Welcome to the 95th edition of Ranching.com – the leading cattle management resource for a community of 96,000+ ranchers and farmers.

🔝 Early-Bred Heifers = Higher Returns - Heifers that conceive early in their first breeding season deliver greater lifetime value, higher weaning weights, and improved herd performance. This article explains why focusing on early breeding pays off and how to set heifers up for success from the start.

⚠️ Frost Risk: Forage Toxicity - After a frost, certain forages—especially sorghum and Sudan grass—can convert compounds into prussic acid, putting grazing livestock at risk of rapid toxicity. This article outlines what to watch for, how long to wait before grazing, and steps to keep your herd safe.

🥩 Successfully Weaned Calves = Hot Commodity - With weaned calves fetching top value, their health and nutrition post-weaning are more critical than ever. This article presents key management steps—such as vaccination, rumen development, and solid feed transition—to protect your return on investment.

🚛 DIRECT Act Opens Markets - The newly reintroduced DIRECT Act would allow small meat processors whose products are state-inspected to sell across state lines — boosting market access for local beef and easing red tape. The move has strong backing from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and could unlock new retail pathways for ranchers and processors.

🐄 Fall-Calving Herd: Key Breeding Tips - Fall-calving herds face unique challenges during breeding—think nutrition shifts, weather swings, and bull condition. This article outlines essential steps such as maintaining cow body condition, running bull soundness exams, and preventing cold-stress to set your fall-calving program up for success.

CATTLE COMMUNITY

READER POLL

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS