the threat of infectious reproductive diseases. Of these infections, those caused by IBR and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) are especially important. Both can cause infertility and pregnancy loss; BVDV infections during pregnancy can result in calves born with birth defects or persistent BVDV infections. With their relatively inexperienced immune systems, heifers are at increased risk for these problems.

Fortunately, effective vaccines are available to protect heifers and their pregnancies against these viruses. Recent research can help inform decisions about the version of and the timing of these vaccines. This information reinforces the importance of setting heifers up as calves and before their first breeding with modified-live (MLV) versions of these vaccines (which conveniently meshes with BRDC prevention mentioned above). In general, pre-breeding vaccines should be given well ahead of breeding or synchronization as to not interfere with the estrus cycle, and killed vaccines should be considered prior to subsequent breeding seasons. Biosecurity is another important aspect of BVDV prevention — in particular, testing incoming herd animals for BVDV persistent infections.

Leptospirosis infections can adversely impact fertility and pregnancy success. Two categories of this bacteria affect cattle: “lepto” strains picked up from environmental sources causing sporadic pregnancy loss, and cattle-adapted strains that can persist in kidneys and reproductive tracts and spread through a herd, causing longer-term insidious reproductive difficulties. Vaccines for both of these versions exist and should be given to replacement heifers earlier than pre-breeding if possible, as heifers can contract and harbor these germs even prior to their selection as replacements.

Neospora infections can affect heifer pregnancies more profoundly than those of older cows. Heifers that blood test positive for Neospora exhibit higher open rates compared to those that are negative. Because no vaccines exist for neosporosis, blood testing heifers prior to their selection as replacements is a worthy strategy.

The Heifer’s Ability to Raise a Healthy Calf

Calves born to heifers are a well-known “population at risk” when it comes to health challenges. Much of that risk is related to colostrum quantity and quality. Optimal heifer nutrition can improve both. Heifers with lower body condition scores produce less colostrum with lower antibody concentration. Therefore, maintaining heifers in moderate to good body condition at calving will optimize colostrum production, as well as future milk production and their ability to rebreed.

Pre-calving vaccination can improve heifer colostrum quality. Common “scours” vaccine programs utilize vaccines containing diarrhea-causing strains of E. coli, Clostridium perfringens, rotavirus and coronavirus. These killed vaccines require boosters when given to heifers, so timing of the first dose becomes important. Because antibodies from the heifer’s bloodstream begin moving into colostrum five weeks before calving, the second dose of vaccine should be given around that time. This requires the initial dose to be given several weeks before that (follow label directions). These vaccines do not elevate the overall antibody concentration in colostrum, but they do increase the level of antibodies against those pathogens.

The Heifer’s Ability to Breed Back

First-calf heifers are notorious for their difficulty in becoming pregnant during their second breeding season. Most of that phenomenon relates to body condition score when breeding commences, but other factors contribute as well. The increased risk of dystocia that heifers experience can lead to uterine infections and retained placentas, both of which delay breed-back.

Prompt recognition and treatment — with veterinary advice — can help minimize the negative impact of these conditions. Other, non-reproductive-related conditions can also hasten a heifer’s early removal from the breeding herd, including mastitis, pinkeye and foot rot — all of which should be quickly identified and treated, again with guidance from a veterinarian.

Managing reproductive vaccine choice and timing is also important as heifers approach their second breeding season. In general, killed vaccines given well ahead of the breeding season represent less risk to a successful early breeding compared to live vaccines given close to the onset of estrus.

The length and success of a heifer’s breeding career depends on preventing and managing their health challenges — starting well before they’re even identified as breeding herd candidates. At every step along the way, advice from a veterinarian with knowledge of your herd can help you avoid many of these health pitfalls.

From Calving to Conception: Nutrition Strategies to Keep Cows on Track

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 17:15:57 GMT

The goal for every cow is to have a calf every 365 days. To achieve that goal, producers need to be proactive and focus on prevention‑minded nutrition and management.

Anne Koontz, Alltech research manager for publications and communications, and Shelby Roberts, Alltech beef technical support, agree producers need to treat the first 100 days as a critical stress window. Management and nutrition in this window largely decide whether a cow breeds back on time.

Koontz says after calving the cow must simultaneously:

Recover from birth
Ramp up lactation, peaking at approximately 60 days
Resume her estrus cycle

To stay on a one‑calf‑per‑year schedule, she must be rebred within about 82 days of calving. “That’s hard,” Koontz says. “That’s a lot of stress all at once.”

Koontz and Roberts suggest these five nutritional strategies to help cows be successful in their role as a mother plus return to estrus and breed back on schedule:

1. Prioritize Energy and Body Condition

Roberts stresses BCS is the main driver of return to estrus. She says the targets are:

Mature cows: around BCS 5
First‑calf heifers: closer to BCS 6 for a cushion

She encourages weekly BCS checks — ribs, hooks, pins and “gutted-up” look — so you can adjust early. It is important to start supplementing before cows get thin.

“Don’t wait until they’re at a 3,” Roberts says. “You should have started when they slipped to a 4.”

Make sure the diet — forage plus any supplement — delivers enough energy to support both milk and reproduction.

For most beef cows on decent forage, energy is more limiting than protein.

“In those days post‑calving, we need to be far more focused on energy and mineral nutrition than protein,” Koontz stresses.

She says the goal should be to keep cows from losing too much body condition so they can:

Milk
Recover
Still cycle and conceive within that short window

“If grass or forage doesn’t meet needs, add an energy supplement,” Roberts says. “Inadequate energy leads to cows losing BCS which leads to delayed estrus and poorer conception.”

She also reminds producers it is important to know forage quality — testing if possible.

Heifers have higher nutrient requirements because they are still growing.

Roberts suggests producers manage heifers separately from mature cows until they are rebred, then merge them back into the main herd.

2. Ensure Adequate Water

Roberts says lactating cows need substantially more water — roughly 20 to 30 more gallons per day. Water intake optimizes milk yield, supports feed intake and enhances overall performance, all of which affect breed‑back.

3. Get Trace Mineral Nutrition Right

Use a good-quality, bioavailable trace mineral program in this 100‑day window; don’t just put out the cheapest mineral.

Koontz says the real leverage for reproduction is trace minerals. Five key trace minerals drive reproductive leverage:

Zinc: Supports uterine tissue repair.
Copper: Essential for hormone production and cycling.
Manganese: Influences conception rates.
Selenium: Critical for early embryo survival.
Iron: Supports overall metabolic health.

4. Match Minerals to Your Region and Forage

Region‑specific mineral management beats one‑size‑fits‑all tags.

Koontz says selenium, copper and iron can be too low or too high depending on soils and forages. Her advice to producers is to lean on local extension and nutritionists who know the area. Forage and sometimes water testing help fine‑tune the program.

5. Mineral Programs Can Directly Influence Uterine Readiness and Embryo Survival

The mineral program isn’t just “insurance”— it can actively support the biology of conception and early pregnancy.

Roberts encourages producers to use whatever form of mineral that fits the operation — loose mineral, tubs or cake with minerals.

“The form matters less than consistent intake of a good program,” she stresses.

Koontz explains Alltech’s research shows mineral programs can change gene expression in uterine tissues to make the uterus “more ready to conceive.” It can affect how well the conceptus — early embryo — develops and survives in the first weeks.

Koontz summarizes getting cows rebred comes down to feeding enough energy to protect body condition and using a high‑quality, region‑appropriate trace mineral program that supports uterine recovery, hormone function and early embryo survival during the first 60 to 100 days post‑calving.

In addition, Roberts encourages producers to use BCS as their dashboard, give heifers special attention, match supplements to forage quality and be proactive with energy, protein, water and minerals so cows are ready to cycle and conceive on schedule.

Retention or Market? Navigating Female Selection in a Volatile Market

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:57:59 GMT

As spring arrives, cow-calf producers face a high-stakes crossroads: which females will stay to build the future of the herd, and which will be culled? While current market optimism is high, making the right choice requires more than just a gut feeling.

On a recent episode of “ Agriculture Today ,” K-State Cow-Calf Extension Specialist Jason Warner breaks down the critical economic factors behind female retention and introduces the data-driven tools K-State Research and Extension offers to help producers maximize their long-term return on investment.

Strategic Planning for Long-Term Herd Growth

At this point in the year, there are many discussions to be had about female retention.

“There’s a lot of really good optimism for the cow-calf sector of the beef industry,” Warner says.

Female retention decisions are critical for producers, especially considering the economic impact on the herd. The investment cost going into females is the first factor to contemplate. Bringing new females in is a long-term investment, so looking at what their rate of return will be is valuable.

Warner says, thinking about long-term goals like herd growth or production is beneficial to retention decisions.

Knowing Your Numbers: The Real Cost of Production

Market projections are one side of decision-making, but producers should also compare their rate of relative return on females.

“Being able to be honest with ourselves on what our production costs are is a really important thing to do,” Warner says

The rate of return per female will reflect what annual production costs are. Parameters like weaning weight, death loss and interest rates influence the costs each year.

