Cow calf operation facts. As shown in Figure 1, the current U.

Cow calf operation facts 5% of the beef cow inventory. The complete beginner's guide to starting a cattle farm or ranch. In 2005 cattle and calves contributed $2. 2 million acres of pastureland and 1. May 4, 2023 · Beef: Best Management Practices for Cow-Calf Production provides producers with insight and education into the latest reproductive technology, low-stress livestock handling, health programs, DNA testing, genomic-enhanced DNA testing with traditional breeding programs, feeding strategies and beef cow nutrition and the role of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) in the cow-calf industry. 8 percent) allowed cows to labor 3 hours or more before assistance was given. Apr 23, 2024 · The Beef Cow-Calf Management Guide provides information to help experienced and novice beef cattle producers manage the annual production cycle of a cow-calf operation. Aug 20, 2024 · In commercial cow-calf operations, cow cost accounts for about 60 to 65% of the variation in profitability whereas increasing production (number of calves and calf weaning weight) accounts for about 35 to 40% of the variation in profitability. From cow-calf operations to feedlots, pastures to packing plants, it takes a team of specialists to bring beef from pasture to plate. Cow-calf operations in the northeastern United States tend to be small. Apr 6, 2020 · Beef Cow-Calf Production The beef cow-calf business is well adapted to small-scale and part-time farmers who have land suitable for pasture and hay production. Jul 2, 2025 · For the most current coverage of U. Where cows calve can have as much an influence on calf health as how they are managed during Jun 23, 2005 · The system is suitable for a cow-calf operation where backgrounding heifer calves would allow for a better selection of replacement heifers. Apr 24, 2023 · The Oklahoma group visited several cow-calf operations to see the pastures, cows and conditions and hear from producers in the region. Exploiting value-added opportunities is part of the formula as well, but the above Florida is home to five of the top ten largest Cow/Calf operations in the US (2009). 2 million to the Oklahoma economy. While some calves remain on the farm until they reach slaughter weight, most are either moved directly to feedlots after weaning or retained on-farm for a four-chambered stomach. Below, we go through how beef is produced, by-products, preparation, and nutrition. As human populations increase and demand for food and energy expands, the need for forage and the other range resources will increase. Fun fact: A full grown cow can eat more than 25 pounds of hay or grass every day! Apr 27, 2012 · Cow-calf operations are the backbone of the beef industry and are made up mostly of smaller operations that own anywhere from 10 to 100 cows. The method which best meets a producer’s goals will depend upon a number of factors, including cattle genetics, cattle weight, available feed resources, facilities, future grazing plans, and timing of marketing to name a few. Other states with feedlots frequently grow corn to help feed the beef-bred calves. Cow-Calf specific research publications under the Beef Extension program. 3 million acres of grazed woodland (2007). As shown in Figure 1, the current U. Climate, natural resources, access to quality feed, and feeding efficiency are among the top reasons Nebraska is a premiere location for beef production. 8 There are 882,692 cattle operations in the United States, of which 82. Many producers have a combination of these operations. When considering all the hours worked on and off farm, producers on operations with fewer than 50 beef cows devoted an average of 28. Sep 25, 2012 · America’s beef cow-calf business seems straightforward enough – wean the highest percentage of calves possible per cow exposed, wean the most pounds possible per cow exposed, and do so for the least cost possible. Jun 23, 2005 · The system is suitable for a cow-calf operation where backgrounding heifer calves would allow for a better selection of replacement heifers. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like cow-calf operation facts, how does the pyramid go?, Elite Breeder or Seedstock Producers and more. industry is roughly divided into two production sectors: cow-calf operations and cattle feeding. Ranching in Florida has many unique challenges beyond typical cattle production and marketing concerns, including numerous issues and government programs relative to water management, resource conservation Jun 13, 2025 · Operations with 50 or fewer head likely coexist alongside other income streams, or the operations provide supplemental income to off-farm employment. August 2024 FLORIDA CATTLE AND CALVES Cattle and calves on farms, January 1, 2004-2024 Cattle kept for milk Beef cattle and all calves Jan 2, 2020 · Recent reports indicate that approximately 70% of calves are marketed to