What Is One Piece of Advice/Information That Producers Can Use to Immediately Improve Their Operations?

“It’s important to keep good records on your cattle and land. You can’t manage what you don’t measure, and record-keeping is a good management tool to measure success and improvements.”

Becca McMillan
Cattle producer and Noble Research Institute senior administrative assistant

“When considering the planting of a new forage for your operation, always take advantage of genetically improved varieties for your region and choose those that were bred for your conditions. If a forage variety is adapted, it will probably be successfully grown on your farm or ranch.”

Mike Trammell
Former Noble Research Institute senior plant breeder

“One piece of advice about intentional management planning — just start. Begin with a pasture management plan and a conservative stocking rate. If cows are the factory and calves the product, pastures are the foundation, utilities and resources supporting the factory. Operating at optimal capacity means the factory can consistently operate to produce a quality, marketable product. Taking good care of the pastures first allows one to more easily do that.”

Hugh Aljoe
Noble Research Institute director of producer relations and pasture and range consultant

“Use your resources — the people who can help you. This could include Noble consultants, universities or someone else with scientific knowledge in the area you want to work on.”

Josh Gaskamp
technical consultation manager and wildlife and range consultant

“Accurate records help you identify and capitalize on opportunities for profit. Don’t just assume your feed program, genetics, grazing plan or marketing strategies are profitable.”

Caitlin Word
Noble Research Institute livestock consultant