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'First Things First' When Purchasing Stocker Calves this Fall by Evan Whitley 4 ratings:
	I want to stress the importance of calculating a breakeven because this practice is far too often overlooked. What this article does pertain to is a very important component of assessing margin, especially for stocker cattle producers.

A Bunch of Bull by Shan Ingram
	A common thread among cow-calf producers is that they need bulls. This may be the most critical decision made by cow/calf producers. How do you make this decision? I'll share with you some of the steps I use when making the bull purchase decision.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way in Buying the "Right" Bull by Evan Whitley
	Purchasing the "right" bull can be simple – if you make a plan before the sale and stick to it once you're there.

Adding value to the calf crop by Clay Wright 7 ratings:
	To many producers, adding value means implementing management practices to maximize the price received for their calves on sale day. Some practices simply avoid discounts: dehorning; castration; breeding-in adequate frame and muscling; and managing away from extremes of body condition at sale time.

Ag Division's Research and Demonstration Projects Support Consulting by Billy Cook
	While demonstration will continue to be a meaningful portion of our effort, the primary area of emphasis will be to design, implement, analyze and report results for research projects primarily originating from issues the Ag Division consultants encounter while working with cooperators.

An Ounce of Prevention May Lead to More Pounds of Live Calves From Heifers by Billy Cook
	With the current price of replacement cattle, we must maximize the number of heifers that become productive cows. What part does nutrition play in the birth of healthy calves?

And Now ... The Top Ten Winter Stocker Management Tips by Ryan Reuter 5 ratings:
	These hints can help stocker operators have a more productive winter.

Answer Key Questions Before Choosing a Water Pump System by David Annis
	Every water pumping option has good and bad attributes. It will depend on your goals and requirements as to which system is the best. Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a system.

Are Flies Bugging Your Cattle? by Robert Wells 12 ratings:
	Flies will be abundant by the time this article hits your mailbox. I already have noticed a large number of flies on livestock. If you have not already started a fly control program for this year, you are probably already behind the curve.

Are You 'Chasing the Silver Bullet'? by Ryan Reuter
	"Chasing the silver bullet" is probably the most common mistake made by professional stocker producers.

Artificial Insemination Can Work for Commercial Producers by Kyle Stutts 4 ratings:
	Artificial insemination is one of the most effective tools available to enhance the productivity and profitability of beef cattle production systems. Even though this tool has been commercially available for more than 65 years, it is still dramatically underused in today's beef herds.

Beef Quality Assurance by Bryce Moore and Billy Cook
	Guidelines to help producers implement beef quality assurance methods.

Beef Quality Assurance Programs Benefit Producers, Consumers by Evan Whitley
	BQA is a program that is nationally sponsored by the National Cattleman's Beef Association (NCBA). The program's mission is "& to maximize consumer confidence in and acceptance of beef by focusing the industry's attention on beef quality assurance through the use of science, research and educational initiatives."

BEEF. What does this mean to you? by Shan Ingram
	If we reflect back fifty or more years, what did the term beef mean to most of the consuming public? Since I wasn't born, it's hard for me to know; however, I think beef was thought of as the premium red meat.

Bred Heifer Mythology by Shan Ingram 6 ratings:
	Most cow-calf producers believe three myths associated with the development of heifers into cows. I will discuss them briefly in this article.

Cattle Identification: What Will the Future Hold? by Billy Cook
	There is probably not a question as to if the United States will have a national identification system, but more of a question of when and how a national identification system will be implemented.

Cattle Management Practices for Difficult Times by Evan Whitley 9 ratings:
	I can't remember a time when the grass has been as green, the cows have been as fat, ponds have been as full, and producers have been as worried about their future and the future of agriculture as a whole. The really frustrating part about the predicament we find in mid-2008 is that so many of the contributing factors are beyond our control. Seemingly, the only silver lining is that calf prices have stabilized and are staying relatively strong.

Cattle Processing Information Form by Ryan Reuter
	This form is for cattle producers involved in beef quality assurance. Includes form fields for animal condition, serial numbers, injections received and other data.

Composite Breeds and Composite Crossbreeding by John Winder
	Though the idea behind composite breeding systems has been around for decades, only recently has the practice attracted interest within the beef industry. The reason for this interest is simple. Composite crossbreeding is a functional, lowmanagement alternative to traditional crossbreeding techniques.