Warner says it’s important to consider the varying initial investment costs in each age group of your herd. To aid in these decisions, he recommends using the KSU Beef Replacement Tool .

Built for simple and easy use, these spreadsheets aid producers in determining the Net Present Value (NPV). This value compares if a producer was to keep a female back, take the chances investing in her and project the rate of return versus investing that same money elsewhere.

To ensure accurate projections on your rate of return, Warner explains: “You need to have a good estimate of what you think your production costs are to run those cows on an annual basis, as well as a realistic expectation of what we think feeder calf prices are going to be worth over the lifetime of that female.”

The NPV Advantage: Data-Driven Decision Making

This calculation system is further explained in “ Cost Considerations for Replacements .” In the “Beef Tips” article, Warner, Sandy Johnson, K-State extension beef specialist, and Glynn Tonsor, K-State ag economist, break down the economic views of female retention.

When markets signal expansion of a herd, it takes longer for cattle to reach harvest because of a cow’s biological cycle. This pattern created is known as the cattle cycle, meaning heifers retained at times of low inventory will peak production when fed cattle supplies are increasing while market values decrease.

Timing the Cycle: Navigating Biological Lags

For instance, if the planning horizon is short and forage supplies are fixed, retaining more females may not make sense. But if longer planning outlooks and ample forage or more land are options, retaining females may be the move.

Regardless of whether replacements are raised or purchased, those dollars have an opportunity cost, meaning they could be invested elsewhere.

Using the KSU Beef Replacement Tool allows producers to find how they should look at their value. This spreadsheet system allows producers to look at the impact of a range of annual costs of production. It also has the capability to figure impacts on feeder calf or cull cow sale price projections, both useful numbers to consider.

Setting Your Benchmark for Replacement Value

The principal output of the spreadsheet is the NPV. According to the K-State experts, this value reflects the amount that could be paid for replacements such that the expected rate of return from the investment would be exactly equal to the discount (interest) rate given all the assumptions used in the analysis.

This price could be considered a benchmark, so if producers can buy or develop replacement females at a lower price than the estimated NPV, that is a better economic condition for their herd.

Your Next Read:
From Selection to Breeding: A Veterinarian’s Guide to Productive Heifers

Genomics and the Evolving Role of the Bovine Veterinarian

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:58:16 GMT

Genomic testing is gaining traction in the beef industry, but for many producers, adoption still feels out of reach. The tools are available and the data is powerful, but the starting point is often unclear.

Increasingly, producers are looking to their veterinarians for guidance. The challenge is that many veterinarians are still defining what their role in genomics should look like.

Insights from Dr. Kirk Ramsey, professional services veterinarian, and Kelsey Luebbe, genomics technical services scientist, both with Neogen, highlight both the opportunity and the uncertainty shaping this shift.

An Expanding Role for a Trusted Voice

Producers have no shortage of information about genomics. Industry media, technical specialists and webinars all contribute to awareness, but when it comes time to make decisions, veterinarians remain a trusted source.

That trust is rooted less in genomics expertise and more in long-standing relationships and a deep understanding of herd performance. Veterinarians already play a central role in decision-making on many operations. Genomics is simply extending that role into new territory.

For many practitioners, genomics aligns closely with work they are already doing.

Veterinarians advise on heifer selection, evaluate bulls and track reproductive performance over time. They understand how cattle perform within a specific environment and how past decisions continue to influence current outcomes. This perspective is increasingly valuable as genomic data becomes part of the conversation.

“We have to be very diligent about looking for opportunities to expand our consulting realm because we have to maintain a capacity to provide value to our customers, especially as technology comes on and is moving forward,” Ramsey says.

Rather than focusing solely on treatment and prevention, veterinarians are being pulled into more strategic discussions, helping producers evaluate trade-offs and set long-term direction.

“We have to be on top of understanding what’s out there, understanding how we can provide value, and then at the same time, trying to be more than just the traditional veterinarian that we have always been. Maybe dive in a little bit more and leverage our capacity to understand the production systems and new technologies, helping our customers be progressive.” Ramsey adds.

This adjustment does not replace traditional services, but builds on them.

The Confidence Gap

Despite this opportunity, many veterinarians do not feel fully prepared to lead genomic discussions.

“As a veterinarian, I had no idea that my producers were looking to me for genetic advice. I knew they were looking to me for treatment advice, vaccination protocols or maybe even general production type questions, but I didn’t realize I actually had that much influence over whether they would even look in the genomic direction,” Ramsey says.

There is a growing awareness that expectations have changed, even if training has not fully kept pace.

“We don’t have a ton of training as veterinarians on genomics,” Ramsey begins. “It was a class we took at 6:30 a.m. back in undergrad, but I don’t feel like I learned a lot more in the DVM program.”

At the same time, industry organizations and companies are beginning to expand continuing education and develop resources to support veterinarians in this space.

The knowledge gap exists, but it is narrowing.

(Vernon Bewley - Neogen)

A Practical Entry Point

For veterinarians, stepping into genomics does not require mastering every detail of the technology. It starts with approaching it the same way they approach other herd-level decisions.

“If somebody comes and says, ‘Hey, I want to start testing,’ the first thing is to establish the goals. What are you trying to accomplish? Where are we headed? What are the things that we can help you identify? Where are the hurdles that you currently are facing and how can we help you move past them?” Ramsey says.

1. Start with herd goals, not genomic tests

Genomics is most useful when it is tied to a defined objective. Without that context, even strong data has limited value.

“Sometimes that conversation stalls because ‘What are your goals?’ is such a huge, open-ended question. So we reframe it: Where are you making money? Where are you losing money? Or, where does it really bother you that you’re losing money? That’s where we start,” Luebbe says.

Framing the conversation around economics makes it more actionable.

2. Use what you already know about the herd

Veterinarians bring years of observation and data to the table. Genomics adds another layer, helping explain patterns and refine decisions rather than replacing existing knowledge.

3. Lean on available resources

While genomics-specific training for veterinarians is still developing, practical information is available through industry partners, genomic companies and professional organizations.

4. Focus on interpretation, not promotion

The veterinarian’s value lies in helping producers understand and apply results, not in selling a specific test.

5. Integrate genomics into existing decision points

Genomics fits naturally into decisions already being made, including replacement selection, breeding strategies and long-term planning.

What Getting Started Looks Like for Producers

For producers, the biggest barrier to adoption is often uncertainty, not resistance.

A practical starting point is to focus on a defined group of animals tied to an immediate decision, such as replacement heifers. This allows genomic data to be applied directly without overcomplicating the process. Luebbe suggests making the process fun can be a good entry point.

“Test the animals that you’re arguing about with your brother,” Luebbe says. “Whether it’s the whole bunch, the bottom 50% or the top 25%. Do it so that you can gain some additional information to help you make better decisions.”

Optimally, testing should represent the whole group being evaluated rather than a small subset of top-performing animals, ensuring the results provide a meaningful picture.

Genomics works best alongside visual assessment and experience. It adds insight into differences that are not always visible but does not replace practical knowledge.

The Growing Intersection of Genetics and Health

While genomics has traditionally focused on production and maternal traits, its role is expanding into health.

“We’re starting to bring more health-driven traits to the table. Using genomics to understand the capacity of the immune system for the animal and their genetic risk of developing bovine respiratory disease or congestive heart failure. We’re starting to see this change in the industry and leveraging genomics to understand what health concerns our cattle might be having,” Ramsey says.

This shift strengthens the connection between genomics and veterinary expertise, creating new opportunities to improve herd resilience and reduce disease risk through selection. As these tools evolve, veterinarians will play a key role in helping producers interpret and apply this information effectively.

A Shift Already Underway

Genomics is no longer a future concept. It is a tool that is steadily becoming part of everyday decision making.

“Genomics will never replace a producer’s understanding of their cattle,” Ramsey says. “But what it can do is uncover that layer hidden underneath the skin and identify the genetic capacity that they’re actually bringing.”

For veterinarians, the shift is already happening. Producers are asking questions, expectations are evolving and data is becoming part of routine conversations. The opportunity is not to become an expert in every aspect of genomics, but to build on the role veterinarians already hold.

Getting started does not require having all the answers. It requires stepping into the conversation and helping move it forward.

Balancing the Scale: Matching Genetics to Your Forage Resources

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:22:03 GMT

Advancements in genetics, management and nutrition have allowed the U.S. beef industry to sustain — and even increase at times — total beef production with a progressively smaller cow herd (Figure 1). Put simply, each breeding cow now produces offspring that generate more beef each year.

Figure 1: U.S. calf crop numbers continue to drop. The downward trend continues from 1977 to 2025.

(UNL)

The downward trend continues from 1977 to 2025. This trend has been driven largely by increased days on feed but is supported by greater genetic potential for growth. Expectedly, hot carcass weights have continuously risen by roughly four pounds per year (approximately seven pounds of live weight annually) (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Steer carcass weights continue to trend upward, from 1977 to 2024.

