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The Cattle Connection
hay in a hoop barn
Read article: Start with a forage test
Start with a forage test
The foundation of a least-cost, balanced winter ration starts with a forage test. For those buying or selling hay, forage testing can play an...
Angus bull picture
Read article: Select and Nominate 2025 Illinois Performance Tested Bulls
Select and Nominate 2025 Illinois Performance Tested Bulls
Seedstock breeders should be identifying bulls they plan to consign to the 2025 Illinois Performance Tested (IPT) Bull Sale. The IPT Bull Sale is the...
Cow in chute
Read article: Why are my cows open?
Why are my cows open?
There is no more unnerving feeling than hearing the veterinarian say “open” too many times during preg-check. Having some open cows is normal in a 60...
Calf at waterer
Read article: Ensuring optimal water quality for livestock
Ensuring optimal water quality for livestock
As high summer temperatures continue, it is important to ensure water quality levels are in the appropriate range. Beef cattle require one-to-two...
Soybean hull pellets
Read article: Soybean Hull Pellets as an Inexpensive Alternative
Soybean Hull Pellets as an Inexpensive Alternative
The unique microbiota of the rumen allows cattle to ferment a variety of by-products, such as  soybean hulls from soybean...
A swarm of flies congregate on a bull's back
Read article: Effective Fly Control Methods Can Save Money
Effective Fly Control Methods Can Save Money
As June begins, flies are ready to bother cattle all summer long. It is important to plan an effective fly control system to limit the chances of...
A collection of small ticks gather on the end of a leaf
Read article: Livestock recommendations for the Asian Longhorned Tick
Livestock recommendations for the Asian Longhorned Tick
Recently, the Asian longhorned tick was found in west-central Illinois. This invasive species can pose challenges to cattle populations in the area....
Read article: Details matter when artificially inseminating beef cows
Details matter when artificially inseminating beef cows
As breeding season for spring-calving cows’ approaches, now is a good time to refresh on semen handling practices. Often, semen handling gets...