Cow-Calf Operators and Retained Ownership by Jim Pumphrey
	The Agriculture Division has initiated a pilot program this fall to offer retained ownership to some of our small producers. Each consultation team has selected various cooperators to furnish between 5 and 25 head of fall weaned calves to be part of this pilot program.

Creep Feeding Before Weaning by Clay Wright 5 ratings:
	Historically, feeder calf prices decline as weight increases. That relationship of price to weight still exists, but it has narrowed considerably due to the high price of corn and feedlot cost of gain. Feedlots and the market are telling us to make calves heavier at home before selling them as feeder calves.

Creep Grazing Accesses in Electric Fences by R.L. Dalrymple
	Most of our rotational grazings employ one wire, high powered, low impedance, electric fences. This report is on the various creep grazing accesses we have tried with these fences and management of the creep grazing technique.

Critical Thinking by John Winder
	Critical thinking requires discipline. You must learn to resist peer pressure and salesmanship, learn to ask questions and gather information, and develop relationships with people who can help you evaluate your options.

Culling Without the Bells and Whistles by Clay Wright
	Culling is the process of removing cows that no longer have a place in an operation. What criteria should the rancher use in making culling decisions?

Decisions During a Drought by Shan Ingram
	Mistakes are commonly made when producers face a drough, we've outlined some helpful hints.

Develop Replacement Heifers by John Winder
	By now, most managers of spring-calving herds have selected their replacements. Ideally, about 50% more heifers should have been selected at weaning time than will be needed as replacements.

Developing Heifers - Keys to Success by Shan Ingram
	Often times cow-calf producers have a difficult time incorporating replacement heifers into the cow herd with a high degree of success.

Developing Heifers Properly is Key to a Productive Cow Herd by Kyle Stutts
	Due to current high cattle prices, many producers have intentions of retaining and developing heifers from their spring calf crop. Before undertaking this endeavor, consult an economist, or pencil it out yourself to determine the economic feasibility of raising your own replacement heifers.

Drought in 2006 Leaves Challenges for 2007 Calving by Clay Wright
	Low body condition scores (BCS) brought on by the 2006 drought have left an ongoing challenge for cattle production. Low BCS may bring conception difficulties for spring-calving herds.

Drought-Induced Poisonings are Dangerous to Livestock by Clay Wright
	Cattle producers should be on the watch for nitrate and prussic acid poisoning during drought conditions.

Early Weaning is an Option by John Wheeler
	Above-average temperatures and low soil moisture have once again forced us to think about some drought management practices. Early weaning is one way to reduce the nutritional requirements of your cow herd and ultimately improve reproductive efficiency.

EPD Basics: What They Are and How to Use Them by Evan Whitley
	Expected progeny differences (EPDs) are one of the most useful tools cow-calf producers have at their disposal, but they must understand what they are and how to correctly use them.

Everyone Needs a View From the "Cheap Seats" by Evan Whitley
	It is my contention that sometimes we need that broader perspective that only can be obtained by sitting in the "cheap" seats that are positioned a little farther away from the action.

Feeding, Culling Are Main Drought Considerations by Billy Cook
	When you live in Oklahoma or Texas, drought management should never be far from your mind.

Fence-Line Weaning: What's All the Hype? by Evan Whitley and Kent Shankles
	Recently, the opportunity arose to conduct a demonstration comparing calves that were weaned across from their dams (fence-line) to those that were completely removed from their dams and drylotted during the weaning process (traditional).

Floating Electric Fence for Livestock Water Access at a Fenced Pond by Mike Porter
	Diagram of a floating livestock water access point in a pond.

Floating Polyethylene Pipe for Livestock Water Access at a Fenced Pond by Mike Porter
	Diagram of a polyethylene pipe floating livestock water access point.

Fly Control is a Must by Clay Wright
	Flies cost the livestock industry hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

From the Farm: April, 2001 by Russ Gentry
	Costs of treating sick cattle have always been a concern for producers. At the Noble Foundation Pasture Demonstration Farm, we have been using a relatively new implant device from Ballistic Technologies that can shoot an antibiotic bullet into cattle from fifty feet away.

From the Farm: June, 2001 by Russ Gentry
	Warm weather brings insects and the need to control them on the farm. We have come up with two portable cattle rubs that are effective.

From the Farm: March, 2002 by Russ Gentry
	Hot wire is a farm and ranch management tool that can be used to solve recurring problems such as water gaps or high travel areas.

From the Farm: October, 2001 by Russ Gentry
	Bulk feed purchases can help ranchers keep production costs down. This article examines three bulk feed delivery systems used on Noble Foundation farms.