(UNL)

In many production systems, daughters of bulls purchased to transmit growth and carcass traits are retained as replacements (Figure 3). When matings are designed primarily to maximize feeder calf or feedlot performance, the resulting replacement females may inadvertently reduce efficiency and profitability at the cow-calf level.

Figure 3: Weaning weights, yearling weights and cow size (maternal weights) trended upward in the Angus breed from 1972 to 2024.

(UNL)

Assessing Bulls Within the Management Scheme

For beef producers who market calves at weaning, bull selection typically emphasizes growth traits such as weaning weight (WW) and yearling weight (YW), with consideration given to milk production in daughters. To illustrate how these traits interact with herd objectives, consider the following bulls, commercial cow herd (Table 1), and resulting progeny (Table 2):

Table 1. Example bulls’ and cow herd’s weaning weights, yearling weights, maternal milk and maternal weights:

Animal(s)	WW¹	YW²	MM³	MW⁴
Bull A	70	130	33	107
Bull B	35	62	21	41
Cow herd	50	80	25	55

¹Weaning weight ²Yearling weight ³Maternal milk ⁴Mature weight

Table 2. Planned mating EPDs are calculated as the average of sire and dam EPDs:

Animal(s)	WW	YW	MM	MW
Progeny A	60	105	29	81
Progeny B	42.5	71	23	48

Based strictly on EPDs, progeny from Bull A are clearly superior for growth, milk and mature weight. For a producer who sells all calves as feeders and/or yearlings, Bull A would likely be the preferred option. However, this decision becomes less straightforward when replacement females are retained.

Impacts of Mature Weight and Milking Potential on Feed Costs

Profitability can be expressed as:
Revenue – Expenses = Profit (or Loss)

When replacement females are retained, genetics influence not only revenue through calf performance but also expenses, particularly feed costs. Bull A is expected to sire daughters that are both larger at maturity and higher milking. Both traits increase nutrient requirements, primarily by increasing dry matter intake.

In general, larger cows consume more feed than smaller cows. While outliers exist, management decisions are typically based on averages, and average cow weight still stands as an effective tool for intake estimation. Average cow body weight can be estimated effectively using past cull cow scale tickets; accuracy improves with multiple years of records.

Milk production is also energetically costly (Figure 4). Higher-milking cows require more energy not only during lactation but throughout the production cycle, as milk potential is positively associated with overall maintenance energy requirements. Thus, increased milk and increased mature size exert additive pressure on feed demand. Both maintenance and lactation are at higher priority for nutrient partitioning than rebreeding.

Figure 4: Cows that produce more milk, also require more energy.

(UNL Beef Watch)

More energy is required not only during lactation, but throughout the production cycle. Genetic potential for milk or growth will only be expressed when overall management can support the increase in nutrient demands. Without supplementation, in more limited environments, expected gains in calf weaning weight may be reduced, as environmental constraints limit nutrient intake and restrict milk production despite increased grazing pressure.

Whether these added costs are justified depends on whether additional calf revenue offsets higher feed expenses. A 2019 meta-analysis by Lalman et al. reported that each additional pound of cow mature weight resulted in only 0.06 lb. of additional calf weaning weight. Accordingly, a 1,400-lb. cow would be expected to wean approximately 6 lb. more calf weight than a 1,300-lb cow. At a favorable calf price of $4.50 per lb., this equates to $27 of additional revenue.

Using National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) equations, maintaining 100 lb. of additional mature cow weight requires roughly 600 lb of high-quality grass hay or equivalent grazed forage annually. At $90 per ton forage (excluding waste and feeding costs), this places the breakeven forage cost near the value of the added calf weight.

In Nebraska — where grazed forage is among the most expensive in the nation — 600 lb. of forage (approximately 0.75 animal unit months) would cost an estimated $32 to $47 based on regional lease rates reported in UNL’s Annual Land Value Report. This exceeds the value of the additional calf weight, even before accounting for increased intake associated with greater milk production.

Conclusion

Even amid strong calf markets, increased feed costs associated with larger, higher-milking cows often outweigh the marginal gains in calf value. While the short-term benefits of bull selection are readily apparent when feeders are sold, the long-term consequences of retaining replacement females may not be fully realized until those females reach mature size— often five years after birth.

Therefore, when replacement retention is a key component of the production system, selecting bulls with moderate mature weight and milk EPDs may better support long-term cow-calf efficiency and profitability by reducing unnecessary feed costs and maintaining the level of performance the operation’s resources can realistically support.

— Josie Crouch and Brock Ortner University of Nebraska extension educators co-authored this article for UNL BeefWatch

Five Generations of Women Ranching in California

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:03:34 GMT

There is cracked plaster above Grace Magruder’s desk at Ingel-Haven Ranch, the marks of a house that has carried generations and is still standing. Magruder describes it almost with affection, the way someone might notice the lines around a person’s eyes and recognize a life that has been lived.

The house in Potter Valley, Calif., has been holding women for more than a century, carrying the weight of decisions made long ago and the pattern of people choosing, again and again, to return.

A Century of Returning

Magruder’s great-grandmother, Helen, first walked through that doorway in 1919 after her father bought the land so she and her new husband could settle there while he was still strong enough to help them get started. It was the kind of gesture families make when land is both livelihood and inheritance.

Helen stepped into a life shaped by livestock, weather and land that asks something of you every single day and doesn’t much care if you’re tired. Helen met this demand head-on.

“You did not get between her and a chicken she was going to slaughter. She was a serious, serious lady,” Magruder says.

Seriousness can become its own inheritance. Helen raised two daughters on the ranch, and one eventually bought out her sister and continued the operation with her husband. The ranch moved forward because a woman chose to stay, and it moved forward again because another woman returned.

Another Helen, Magruder’s aunt, belongs in the story as well. She grew up on the ranch and later returned in the 1970s and 1980s to run a children’s summer camp there. Kids from the nearby cities would arrive each summer and sleep in tents and cabins while learning to ride horses and explore the ranch. For many of them, it was their first real experience of the land.

Over time Aunt Helen became the ranch’s most enthusiastic ecological observer, paying close attention to the birds, the creeks and the quieter corners of the landscape that others might pass without noticing.

“This ranch really owes itself to the women who decided to come back,” Magruder says. “They were never obligated to return. No one assigned them the responsibility of keeping it going. They chose it.”

Over the decades the ranch kept reshaping itself in the hands of those women. It began with sheep, as much of Mendocino County did in the early 20th century, when wool was the backbone of the local grazing economy. Later the ranch shifted toward cattle when Magruder’s grandmother took over the operation with her husband and decided sheep no longer suited either the landscape or their way of working. The ranch was never treated as something fixed, and what mattered was keeping the land productive and the family on it.

Magruder’s father continued that pattern of reinvention. After earning a master’s degree in sculpture, he returned to the ranch and began experimenting with ideas that were only just beginning to circulate in American agriculture. He noticed that the ranch grew grass well and began holding cattle longer, finishing them on pasture rather than sending them into conventional grain systems. He also began talking about rotational grazing before it became a common language in the industry.

At the same time, he kept one foot in the art world, teaching at the local college while managing the cattle operation. In this family, art and agriculture were never separate paths; they ran alongside each other.

By the time Magruder was growing up, the ranch had become an early example of grass-finished beef sold directly to customers. That model worked well for many years, until the realities around it began to shift. Slaughterhouses closed, markets tightened and weather became less predictable.

Each of those pressures required another adjustment, and you learned to observe what the land is offering, notice what the moment requires, and reshape the business accordingly.

Every generation did it a little differently; the land never stayed static and neither did the women caring for it.

Magruder herself left for eight years and built another life in Boston, studying American history and arts administration. She remembers knowing for a long time that she would return.

“I had known this was my path for a while,” she says.

When we talk about her earliest memories, you can hear the smile in Magruder’s voice. Rain hammering on a tin roof, the smell of hay dropping into winter stalls, cattle coming in from the weather, calves being raised on the ranch until they were 2 years old. “You got to see every step of their life,” she says.

Watching the full arc of an animal changes how you think about stewardship. You begin to understand the rhythm of growth and recovery, and the cost of rushing either.

(Halter)

The Physical Toll of Stewardship

Magruder also saw what decades of physical ranch work can do to a body. “I watched my dad get kind of gnarled by the ranch,” she says.

There were valves buried underground that required digging and wrenching hard enough to force water through the system, miles of fence to build and repair, posts to pound into uneven ground. Wire to stretch again and again across pasture.

“That work adds up over the years. It really does.”

(Halter)

Digital Boundaries, Natural Freedom

When Magruder and her husband, Kyle, stepped fully into managing the ranch, the conditions around them were shifting again. Slaughterhouses closed, margins tightened, rainfall patterns became less predictable. Elk began returning to the valley in larger numbers, which was very exciting for a family managing the land with wildlife in mind.

“This is such a dynamic climate,” Magruder says. “We couldn’t just have a stocking rate that worked every year.”

