Heat stress costs cattle producers roughly $350 million annually. A majority of those losses are concentrated in the feedlot sector of the beef complex, as heavier cattle in confinement are at a much higher risk of heat stress. However, cow-calf producers should still be acutely aware of the negative performance implications caused by heat stress. Outlined below are a couple of examples that I think drive home how heat stress hits your bottom line.
Spring calving has either just begun or is quickly approaching for beef cattle producers across North America. This is equal parts excitement and stress. Learn what you can do to set your cows up for success this calving season.
In my opinion, one of the most underutilized tools in the cow-calf sector is taking forage samples. Having these samples is one of the most useful assets when putting together a strategy for winter-feeding, which can account for up to 30% of a cattle operation’s yearly costs.
There is an endless amount of variation in the cattle business. Currently, in the United States and Canada, some regions are experiencing severe drought, while other areas are abnormally wet.