Get Bull Management Problems Under Control by John Winder
	We often think about the bull as the means of introducing new genetics into a beef herd. However, management of the bull (or lack of it) after purchase is often the "Achilles Heel" of cattle production. Failure to pay attention to important management practices affecting the bull often results in reduced calving rates, increased calf mortality, and loss of uniformity and marketability.

Getting the Most From Your Heifers by Clay Wright 7 ratings:
	Many livestock producers reduced cow numbers in 2006 because of the drought and were hesitant to restock early in 2007. The abundant rainfall last summer, however, cleansed memories and renewed optimism, and we began to add back numbers later in the year in the form of heifers.

Goats and Weed Control by Jim Johnson and Robert Wells 10 ratings:
	With costs on the rise, many landowners are seeking less expensive alternatives to mechanical or chemical weed control in pastures. One natural method to achieve this goal is to stock goats to consume unwanted brush and weeds.

Good Hay - A Good Deal This Winter by Deke Alkire 9 ratings:
	High feed prices have many cattlemen concerned about what to feed this winter. Many think that hay is overpriced and all supplements are too expensive to feed. If this is your situation, now is the time to develop a least-cost winter feeding program.

Graduate Student Program at the Noble Foundation by Evan Whitley and Dan Childs
	Graduate students are able to closely interact with both Noble Foundation personnel and producers working with our consultation teams. Their research is dedicated to addressing production, economic or quality-of-life issues that are vital to our mission.

Great Resources Available on the Web by Ryan Reuter
	The Internet is a tremendous source of information about nearly anything – this is a review of some of the Foundation's, and others', best sites.

Have You Learned the Lessons of the 2006 Drought? by Clay Wright
	The bottom line in this and every drought is to protect the forage resource and maintain the productivity of the cow herd. We can never cheat the basics. Many costly lessons are being learned during this drought.

Hay Quality After Rainfall by Clay Wright 18 ratings:
	Haying has been a real challenge with the frequent rains we've experienced. The consensus among the Agricultural Division's consulting teams is that most of the hay put up so far this summer has had at least one rain fall on it before baling.

Hay! How Can You Save Money? by Billy Cook
	Hay costs can be a significant expense in cow-calf operations. Management practices can help you maximize your hay dollar.

Herd Health: More Than a Vaccination Program by Clay Wright
	A herd-wide health program for all classes of animals is essential for at least two reasons: first, only healthy animals can perform at their genetic potential; second, every producer is responsible for doing his or her part in generating a safe, wholesome, quality commodity for the eventual consumer.

Heterosis... Hype or Legit? by Robert Wells
	Now, it seems every publication you read or every expert you hear is talking about heterosis. So, you ask, "What's this fancy word 'heterosis,' and can I capitalize on it in my herd?" Well, simply put, heterosis is hybrid vigor.

Hierarchy of Nutrient Use by Beef Cattle by Clay Wright
	Each class of beef cattle has defined nutritional needs and uses the total nutrients consumed each day in a certain order of priority.

How Big is a Scoop? by Ryan Reuter
	Because "scoop" is a relatively ambiguous term, it is critical to know how big your scoop is when feeding horses.

How Does Your Herd Measure Up? by Billy Cook
	Evaluating a cowherd's performance calls for more than weaning weight numbers – this article can help producers tally other numbers to keep in mind and also gives national averages to compare against.

How Many Open Cows Will You Feed This Winter? by Kyle Stutts
	With the end of the spring breeding season coming to a close, it's time to start planning the next step for the cows in your herd – pregnancy evaluation. Pregnancy evaluation in cattle is an important and valuable management tool. Checking the pregnancy status of your cow herd allows you to make timely culling decisions and focus your resources on the sound, reliable breeders in the herd.

How Will Cold Fronts Affect Your Cowherd's Energy Requirements? by Clay Wright
	In winter, keeping warm is the largest part of a cow's maintenance requirement, and her energy needs in the face of a cold weather event depend on wind chill and if the front is wet or dry.

Implants and Implant Strategies by Clay Wright
	Research has repeatedly proven the benefits of implanting cattle. Generally, a low-potency implant administered to suckling calves at first working (about four months of age) will increase weaning weights by 7.5-10 percent.

Improving Fertility of the Cow Herd by John Winder
	Improving reproductive efficiency is not an easy task, but I cannot imagine any other area where financial rewards are greater. There is an old saying that goes something like, "A dead calf has a very poor growth rate." I think that we can extend this concept to an "un"-conceived or unborn calf.