The land was asking for flexibility, and cattle needed to move regularly so grass could recover and wildlife could move through the landscape. Traditional fencing systems demanded constant physical work.

When the couple began exploring virtual fencing through Halter, they had their children front of mind.

“Being able to rotate the cattle regularly without physically building and moving fence is a game-changer,” Magruder says. “There is no point at which you’re unfit to rotate animals now.”

The ranch still requires judgment about grass height, water placement and herd health. Those decisions now translate into digital boundaries drawn from a phone. Cattle move calmly across the landscape without posts and wire defining every edge rotations can happen daily, grazing becomes more precise and wildlife movement can be accommodated without tearing down physical infrastructure.

(Halter)

After a few weeks of using Halter, she told Kyle, “I don’t want a ranch any other way. I love the dynamic of moving cattle comfortably and slowly and intentionally, across the landscape.”

For Magruder’s aunt Helen, that shift has opened up. Being able to guide cattle away from sensitive nesting areas and riparian corridors means parts of the ranch can recover while the rest continues to function as working land.

These days she shares her knowledge with Magruder’s children — June and Walter — through nature walks and birdwatching, passing on stories about the birds, the seasons and the life that exists alongside the cattle.

“We’ll be able to graze the way we want into later years in our lives,” Magruder says. “We’re not worried about having to switch careers when it becomes too hard.”

The Magruder Family

(Halter)

Grazing Into the Future

For this family, the question has always been how to stay in it, how to care for the land without grinding down the people doing the work and how to adapt as weather shifts and wildlife returns.

Five generations of women have shaped Ingel-Haven Ranch. Each inherited land already marked by the decisions of the last, and each adjusted the model to fit her moment. Virtual fencing becomes part of that lineage now. Another tool chosen by someone determined to keep the ranch viable, responsive and alive.

The cracked plaster above Magruder’s desk remains, and the house continues to hold the story of women returning. The land keeps asking for care, and the women keep answering.

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Accurately Comparing Bulls: 2026 Adjustment Factors Released

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:08:46 GMT

A tool that has been in beef producer’s toolboxes since the 1970s has been expected progeny differences (EPDs). EPDs are a tool producers can utilize when comparing bulls within each breed for example birth weight, weaning weight or yearling weight. EPDs across different breeds and database cannot be directly compared because of differences in the genetic base.

Since 1993, the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), a part of the USDA Agricultural Research Service, has produced a table of factors to adjust the EPDs of cattle so that the merit of individuals can be compared across breeds. The table allows producers to compare EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

“The AB-EPDs are most useful to commercial producers purchasing bulls of more than one breed to use in crossbreeding programs,” says Larry Kuehn, USMARC. “For example, in terminal crossbreeding systems, AB-EPDs can identify bulls in different breeds with high growth potential or favorable carcass characteristics.”

Each year USMARC releases updated tables . The factors are derived by estimating breed differences from the USMARC germplasm evaluation program and adjusting these differences for the EPDs of the sires that were sampled in the system. Traits for which factors are estimated are birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight, maternal weaning weight (milk), marbling score, ribeye area, backfat depth (fat), and carcass weight.

Kuehn says the yearling weight EPD adjustment factors are derived using a BIF-adjusted postweaning gain and weaning weight as separate traits which is consistent with most national cattle evaluations. Thus, these factors directly relate to EPDs from national cattle evaluations.

The adjustment factors in Table 1 were updated using EPDs from the most recent national cattle evaluations conducted by each of the 18 breed associations (current as of January 2026).

As an example, suppose a Red Angus bull has a carcass weight EPD of + 20.0 lb., and a Hereford bull has a carcass weight EPD of + 72.0 lb. The across-breed adjustment factors for carcass weight EPD (see Table 1) are -3.8 lb. for Red Angus and -68.2 lb. for Hereford. The AB-EPD is 20.0 lb. – 3.8 lb. = 16.2 lb. for the Red Angus bull and 72.0 lb. – 68.2 = 3.8 lb. for the Hereford bull. The expected carcass weight difference of offspring when both are mated to cows of another breed would be 16.2 lb. – 3.8 lb. = 12.4 lb.

Kuehn reminds producers it is important to note that the table factors (Table 1) do not represent a direct comparison among the different breeds because of base differences between the breeds.

“They should only be used to compare the EPDs (AB-EPDs) of animals in different breeds,” he says.

To reduce confusion, means on a EPD scale are presented in Table 2. The EPD scale, which is one half of the genetic effect, is used because they are the expected differences from using these animals as a sire. These means are also called ‘breed of sire means” meaning the effects expected from using average animals from each breed as a sire.

The Cost of Early Turnout: Why Waiting for Green Grass Pays Off

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:02:58 GMT

When pastures green up in the spring, producers start thinking about turnout. They do not want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed. Three extension specialists say the challenge is producers can turnout too soon, which can result in reducing the forage production potential for the entire grazing season.

What should producers consider before turnout? Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska beef systems education educator, says there are three things to consider ensuring a successful and safe pasture turnout:

Forage readiness. “The first and most crucial step is assessing grass conditions,” Berger says. “Producers should ensure there are at least three leaves present.”

This is important during drought conditions, when grass availability may be limited. Berger explains turning out cattle too early can exacerbate feed shortages and potentially damage pasture vegetation.
Water source evaluation. Water availability and quality are paramount. Berger reminds producers to carefully inspect water sources, especially during drought years. Stock ponds, dams and dugouts may not be recharged as usual, potentially leading to poor water quality. Water with high solid content can be unsuitable for livestock consumption, making thorough assessment critical.
Noxious plant identification. Berger says scouting the pasture for potentially harmful plants is essential. Drought conditions can make cattle more likely to consume plants they would normally avoid. Identifying and addressing these potential hazards can prevent livestock health issues.

Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says forage height is important. He explains cool-season grasses should be at least 6 inches tall.

“Leaf material is critical for photosynthesis and plant recovery after grazing,” he says. “The early-season forages are typically high in water, potassium and soluble nitrogen content but low in energy. We used to refer to this as ‘washy grass.’”

The challenge here is that cattle cannot eat enough dry matter to meet their energy requirement. This is especially true for replacement heifers coming off a gaining diet to reach approximately 60% of their mature weight by the beginning of the breeding season. When turned out to lush early season pasture, they can crash on energy and go into negative energy balance.

“This results in a reduction in the number of heifers cycling and early embryo death,” Lemenager says. “If the breeding season coincides with this energy crash, fewer heifers will become pregnant until they adapt.”

AJ Tarpoff, DVM and Kansas State University extension veterinarian, agrees with the importance of scouting pastures and determining forage availability.

“Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary,” Tarpoff adds.

Lemenager says soil condition is another factor to consider.

“If it is cool and soils are water-logged, the roots system is compromised,” he explains. “Additionally, hoof action on wet soils will result in pugging (deep depressions). The challenge here is that weed seeds that have accumulated and laid dormant over the years but buried below the germination zone. When soils are pugged, these weed seeds are now closer to the surface and germinate.”

Be Sure to Communicate With Neighbors

Tarpoff encourages producers to have an open line of communication with neighbors. It’s a good idea to share when turning out, what types of cattle are going out (yearlings, pairs, bulls) and how the cattle are identified, for example, tags or brands.

“This open communication helps identify strays earlier,” he adds.

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5 Ways to Improve Stocker Average Daily Gain

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:28:32 GMT

If you run a stocker or backgrounding operation, you already know how important cattle gain is to the profitability and long-term sustainability of your business.

Small optimizations to pasture management and cattle health programs can work together to improve stocker weight gain this year. Sam Ingram, a range and pasture field scientist with Corteva Agriscience, and Dr. Jeffrey Sarchet, a beef technical services veterinarian with Zoetis, put their heads together to offer their five top suggestions for improving stocker average daily gain (ADG):

1. Prioritize valuable legumes by using effective pasture weed control strategies.

Every stocker operation is highly dependent on quality forage to maximize profit margins. If forage production is the goal, any plant that isn’t adding to the forage production in that pasture is competing with the other forage species that are. That’s why pasture weed control is one of the primary tactics to consider when trying to optimize pasture production and ultimately, ADG.

“When the quality of the legume is so high in total digestible nutrients and crude protein, you’re able to boost average daily gain in a really economical way,” Ingram says.

2. Prevent and control bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

BRD can significantly reduce gain in cattle and is a devastating disease for both cattle and producers, costing the industry up to $1 billion annually in lost production, increased labor, treatment costs and death.

“To help reduce losses from respiratory disease, it is important to implement control measures before it hits your operation,” Sarchet says. “A strategic on-arrival vaccination program can quickly provide protection from harmful BRD pathogens and give cattle a healthy start. When cattle are at increased risk of BRD, I also recommend using a broad-spectrum antimicrobial on arrival as part of an effective BRD control program.”

3. Implement a strategic deworming program.

If cattle are grazing, there is always a risk of exposure to internal parasites. A parasite control program is critical for stocker cattle to fully utilize nutrients in forage and achieve maximum weight gain.

