➕Boosting Pregnancy Success

Track It to Grow It, Heifer Exams Pay Off, Retain or Sell, & Dealing With Protective Moms from Ranching.com by CattleMax.

April 09, 2025

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

NEWS

Maggie Malson

➕ Boosting Pregnancy Success - Understanding the four key factors behind early pregnancy loss—embryo, cow, bull, and environment—can help producers improve conception rates and herd profitability. With thoughtful management and attention to nutrition, genetics, and stress reduction, there are real opportunities to increase successful pregnancies and calf crops.

📈 Track It to Grow It - Accurate records are more than paperwork—they’re a cornerstone of financial success and herd health. Terrell Miller, founder of CattleMax, outlines how digital tools, from EID readers to ranch-specific software, can streamline operations, reduce errors, and build trust with lenders and CPAs. Whether it’s taxes, cattle tracking, or planning for growth, upgrading your record-keeping pays long-term dividends.

📃 Heifer Exams Pay Off - Pre-breeding exams help producers make smarter decisions about which heifers to keep or cull before investing in breeding. By evaluating reproductive tract scores, pelvic size, structure, and temperament, ranchers can reduce calving issues and improve herd profitability. It’s a low-cost step with long-term returns.

💰 Marketing Mindset - In a high-price cattle market, it’s tempting to just “sell” calves and move on — but are you leaving money on the table? Kentucky market data shows bulls and lower-muscled calves face steep discounts, costing producers up to $283 per head. Early castration, quality genetics, and intentional management can turn those losses into gains by truly marketing your calves.

✅ Retain or Sell? - Record-high calf prices are pushing producers to consider rebuilding herds, but drought concerns and limited forage are causing hesitation. While some may begin retaining heifers in 2025, the impact won’t be felt until 2027. Feeder supplies will likely tighten further, keeping prices strong.

VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB

Missouri rancher speaks to importance of large animal veterinarians amid nationwide shortage

America lost 90 percent of its large animal veterinarians since 1945. This mass exit of doctors from livestock practice has left many of our farmers without critical access to vet care.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Ag Web - Angie Stump Denton

Handling newborn calves can get risky when mama cows go into full defense mode. Experts recommend staying safe with physical barriers, working in pairs, and keeping interactions calm and efficient. If a cow becomes too aggressive, make note for future management—or consider culling for safety’s sake.

Drovers - Angie Stump Denton

As breeding season nears, now’s the time to evaluate bull body condition. Because bulls are larger, they need more time than cows to add condition, so early attention is key. Aim for a BCS that supports fertility and stamina throughout turnout.

RANCHING AROUND THE WORLD RECAP
CATTLE COMMUNITY
@shayleenash

grumpy old men have the biggest hearts #fyp #foryou #agriculture #cattle #agriculturelife #anguscattle #cattleindustry

Matt Makens | Facebook

As of April 1, nearly half of the U.S. cattle herd is in drought-affected areas — and it's not just cattle. Many key ag sectors are feeling the pressure. Quick stats:
🐄 Livestock in Drought Areas (%): ………

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
❝

“The discovery of agriculture was the first big step towards a civilized life.”

Arthur Keith

READER POLL

What do you believe has the biggest impact on early pregnancy success in your herd?

💭Early pregnancy loss is often out of sight, but not out of mind. What’s made the biggest difference in your herd? Let us know in the comments!

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LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

With rising input cost in 2025, which area are you most likely to reevaluate to potential savings in your cow-calf operation?

20.63%: Bull purchases & genetic investment

23.81%: Feed & nutrition

3.17%: Herd health & vet expenses

39.68%: None - maintain current input

12.70%: I’m not sure yet

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS
Feed & Nutrition

  • “Adding a tank setup to mix distillery syrup into feed ration for high protein and energy input at a significantly lower cost versus traditional grain feed mixture.”

  • “By far the largest line item cost and the most potential savings. Planning to go to two group classes of cows from three and only supplement the heifer group. Previously had a group of first calvers separate. ”

Bull purchases & genetic investment

  • “I plan to AI my heifers to obtain replacements, instead of buying replacements. I am also reevaluating my feed costs as well as continuous monitoring of all other variable inputs. This may mean running fewer head to reduce haying even more.”

  • “I'm looking at bulls that have higher weaning weights but still have low birth weights and high calving ease. Higher marbling and ribeye area are a big factor for me also as I would like to get into farm to table sales. Making a better steak is always on my agenda. ”

I’m not sure yet

  • “This year I am really worried about future rains needed. we are already short on rain and i am putting fertilizer and herbicide out, praying for more rain. The cost of fertilizer and herbicides are so high.”

Herd health & vet expenses

  • “I have a good relationship with my vet. Have used FaceTime instead of a farm vet visit to diagnose and guide treatment. Like a teleserve doctor”

  • “Plan to reevaluate vet and vaccine costs and spend more to keep older cows longer and develop at home heifers for retention.”