In the Grip of Drought, Producers Turn to By-Product Feeds by Evan Whitley
	Lack of rain has caused cattle producers to scramble for any means possible just to hold on to their cattle. If we are trying to stay positive, then one good thing that has come out of all this is we have had to stretch conventional thought paradigms and incorporate some pretty unorthodox thinking. An example of this revolves around supplementing alternative feedstuffs to mature cows.

Information Key in Designing Supplemental Feeding Program by Evan Whitley
	Lack of forage (quantity and quality) is the cause of many cattle being in less-than-desirable body condition going into the winter - the next few months are going to be critical, regardless of whether your cows calve in the fall or spring, due to bull turn-out and calving season rapidly approaching.

Interesting Times for Cattle Economics by Robert Wells 9 ratings:
	There is an old Chinese curse that says, "May you live in interesting times." The current era in the livestock industry is about as interesting as most of us can stand. I believe we are in the midst of a paradigm shift. The cattle industry of tomorrow will almost certainly look different than it has in recent years.

Introduction of the eCattleLog by Shan Ingram
	The popular CattleLog publication has gone online.

Invest Time in Buying Good Hay by Ryan Reuter
	There are many advantages to buying hay, but one of the drawbacks is finding hay that meets your expectations of quality — here are a few hints to assure that the hay you buy is a good value.

Is It Time to 'Ramp Up' Your Cattle Management? by Clay Wright
	These recommendations help commercial cow-calf producers make better decisions internally and produce a more consistent, desirable product.

It's Time to Consider Winter Feeding Strategies by Robert Wells
	The National Drought Monitor Web site indicates the area is in either extreme or exceptional drought. As if not having adequate good-quality water for cow herds isn't bad enough, there is little to no available standing forage going into winter at a time of record-high hay prices.

It's Time to Develop a Hay Feeding Strategy by Kyle Stutts
	Nutrition, namely hay and concentrate feed, accounts for about 40 percent of operating costs in a cow-calf production system. This fact causes some producers to try to cut cost of production by cutting corners in the area of the nutrition program. It doesn't take long to figure out you don't want to skimp on nutrition; however, you can be more efficient if you put together a strategy for feeding hay this winter.

Knowledge Is Key by Evan Whitley
	Beef cooperatives and alliances have the power to make the producer a knowledge-based price negotiator in the market.

Learn Livestock's 'Hierarchy of Nutrient Use' by Clay Wright
	We get a lot of calls this time of year about winter cow nutrition and body condition. Cow body condition is a relative term used to describe the level of fatness or fleshiness. Some of the pieces of the puzzle vary with the class, but the basics don't vary and the mystery is not very deep.

Liquid Supplements by Clay Wright
	Tips for the successful use of liquid supplements.

Livestock Industry's Biosecurity is Everyone's Responsibility by Clay Wright
	The livestock industry's biosecurity is not the sole responsibility of the federal and state governments – all entities related to animal agriculture must be educated on disease prevention, identification, treatment and containment.

Livestock Water Access Point in Pond Fence by Mike Porter
	Diagram of a pond fence with a livestock water access point.

Make the Upcoming National ID System Work for You by Ryan Reuter
	Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that a national animal identification system is coming in the near future. There are several issues to think about related to a national ID system.

Management "Tune-Up" Tips by Shan Ingram
	Fall is the time of year that we see a lot of activity when it comes to cattle movements and management. Calves are weaned and/or sold, but they usually find a new home that doesn't include "Momma." Perhaps it is prudent to review some management factors related to this change.

Managing Shrink by Nicole Sowinski
	Shrink is most often measured from the time an animal leaves its origin until the animal is weighed at its destination and is usually the result of time off feed and water and the stress of handling and hauling. Temperature extremes, weather changes, changing environment, feed changes, and even the animal's disposition effect shrink.

Managing Stress by John Winder
	Stress comes in many forms including weather (rain, snow and wind), weaning, processing and shipment. Though some stress may be necessary for the production and marketing of cattle, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the impact on the animal.

Managing Your Marketing Decisions by Tonya Amen
	With weaning time fast approaching, the question becomes how to maximize income from the calves you have produced. Consider adding value to calves through pre- and postweaning management, as well as possible marketing alternatives.

Milk...It's What's for Dinner by Clay Wright
	A calf will always prefer its mother's milk first and will consume all she produces each day. Creep feeding won't help the cow, but it still can be an option for some producers.