“Parasites drain the immune system,” Sarchet says. “With the younger age of stocker cattle and the potential for higher risk of BRD, any boost to the immune system is beneficial. Parasites not only affect the immune system — they also suppress appetite and limit optimum gain.”

4. Consider implanting.

Typically, conventional growth implants increase cattle weight gain by 15 to 40 lb. during the grazing season. In current cattle markets, this can translate into an additional $53 to $143 per head for producers.

“Implants are an amazing technology because they essentially make the animal more efficient,” Sarchet says. “You can graze the same number of cattle on the same amount of nutritious pasture and produce even more beef.”

5. Consult local experts.

There are many variables and practices that can contribute to more forage and pounds of beef produced per acre, even in addition to those listed above. But Ingram and Sarchet emphasize that each operation is unique, with different management practices already in place.

“Corteva Agriscience and Zoetis offer robust portfolios of products that can help improve ADG, but both companies are invested in your operation’s success,” Ingram says. “Our teams of local experts are committed to sharing the latest and greatest knowledge in stocker cattle management and working with you to find the right mix of strategies and solutions to improve your margins.”

In addition to working with these in-field experts, it’s important to frequently consult your local veterinarian and nutritionist.

“I really admire stocker producers, because you have to wear two hats — you have to stay on your toes and keep a sharp pencil in both the forage production and cattle production aspects,” Sarchet says. “We deal more with the animal health side of it at Zoetis, but I spend a lot of time also talking with producers about growing good grass. It all goes together, and it really doesn’t work when it’s piecemealed. The benefits are proven to be additive.”

Who Is Who? Choosing the Right ID Strategy for Your Herd

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:13:29 GMT

Cattle identification is important at every sector of the industry, with many options and varying permanence. In new technological advancements, Electronic identification (EID) tags are becoming more popular with different management programs as well as freeze branding.

Freeze Branding

Rains Simmental located in western Kansas near Oakley uses freeze brands on their red and black Simmental cattle. They brand cattle with both their ranch/ownership brand and the animals’ individual tattoo number.

“We do their individual tattoo number brand on their left hip and then our ownership brand right under it on the left hip as well,” explains McKellen Rains. “We try to brand everything.”

The Rains family freeze brands the individual tattoo number and their ownership brand right under it on the left hip.

(Rains Simmental)

There are certain laws and protocols for branding in many western states where brand inspections are required for proof of ownership. Brands must be registered with the state and have different regulations in terms of locations and brand details. Other states, many in the Midwest and East, do not have brand inspection offices and do not require registration with the state.

“We’re looking to buy more spots on the left side,” Rains explains. “I’ve got three other brothers, so we’re looking to buy more spots on the left side and we can still use the same brand, but split up and have him on the shoulder, me on the ribs. That way, we don’t have to get another brand and stuff like that where we can just split it up and have the same ownership brand on the left side.”

(Wyatt Bechtel)

Hot branding is also an option, with the same regulations in brand states. There are pros and cons to both brand forms, but Rains prefers freeze branding because of the eye appeal and legibility.

“It just looks better. It comes in white if done correctly,” he adds. “We prefer the freeze brand just because it comes back in white, just easier to read. There’s nothing wrong with the hot brand. It’s just easier to read with a freeze brand over a hot brand.”

Overall, Rains likes that the freeze brand is a permanent form of identification. Cattle can often tear an ear and lose a visual tag. Rains also likes being able to see the animal’s tattoo number from farther away.

“It seems like you can’t have enough identification anymore,” he says. “It makes it easier for me, and for older guys and stuff like that, they like it because a lot of them guys struggle with reading tags. Just the ease of being able to identify an animal a lot quicker, and it’s permanent.”

(USDA)

EID Tags

Electronic identification tags contain a unique, scannable microchip that replaces the manual entry of ID numbers when processing cattle. Instant identification of an animal with a scan allows data to sync with management software immediately when compared to handwritten or typed record-keeping.

Lukassen Cattle Co. in Nebraska began incorporating EID tags as traceability and data management became increasingly important for internal decision-making and external market access.

Between their two locations, they calve out around 1,000 Limousin and Angus-based cows.

“We emphasize practical management and long-term sustainability, developing cattle that work in commercial settings while maintaining maternal strength and feed efficiency,” Elyse Lukassen says. “A key part of our operation is delivering all-natural beef directly to consumers, offering true ranch-to-table beef with no added hormones.”

With the size and scope of their operation, using EID tags provides a more efficient and accurate management process.

“The transition to EID tags has supported our participation in value-added programs,” Lukassen says. “Programs like Non-Hormone Treated Cattle (NHTC) and Global Animal Partnership require detailed record-keeping and traceability, and electronic identification helps ensure compliance is both accurate and auditable.”

Like any new technology, there is an upfront investment, both in tags and in the necessary readers and software, Lukassen adds.

“There’s also a learning curve in implementing systems effectively,” she says.

They still use plastic visual-only tags for identification pen-side. Their registered cattle also are tattooed.

Jara Settles, Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) general counsel and vice president of risk mitigation, says large-scale beef and many dairy producers can find benefits in using EID tags in conjunction with management software.

“Scanners in a milking parlor, at the feeding area or integrated with a chute-side system can help them track production traits such as weights, pregnancy status, treatments, vaccinations, etc. This application of the EIDs allows the farmer or rancher to get the most value for those devices as the investment can be spread out over the entire productive life of the animal,” Settles says.

The downside of EID tags is usually cost-related as they’re significantly more expensive than visual-only tags. Settles says many producers do not have the technology necessary to read them or integrate them into their management system.

“From an auction market perspective, the application of EID tags to livestock for sale as mandated by the Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program is an added cost to the consignor that does not realize any premium or added value,” she adds.

On May 9, 2024, USDA APHIS published into the Federal Register the Final Animal Disease Traceability Rule “ Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison ” making visually and electronically readable tags the only form of official identification for sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age and older, all rodeo, exhibition cattle and dairy cattle moving interstate. That rule became effective Nov. 5, 2024.

“The visual-only tags that were previously allowed under the Animal Disease Traceability program were very inexpensive to purchase and were usually provided free of cost to producers and auction markets by USDA. The transition from visual-only identification for animals currently covered by the ADT program to EID tags increased the cost per tag by as much as nine times,” Settles adds.

Since the transition to EID tags, LMA in coordination with several industry partners has sought funding for these EID tags so that this transition is not an unfunded mandate by the government.

“We have been appreciative of the hard work of livestock champions in D.C. who have ensured farmers, ranchers and livestock auction markets are not unfairly burdened by yet another expense they are unlikely to see benefit from in production. We hope to see continued appropriations of funds to pay for the EID tags for currently covered animals,” Settles says. “LMA would adamantly oppose any expansion of the ADT program to include cattle not currently covered by the program, commonly referred to as feeder cattle.”

From Ecological Design to the G Bar C Ranch: Ellis Carries the Legacy Forward

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:46:13 GMT

As the world recognizes 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) is turning the spotlight on the women shaping agriculture every day here in the U.S. From innovative land management strategies to raising livestock with care and precision, women are vital contributors to our food systems and communities.

For Meredith Ellis, ranching is more than a job; it is a “spectacular” picture painted with broad strokes of stewardship and legacy.

Based in Rosston, Texas, Ellis is a second-generation rancher who has transformed her family’s 3,000-acre operation by integrating her background in landscape architecture and ecological resilience into daily cattle management. Her collaborative work with global partners like McDonald’s and the Noble Research Institute highlights a new era of leadership where women in agriculture are bridging the gap between production and conservation.

With a guiding motto centered on raising high-quality cattle while putting the environment first, Ellis represents a growing generation of ranchers working at the intersection of production and conservation.

Legacy Across the Land

G Bar C Ranch began in 1982 after Meredith’s father, G.C. Ellis, set out to start a ranch grounded in stewardship and long-term vision. After extensively searching for the right land, a journey that wore out two pickup trucks, the family began what started as a 450-acre operation.

Today, that original vision has grown into more than 3,000 acres. Ellis embodies the continuation of that dream while bringing her own perspective and leadership to the operation. For her, ranching has always been less about ownership and more about responsibility to the land, livestock and generations that follow her.

ESAP 2023 Region IV Winner - G Bar C Ranch, Rosston, TX

(Photo: Baxter Communications Inc./Environmental Stewardship Award Program)

Perspective and Purpose

Ellis’ journey included time away from the ranch as she studied landscape architecture and sustainability at the University of New Mexico. Immersed in systems thinking and ecological design, she began to view landscapes through a broader lens of function and resilience.

During her time there, Ellis quickly realized the principles she was studying in classrooms closely mirrored the practices unfolding at home on the ranch. That moment of alignment reshaped her trajectory, prompting a return to G Bar C Ranch with renewed purpose and a desire to expand upon her family’s legacy through science-informed stewardship.

“The most important thing I could possibly do to help this planet was to return home, learn from my dad, continue his legacy and care for the land. So, I became a rancher,” Ellis shares.

