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Commercial cow-calf producers can use across-breed expected progeny differences (AB-EPDs) to compare bulls of different breeds and select the right one for their goals.

Research demonstrates the advantages of preconditioning calves. The following tips are designed to help producers be more successful during the preconditioning phase of calf development.

Weaning calves from first-calf cows early offers benefits to the animals and operation. Robert Wells, Ph.D., livestock consultant, shares the advantages and tips.

In 2017, the Integrity Beef Alliance voted to include more bull breeds, modified requirements for breed composition for eligible calves, offered additional marketing avenues and a changed sale format, and continued developing the Integrity Beef Premier Replacement Female Program.

When buying land with the goal of producing cattle, consider stocking rate, forage quality and type, soil type and fertility, terrain and slope of the land, water sources in each pasture, number of pastures and traps, working pen availability and condition, fence condition and type, and other infrastructure.

Winter supplementation for a cow can account for anywhere between 40 and 60 percent of the annual cost of maintaining the cow. Therefore, producers should plan their winter supplementation strategies during the growing season to allow for more options and to reduce winter feed costs when utilizing bermudagrass pastures.

DNA testing has become an economically viable tool that should be used when making selection decisions for commercial cattle producers.

Proper off-season management of bulls can ensure longevity within the herd and a subsequent successful breeding season.

Producers can save money by using native grass as a standing hay crop when overwintering a cow herd, since the supplemental feed costs are less than feeding hay plus supplementation.