Mind Your Own Business by Clay Wright
	Cow-calf production is a business. Continued success depends on sound business decisions based on accurate and appropriate information.

Mineral Supplementation Can Affect Beef Cattle Performance by Deke Alkire 11 ratings:
	The value of mineral supplementation is either discounted or overlooked by many beef cattle producers. Mineral supplements make up a small part of the total diet, but can play a big role in the overall performance of beef cattle.

Minimize Calving Difficulty by Knowing What to Look For by Clay Wright
	Anyone who's been through even one calving season has most likely dealt with calving difficulty.

Mother of the Year by Ryan Reuter
	Consider using some form of a crossbred cow in your operation. No single breed excels in all aspects of beef production.

NAIS Premises IDs Now Available by Clay Wright
	The livestock industry has been and is still moving toward the National Animal Identification System, or NAIS – here's an update on the current status.

National Animal Identification System Will Be Voluntary by Evan Whitley
	If you are a beef producer or have ties to the beef industry, I bet you can remember where you were when bovine spongiform encephalopathy officially was discovered in the United States. The exact date was Dec. 23, 2003.

NBQA Goals Hit Close to Home by Evan Whitley
	Significant progress has been made since the first National Beef Quality Audits, but a review of the 12 current NBQA goals shows that the industry can do more.

Necropsy is a Valuable Tool in Disease Management by Clay Wright
	When an animal dies, the most useful and inclusive diagnostic tool available to livestock producers is the necropsy – a post-mortem examination performed by an experienced veterinarian.

Nitrate Poisoning by John Winder
	By now, we are all very aware of the effect of drought on available forage and hay in the southwest. There are other hidden effects that may not be felt until next winter. One of these is increased risk of nitrate poisoning.

Noble Foundation Is Investing in the Future by Evan Whitley
	Noble Foundation internships are providing career-enhancing opportunities for students and valuable information for agricultural producers.

Nutritional Management: A Tale of Two Seasons by Evan Whitley
	Advantages of a controlled calving season include more uniform nutrition for the cow herd and less need for supplementation.

Oklahoma Green Gold by Ryan Reuter
	Oklahoma State University researchers have developed Oklahoma Green Gold – a new supplementation strategy for stockers on cool-season annual pasture.

Opportunity from Adversity by Clay Wright
	Hard times are a regular part of agriculture: drought, market lows, ever-increasing input costs, etc. Those who survive periods of extreme adversity adapt and emerge more knowledgeable, progressive, and committed.

Optimize Nutrition with Forage Reserves, Supplementation by Evan Whitley 8 ratings:
	Most climatologists say that 2007 is a wet year during an extended drought. Let's hope they're wrong, but what if they're not? How do we fully capitalize on our good fortune this year? One way is to optimally utilize forage reserves with a complementary supplemental feeding program.

Plan Replacement Female Purchases by Clay Wright
	For many different reasons, producers often purchase rather than raise their replacement females.

Plan Your Breeding Season to Achieve Greater Profitability by Robert Wells 9 ratings:
	Everything we do throughout the year has an impact on a ranch's overall profitability. One thing that directly impacts the bottom line is the time of year that your calves are born. An annual plan should be in place well before bull turnout time.

Preparing for Animal Emergencies by Robert Wells 3 ratings:
	Assembling a good first aid kit in advance of a situation can be the difference between a minor or major emergency. It really doesn't matter if you are designing a kit for horses or cattle - the basics are still the same.

Preparing Livestock for Winter by Clay Wright 10 ratings:
	We have a tendency to balance winter rations for cows in two phases: non-lactating, in the middle third of pregnancy (dry); and then post-calving, in peak lactation (wet). Using nutritional requirements for the average weight of the cow herd, it's simple to come up with two feeding regimes; one for before calving and one for after calving.

Prevention Should be Primary Focus with Calf Scours by Clay Wright
	Calf scours is one of the most frustrating experiences in a cow calf operation.

Prioritize This Spring by Evan Whitley
	Reproduction is the most important concept that profit-driven producers should keep in mind when designing herd health and nutrition programs.

Rain Effects on Hay by James Rogers and Robert Wells 8 ratings:
	Weather has created challenges for hay production in both 2006 and 2007. Last year, in 2006, little hay was put up on the southern plains because of drought. The first half of this year brought abundant rainfall, with June being one of the wettest months on record in many parts of Oklahoma and Texas, but these wet conditions create new challenges that we should be aware of as either producers or consumers of hay.

