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

NEWS

🌾 Fencing With A Purpose

🌾 Fencing With Purpose - Building more fence for regenerative grazing doesn’t have to feel like a chore. At Noble Ranches, planning ahead, repurposing supplies, and creating efficient fencing systems have turned extra wire into extra grass, and long-term gains. As Pokay puts it, every line of fence is also a line of opportunity to grow more, graze better, and build a stronger business.

💧 Waters of the U.S. - The EPA announced plans to revise the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule in alignment with the Supreme Court’s Sackett decision. The goal: simplify regulations, reduce permitting costs, and offer clearer guidance to farmers and landowners, while still protecting navigable waters. The agency says it will prioritize stakeholder input and state collaboration moving forward.

⚠️ Top-Layer Trouble - The top layer of a silage pile often walks a fine line between feed and compost, and mismanagement can tip the balance. Oxygen exposure leads to microbial spoilage, nutrient loss, and potential health risks from mycotoxins, resulting in reduced intake and productivity. With up to 20% of feed at risk in some piles, preventing top-layer spoilage is crucial for preserving quality and protecting your bottom line.

🌱 The Tetany Trap - Grass tetany, caused by magnesium deficiency, is a serious risk for lactating cows grazing lush, cool-season grasses in early spring. Experts say prevention is key, through high-mag mineral supplementation, salt access, and mindful fertilization, to reduce the impact of this potentially fatal condition. Understanding how potassium, sodium, and phosphorus interact in forage is essential to managing herd health during high-risk seasons.

💉 Reducing The Risk - As spring calving ramps up, producers can reduce disease risk through smart herd management, vaccination protocols, and strict biosecurity. Experts recommend grouping calves by age, ensuring quality colostrum intake, and quarantining new animals. With Johne’s disease and scours top of mind, working closely with vets and staying vigilant can help protect herd health from calving onward.

🐂 Breeding by Behavior - Research shows cows with higher estrus intensity, measured by mounting activity and movement, have greater pregnancy success. Tools like breeding indicator patches and activity monitors help producers identify which animals are most ready for AI or embryo transfer. Using estrus intensity as a guide can improve conception rates and optimize genetic investment.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Choosing the Right Cattle Handling System

Crowding tubs and Bud Boxes are two popular systems ranchers use to move cattle safely and efficiently. Tubs rely on curved, enclosed designs to guide cattle with minimal pressure, while Bud Boxes use cattle’s natural instincts and handler positioning. The best option depends on your operation’s size, budget, labor, and experience, but with proper setup and handling, either system can reduce stress and boost safety in your working facility.

Pre-breeding Exams for Replacement Heifers

Pre-breeding exams help ranchers identify which heifers are most likely to succeed in the herd before investing in breeding. By evaluating reproductive tract scores and pelvic measurements, producers can boost calving success, reduce dystocia risks, and make informed culling decisions—ultimately setting their operation up for long-term profitability.

VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB

Does Body Condition Score Matter?

Dave Lalman, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist, explains why body condition scores are important to cow-calf operations. Dr. Lalman also discusses a data set collected that reinforces OSU findings on these scores.

CATTLE COMMUNITY

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