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.
March 2010 -
Too much grade?
by Miranda Reiman
As the economy continues to recover, pent-up consumer demand should drive up the incentive for hitting quality marks.
(too much of a good thing)
Topics: Business Management
February 2010 -
Strength in numbers
by Steve Suther
Every decision is a really an opinion, but there's probably a wide range in your comfort zone based on the amount of information behind the choices you make.
January 2010 -
No boundaries
by Miranda Reiman
The ability to adapt is one of the great strengths of the beef industry, both man and beast.
(boundaries of quality beef production)
Topics: Education
December 2009 -
Mixed blessings
by Steve Suther
When you count your blessings, remember to include the ones disguised as challenges
(mixed blessings)
Topics: Planning, Herd Management
November 2009 -
The top line
by Miranda Reiman
Wal-Mart's trademark smiley face happily rolls back prices. On the outside of every store are four words that no beef producer would be proud to utter at the coffee shop: "We sell for less."
(look at the top line before the bottom one)
Topics: Marketing, Business Management
October 2009 -
Keep or cull?
by Steve Suther
You take stock of what you have every day, sometimes in satisfaction and thanksgiving, sometimes in need. The things you own, from ideas to equipment and livestock herds, are parts of a dynamic system, subject to new or better replacing old or outdated.
(keepers and cullers)
Topics: Planning, Herd Management
September 2009 -
Give calves a clue
by Miranda Reiman
Imagine you're suddenly snatched up from your daily routine and dropped off on a New York City street. You're alone, with no cell phone, no wallet and no map.
(what comes after weaning)
Topics: Weaning, Calf Management
August 2009 -
Power Cards
by Steve Suther
Winning starts with an attitude and priority-defining goals.
(ranching success stories)
Topics: Planning, Business Management
July 2009 -
Going once, going twice . . .
by Miranda Reiman
Sold. That word can be cause for celebration or the beginning of a personal pity party. It all depends on what dollar amount follows that auctioneer’s decree.
(The advantage that comes with at least two bidders for your calves.)
Topics: Marketing,
June 2009 -
Why 'trade down?"
by Steve Suther
Demand for beef is down. Can you blame the recession? Not entirely, but it's a darned inconvenient coincidence.
(Questions you should ask yourself.)
Topics: Consumer Demand, Education
May 2009 -
Maximize only balance
Stop trying to get maximum production. No more topping last year's average daily gains, enough with the peak efficiencies and quit angling for record marbling scores every time.
Does that advice cause a pause?
(maximum to optimum)
Topics: Marketing, Business Management
April 2009 -
Making cows count
by Steve Suther
Cows can't do math, but their owners should at least do some counting.
(Just how many cows we need)
Topics: Herd Management
March 2009 -
Get with the times
by Miranda Reiman
It's the 1970s. An air-dried Polaroid shows your leisure suit and platform shoes, just before you hop into your pickup and check the CB for friends talking skip.
(being progressive)
Topics: Technology, Business Management
February 2009 -
Calving assets
by Steve Suther
Most North American cowherds calve in the "spring," very broadly defined as January to May because folks contending with wind chill don't want to admit they calve in the winter.
(calving issues)
Topics: Calving, Herd Management
January 2009 -
Saving a buck
These are penny-pinching times.
(ways to cut costs, not quality)
Topics: Weaning, Herd Management