Ranchers Can Manage Calving Seasons by Ryan Reuter
	When cows have calves has a tremendous influence on the profitability of a cattle operation.

Rapid Receiving and Pasturing of Stocker Cattle: Stress Control and Veterinary Practices by R.L. Dalrymple 4 ratings:
	Seven years of research with the primary emphasis on buying, receiving, and early pasturing of stockers for a month.

Re-stocking Considerations by Clay Wright
	Now, it looks like an early spring, and right or wrong, many producers are beginning to think about rebuilding their cowherds. If you are one, it's none too early. There are many things to consider.

Replacement Heifer Management by Billy Cook
	An effective replacement heifer development program requires more time, labor, and resources than does the mature cow herd. However, if managed efficiently, heifer development can be profitable.

Replacements Key to 'Smart' Restocking by Clay Wright
	Since ranchers are traditionally optimistic, we now are thinking about restocking before the next growing season. Buying replacements that maintain or increase herd uniformity should be a primary focus of this effort.

Rethinking Nitrate and Prussic Acid "Quick" Tests by Clay Wright
	Nitrate and prussic acid quick tests are not meant to be quantitative. At best, a quick test only indicates whether or not potentially dangerous levels of accumulation might exist in a sample.

Review Pasture, Corral Handling Basics by Ryan Reuter
	Keep these tips in mind when handling cattle in the pasture and corrals.

Sale Barn Surveys Show Trends in Premiums, Discounts by Ryan Reuter
	Three sale barn surveys conducted by the Extension service in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas have attempted to determine the premiums and discounts received by feeder calves with various characteristics – and while the absolute numbers vary somewhat, trends are evident.

Selected Oklahoma Livestock Auctions by Paul Joerger
	A directory is designed to help farmers and ranchers find a livestock auction that meets their needs.

Selecting the "Right" Bull by Billy Cook
	Selecting the "right" bull can potentially contribute more to the genetic improvement and profitability of a cow-calf operation than any other management practice.

Shrink Can be Managed by Steve Swigert
	Many factors are involved in weight loss, or "shrink," of cattle during the marketing process. Shrink is the difference between the animal's body weight prior to sale handling and the actual sale weight.

Some Thoughts on Selecting the Cow Herd by Billy Cook
	When making selection decisions in the cow herd, producers should not forget the simple concept of relative economic value. Reproductive traits are considered ten times more important than product traits and five times more important than production traits.

Source and Age Verification Can Add Value to Calves by Kyle Stutts
	Participation in a USDA-approved QSA or PVP is strictly voluntary, but it does provide the opportunity to add value to your calves - producers should review the available programs‚ procedures/guidelines and determine which program is best for them.

Spring Calving Cows Nutritional Needs by Clay Wright
	A spring calving cow experiences two periods of increased nutritional need which are significant and must be accommodated or her performance for the rest of the year can be negatively affected. One of these periods, of course, is at calving.

Spring Clean Your Breeding Program by Evan Whitley
	Spring is in the air, and hopefully green-up on native and introduced pasture is occurring and your winter forage is adequate until summer pastures are ready to graze. However, there are a few spring-cleaning issues that you may want to consider for your livestock operation.

Start at the Beginning ... Conception by Clay Wright
	Regardless of how well you manage the herd during calving, suckling phase, weaning process, or beyond, conception rate is the primary factor in a successful cow/calf enterprise.

Summer reminders by Shan Ingram
	Summer is here! I don't think that's news to anyone but perhaps we need a reminder about some things that go along with summer.

Supplemental Fat May Help Cows Rebreed by Ryan Reuter
	Adding fat to the diet of a cow before calving and/or before breeding can have some substantial benefits.

Supplemental Feeding by Clay Wright
	Supplemental Feeding is simply supplying nutrients that are lacking in an animal's primary diet.

Surviving Drought-High Feed Costs and Low Cattle Prices by Clay Wright
	The basic management principles that enable us to survive bad times are the same as those that enable us to thrive in the good times.

Take Care of Your Heifers and They Will Take Care of You by Robert Wells 9 ratings:
	About the end of every year, beef producers have sold the last calf crop and have a few weeks or months of relative calm before calving season starts. It is easy to become complacent about the cow herd and the replacement heifers, but if you don't take care of them now, they will not be able to take care of you in the future.

Take Steps to Solve Bull Management Problems by Ryan Reuter
	A bull is kept around for one thing – to sire calves. But for many producers, bulls also cause problems.

