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If wildlife is deemed an important component of an operation, the key is to apply grazing with wildlife habitat needs in mind.

The USDA has initiated the Animal Disease Traceability Program to track interstate livestock movement. The new rule replaces the previous unpopular version of the National Animal Identification System and pertains to all livestock, including cattle, horses, sheep and goats.

Given the importance of weight in cattle production, it is important to capture weight data when necessary to make good management decisions.

In recent years, grazing-type alfalfa varieties have been released, providing opportunities to livestock operations as a low-input, high-return forage, if managed properly; stands typically could last three to five years with good management.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 28 percent of all calf deaths before weaning are due to birth-related problems. Therefore, managing females to calve with minimal difficulty is extremely important.

The cost of hay doubled between the spring and late summer. With these increased prices, have you considered the cost of the hay wasted due to the type of hay feeder you use?

Since recent droughts have caused a lack of available forage in many areas, the incentive to retain heifers and purchase cows has been very low. Cattle inventory has declined to levels not seen since the 1930s and 1940s, and the value of heifer calves has risen to all-time record highs.

The problem we encounter with fall and winter grazing of perennial forages is forage quality availability vs. forage availability.

Recent rains have resulted in early weeds and grasses producing seed heads that can contribute to pink eye.

Cows with poor teeth will have a difficult time maintaining body condition.