John Deere adds to its precision technology suite for 2019 New 4240 Universal Display and guidance products, plus software updates, rolled out for fall In the ever-changing world of technology, John Deere is rolling out new precision ag solutions and updated software that can be used on more brands of equipment while providing expanded applications. […]
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Spring Pasture Management For Cool-Season Grasses The arrival of warmer Spring weather is just around the corner and with it comes the prospect of finally letting cattle back to pastures after the winter season. On many ranches, Spring can be a particularly busy time of year, so now is a good time to take stock […]
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When Less Can Be More For generations, beef producers have utilized supplements to improve the health of their herds and, as a result, increase their profitability. Certainly, forages are the basis for a feeding program, but producers have also learned that these forages often are limited in providing the cattle with the nutrients they need. […]
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Calving Season Strategies The priority at calving time is to first deliver a live calf from each pregnant female and then to kick-start that calf through the beginning stage of its life in a healthy fashion. Numerous factors attack this goal including poor dam condition, prolonged or stressful calving, cold and damp weather, over-crowded unsanitary […]
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Reproductive Technologies Improve Cattle Genetics Do you have a plan in place to optimize the elite genetics of your herd? Or do you know what direction you’d like to take your breeding in, but have yet to build a roadmap of the fastest way there? The most basic principles of genetic selective have remained the […]
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Selecting and Managing Calving Pen Systems Calving or Maternity Pens have become an invaluable asset to ranchers, farmers and veterinarians during calving season. These indispensable pieces of equipment provide increased safety for the farmer and veterinarian, as well as security, comfort and well-being for the cow and calf during delivery whether natural or caesarean. Whether […]
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What makes a bull impactful? What makes him valuable? Ask these questions to any producers or stud company and you will likely get an assortment of different answers. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find some commonalities and basic markers to help you answer that question as it applies to your own operation.
It’s fair to say that high impact, high value bulls are those who improve genetics and economics. Those who are considered in the top 1% of their respective breeds according to genomics tend to excel in both of these. But of course, at the rapid pace of genetic progress the ideal and top 1%s for any given trait or overall index is a revolving door. What you need is to find sires who match your criteria at any given point. Selecting bulls who follow the patterns of breed and type index leaders in relation to your specific needs and goals can, however, help your cows at least trend towards those elite ideals.
Publisher of American Cattlemen and American Dairymen magazines. Founded over 30 years ago, Twin Rivers Media serves the information and marketing needs of America’s beef and dairy producers.
