Ag News and Views: September 2017

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.

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a useful tool for assessing the energy status of an animal. BCS should be assessed at calving, mid-lactation and mid-late gestation.

A systemic grazing management plan and an efficient supplemental feeding program can help cattle producers more efficiently use forage resources.

Grazing cattle, goats and other species together has the potential to improve land management, animal health and economics.

Economic evaluation of options for producers considering when to market calves born in fall 2016 and spring 2017.

Risk management tools, including hedging, are available to producers marketing cattle.

Safety is essential on the farm and ranch and should be taught from a young age. Rodney Pierce shares five safety values he teaches his children, in recognition of the 2017 National Farm Safety and Health Week.