feedyards and stocker operations without being implanted. A cow-calf operation is a type of farm or ranch where cattle are raised specifically for producing calves. Calf scours can be a major problem for any cow-calf operation. Whether you are looking for an online resource or an in-person expert, we have the solutions you need for all aspects of production, from forages to organic or grass-fed certification. Data sources include the 2022–23 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey, the 2021 Census of Agriculture, the 2021 Farm Management Survey Jul 7, 2016 · Beef cow-calf production is a popular choice of people interested in starting a farming operation. True to the name, farm and ranch herds consist mostly of adult female cows, their calves, and young females, called heifers, which will produce calves once of breeding age. Keep up with the latest in the beef industry to keep your operation on track. Sidenote: Cattle feedlots do more than finish cattle for slaughter. Jan 8, 2025 · The U. Beef Cattle We offer a wide array of information, resources and events related to beef cattle, Texas’ largest agricultural industry. 1-2 There are 970,000 cattle and calves in Arizona and is ranked 31st in the Nation 5 Arizona has 176,000 beef cows that have calved 6 with 194,000 dairy cows that have calved. Mother cows are cared for and managed to have a calf once a year (they have a 9 month gestation) typically in either the spring or the fall. Most beef cattle in California graze on land that cannot be used for raising other crops. 6% are cow-calf producers. Nearly one-half of all Florida Agricultural land is involved in cattle production. Small independently owned operations are still the backbone of the Idaho cattle industry. The information comes from the 2019 FINBIN database maintained by the University of Minnesota for the states of Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. With a total breeding herd value of over $847 million and an annual calf crop estimated at over $400 million, Florida’s beef cattle herd is valued in excess of a billion dollars. Backgrounding cattle is a management and feeding program in which cattle are fed for a period of time after weaning and before they are placed in finishing feedlots. Aug 21, 2023 · Think of cattle feedlots and finishing feed as the “wooden barrel” for beef. Among all of Idaho's agriculture sectors, the value of cattle and calves production ranks second right behind dairy production. Cattle in Arizona account for $8. Cattle feeding is more geographically concentrated than feeder cattle production, and cattle feeders demand a regular flow of feeder cattle into their lots. total cattle numbers behind Texas, Nebraska, and Kansas. From policy updates and market insights to sustainability resources, NCBA equips beef producers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. If the timing is set correctly, she should have access to the best forages at the time when she has the greatest nutritional requirements. In 2023, cattle production was forecast to account for 17% of the total cash receipts for ag commodities 6 days ago · A cow-calf operation is a type of cattle farming where the primary focus is on breeding cows and raising their calves until weaning age. 5% of all beef operations and 60. May 27, 2022 · Feeder cattle are a valued product across businesses like farming, fashion, sporting materials, and musical instruments. Operations with 100 or more beef cows compose 10. The feedlot sector also works to either grow or fatten calves until they reach slaughter weight. Alabama Beef Cattle Facts Beef cattle production ranks second behind broilers in cash receipts among Alabama farm commodities. 3 percent of their All information as of Jan. On cow-calf farms, calves are birthed, raised, and weaned on site. 31, 2023. 18 hours ago · AgToday Posted 3 days ago Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Analysis: Moderate Decline AgToday Posted 3 days ago Political promises collide with cattle-cycle reality and forecast Beef Business Posted 3 days ago China Buys Nearly One Million Tons Of U. Aug 18, 2022 · Sure, we all raise cattle and help produce beef for a hungry nation (and world) but the way we raise cattle on my ranch is different from my neighbors’ ranch, which is different from the next neighbor down the road, etc. Immunology: Maximizing the Immune Response of the Cow to Increase Profits and Production Identifying and Minimizing Stress in Cow-Calf Operations Biosecurity: Protecting Your Cow-Calf Operation Evaluating Dead Cattle: A Necropsy Guide for the Cow-Calf Operation Cow Mortality Disposal General Principles of Vaccination and Vaccines Antibiotic Cow-calf/stocker and cow-calf/finisher operations were more likely than cow-calf only operations to adopt advanced technologies, management practices, and production systems such as artificial insemination, forage quality testing, and utilization of one or more breeding seasons. Seed