Learning and Collaboration

Ellis’ leadership extends beyond daily ranch responsibilities into broader industry engagement and partnership.

Her work includes active involvement with organizations such as the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef , the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Noble Research Institute, Texas A&M University, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and Integrity Beef Alliance . Through research trials, ranch tours, internships and collaborative projects, including sustainability pilot efforts with McDonald’s, these partnerships continue to advance both ranch-level outcomes and industry-wide learning.

Ellis credits collaboration as a defining strength of agriculture.

“I have yet to meet someone who has not offered some kernel of profound insight into something in my operation,” she reflects, underscoring the value of shared knowledge across the industry.

Women in Agriculture: Then and Now

Throughout her career, Ellis has witnessed a continued shift in how women participate and lead within agriculture. She believes modern ranching creates space for diverse leadership styles, experiences and approaches.

Rather than conforming to expectations, Ellis encourages young women to trust themselves and embrace authenticity in their agricultural journeys.

“I truly don’t fit into any rancher stereotypical role,” she says. “Ranching is not about adopting a specific role but being empowered to be yourself and trust yourself.”

Her advice reflects a mindset shaped by experimentation and growth.

“Don’t be afraid of making mistakes,” Ellis shares. “Think of ranching as painting a picture with broad brush strokes, up close it may look imperfect, but when you zoom out the view is spectacular.”

What the Ranch Teaches

Life on G Bar C Ranch reflects the dynamic nature of agriculture.

“There are no typical days for a rancher,” she says. “Some days I’m waist-deep in the creek fixing water gaps. Other days I’m behind the computer doing paperwork.”

At its core, she believes ranching is about adaptability.

“We’re not experts at anything except problem solving and teamwork,” Ellis says.

Meredith’s story reflects the evolving identity of agriculture, where production, stewardship, research and community engagement are increasingly interconnected.

Her stewardship at G Bar C Ranch demonstrates how curiosity and respect for natural systems can shape resilient operations and meaningful impact beyond the ranch gate. Above all, the opportunity to build a foundation for her son, much like her father did for her, provides enduring purpose and inspiration.

Continuing the Story

As USRSB continues its International Year of the Woman Farmer spotlight series, stories like Ellis’ remind us that women in agriculture are not only sustaining operations but also advancing innovation, strengthening communities and redefining leadership across the industry.

Farming and ranching remain more than occupations. They are legacies carried forward through people, purpose and the land itself.

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SenseHub Tags Are Game Changers in Feedlot Management

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:46:56 GMT

The SenseHub Feedlot system has transformed day-to-day management and production outcomes at Harper Feeders by streamlining health detection and care.

“It’s been a game changer,” says Catherine Harper, a fourth-generation feeder. “Just having that peace of mind, and especially with the labor situation. It just kind of takes that guesswork out of it.”

Started in 1977, Harper Feeders is a family-managed feedlot near Greeley, Colo. The lot’s capacity is about 65,000 sheep and 3,000 cattle. The cattle side began in 2006 to diversify the business, but the Harper family had to adapt as the airborne malignant catarrhal fever from the nearby sheep limited their ability to feed high-risk calves.

Through the years the family has invested heavily in efficiency — upgraded feed systems, handling facilities and data integration — while maintaining a strong focus on low-stress livestock handling and a close-knit, family-centered culture.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Harper explains they installed the SenseHub system in 2024 when they started feeding Kuro cattle — Wagyu × Jersey crosses — for the Meyer Natural program . They bring the Kuro calves in at 500 lb., feed them for 450 to 500 days to a finish weight of 1,400 lb. to 1,500 lb.

“That was what sparked our interest in the SenseHub deal,” she explains. “They’re going to be on feed for a longer period of time, and we wanted to protect ourselves.”

She summarizes SenseHub was a transformative tool for their feedlot, improving health monitoring and operational efficiency.

“It’s catching sickness two to three days sooner than the human eye,” Harper says. “It changed our death loss drastically. Our rates have been way down in comparison to what we’ve had previously.”

An illuminated, flashing ear tag makes it easy for pen riders to find and sort animals that need attention, without disrupting the rest of the pen.

(Merck)

From Startup to Large Scale Adoption

Austin Woltemath, Merck Animal Health beef monitoring sales, says SenseHub Feedlot originated as the brainchild of a startup called Quantified Ag. The system was conceptualized to address the practical needs of feedlot management by leveraging animal data for early disease detection and enhanced operational consistency.

He explains it took several years and multiple tag versions before landing on the just-right formula for scalability and usability in commercial feedlots. The final technology, now available commercially for approximately five years, focuses on continuous, data-driven monitoring of cattle through inner ear canal temperature and activity tracking.

While SenseHub Feedlot can help producers significantly reduce mortality and improve outcomes where it fits, it is not universally suited for all production scenarios, he explains. The system relies on trust in its behavior analysis and machine learning backbone — a predictive technology that leverages vast previous data sets to guide pulling recommendations.

“This enables a direct comparison of each animal’s current health metrics against both their own past performance and those of their pen mates over rolling one- to five-day windows,” he explains.

SenseHub Feedlot had matured into a robust operational tool, widely adopted from small 300-head lots to very large, several-thousand-head feedlots across the U.S. Woltemath emphasizes its particular importance during the first 60 to 100 days of the feeding process — the period of highest risk for animal health challenges.

During this critical window, the system’s daily pull list and integrated pen/animal tracking improve the speed and accuracy of identifying and pulling sick cattle for appropriate treatments, directly correlating to better animal welfare and producer profitability.

Implementing the System

The implementation process of SenseHub Feedlot is designed for flexibility and assurance. Interest typically originates from word-of-mouth recommendations or online resources, and Woltemath’s team conducts personalized meetings to clarify process details and suitability.

He says once a mutual fit is determined, a technical team is dispatched to install hardware and test tag coverage, while a customer success team provides hands-on training.

The Merck team provides ongoing support and troubleshooting.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Stop Sickness: Early, Easy Pulls

Harper says SenseHub alleviates staff workload, especially during peak periods on the sheep side.

“We get so focused on the sheep side,” she explains. “The SenseHub system helps alleviate having to send someone through the cattle pens every day. It just sends us a pull list every morning telling us exactly which lot, which animal, everything based on their tag.”

An illuminated, flashing ear tag makes it easy for pen riders to find and sort animals that need attention, without disrupting the rest of the pen.

Harper says the system integrates with their animal management software.

Woltemath points out built-in treatment protocols within the system.

“Veterinarians can tailor the pull and treatment intervals per animal, ensuring compliance with recommended intervention gaps and reducing the risk of over-pulling or unnecessary treatments,” he explains. “These parameters are customizable and shield animals from repeated inclusion on the pull list based on established guidelines.”

Question No. 1: Return on Investment

Woltemath says one of the persistent concerns among feedlot owners is the return on investment (ROI). He acknowledges quantifying ROI is complicated since every group of cattle is different, and some require more intensive health monitoring than others.

There’s a minimum tag order of 300. Pricing hovers around $15 per head, with exact costs determined by group size and hardware needs. Woltemath stresses this is an estimate, with certain equipment outlays harder to distill on a per-head basis.

The SenseHub system helps alleviate having to send someone through the cattle pens every day. It just sends us a pull list every morning telling the team at Harper Feeders exactly which lot, which animal, everything based on their tag.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Limitations and Opportunities for Improvement

Harper says the system does have a limitation related to long-term tracking and data visibility.

“After 180 days, that tag basically cuts in half in terms of the data it’s reporting,” she explains. “So, on these longer-fed animals, we’ll go for a while without a pull list, and it kind of gets alarming, like maybe your system is offline. That’s been the biggest challenge.”

The tags have a default one-year warranty, though heavy use of the identification light may reduce battery life. Most producers, Woltemath notes, can expect up to two years of reliable use if the light is used conservatively.

Woltemath says the daily pull list also includes tag issue reports and integrates warning alerts about failing or missing tags, empowering producers to address problems with minimal disruption.

Research-Proven Results

Clinical research at an Oklahoma feedyard shows through 60 days on feed and at closeout, the group of animals under the SenseHub Feedlot (SHF) system displayed a significant reduction in mortality and chronic disease compared to the pen-rider (PR) group.

These outcomes led to a significant decrease in cattle falling out of production due to a combination of mortality and chronic disease at either time point in the SHF group, thereby increasing total sellable pounds compared to the PR group. Additionally, the SHF system improved cattle monitoring efficiency compared to the PR group.

Harper summarizes the system is easy to use, adding: “SenseHub is a practical, proven solution that improves health outcomes, increases management efficiency and brings invaluable reassurance to busy feedlot operators.”

How Will U.S. Producers Maintain Business when New World Screwworm Invades?

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:59:31 GMT

With animal disease, prevention and preparation beat panic. Since New World screwworm (NWS) was last eradicated from the U.S. in the 1960s, the tools and infrastructure to deal with foreign animal disease have dramatically changed.

