Commercial Producers Can Use Crossbreeding to Improve Profit and Sustainability

by Kansas State University Cow-Calf Extension Specialist Bob Weaber, Ph.D.   The dramatic changes and volatility cow-calf production system input costs and calf values have many producers wondering about the value of heterosis in today’s beef industry pricing structure. Many producers are seeking ways to improve cow-calf production efficiency and profitability. Profitability may be enhanced…

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Selection Considerations to Improve Longevity

by Associate Professor & Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Longevity Jason Banta, PhD., PAS Every cow-calf producer wants a cow that is productive for 12 to 15 years or more. Longevity of both cows and bulls is influenced by a host of factors including disposition, feet and legs, udder and teat confirmation, fleshing ability, fertility, function…

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Some Thoughts on Body Condition Scoring of Cows

by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Livestock Specialist Joe C. Paschal, PhD. As far as technologies go, body condition scoring is one of the most useful and least expensive. No computers, no scales – heck, you don’t even have to pen your cows to apply it. Although body condition was certainly used before the 1960s, I…

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Building with Brangus is the Right Choice

by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS As we move into the spring calving season for 2017, cattle prices continue to be on the upside of our recent roller coaster ride. The value of every pound of weaned calf continues to have significance in the commercial cattle segment. I do not know of…

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