Black Ink
The award-winning Black Ink column has become a regular feature in livestock and agricultural publications nationwide. The monthly column features information on every aspect of beef production, from long-term planning to calf health programs. Improving quality is the key theme, and editors can trust that the content will always be breed and beef brand neutral. To add yourself to the e-mail distribution list contact us.
May 2008 -
Records that work
by Miranda Reiman
Whatever activity you think of, there's probably a world record.
(Delve into records of value)
Topics: Planning, Business Management
April 2008 -
Fooled again?
by Steve Suther
Choice beef is worth more than Select grade. That's because consumers prefer higher quality, and have been willing to pay more for it. So, why did Select beef sell for more than Choice for a few days this spring?
(April Fools and other hazards)
Topics: Business Management
Related files: pdf-1
March 2008 -
Worth doing it right
by Miranda Reiman
Buy one, get one free!
(You get what you pay for)
Topics: Planning, Business Management
February 2008 -
Herd in the balance
by Steve Suther
Most beef producers are conservative. Politics aside, we're talking about cowherd management.
(Keeping your balance)
Topics: Herd Management
January 2008 -
Gifts that keep on giving
by Miranda Reiman
(Tools to exceed consumer expectations)
Topics: Herd Management
December 2007 -
Quality is no accident
by Steve Suther
No need to obsess over a definition of beef quality, because it just means putting the consumer first. High quality is no accident; it's intentional.
(the gift of quality)
Topics: Consumer Demand, Business Management
November 2007 -
A share of data
by Miranda Reiman
Anyone with siblings can recall all the ways they were taught to share. With bunk beds and half the closet space, maybe you had double-occupancy bedrooms.
(the benefits of sharing)
Topics: Marketing, Business Management
October 2007 -
It's about time
by Steve Suther
A steer finishes at USDA Prime Yield Grade 2 at the peak of seasonal demand, winning premiums of more than $250.
(time and timing)
Topics: Planning, Calf Management
September 2007 -
Old science = dated management
by Miranda Reiman
It's not about knowing everything. Even if that were possible, the most important thing to know is that every "fact" is subject to change with new evidence.
(yesterday's science)
Topics: Herd Management
August 2007 -
Are you producing widgets?
by Steve Suther
(Considering commodities)
Topics: Herd Management
July 2007 -
Raise the steaks
by Miranda Reiman
The consumer. As a beef producer the title conjures up all kinds of images. Perhaps you see a couple of city slickers, dressed in evening attire and paying high dollar to eat at an upscale New York restaurant. Maybe you think of a mother, three or four generations removed from the farm, trying to make food choices for her family.
(The finer points of feeding food animals.)
Topics: Business Management
June 2007 -
Truth can be inconvenient
by Steve Suther
(How to view bad news.)
Topics: Herd Management
May 2007 -
Not so fast . . . .
by Miranda Reiman
Infomercials and ads tout thousands of ways to make a fortune practically over night: real estate, miracle products or "once-in-a-lifetime" investments.
Farming and ranching don't make the list.
(Taking steps on a lifetime journey.)
Topics: Herd Management
April 2007 -
The herd improvement game
by Steve Suther
(herd improvement)
Topics: Herd Management
March 2007 -
Are your cows qualified
(creating a resume for your cattle)
Topics: Marketing, Herd Management
February 2007 -
A mind of its own
by Steve Suther
January 2007 -
Who's got your back?
by Miranda Reiman