Dr. Justin Smith, Kansas animal health commissioner and state veterinarian, during the recent Kansas State University Cattlemen’s Day gave an update on how Kansas and other states are preparing for NWS. The approach is designed to keep producers in business, keep cattle and products moving, and manage NWS in a way that protects both herds and markets.

He says the U.S. animal health officials along with USDA are planning a multistate, coordinated response that aims for consistency across state borders.

Smith summarizes the industry’s preparation to tackle NWS is like a three-legged stool. U.S. producers will be able to maintain business when NWS invades through surveillance, treatment and movement controls.

Surveillance: Eyes on Animals

The first leg of the stool is surveillance. He stresses early detection depends heavily on producers and veterinarians watching animals closely and reporting anything suspicious.

Smith emphasizes they would rather over investigate than miss a case.

“We want to make sure that we err on the side of having to say no on many occasions, versus saying, ‘Yep, this is what we got.’ Eyes on animals is going to be key.”

He was clear this should feel like partnership, not policing.

“They don’t want it to look like Big Brother coming over your shoulder,” he explains. “I hope we want to get this thing quickly.”

Smith explains that once a positive premises is identified, surveillance becomes structured around zones. The infested premises sit at the center, surrounded by an infested zone, an adjacent surveillance zone and a broader fly surveillance area.

The infested zone is 12.4 miles in radius from the infested premises. In this zone, there will be frequent on‑animal checks for wounds and larvae, plus enhanced monitoring in surrounding zones using fly traps and animal observation. The adjacent surveillance zone is another 12.4 miles radius and then there will be a fly surveillance area — an 124-mile radius from the infested premises.

Smith says movements out of the infested zone will require visual inspection for wounds and systemic treatment, including a treatment window of three to 14 days before movement plus a documented certificate of veterinary inspection.

He says the current Kansas response plan aligns with USDA’s playbook and neighboring states’ plans while taking into account specific needs of the Kansas livestock industry.

He stresses the playbook will continue to evolve, and state-by-state implementation may vary, but he says the “zone approach” will be utilized by all states.

Treatment: Limited Tools, Use Strategically

The second leg is treatment. Smith says that after decades without large domestic outbreaks, labeled options are limited.

From the fact that we haven’t had this new tool in our nation, in a large-spread outbreak since the 60s, we don’t have a lot of treatments out there that are labeled for this organism.”

To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four products for large animals:

He cautions, “The goal is not to go out there and just habitually treat your animals just in case. We want to make sure that we’re utilizing these [products] responsibly. There’s not an unlimited supply out there, and so we want to make sure that it’s available for us when we do need it.”

On a positive premises, Smith says treatment will be mandatory and systematic.

“There will be a quarantine placed on that premises. We’re also going to require a certain level of treatment on that premises,” he explains.

There will be protocols for daily mortality disposal, so carcasses don’t become breeding sites.

“The last thing you want to do is bury an animal that has larvae and has the ability to advance.”

He says treatment is also tied to movement out of infested zones, with most animals needing prophylactic treatment before leaving.

Movement Controls: Targeted, Not Statewide Shutdowns

The third leg is movement control, designed to be precise rather than broad-brush. Smith stresses NWS is an infestation, not an infection , emphasizing it is not a systemic disease problem, but an infestation that still demands strong controls.

He says there will be movement restrictions if a premises falls into an infested region. To move animals out of that zone, there will be steps to follow but movement will not be completely shut down.

He explains some exceptions exist:

Animals moving directly to slaughter can go without pre‑movement treatment, but those animals have to be hanging on the rail within 72 hours.
Baby dairy calves must be treated but can move right away if treatment and navel care are documented.

He says Kansas is also coordinating with neighboring states to create “synergistic” rules, especially for cattle from higher‑risk states such as Texas. Cattle entering Kansas from recognized infested zones will face inspection, treatment requirements and at least 14 days in drylot containment on arrival.

NWS is Not a Food Safety Issue

Smith reassures producers and consumers that NWS is not a meat safety threat.

“This is not a food safety issue,” he says. “If an animal is presented to slaughter, it has a screwworm wound then it has the ability to be trimmed. That carcass will not be condemned. There are no restrictions on any inspected product for food safety reasons.”

Smith summarizes underpinning all three legs is a commitment to dynamic planning and continuity. He notes a revised USDA playbook is forthcoming and that “plans will be a little bit dynamic” as they learn more.

The core message for producers is clear: watch your cattle, report early, use treatments wisely and expect targeted movement controls — not blanket shutdowns — if NWS crosses the border.

USDA Announces Sterile Fly Production Facility Construction Contract

USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced March 9 a construction contract with Mortenson Construction to build a new sterile fly production facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas.

This facility is a key component in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ sweeping 5-prong strategy to fight NWS. USACE is partnering with USDA and will provide oversight for the contract, design, engineering and construction of the facility.

“The Army Corps of Engineers is an essential partner in bringing this facility to life and further highlights the Trump Administration’s government-wide effort to fight the New World Screwworm threat in Mexico,” Rollins says. “The Army Corps is the best in the business and their engineering expertise and proven track record in delivering complex projects will help ensure we can build a modern, resilient facility that protects American agriculture from invasive pests for decades to come. This first-of-its-kind facility on U.S. soil will ensure we are not reliant on other countries for sterile flies.”

A sterile fly production facility is a specialized biosecure complex where NWS flies are raised and sterilized using irradiation and then released into targeted areas.

USDA currently produces about 100 million sterile flies per week at the COPEG facility in Panama and disperses them within and just north of affected areas in Mexico. In addition to the COPEG facility in Panama, USDA invested $21 million to support Mexico’s renovation of an existing fruit fly facility in Metapa , which will double NWS production capacity once complete.

With ongoing support from APHIS technical experts, Mexico anticipates sterile fly production will begin at this facility in summer 2026. The new facility at Moore Air Base will be the only U.S.-based sterile fly production facility and will work in tandem with facilities in Panama and Mexico to help eradicate the pest and protect American agriculture.

USDA and USACE will break ground on this new facility later this spring, after initial planning and development meetings with the new contractor. By November 2027, the production facility at Moore Air Base is expected to reach its initial goal of producing 100 million sterile flies per week. After that, construction will continue at the facility to increase production with the long-term goal of producing 300 million sterile flies per week.

How One Texas Rancher is Modernizing Without Losing Tradition

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:07:50 GMT

From his King Ranch and Beggs Cattle Co. roots to his role now with EarthOptics , James Clement III treats cattle, land, wildlife, water and technology as one system — measuring what matters and with technology serving that system rather than driving it.

For Clement of Kingsville, Texas, technology is not a replacement for ranching culture; it’s a set of tools that allow good stockmanship and land stewardship to scale and endure.

“I would summarize my career as bridging tradition and precision,” Clement says. “What I am most proud of is proving that profitability and stewardship are not mutually exclusive. We have shown that cattle can be raised profitably while improving land health and building long-term resilience.”

This South Texas rancher comes from a multigenerational ranching family with more than 400 years of family ranching heritage on three different operations. Clement says when he was growing up, land stewardship was lived, not discussed.

“Ranching taught me early that decisions compound over decades, not quarters, and that carelessness is paid for by the next generation,” he says. “Professionally, working alongside our family operations exposed me to disciplined scale, culture and long-term thinking in practice. They reinforced a simple truth — excellence is institutional, not accidental.”

Robert Wells, Paul C. Genho Endowed Chair in Ranch Management at Texas A&M Ranch-Kingsville, summarizes: “James has a firm foundation in ranching, however, he is constantly looking to the future and asking the questions of what is next and what could be possible. He’s not satisfied with the status quo.”

Today, Clement is building his own ranching operation in South Texas under the name Bloody Buckets Cattle Co.

“Every decision carries real consequences for land, livestock, natural resources and revenue, and year over year we are seeing measurable improvement across all four,” he says. “We operate simultaneously as ranchers, systems thinkers and technology adopters who insist on real-world validation. We are not interested in trends unless they can improve our operation over the long term and in what works under real conditions.”

(Photo Provided by Clement Family)

His Early Years

He grew up working on both his mom’s family ranch in West Texas — Beggs Cattle Co. — a traditional cow‑calf and horse outfit that was founded in 1876, as well as his father’s family’s historic King Ranch in South Texas founded in 1853.

He says ranching was an influence, not pressure from his parents — ranch work was what he naturally did, not something forced.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Goucher College where he played four years of lacrosse and served two years as team captain. He then got a master’s degree in business administration from Cornell University.

He spent five years as a “day worker,” moving between family ranches and non‑family ranches. He then went to work for Deseret in Florida and then worked in Australia for about six months on large ranches in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

He says these experiences solidified what he loved abroad was essentially what he already had at home in Texas.

“We’re trying to retain the tradition of ranching while improving it. Not change cowboys for robots.”

Serving His Country

Clement is a dedicated Marine Corps officer, with service spanning both active and reserve components since 2008. His deployments include Afghanistan, Chile and Mexico, as well as leading a refugee camp that successfully transitioned 3,000 Afghans to U.S. citizenship during Operation Allies Welcome.