Texas' New Cattle TB Status Affects Regulations by Billy Cook
	The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) recently changed Texas' status concerning cattle tuberculosis. People who own cattle in Texas or routinely purchase or sell cattle in Texas need to be aware of the current information on the changes.

The Concept of Entropy by John Winder
	I first heard about entropy in a freshman chemistry class. The professor explained how all things tend to move toward disorder unless energy is exerted to re-establish order. At the time, I thought this concept was interesting but of no real practical value. I have since come to realize that I was very wrong.

The Importance of Monitoring Livestock Water Quality by Deke Alkire 6 ratings:
	Rains in early 2008 have resulted in green pastures and full ponds for many cattle producers. This could ease your worries about water supplies for the summer, but will you have enough good quality water to get through the year?

The Importance of the Breeding Soundness Exam by Evan Whitley 5 ratings:
	Cattle producers should seriously consider getting a breeding soundness exam. Before you jump to conclusions, let me explain!

The New U.S. Beef Consumer by Billy Cook
	Beef producers are aware of the increase in beef demand last year. U.S. consumers have changed significantly in the past decade, and beef is playing an increasingly important role in their meal selections.

The Noble Foundation Retained Ownership Program by John Winder
	The program was initiated in November as a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a multi-owner system. The program was designed to include both wheat pasture and feedlot phases.

The Noble Line Cattle Breeding Project 1999 Report by John Winder
	Outlines an aggressive breeding program to help producers, emphasizing the benefits of crossbreeding to maintain single uniform breed type.

The Spring Breeding Season is Fast Approaching by Jim Pumphrey
	Bulls should be evaluated for breeding soundness at least 30 days before the breeding season. This will give you time to buy a replacement(s) if you have a bull(s) of questionable breeding ability.

The Year 2000 by Shan Ingram
	Cow numbers peaked or were near their peak in 1975. Since that time, they have had an average annual decline of about 1 percent and a total decline of about 26 percent, but beef production (pounds on the market) has remained about the same. How has this happened?

There's Power in Information - Use it to Your Advantage by Evan Whitley
	There is a difference between keeping information and using information. I have witnessed very few producers actually using the information they have kept to make management decisions.

These Cow Feeding Tips Could Help Save Money by Billy Cook
	Feeding tips to reduce labor, reduce feed costs or increase cow response to supplemental feeding.

Thin is not "In" by Clay Wright
	If your females have too much body condition to make up before the breeding season, there are some practices you may want to consider.

This is Why They Call it a Season! by Kyle Stutts
	Webster's dictionary defines season as "a period of the year characterized by or associated with a particular activity or phenomenon." Note that the definition says "period of the year," not all year.

Thoughts for the Spring Breeding Season by Billy Cook
	Some advantages of using a controlled breeding season.

Times and People Change: A New Approach to Herd Selection by Clay Wright
	In my early years, I tried to put new cooperators' commercial cow/calf enterprises on a long-term program of genetic improvement. That's how I was trained. Such a plan usually includes identifying current animal performance levels, defining desired genetic goals, and changing management to achieve those goals. It requires measuring appropriate performance traits in the herd to determine which need to be changed and which do not. Only then can the correct replacement heifers and bulls be selected to move the herd toward its genetic optimum.

Tips for Stockers and Replacements Heifer Development by Jim Pumphrey
	Around the middle of July forage quality generally declines. When this happens, the performance of stocker cattle and/or developing heifers grazing those forages will also decline.

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Make Calving Season Easier by Robert Wells
	For cattlemen, spring means calving season is approaching. For some, this time of the year is just another day at the office, because they have taken the necessary steps to ensure as few problems as possible. For others, this article might help reduce some potential problems.

Trade Show Highlights New Electronic Identification (EID) Developments by Billy Cook
	The National Cattleman's Beef Associaition convention offers what may be the premier tradeshow associated with the cattle industry. One of the things that really caught my attention was the number of companies offering various means of cattle identification and information management.

Understanding and Interpreting Noble Foundation Forage Tests by Ryan Reuter
	Information on interpreting the results of Noble Foundation forage tests and applying them on your operation.

Understanding and Preventing Aflatoxin Poisoning by Jeff Ball
	Heat and drought encourage growth of the fungi that produce aflatoxins. Learn what this poison does to livestock and what levels are acceptable in feed.

Update: Ag Division Livestock Research and Demonstration Projects by Billy Cook
	I want to take this opportunity to provide a brief update on some of the research and demonstration projects that are ongoing in the Agricultural Division – there are currently 55 projects underway.

