Earlier this week, I was busy in the barn at one of our farms despite the humidity and rain. We were working cattle and pulling bulls from the cow herds. The calves were receiving their first round of vaccinations (2 shots - one to protect against 7 different Clostridiums and Pinkeye, another for Respiratory diseases), … Continue reading Breeding Season coming to a close
The American Angus Association is one of the largest organizations within the cattle industry and does a great job showcasing the hard-working cattle producers across the country. Along with numerous print publications, the Angus folks have a great online presence. Their YouTube channel is full of videos featuring great news and information for cattle farmers … Continue reading Angus Association visits me in Tennessee [Video]
This month I checked another state off the list as I traveled to Columbus, Ohio for a work trip. We were there for a "Think Tank" meeting with some of the best reproductive physiologists in the academic world of cattle in the U.S. Along with this meeting we had the opportunity to tour the Select … Continue reading Bull Semen Collection and Ohio Select Sires
Let's face it... Farming is a business. To operate, a business must turn some kind of a profit. In the cattle business, reproduction is one of the most important economic traits. More important than growth, production, or carcass performance. If a cow fails to have a calf on the ground every year, something is missing. … Continue reading Top 10 reasons for reproductive failure in cows and bulls
Boy, has it ever been a whirlwind week. On Tuesday all of our preparations came together as we received 85 bulls into the test program here in Middle Tennessee. 85 rowdy, 9-month-old bulls settling in with their new pen mates. It was a busy morning, but everyone was processed and penned before noon! So what … Continue reading Just a Little T.L.C. for the Bulls
This is a busy day at MTREC. We're receiving the second half of bulls for the Tennessee Bull Testing Program. The Senior Bulls arrived in late August, the Junior Bulls arrive today. It's sure to be a busy day weighing bulls, recording hip heights, and making sure bulls arrive in the correct pens. Then after … Continue reading Tennessee Bull Testing Program
I grew up in a small school district where we had about 20 kids in each grade. Teachers would often teach similar classes for more than one grade. So we got to know our teachers pretty well and (unfortunate for some) they got to know us and our parents well. Just about every teacher does … Continue reading Bad Things Happen When…
Many of my favorite memories as a kid include working with my dad. One in particular is a trip made to the Oklahoma State Bull Test Station Spring Sale. We had a 32’ stock trailer loaded up with bulls and headed back home. Just as we drove onto I-40 at Shawnee, we had a flat … Continue reading Working On The Bull Test
Ever have one of those days where ya just rock out, things are going good, and you're more productive than normal? Yep, that was my Thursday. Everything kicked off a lil after 5, with a pot of coffee, and looming gray clouds. Hmm, really doesn't sound that great, except for the fact that we've been … Continue reading Singin In The Rain
Like I told ya'll when I turned out the bulls in March, they have 75 days to have their fun, then it's back to the bull lot for the boys. Well that 75 is up this weekend and it's time to bring the boys home. Grulla and I have been getting an early start each … Continue reading Gathering Bulls At The End Of Breeding Season