Throughout his career, he has trained and led more than 3,500 American and foreign troops.

He is currently an infantry officer and major in the reserves and the company commander of The Lone Star Battalion.

“The Marine Corps shaped how I lead and decide under uncertainty, reinforcing discipline, accountability and ownership of outcomes,” Clement says.

He draws direct parallels between ranching and the Corps: pride, tradition, clear roles and an acceptance that plans must change under pressure. The Marine principle that “no plan survives first contact” translates into a ranching philosophy of flexibility and honest feedback loops.

He says while enlisted in the reserves, he was still connected to ranch work.

In 2013, upon returning from active service in the Marine Corps, he took over management of Los Hermanos Ranch, continuing his family’s commitment to sustainability while embarking on a journey of innovation.

Real-World Experience at King Ranch

Clement spent a 10-year stretch of his career in different positions at King Ranch around Marine deployments. During this time, he served as a land resources manager.

It also included time with the King Ranch horse program. He managed the horse division from 2015 to 2021. He explains during this period, he deepened his management, genetics and horse‑side experience. Under his leadership, the ranch won the prestigious 2019 AQHA Best Remuda Award, bred its first ranch-raised world champion, CORONEL DEL RANCHO, and revitalized the commercial sales and marketing efforts of the horse program.

American Red cattle are particularly well-suited to the harsh South Texas environment.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Building Bloody Buckets

While managing Los Hermanos Ranch, he made the decision to start Bloody Buckets Cattle Co. This ranch pays homage to members of the Clement family who have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War.

During World War II, Clement’s grandfather, Capt. James “Jim” Clement, fought with the division dubbed the “Bloody Buckets Division” by German forces due to its red keystone insignia.

“My grandfather wore the bloody buckets patch on his left shoulder, and we still brand our cattle on the left hip with a brand that is modeled after that patch,” he says.

For the last 15 years, Clement — alongside his parents and his siblings Capera Norinsky and Gregory Clement; their partners, Alfonso “Poncho” Ortega Sr. and his son, “Poncho” Ortega Jr.; and an extraordinary team of employees and partners — has expanded the ranch to six total properties operating in four counties.

During the last three years, the operation has tripled in size, mostly on leased country, highlighting the team’s agility in expanding and improving lands rapidly. Parcel size ranges from 320 acres to 6,500 acres, totaling more than 15,000 managed acres.

The ranch is located in a challenging, drought-prone climate with geography defined by dense populations of mesquite, prickly pear, guajillo, huisache and mixed grasses.

On the business side, Bloody Buckets is primarily a cow-calf operation partnership that raises replacement heifers and bulls to sell to other ranches, markets bred females and produces all-natural, grass-fed beef from its primarily American Red (Santa Gertrudis and Red Angus cross developed by King Ranch) cattle herd.

Clement believes running colts with cattle changes their mindset and makes them easier to handle.

(Angie Stump Denton)

In total, the operation stewards approximately 400 to 800 animal units, including Quarter Horses. Clement says the growing ranch horse program combines Beggs and King Ranch bloodlines. They manage horses with cattle to shape temperament.

The family also operates a successful hunting enterprise to manage approximately 150 non-native nilgai antelope, a prolific species from Pakistan and India introduced to the U.S. in the 1920s. Whether hunters come for nilgai, deer or quail, Clement says more than 200 sportsmen visit the ranch each year.

Additional wildlife species in the region include an extensive bird population, white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, bobcats, coyotes, ocelots, some wild hogs and mountain lions.

(Clement Family)

Attentive to the Land

“We have implemented and tested adaptive grazing systems focused on recovery rather than calendar rotation, soil measurement and monitoring to quantify change, water monitoring and infrastructure improvements to reduce labor and risk, and disciplined genetic selection focused on efficiency and longevity,” Clement explains. “We also manage wildlife and livestock as an integrated system and participate in soil carbon and ecosystem service markets.”

Every tool tested by Clement and his team is evaluated against one question: does it improve decision-making and long-term resilience?

Technology and Innovation Focused

Wells says Clement is always seeking the next thing that will take his ranches to the next level.

“He has a reverence for the past but an eye to the future,” Wells explains.

Clement is willing to try a new product, technology or theory in order to make his ranch more efficient and profitable. He recognizes profitable ranches of the future will look much different than they did in the past or even currently.

“I think of innovation as disciplined experimentation rather than novelty,” Clement says. “On our ranches, innovation means testing ideas at small scale, measuring outcomes honestly and keeping what works while discarding what does not. We are comfortable trying new approaches because risk is managed deliberately.”

He summarizes the goal is to be better next year than this year, and meaningfully better in the 10-year cycle.

“I think ranchers spend 90% of their time on things that don’t make them money or don’t save them money, and if they’d spend a little bit of that time focusing on the problems he or she can solve … you can get somebody to do [a lot of those jobs] for a lot less than what your time is worth if you spend a few hours having a conversation, trying new technology and implementing that new technology,” he says.

His advice to ranchers is simple: identify what keeps you up at night, test one new technology at small scale each year, and commit to making a clear yes-or-no decision on it. Over a decade, he says, that’s how a “very cutting‑edge ranch” quietly takes shape.

“It should be a deep dive into a single thing every year,” he suggests. “I’m looking at one thing this year, and by the end of the year, I’m either going to do it or I’m gonna decide against it, but I’m going to have made a decision.”

He says ag tech companies want feedback, and there are opportunities to get free trials to see if the technology will work for you.

“They’re trying as best they can to de-risk,” he explains. “They want to scale as well. They want to make you a believer. They don’t want you to just have something sit in your closet or be something you never check.”

Beyond the Ranch

Today, Clement works for EarthOptics as senior vice president of range and grassland, helping producers measure land health and monetize stewardship through soil carbon and ecosystem markets.

“I work at the intersection of ranching, science and technology, focused on credible measurement of soil health, carbon and nutrients,” he explains. “This role allows me to test these tools on my own ranches, ensuring that innovation survives real-world conditions.”

Clement is passionate about soil carbon credits and similar mechanisms because they align economic incentives with long‑term management.

“For the first time in ranching, we’ve found a way to pay people to make long‑term decisions to be better stewards of their land,” he says. “That currency is soil carbon credits currently, but water credits, and potentially biodiversity or biology credits.”

Giving Back: Industry Leadership

Clement gives of his time and leadership to multiple organizations and companies, beyond his ranching enterprises.

Ranchbot (board of directors)
Frontiers Market (board of directors)
Beggs Cattle Co. (board of directors)
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (natural resources and wildlife committee director and chairman)
American Quarter Horse Association (director)
National Ranching Heritage Center (director)
South Texas Property Rights Association (director)
Texas A&M University Center for Livestock and Grazinglands (director)
King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management (director)
Texas State Soil and Water Conservation (board of directors)

(Photo Provided By Clement Family)

Family First

Clement and his wife, Paige, have three children — Jimmy, Janie and Jack. They live on their ranch outside Kingsville.

He credits his wife as a grounding influence.

“She provides perspective and balance, because sometimes I get caught up in too many of these things, and I need to pull back and spend time with my family — something I think all ranchers need to be probably better at doing,” Clement summarizes.

He says his goal is to replicate what his parents did.

“It’s influence, it’s create the opportunity, but not pressure. If they want to ride, if they want to work … It’s the exposure. It’s come see this. What do you think about this? Isn’t this fun?”

He hopes to keep the land and legacy intact for future generations, even if his own children aren’t day‑to‑day ranchers.

“You don’t have to ranch day to day, but you will hire it and understand it, because that is our culture. Maybe it’s my grandchildren that want to be part of it, but you’re not going to give up and forsake their opportunity, and so at least carry the torch.”

(Angie Stump Denton)

Pivotal Learning Moments

Clement shares these three key lessons learned in his career:

Permanent assets demand conservative capital, not conservative thinking.
Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about setting the conditions for others to succeed.
What gets measured gets managed, and behavior follows.

(Angie Stump Denton)

James’ 5 Tips for Profitability

“In the next year, producers should focus on cost discipline, capital efficiency, water security, drought preparedness and input optimization. Also, even if the market is high, not just cashing those larger checks but reinvesting in growth, strategy and new opportunities like soil carbon credits and ag tech,” he says. “Over the next five years, the focus should shift toward land health as a balance-sheet asset, credible measurement and data, diversification of revenue streams including ecosystem services and intentional succession planning.

“The producers who thrive will be those who manage ranching as both a biological and a business system. Also, talk to your children about succession planning now.”

He suggests producers consider these five strategies:

Know your numbers better than anyone else. “You cannot manage what you do not measure.”
Protect your land first. Cattle are much more replaceable than natural resources.
Adopt new tools selectively, not emotionally. Test them but demand proof on your operation.
Think in decades while operating in years. Short-term gains should never compromise long-term options.
Build resilience, not just efficiency. Scale and cash flow matter, but flexibility matters more.