A good breeder plays a crucial role in shaping the cattle industry’s future. The calves they produce can significantly influence the genetic potential of your herd. This genetic foundation is why choosing a reputable breeder is essential; the quality of their stock will directly impact your herd’s performance and success.
When considering new cattle for your operation, your decisions must be grounded in sound business judgment rather than emotions. The animals you choose to bring into your herd—whether replacements you raise or purchase—will determine your herd’s direction in the future. It’s essential to approach this process thoughtfully to ensure you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
With so many sellers in the market, especially with social media making it easier to find them, not every option will be the right fit for you. It’s your job to sift through the noise and find a breeder who aligns with your goals. To help you make the best choice, consider these four key factors when evaluating potential breeders.
Roughages, often overlooked but crucial, are an essential part of a cow’s diet. While the focus is usually on crude protein, energy, and mineral content, understanding the role of roughages is equally essential. A certain amount of roughage is necessary to keep the rumen functioning and aid in the digestion of protein, energy, and minerals, contributing significantly to cattle’s overall health and production. This knowledge empowers you, the reader, to make informed decisions about your cattle’s nutrition.
As the breeding season concludes, it’s crucial to understand that the bulls’ work is far from over. The off-season is a pivotal time for their care, as it significantly influences their performance in the upcoming breeding season. Similar to athletes post-competition, bulls require a period of recovery and conditioning. Neglecting their care during this time could adversely affect your next calf crop.
Deciding which cows to cull is a challenging task for most producers. Sometimes, their personal feelings about that particular animal get in the way. Sometimes, they don’t even know which ones are under-performing and which ones need to be kept.
Heifer development, while challenging, is a rewarding task that shapes the future of your herd. The transformation of young heifers into productive mothers is a process that, with careful planning and management, can lead to long-term success. Every decision, from nutrition to breeding, has a lasting impact on the productivity of your herd, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation for the future.
As the days grow 
Winter can be a challenging season for cattle, but with the proper preparation, you can keep your herd healthy and thriving. As the cold months approach, it’s crucial to plan for everything from proper nutrition to shelter. By taking proactive steps today, you can avoid costly problems and ensure your cattle make it through winter in top condition. Now, let’s delve into what you must do to set your herd up for success.
The fall season can be problematic for a beef producer. As you go into it after a dry, hot summer, the entire herd may be stressed. The combination of high heat, short grass, and low water tanks can stress cattle and make them more prone to disease.
Weaning is one of the most critical times for cattle producers. It is a period when all their hard work begins to pay off with an excellent large calf crop. This challenging yet promising time assures long-term benefits and a thriving herd, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation in cattle producers.
Every cow/calf producer aspires for calves to gain weight efficiently. Some producers have discovered that a creep system, particularly creep grazing, is a promising way to achieve this goal. Creep grazing, in particular, has the potential to significantly increase calf weight gain, offering a ray of hope for producers. It’s important to note that both methods, creep grazing and creep feeding a concentrate supplement, have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Hence, it’s crucial for the producer to research and choose the method that best suits their needs.
