Latest News From Calves

The rapidly evolving beef-on-dairy segment has an opportunity to quickly accelerate beef production.
Jared Wareham: The Rapidly Evolving Beef-On-Dairy Segment

The rapidly evolving beef-on-dairy segment has an opportunity to quickly accelerate beef production.

The bottom line is that even a well-maintained pond rarely, if ever, can compare to water pumped into a trough, as long as the trough water source is good quality and not contaminated.
Water Quality Matters for Cattle on Pasture

We know a lack of water will affect cattle health and performance. What we may forget is that water is a nutrient and has nutritional value that can affect livestock as its quality changes.

Reduce Calf Weaning Stress
Reduce Calf Weaning Stress

The most stressful time in the life of a beef calf is at weaning when they are five to seven months of age according to Eldon Cole, field specialist in livestock for University of Missouri Extension.

Stock image of a water tank.
Weaning Fall-Born Calves: Remember to Plan for Water Needs

Weaning during very hot summer weather is stressful enough to the calves. Therefore any management strategy that can reduce stress to the calves should be utilized. 

Stifle Summer Sniffles: Investigating BRD
Stifle Summer Sniffles: Investigating BRD

In spite of generally favorable living conditions, preweaned calves often suffer losses from BRD.

Can "New Generation" Insight Provide Relief?
Can "New Generation" Insight Provide Relief?

Feeder cattle that provide options or flexibility are far more appealing.

Proper Injection Sites to Remember at Calf-Working Time
Proper Injection Sites to Remember at Calf-Working Time

Correct administration of any injection is a critical control point in beef production and animal health. 

Rancher: “We Are Just Praying for the Best” With Blizzard
Rancher: “We Are Just Praying for the Best” With Blizzard

The bomb cyclone storm continues to move East. Ranchers are checking cattle in the middle of the night, as more than a foot of snow pelts of the Western Corn Belt.

Rancher: “We Are Just Praying for the Best” With Blizzard
Rancher: “We Are Just Praying for the Best” With Blizzard

The bomb cyclone storm continues to move East. Ranchers are checking cattle in the middle of the night, as more than a foot of snow pelts of the Western Corn Belt.

Extreme cold, snow, mud and flooding have all created unique challenges during calving season.
North Dakota ranchers tackle calving season

MANDAN, N.D. (AP) — Stephanie Hatzenbuhler said calving has been better than expected this year, but it's no picnic.

Cow Calf research at the OSU Animal Science North Range west of Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Breeding Season to Marketing

Cow-calf producers are constantly bombarded with decisions and challenges as it relates to herd health, nutrition, retaining versus purchasing heifers, sire selection, timing of marketing and the list could continue.

Management to Prevent Calf Scours
Management to Prevent Calf Scours

Cold and wet weather have added to the calving challenges of Iowa cow-calf producers. Iowa State University Extension beef specialist Beth Doran said both are ideal conditions for contributing to calf scours.

Keep Records of Twins or Other Multiple Calf Births
Keep Records of Twins or Other Multiple Calf Births

As producers work through this (or any) calving season it is very important to record any multiple births that may have occurred. 

You Herd Right: 8 Tips to Gather the Herd
You Herd Right: 8 Tips to Gather the Herd

Basic stockmanship plays a critical role in BQA. Check out the advice on herding from the 2019 NCBA Cattle Convention.

In cold and windy situations, protection for livestock will reduce cold stress and aid in calving success and energy requirements.
Windbreaks for Protection and Snow Diversion

In cold and windy situations, protection for livestock will reduce cold stress and aid in calving success and energy requirements.

March Can Be Brutal on Beef Cattle
March Can Be Brutal on Beef Cattle

March could be the hardest month of the year on beef cattle according to Eldon Cole, field specialist in livestock with University of Missouri Extension.

baby calf Angus SB
Rewarming Methods for Severely Cold-Stressed Newborn Calves

Even with nighttime feeding, a few calves still will be born in the coldest nighttime hours. These wet newborns may become hypothermic or cold stressed.

