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

NEWS

🌱From Frost to Forage

🌱Spring Stand Check - As winter fades, evaluating forage stands is key to a productive spring. Iowa State Extension urges producers to assess conditions for frost seeding, no-till drilling, or renovation, especially after a harsh winter. Alfalfa stands with fewer than 40 stems per square foot or damaged crowns may require action to maintain forage quality and yield.

🦠FMD Awareness Urged - Recent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks in Europe are raising concerns among U.S. livestock experts. While not a risk to humans, the highly contagious virus could devastate cloven-hoofed animals and cause major economic disruption. Producers are urged to recognize signs, report symptoms early, and strengthen biosecurity and traceability plans to protect the U.S. herd.

🌨️Spring Storm Strikes - A late-season blizzard swept across parts of Nebraska and Kansas this week, challenging beef producers in the middle of calving season. Ranchers like Kristian Rennert and Kolby Van Newkirk battled high winds, snow, and temperature swings to protect newborn calves and maintain herd health. Despite setbacks, producers remain focused on close monitoring and care as weather improves.

👂Listen to Vaccine Smarts - Even the best vaccine won’t work if it’s not handled right. Dr. Blane Lowe reminds producers that simple missteps, like mixing vaccines incorrectly, exposing them to sunlight, or using dull needles, can render doses ineffective. To get the most from your herd health program, follow label instructions, handle vaccines with care, and work closely with your vet to tailor protocols that match your operation’s goals.

💵Profits & Priorities - Cattle prices remain strong heading into 2025, with tight supplies driving up returns for cow-calf producers. But high input costs mean managing expenses is just as critical as capturing high prices. Keeping accurate records helps ranchers spot opportunities, like adjusting when and how to sell cattle, to make the most of this favorable market.

RANCHING KNOW-HOW

Eyes on the Barn

Camera systems are becoming a popular tool—and sometimes a fun one—for calving season. While not a fix-all, they offer cow-calf producers a way to monitor cows more often and less intrusively, helping spot calving signs earlier and reduce stress. Whether you want peace of mind, better calf survival, or just enjoy watching cattle behavior, these systems can bring real value when matched to the right setup.

Minerals Matter

Late gestation and early lactation demand more from cows—and your mineral program. Feeding a high-quality, consistent source of minerals, like low-moisture tubs, helps support fertility, calf vigor, milk quality, and immunity when it matters most. Trace minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc are especially critical this time of year to prevent deficiencies and protect herd health through green-up and calving.

VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WEB

Spotting respiratory acidosis in a calf.

Most beef producers know the frustration that accompanies dealing with the dreaded “dummy calf”. These calves will not suckle, won’t sit up or stand and stare blankly with what seems to be a lack of will and intelligence to survive despite your best efforts. This lack of coordinated movement is often due to respiratory acidosis. Dr. Gabriel Jantzi of Metzger Veterinary Services and Ontario beef cattle producer Nick Frieburger of Sandy Ridge Ranch explain the mechanisms that are involved in causing this type of acidosis, how to prevent it and steps to take when it does occur.

CATTLE COMMUNITY

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