stock producers raise breeding stock for commercial cow-calf producers; and club calf producers raise show stock for 4-H and FFA exhibitors. Because the cattle/beef industry depends on feed grains, grain supplies and prices affect beef production. Two subsequent drivers are weight and phenotype. Cow-Calf Operation The cattle and calf industry is the most profitable agricultural enterprise in Oklahoma. Alabama cattle producers sold $501 million worth of cattle and calves last year. For these reasons, outstanding calf health is a directly correlated variable to calf growth and performance, and—ideally—profitability. Nov 1, 2025 · Cow-calf operations are a fundamental aspect of the beef industry, focusing on breeding, raising, and managing cattle to produce calves for beef production. Backgrounding calves are similar to stocker cattle except in the northern tier states, where snow covers the ground in the winter and cattle are fed a forage-based ration instead of being sent to “stocker” grazing Sep 1, 2022 · After calving season, cows and calves – or “pairs” – will stay on pasture for approximately 6 months, which is the average length of time it takes a calf to be weaned. This comprehensive guide explores the principles of cow-calf operations, their importance, strategies for effective management, and their impact on farming and the beef supply chain. Mar 1, 2013 · Overall, almost one-half of operations (46. For a comprehensive overview of the cattle and beef industry, including production, policy, and trade, see Sector at a Glance. The largest variable with any cow-calf operation is the conception rate. Beef and beef products are in the top 10 of California exports, bringing in $413 Sep 26, 2023 · Raising cattle for the first time? Get tips to choose cattle breeds, provide proper housing, formulate diet, manage herd health, breed/calve, market cattle and handle cows safely. Cattle are produced in every county and cattle production represents a $2. Rangelands provide the principal source of forage for the cattle and sheep operations on thousands of American farms and ranches. 5 billion industry in Alabama. Some operations may raise their steers until Cow-calf operations refer to a method of beef production where cows are kept for breeding and raising calves, often involving management practices that influence animal health, such as staging during calving and vaccination programs. In this article, we explain what is feeder cattle, why it’s important, what we need it for, how to produce it, and what controls its value. Beginning farmers can start small with less labor and capital investment required as compared to more intensive farming enterprises. In May of 2020, they released the results of the survey conducted in 2017: “Beef 2017: Beef Cow-Calf Management Practices in the United States, 2017” (NAHMS Jan 17, 2020 · A cow that calves at the beginning of the season will have more time to recover from giving birth and to start cycling again to be bred for next year’s calf. Aug 17, 2023 · In the United States, most cow-calf operations are relatively small and have fewer than 50 cows though a few very large operations (with more than 1,000 cows) can be found. The Beef Cow-Calf Management Guide provides information to help experienced and novice beef cattle producers manage the annual production cycle of a cow-calf operation. I have discussed this before, but I’m surprised how few cow-calf producers take advantage of this proven, safe production tool. Some cow-calf producers retain ownership and feed their own cattle to market weight, essentially operating cow-calf and feedlot operations. Nebraska Is Unique Cattle feeding is a cornerstone for Nebraska’s economy with the state consistently ranking as one of the top two states for number of cattle on feed. Nov 16, 2022 · Allen adds that Florida ranchers “ need to know how to grow grass,” which is the main source of nutrition in a cow-calf operation. S. Controlling the disease is a complex issue and has many variables. . Jan 1, 1994 · Cattle feeding operations are usu-ally larger than cow-calf operations. 62 Million in cash receipts. The profitability of these operations is largely a function of the ability to produce and market high-quality feeder calves at a reasonable cost of production. cow inventory is historically low. 9 percent of their total work time to the cow-calf operation, and operations with 50 to 99 beef cows devoted an average of 47. The most common cause of dystocia in beef cattle is the mismatch between the size of the calf and the size of the cow or heifer. There are several reasons that make cow-calf production a popular choice. This handbook Jan 1, 2024 · The journey of raising beef is among the most complex of any food. There are four types of cattle operations; cow-calf, seed stock, stocker, and feedlot. The majority of small-scale cow-calf operations relied at least partially on off-farm income to support the household. This article