Success in the cattle business isn’t just about pedigree or land passed down through generations. It’s built on a mindset—one grounded in discipline, adaptability, and knowing how to spot real value. With changing markets, rising costs, and increasing competition, producers today must operate with clarity and intention if they want to thrive.

Understanding value isn’t just about the sale barn price—it’s about knowing what something is worth to your business, long before it ever leaves your place. And that starts with how you look at every calf, every pasture, every dollar, and every decision.

Grazing might seem straightforward—but behind every productive pasture and healthy herd is a well-thought-out grazing plan rooted in soil health, plant biology, and economics.

When grazing is done right, it reduces the need for supplemental feed, boosts animal performance, and improves long-term productivity of your land. When it’s done poorly, overgrazing, nutrient depletion, weed pressure, and erosion can take hold—and the recovery costs more than most ranchers can afford to ignore.

Here’s how to graze smarter by listening to your land, managing your cattle with purpose, and letting your grass guide the way.

The spring cattle market continues to offer plenty to talk about. Looking back at April 2025 compared to the same time last year, volatility was a defining theme. Prices jumped and dropped with little warning, largely driven by headlines and speculation. Yet, despite the ups and downs, the market showed resilience—rebounding quickly from any dips.

Behind the rolling pastures and iconic Western imagery lies a sobering reality: the rural ranching economy is under immense pressure. Generational ranchers are being squeezed out, market systems are failing those at the foundation of the food chain, and a disconnect between producers and consumers is growing wider by the day.

If we want to save rural America, we have to get honest about what’s really happening.

Hay production and grazing management are cornerstones of a successful cattle operation, especially in regions like southwest Missouri, where diverse forages and variable weather present both opportunities and challenges. For new or beginning farmers—or anyone exploring the potential of leasing or buying hay ground—understanding the basics is key.

You’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about EID tags. These devices — formally known as Electronic Identification tags — are quickly becoming one of the most talked-about tools in the beef industry. But why all the chatter, and why now?

EID tags aren’t new to agriculture. The dairy and pork industries have been using them for years, often under the name RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. But as the beef industry inches toward the idea of nationwide traceability, the conversation around EID tags has grown — and so has the controversy.