🧬 DNA Testing - help improve decision making?

Mexico Border Reopens, Less is More and Unanswered Questions from Ranching.com by CattleMax

January 15, 2025

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

NEWS

🧬 DNA Testing - help improve decision making?

Canadian Cattlemen

🧬 Genetic Potential - DNA sampling from newborn calves is gaining traction among seed stock producers, despite the challenges of winter calving. Experts highlight the numerous benefits, including improved decision-making and accuracy in breeding objectives. Implementing DNA testing can enhance profitability, making it essential for producers serious about their genetics.

💰 Strategic Spring Bull Buying - As spring bull buying season nears, buyers should assess herd performance to identify needs over wants. Understanding key metrics, focusing on genetic potential through EPDs, and avoiding common pitfalls are essential for making informed selections.

🐮 Less is More - Recent productivity gains in the beef and agricultural sectors impact the U.S. economy, allowing for more efficient cattle herds that reduce the need for additional cows. This vital aspect of productivity is often overlooked in growth discussions.

🇲🇽 Mexico Border Reopens - Imports of feeder cattle from Mexico are set to partially resume around January 20, 2025, after a suspension due to New World screwworm detection. Initial imports will be slow as new protocols are tested, impacting U.S. cattle supply and prices.

󠁵󠁳󠁮󠁤󠁿🪱 Yet, A Looming Threat - The U.S. cattle industry faces a new threat from New World screwworm (NWS), which has re-entered from Mexico. Live cattle trade was halted in November 2024 due to NWS detection. Effective mitigation protocols and inspections are crucial for prevention.

❓ Unanswered Questions - As 2025 begins, cattle prices are strong despite light holiday trading. Tight supplies and weather will drive the market. Key questions include potential heifer retention, increasing slaughter weights, pork and poultry production growth, and trade policy impacts.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

When to Assist with the Calving Process – the Three Stages of Parturition

Parturition consists of three stages crucial for successful calving. Understanding these stages helps producers determine when to assist cows and heifers, enhancing the chances of a live calf. Key indicators and management strategies for each stage are essential for optimal outcomes.

Beat the Calving Season Scramble by Preparing Now

This week's podcast highlights the importance of preparing for calving. While the host emphasizes living in the moment, they remind listeners not to overlook the upcoming season. They encourage reflection on what actions can be taken this week—be it related to bull sales, shopping for bulls, or calving—to ensure a smoother transition into the next season.

CATTLE COMMUNITY
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
❝

“We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles."

Jimmy Carter

READER POLL
LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

What time of year do you calve?

29.6%: Winter (December-February)

43.4%: Spring (March-May)

5.7%: Summer (June-August)

21.4%: Fall (September-November)

THOUGHTS FROM VOTERS
Winter

  • “It fits our availability schedule the best. There’s just too much going on in spring, mowing the yard, work, kids, added on top of calving it’s just too time consuming and we can’t watch them as closely. We have a nice warm cow barn if the weather is too inclement.”

  • “Need these early calves for the March/April bull market.”

Spring

  • “We are up here in southern Ontario, so we calve year round, with 36 cows, but we have a maternity inside one of our barns, so winter calving isn't a problem. As a result we have finished cattle going to market year around, which makes for an even cash flow.”

  • “My calving season is May-June. It is the natural birthing season for wildlife in my area of the Northern Plains. It saves on labor, feed, and brings more healthy calves into the grazing season compared to the standard earlier calving season.”

Fall

  • “We have two calving seasons: March- April and October-November. If a cow is not bred when weaning a calf then I move her to next calving season; costs too much to replace her, BUT if she shows up open again, then I put wheels under her. Fertility is most important - 45 days in spring and 60 days in Fall. Old cows go to packer, younger cows are sold as replacements to other people”

  • “Calving August to November. Gives newborns time to get head start on growth before bad winter weather sets in.”