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Imagine a world where you could breed cattle that never get sick. It’s not as far off as you might think. Ongoing research across two continents is uncovering genetic tools to help select for increased immunity.

As many operations look to navigate the challenges imposed by Covid-19, it seems timely to consider the value of a system built around optionality.

Many areas of North Dakota are projected to experience moderate to major flooding this spring. The greatest flood impacts are expected to be on farms and ranches because of overland flooding.

We need to watch, to make sure the data is correct, to make sure the technology is working and to employ intuition and empathy that Siri-like artificial intelligence doesn’t feel.

Spring calving cow herd operations should schedule pre-breeding soundness exams for bulls. Evaluations should be conducted 30 to 60 days before the start of breeding.

Does the beef industry need additional packer slaughter capacity? Recent history suggests cattle prices were highest when packing capacity utilization was lowest, but the answer is complex.

After several days of up and downs in CME futures prices, cattle feeders saw their chances of getting back to steady slip away on Thursday as the board sold off.

Time is of the essence when a calving cow or heifer has a situation where the calf is coming backwards. If the umbilical cord is totally pinched by the pelvic rim, the calf can only survive about four minutes.

The coronavirus is another “black swan” that is different in some fundamental ways from other such events in cattle markets, such as the packing plant fire last year or even the first BSE case in late 2003.

Body condition at the time of calving is the most important factor affecting rebreeding performance of normally managed beef cows.