Destocking is a prevalent practice during a drought. It is rarely easy and will still cost you most of the time. However, drought is a common consequence of ranching, so it will still need to be done. It is important to include plans for when droughts occur so producers are always prepared. The object of […] The post Destocking: this is how to actually survive during droughts appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

Having calves weaned early is often something that occurs during periods of low forage quality. Early weaning typically happens during extremely dry periods, such as what typically happens in many Western states. But what exactly does it mean to wean early? Early weaning is usually defined as weaning calves before they are 150 days old. […] The post Official early weaning tips for better livestock management appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

Gut health, often overlooked but crucial, is a vital component of a successful operation. While most people have a basic understanding of its role in nutrient absorption, there’s much more to it. As producers, fully grasping the concept and the factors that influence it can empower us to make informed decisions for our cattle’s well-being. […] The post Gut health: the key to really successful cattle operations appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

Trichomoniasis, or Trich for short, is not just a disease; it’s a severe economic problem for cattle producers. It impacts your bottom line significantly, leading to a reduced calf crop and lower weaning weights. This disease can render your breeding cows infertile and potentially extend your breeding season, causing substantial financial losses. But here’s the […] The post Fight trichomoniasis: Simple steps to actually prevent this disease appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

Internal parasites are a problem that every beef producer must face. They are a constant annoyance that can rob a beef operation of its productivity. They impair production by increasing maintenance energy costs, diet digestibility, and immune activity. Internal parasites, often underestimated, can significantly impact the profitability of beef cattle. Consider this, a beef operation […] The post How to actually maximize cattle profits with dewormer management appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

Water, a fundamental element of life, plays a pivotal role in the daily existence of cattle. It is indispensable for growth, fetal development, lactation, and overall production. Despite its significance, water can often be overlooked by producers. As a producer, your role in safeguarding the well-being of your cattle is not just important, it’s crucial. […] The post Simplistic water management tips you need for healthy cattle appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

Summer pneumonia, sometimes referred to as pasture pneumonia, is a disease that is usually observed in calves on pasture late in summer. It can affect calves from one month old to even five months old who have yet to be weaned. The issue with this disease is that little is known about it, and it […] The post How to actually overcome summer pneumonia in your calves appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

As a rancher, your role in the weaning process is not just crucial, it’s the linchpin of success. This is the time of year when you start to see the tangible results of your hard work, such as your breeding programs. The success of the weaning process, however, is still a question that lingers, and […] The post Actually surprising successful weaning strategies for ranchers appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

While the necessity of feeding supplements in cattle operations is undeniable, it’s not a task that most ranchers relish. As we all know, feed costs can be a significant financial burden, often constituting the most considerable portion of annual expenses. However, by implementing strategies to reduce these costs, such as optimizing forage production and minimizing […] The post Surprisingly simple ways to reduce cattle feed expenses appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more

Looking out onto a field of perfectly rolled hay bales is not just a beautiful sight; it’s a testament to your hard work and expertise. The feeling of pride and accomplishment that comes from baling them yourself is truly unmatched. When it comes to making the perfect hay bale, there are many steps to take […] The post How to achieve perfect hay bales every time appeared first on West Texas Livestock Growers ..read more