šŸ› ļø Building Better Bulls With Data

Interstate Travel, A Legacy Worth Transitioning, Dead Cattle Have Value, and The Power of Forward Thinking from Ranching.com by CattleMax.

Ranching.com is your weekly dose of trending news, seasonal tips, and community content put together by our team of ranchers.

IN THE NEWS

River Creek Farms - Drovers

šŸ› ļø Building Better Bulls With Data - CattleMax Customer, River Creek Farms, the 2025 BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year, is blending tradition with cutting-edge genetics and tech to create consistent, high-performing bulls. From genomic testing to precision ag and digital marketing, their strategy is all about predictable performance and measurable results. See how they’re setting the bar for seedstock success.

šŸ›» Interstate Travel The Right Way - Planning an interstate cattle haul this fall? Before you load up, make sure you know the rules that go with crossing state lines — from vet paperwork to animal ID and everything in between. A little prep now can save you fines, delays, or worse down the road.

ā© Measure Backward, Move Forward - Feeling behind on the ranch? You’re not alone—but it might just be a matter of perspective. This article dives into how shifting your mindset from focusing on what’s missing to recognizing how far you’ve come can make all the difference. With real-life examples and practical goal-setting tips, it’s a great read for ranchers needing a fresh dose of motivation.

šŸŒ”ļø Thermal Tech Takes Off - K-State researchers are using drone thermal imaging to uncover new insights in feed yard management. From detecting water leaks to analyzing pen conditions, these high-tech tools could change the way producers monitor herd environments. The pilot findings hint at some game-changing potential—see what else they discovered.

šŸ’µ Stocker Strategy That Pays - In today’s market, turning a profit as a stocker producer is possible—but it takes careful buying, smart marketing, and a strong focus on animal health. This article walks through example scenarios showing how value can be added through gain and management, especially when upgrading discounted calves. Learn what it takes to make the math work in your favor.

VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB
Featuring CattleMax Customer, Mid Continent Farms
RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Troy Walz

Losing a calf or cow is tough—but it can also be a chance to learn and improve herd health. A necropsy can help identify hidden issues, reveal disease risks, and guide better decisions for the rest of your animals. Learn how a single loss can bring valuable insight to your operation.

BEHIND THE MIC

How did CattleMax go from mailed CDs to a must-have ranch tool? Founder Terrell Miller shares the story behind CattleMax, how technology has shaped the cattle industry, and where things are headed next. A great listen for any rancher navigating the future of record-keeping.

RANCHING AROUND THE WORLD RECAP
CATTLE COMMUNITY
@nathanlmartin

Ranchin aint always sunshine and rainbows.@user1443419710009 #fyp #farmlife #ranchin #ranching #ranchinainteasy #mud #cow #cattle #

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ā

ā€œBlessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.ā€

— Camille Pissarro

READER POLL

What is your top priority when selecting a bull?

šŸ’¬ Let us know in the comments why you chose your answer!

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LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

What’s the biggest factor in your operation’s success right now?

20.69%: Calving/weaning strategy

34.48%: Genetic investments

8.62%: Marketing & value-added programs

20.69%: Managing cost

15.52%: Other (comment below)

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS
Genetic Investments
  • ā€œMy bulls are half my herd so I strive to buy genetics that will not only give me growth and carcass benefits but will also provide maternal characteristics for replacement heifers.ā€

Calving/weaning Strategy
  • ā€œWorking on implementing a 60 day calving period for two reasons. It will condense the calving season which is easier on us (get it all over at once), and the calves theoretically will be more uniform.ā€

  • ā€œAllowing 6-8 weeks without calves seems to protect our cows conditioning and longevity. This often required earlier weaning and marketing (sales).ā€

Other (comment below)
  • ā€œWith continued drought in recent years, I have decreased herd numbers. This has allowed pastures to recover significantly but has also decreased my feed costs. I have been able to stockpile ample amounts of grass. Cattle graze it during winter, along with some protein supplements. We feed very little hay. ā€

  • ā€œWeather. Specifically, adequate moisture. It drives our biggest cost. Feed. And with no water in a pond, nothing good happens.ā€