Using a Whole Corn-Based Diet to Maintain Cows by John Winder
	Before initiating a corn-based feeding program carefully consider management requirements. Some of major concerns are discussed in this article.

Using Goats for Vegetation Management by Brian Bull 3 ratings:
	Many cattle producers spend a large amount of money each year to control undesired plants. Enter goats.

Using the e-CattleLog by Shan Ingram
	The Noble Foundation's free listing service for cattle and cattle-related services has a new look and a new category hay for sale.

Vaccine Handling by Ryan Reuter
	There is much more to achieving a protective immune response from a vaccine administration than just poking a needle in a calf.

Watch Your Bulls During the Breeding Season by Clay Wright
	Bulls need to be managed all year, but especially during the breeding season. Don't turn them out and forget them.

Water Availability and Distribution for Livestock by Charles Griffith
	A water deficiency reduces animal performance, such as milk production, more quickly and severely than feed or mineral deficiency. Both quantity and quality of water are important.

Water is the Most Important Nutrient by Ryan Reuter
	Nutritionists and producers alike often take for granted the most important nutrient, the one required in the greatest amount by any class of livestock – water.

Water Points in Rotational Stocking: Pt 1 of 3 by R.L. Dalrymple
	The intent of this article is to discuss various management considerations of water points for beef cattle in a multi-paddock rotational stocking unit.

Water Quality for Livestock by Charles Griffith
	A safe water supply is essential for healthy livestock and poultry. Contaminated water can affect growth, reproduction, and productivity of animals as well as safety of animal products for human consumption.

What Should You Feed Your Cows This Winter? by Evan Whitley
	For a few obvious (and some not so obvious) reasons, this same question gets asked frequently. As with most questions involving agriculture, the answer is "it depends" – and it primarily depends upon the following key areas: Product Specifics, Availability and Price.

What We are Learning from the Retained Ownership Program by John Winder
	If market pressures remain the same, our information suggests that it is much more beneficial for producers to strive to improve growth rate than carcass measurements.

What's a Good Bull Really Worth? by John Wheeler
	Because 80 percent of herd improvement is directly attributable to bull selection, determining what you can pay for a bull depends on more than finding the lowest price.

When Considering A.I., Be Prepared by Billy Cook
	These tips will help you be better prepared in the future if you elect to use A.I. in your cattle operation.

When does Making Hay become Feeding Hay? by Evan Whitley
	Sometimes the mindsets behind making and feeding hay are as different as night and day – so before making and feeding hay can be considered synonymous, factors like nutritive value and storage have to be kept in mind by buyers and sellers.

When It's Hot It's Hot and When It's Not, It's Still Hot! by Clay Wright
	Heat is generated inside cattle as energy and is released during digestion due to "burning" at the cellular level through exertion and normal bodily functions.

When Opportunity Knocks, What Will You Do? by Evan Whitley
	Producers should consider taking advantage of the opportunity to buy and develop a younger bull instead of paying top dollar for a two-year-old.

Where Is The Beef? by Shan Ingram
	Common concerns of many involved in the "Beef Industry" are "What is our current status?" and "Where are we going?" I am not sure that anyone can address these concerns fully; however, we should gain insight into them by exploring who cattle producers are and who is guiding the industry.

Why Are We Supplementing our Livestock? by Rob Self
	Livestock producers spend a great deal of money putting up hay and buying feeds to see their stock through the winter. What if we didn't have to haul hay and feed all winter? There are cost saving incentives built into managing on a year-round basis.

Why Test for Cattle Persistently Infected With Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus? by Robert Wells
	By now, most cattle producers have at least heard the "buzz words" PI and BVDV. If you've picked up just about any trade publication, been to an industry meeting or talked to a Noble Foundation livestock specialist, you've probably seen or heard the terms before - persistently infected (PI) bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Yet, there are still some who have not received, or don't fully comprehend, the message.

Winter Feeding by Shan Ingram
	One thing we should remember during this difficult time in the cattle production cycle – nutritional needs of cattle have not changed even though the economic picture has. We should not expect cattle to "get by" on less because we have less money!

Winter Pasture Utilization As A Protein Supplement by Jim Pumphrey
	Winter pasture can be used as a protein supplement for wintering beef cows when proper grazing management is used. A cow will consume up to ten times her protein requirement when allowed to graze full time.

You Get What You Pay For by Evan Whitley
	Things to keep in mind if you are considering the use of by-product feeds.


Livestock Specialists at the Noble Foundation