A lot of people in the industry think that artificial insemination, AI breeding, is not applicable to use on small operations in the industry. It costs a good chunk of money and can be labor intensive. However, it can be a huge benefit and an advantageous resource for small beef producers. Let's dive into why. Right now we don’t have a very large herd, just more on the average to small side. A lot of producers with larger herds look at us using artificial insemination and they just … [Read more...] about Benefits of AI Breeding on a Small Operation
First Gen. Operation
Electric Fence for Cattle
Electric fence is a non-traditional way to enclose areas for livestock. There are multiple options available for use and many different scenarios where it is applicable. Let's look at the pros and cons of using electric fencing and a few reasons you might choose to use electric fence. What is an Electric Fence? Electric fence is simply a wire that is run through insulators on fence posts instead of fencing staples. The wire is then hooked up to a fencer that applies an electric current to … [Read more...] about Electric Fence for Cattle
How to Prepare for Calving Season
Preparing for calving season isn't hard, but not something producers take lightly. Let's dive into what materials tend to be gathered and how to make the season go smoothly. Calving Season is Upon Us! We are in full prep mode for calving season. It's just around the corner! Our official start or "due" date is March 3rd, but there could definitely be a few that decide to come early. Which means we want to have everything on hand to be prepared. Preparing for calving season really isn't … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for Calving Season
Agriculture Explained: Cows on Cornstalks
Dive into why having cows out on cornstalks can be so beneficial to livestock producers in the fall and winter months. Decreased feed costs and labor costs by utilizing available resources. Putting cows out on cornstalks in the fall and winter months is by no means a novel concept. It's a well-developed practice simply due to all of it's benefits. Livestock producers in many ways have got to be one of the best when it comes to utilizing whatever type of resource they may have access to. … [Read more...] about Agriculture Explained: Cows on Cornstalks
The Importance of Preg Checking Cows
Why would you preg check your cows? The importance of preg checking your cows is so that you can better plan the future of your operation. You can save money by making a plan for cows that come up as open. We preg checked our herd this last week. And to be quite honest, it’s one of the two biggest days in a year for a cattle producer. The other biggest day is sale day. On sale day, you hold your breath and your stomach is queasy thinking about how your calves will sell. What kind of profit … [Read more...] about The Importance of Preg Checking Cows
Achieving The Next Step Forward
Getting started as first generational producers takes a self-drive for success, persistence, and looking for opportunity. In many cases, when you sign up for a project, you sign up for the entirety of the project. There’s no one else to complete the labor. There’s no one else to tend to the animals. It’s you. You’re the group leader for every aspect. If you’re 22 and have little to no life experience, you’re still the group leader. You signed up. You also don’t have the luxury of working an 8-5 … [Read more...] about Achieving The Next Step Forward