Extreme weather fluctuations put extra stress on calf immune systems.
Calves Need Extra Care in Winter

As snow and frigid temperatures remind us that it’s still winter, it’s a good time to remind cattle producers that calves are especially vulnerable in these conditions.

For creep feeding to be profitable, the costs of the added weight gain must be less than the value of that gain.
Is Creep Feeding Beef Calves Profitable?

For creep feeding to be profitable, the costs of the added weight gain must be less than the value of that gain.

Severity of Winter and Impact on Calf Birth Weights
Severity of Winter and Impact on Calf Birth Weights

Does the severity (coldness or mildness) of the winter have an impact on spring-born calf birth weights?

A new born calf.
Helping the Newborn Calf Breathe

Despite our best efforts at bull selection and heifer development, cows or heifers occasionally need assistance at calving time.

The Living and the Dead: Black Vultures Expand, Farmers Pay Cost

Eyes to the sky in search of black vultures, producer concerns are mounting over calf losses. Black vulture expansion is drawing attention in the Midwest as livestock owners note increasing accounts of depredation.

The Living and the Dead: Black Vultures Expand, Farmers Pay Cost
The Living and the Dead: Black Vultures Expand, Farmers Pay Cost

Eyes to the sky in search of black vultures, producer concerns are mounting over calf losses. Black vulture expansion is drawing attention in the Midwest as livestock owners note increasing accounts of depredation.

Calving indoors is one way to manage animal health while winter weather is impacting the herd.
Calving Seasons Vary, Choose What Best Fits Your Production Goals

In a Drovers.com poll, readers share the timing of their primary calving season, giving us a glimpse into the diversity of cattle operations across the country.

Scours can affect calves at any age, but those 3 to 21 days old are especially susceptible.
Reducing the Risk of a Calf Scours Outbreak

Neonatal calf diarrhea (commonly called “calf scours”) is one of the most costly disease entities in the beef cattle business.

Is The Cattle Herd Growing? Producers Give Their Take
Is The Cattle Herd Growing? Producers Give Their Take

The major Cattle Inventory report was supposed to be released this week but is delayed. NASS announcing this week when reports will drop. Both Cattle on Feed and Cattle Inventory will be released February.

We have an update from the cattle convention in New Orleans.
Is The Cattle Herd Growing? Producers Give Their Take

The major Cattle Inventory report was supposed to be released this week but is delayed. NASS announcing this week when reports will drop. Both Cattle on Feed and Cattle Inventory will be released February.

Jared Wareham: Get With The Program

Whichever way you look at it, increasing the opportunity for profit or decreasing the risk for loss, having an advanced genetic “scouting report” on feeders has value.

Whichever way you look at it, increasing the opportunity for profit or decreasing the risk for loss, having an advanced genetic “scouting report” on feeders has value.
Jared Wareham: Get With The Program

Whichever way you look at it, increasing the opportunity for profit or decreasing the risk for loss, having an advanced genetic “scouting report” on feeders has value.

Nature vs. Nurture: Heritability of Reproduction
Nature vs. Nurture: Heritability of Reproduction

A basic understanding of genetics will help us understand why some traits are more heritable than others. The basis for heritability has to do with a phrase you have probably heard before – “nature verses nurture.”

Cattle Handling Strategies to Improve Postweaning Calf Health

When animals have health or performance problems it is almost always because the person in charge of taking care of them is not showing the proper interest in what they need.

In addition to making sure freshly weaned calves are getting enough water, feed, rest and exercise and have a comfortable environment, we are simultaneously working with them in the sense of teaching them to be manageable.
Cattle Handling Strategies to Improve Postweaning Calf Health

When animals have health or performance problems it is almost always because the person in charge of taking care of them is not showing the proper interest in what they need.

POLL: When Is Your Primary Calving Season?

Share with us the timing of your primary calving season, whether it’s a tight 60-day window or a seasonal timeframe. We'll report the results back to you.

Share with us the timing of your primary calving season, whether it’s a tight 60-day window or a seasonal timeframe. We'll report the results back to you.
POLL: When Is Your Primary Calving Season?

