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

NEWS

💵 Investing in Herd Expansion

💵 Investing in Herd Expansion - With bred heifer prices exceeding $3,000, evaluating herd expansion means more than watching calf prices—it requires financial planning. Experts from the University of Arkansas break down how to use net present value (NPV) to assess whether your investment in replacement heifers will truly pay off over time. Even a small profit margin hinges on realistic cost and performance assumptions.

➕ Calving Ease + Growth - According to Oklahoma State’s Mark Johnson, today’s bull buyers no longer have to trade performance for calving ease. Thanks to genetic progress and EPD-based selection, producers can now find “curve bender” sires that deliver lighter birthweights and solid weaning and yearling performance. Sexed heifer semen is another tool for reducing calving difficulty—just plan for adjusted timing and cost.

✅Natural Service + Synchronization - Estrous synchronization isn’t just for AI—it also offers major benefits when paired with natural service. According to NDSU Extension, synchronizing the cowherd improves calf crop uniformity, boosts weaning weights, and enhances marketing potential. With protocols like CIDR, MGA, or a simple PG shot, producers can give cows two chances to conceive early in the season. Planning and protocol adherence are key, and ranchers are encouraged to work closely with their vet or Extension agent to find the best fit.

🐂 Functional Facilities - Well-designed cattle handling facilities reduce stress for both cattle and people, especially during spring processing. Experts emphasize the importance of preventative maintenance and choosing systems—like sweep tubs or Bud Boxes—that match herd size, labor, and budget. A simple, functional setup improves cattle flow and overall efficiency.

🐺 Wolf-Driven Losses - A UC Davis study found one gray wolf can cause up to $162,000 in losses from reduced calf weight and lower pregnancy rates. With 72% of wolf scat containing cattle DNA, ranchers are pushing for policy change as stress and depredation grow across California and into Colorado.

Starting Weaned Calves on Feed

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Effective Needle and Syringe Strategies

Proper needle and syringe selection is key to spring processing success. From choosing the right gauge for the animal’s weight to keeping multi-dose syringes clean and calibrated, following best practices ensures effective, safe injections—and helps avoid costly mistakes like broken needles or failed vaccinations.

Tips to Keep Semen Tanks in Tip-Top Shape

A well-maintained semen tank is key to protecting your genetic investment. From storing tanks off concrete to monitoring nitrogen levels and organizing inventory, small management steps help ensure your breeding program stays on track and delivers long-term reproductive success.

CATTLE COMMUNITY

@mcbeefarms

A little cattle drive this morning! 🐮 #TheMcBeeDynasty #McBeeDynasty #Western #CountryLife #Farmer #Farming #FarmLife #FarmersofInstagram ... See more

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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