focuses on the production aspect of rearing and weaning beef calves from a Jul 22, 2011 · Some Facts On Sale Barn Premiums & Discounts Large and medium frame, heavy-muscled Angus and Angus-cross calves drew the highest prices at sale barns, while substantial discounts went to bulls, horned or fleshy calves, according to recent research by specialists at two universities. It’s considered a more conservative type of cattle operation, but there are still a lot of variables that affect its profitability. There are a number of different methods for backgrounding or growing calves after weaning. Feb 3, 2024 · A main economic driver of a cow-calf operation is the number of calves weaned per cow exposed. livestock outlook: Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook (includes current situation and forecasts) World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (all issues) For current and historical inventory data, see the following USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports: Cattle (U. Learn how the beef community in Nebraska works together to provide high quality beef for consumers around the globe. Because of the relatively small size of these operations, it is often difficult for individuals to develop innovative marketing programs, but there are Cow–calf operations are widespread throughout beef-producing countries, [5] and the goal of a cow–calf operation is to produce young beef cattle, which are usually sold. Steer calves weighing 400-600 pounds in thin to moderate condition are best suited for most backgrounding programs. and State cattle inventories) United States and Canadian Dec 6, 2018 · Most cattle businesses in Alabama are cow-calf operations. Survey results suggested cow-calf producers find general calf management information (calf identifica-tion, sex, birth date, and weaning data) and health in-formation (illness, treatment, and vaccination data) most important, so these were included in CalfDex. 2025 Canadian Cow-Calf Adoption Rates and Performance Levels Report The 2025 Canadian Cow-Calf Adoption Rates and Performance Levels Report summarizes adoption trends and performance metrics for 31 management practices used on beef cattle operations across Canada. Cattle are raised in every county, with the largest production in the southern part of the state. This suggests that beef cow-calf production as a lifestyle choice is at least as important as earning a profit on many farms. After weaning, calves coming from cow-calf operations normally follow one of two paths. These operations may also incorporate strategies like limit-feeding to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Florida has 3. Florida beef producers own over one million cows, heifers and bulls generating a calf “crop” which exceeds 800,000 calves annually. Learn more about the cattle industry in Iowa and the U. This operation is fundamental to the beef industry, as it produces the calves that are later grown for beef production. Jun 16, 2011 · The beef cow-calf industry is characterized by a large number of small farms on which beef cattle production is a secondary source of farm household income. Soybeans AgToday May 1, 2021 · Benchmarking a cow-calf operation by comparing it to other similar operations provides producers a tool to look at ways they can improve their businesses. This summary looks at 31 commercial beef cow-calf operations with 100 or more cows. 8 million head, Texas is the top cattle producing state in the nation. While we can identify specific agents of disease that cause scours, it is important to remember that the control of the disease often requires a system-wide approach to prevention rather than individual treatment to solve the problem. Nov 17, 2021 · Every ten years, The National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts a thorough survey to assess the management practices of the cow-calf operation throughout the country. Oct 8, 2012 · An operation is defined as a concentrated animal feeding operation, or CAFO, if it meets the definition of an animal feeding operation (above) and also confines more than 1,000 animal units (1,000 animal units is equal to 2,500 swine; 100,000 broilers; 700 dairy cows; or 1,000 beef steers). Nov 7, 2025 · Feedlot operations receive feeder cattle, typically weaned calves or yearlings, from cow-calf operations, stocker operations, or auction markets and feed them high-energy, high-protein diets composed of grains, roughages, supplements, and additives to promote rapid weight gain, muscle development, and fat deposition for meat production. As cattle eat the grain, they fatten up, and that fat takes on a delicious flavor inspired by the grain. Florida was ranked 10th in the nation in number of beef cows in 2011. Annually, over 5 million calves are born on over 130,000 cow-calf operations in Texas! With an inventory of over 11. iyzp poxm kfmvtyv krjcho dizm nng oarqs sqnqxei tpxc siyc uhfjkf zrqky rsylmf zsup ddux