Share with us the timing of your primary calving season, whether it’s a tight 60-day window or a seasonal timeframe. We'll report the results back to you.

A cow and calf.
Passive Immune Status Within 24 Hours of Birth and Health of Calves

Passive immunity obtained from colostrum was an important factor determining the health of calves both pre- and post-weaning, and indirectly influenced calf growth rate during the same periods.

Implementing Low Stress Fence-Line Separation for Calf Weaning
Implementing Low Stress Fence-Line Separation for Calf Weaning

Weaning is one of the most stressful times for cattle. You remove the source of security calves have had since birth, and change their routine.

“A key positive is these companies turned to an industry-accepted program instead of requiring additional certifications,” says Chase DeCoite, director of the Beef Quality Assurance program.
Get Your BQA Certification Now—Some Packers To Require It in 2019

Beef packers willl require Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification from fed cattle suppliers, starting Jan. 1, 2019. This is driven by beef retailers and consumers who want assurance about how cattle are raised.

How Much Hay Do You Really Need This Winter?

Don’t get caught by higher hay prices later this winter—be as accurate with your hay needs as you can now while you still have time to adjust your feeding plans.

Don’t get caught by higher hay prices later this winter—be as accurate with your hay needs as you can now while you still have time to adjust your feeding plans.
How Much Hay Do You Really Need This Winter?

Don’t get caught by higher hay prices later this winter—be as accurate with your hay needs as you can now while you still have time to adjust your feeding plans.

Poll: Weaning Strategies | Producers Searching For Additional Hay

While some cattlemen have already started weaning spring-calving herds, October and November are prime times for feeder cattle marketing decisions. What is your weaning strategy this year?

What is your weaning strategy this year?
Poll: Weaning Strategies | Producers Searching For Additional Hay

While some cattlemen have already started weaning spring-calving herds, October and November are prime times for feeder cattle marketing decisions. What is your weaning strategy this year?

Cattle going through an auction ring.
Development of Wheat Pasture Could Mute Seasonal Low of Cattle Prices

Winter wheat pasture availability is helping to keep demand high for select stocker cattle weights.

Make weaning and preconditioning a worthwhile investment.
Weaning and Preconditioning Calves: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Make weaning and preconditioning a worthwhile investment.

We Live in a Discount World

Value-added programs don’t necessarily add value to a set baseline price. Rather, they begin by removing some of the discount (risk) that buyers assume exist.

Feeder cattle ends sharply higher and lean hog contracts settle lower.
Market Highlights: Fed Cattle Continue Steady Trade

Finished cattle continued trading steady for the fifth consecutive week. Early in this trend, one might say this was beneficial for cattle feeders as they were able to hold packers at bay and keep prices from falling.

Selling in semi-load groups might be one of the largest discounts that can be removed.
We Live in a Discount World

Value-added programs don’t necessarily add value to a set baseline price. Rather, they begin by removing some of the discount (risk) that buyers assume exist.

Fall Feeder Cattle Market Situation
Fall Feeder Cattle Market Situation

Prices for feeder steers over 650 pounds were also higher compared to the previous week. However, prices for steers between 550 and 650 pounds declined compared to the previous week.

Long stem, grass hay is a recognizable feedstuff to calves.
Starting Newly Weaned Calves on Feed

Newly weaned calves are faced with the stress of separation from the cow, deprivation of feed and water during transportation, and adaptation to the feedlot environment.

Bunk space can vary depending on if calves were preconditioned or not prior to entering the feedlot.
Preconditioned vs Weaned Calves can Affect Bunk Space Requirements

Bunk space can vary depending on if calves were preconditioned or not prior to entering the feedlot.

Market Highlights: Seasonal Trends Not Holding True for Feeder Cattle
Market Highlights: Seasonal Trends Not Holding True for Feeder Cattle

The calf and feeder cattle market have remained strong through the late summer months and the futures market is suggesting continued strength while seasonal price trends would suggest lower prices.