Beef News
Planning for Drought: Practical Tips for Cow-Calf Producers
Utah cow-calf producers face ongoing drought risk. Learn practical strategies for grazing management, herd decisions, and drought preparedness.
Bull Selection: Is Hybrid Vigor Alive and Well?
Research-based insights on bull selection, heterosis, and crossbreeding systems to improve beef herd productivity and profitability.
How Cow-Calf Producers Should Prepare for 2026
What do record 2025 calf prices mean for 2026? Explore cost management and planning strategies for cow-calf producers.
Much To Be Thankful For
A reflection of the last year in the beef industry.
Conservation Through Collaboration: A New Era for Ranchers, Hunters, and Wildlife Agencies
The cool fall air is a welcome respite after the drought and fires of summer. With the turning fall foliage to red and gold, also comes blaze orange. The fall hunts may be a welcome sight for some, but not for others
New Study Confirms Animal Protein Is Part of a Healthy Diet
A new study is challenging previously held misconceptions about the relationship between animal protein and health.
Fall Nutrition
With the coming of September, I have been asked recently about the best approach to put weight on thin cows. Although the specific application may vary across the state, two principles apply everywhere:
Going Old School: Ranchers, Researchers Convene for USU Ranch Management Academy
Just a few days before the official start of fall semester, a group of new students filled seats in a classroom at USU—though with significant experience already under their silver-buckled belts.
Weaning Already
August is upon us, and fall is right around the corner. It's not too early to start thinking about weaning calves. Whether you are planning a normal weaning schedule or drought is forcing you to consider weaning a little early, a good plan with even bet
Still Looking for Replacement Heifers
The July Cattle on Feed (COF) report findings included:
How Long is Too Long
What is the cow worth that was bred on the first day of the breeding season, as opposed to the cow that was bred much later? Additionally, how long should that breeding season be? I realize that some of you don’t have the option to pull bulls off the ra
Warming a Calf
Calves born in cold weather are at risk of hypothermia, which can range from mild to severe and requires prompt warming and care. This guide from Utah State University Extension outlines how to recognize symptoms and safely rewarm chilled calves to ensure...
Water: Your Most Critical Resource
It is easy to take water for granted, but poor water quality and/or availability can adversely affect cattle health and productivity. Water makes up 70% of an animal’s body weight and is essential in digestion, nutrient transport, and temperature regula
Tube-Feeding a Calf
This fact sheet outlines when and how to tube-feed a calf that is unable to nurse, covering the importance of timely colostrum delivery, types of feeding tubes, and detailed step-by-step instructions for safe and effective tube placement and feeding. It a...
Income Diversity
The word “diversity” has taken a beating in political circles lately, but I would like to address that word from a different perspective. Let’s talk about the diversity of your revenue stream. How diverse is your income stream at the ranch?
Drought
Certainly, drought is a fact of life in Utah, but that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Spring rains can make big a difference, so all is not lost, but it is time to start thinking about your options if you are in one of the many dry areas of the...
Drovers Magazine: Vence: Innovative Grazing Solutions Post-Wildfire
Virtual fencing allows grazing to continue after wildfire rips through rancher’s BLM allotment.
Don't Forget About Mom
The message is clear. Get and keep your heifers in BCS 5 or greater to maximize their opportunity to breed back. In a day when heifers are worth $3,000 each and her calf will easily bring back over $1,600, you can’t afford to drop the ball now.
It’s That Time of Year Again
As the calendar turns to February, many ranchers in Utah turn their thoughts and actions to calving. There is excitement and optimism as the new calves hit the ground, and at the same time, the pressure is on to ensure the best start for this year’s cro
Most Passive Immunity Occurs in the First Six Hours
Resistance to disease is greatly dependent on antibodies or immunoglobulins. Passive immunity gives temporary protection by transfer of certain immune substances from resistant individuals.
Empowering ranchers through easier calving- General Dystocia
A demonstration of common calving problems, how to assess the cause of dystocia, when and how to intervene, and when to call a veterinarian for assistance. Dr. Katie Rein, owner of Crazy Mountain Veterinary Services, shows how to properly attach obstetric...
Empowering ranchers through easier calving- Prolapse
Using a uterus obtained from a local packing plant, Dr. Katie Rein, owner of Crazy Mountain Veterinary Services, shows how to clean and replace a prolapse in Stella. She provides tips on making this challenging job easier on both the cow and the cow’s han...
Empowering ranchers through easier calving- Breech
Dr. Katie Rein, owner of Crazy Mountain Veterinary Services, uses Stella the cow to show how to administer epidural anesthetics prior to delivering a breech calf. She demonstrates why it’s important to push the calf forward while pulling the feet back thr...
What is a WASDE and Why Should I Care?
The USDA releases a report on the second Friday of each month, known as the WASDE Report. WASDE stands for World Agricultural Supply Demand Estimates. The WASDE provides a production forecast and expected usage of several ag commodities, including grain
Updated Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Manual.
This information is free and can be downloaded by clicking here. BQA has provided science-based production information to assist cattle producers at every stage of production to improve efficiency, enhance natural resources and produce a flavorful, nutri...
A Time of Reckoning
Explore the crucial steps and strategies for successful cow/calf production as Utah ranchers prepare for fall and reflect on the year's outcomes.
Money in the Bank
Discover how current market conditions are creating unprecedented profitability for cow/calf producers, driven by low U.S. cow numbers, steady beef demand, and the beneficial impacts of low corn prices on feed costs.


























