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.
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
December 2008 -
Light a candle
by Steve Suther
December brings the winter solstice, the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. Across much of the country, frost is settling into the ground. Those inclined to analyze the economy say we are in the midst of some dark times financially, too.
November 2008 -
Quality in the fast lane
by Miranda Reiman
At the local café two cattlemen are discussing the idea of compensatory gain.
(Reasons to keep calves in the fast lane)
Topics: Calf Management
October 2008 -
Earn their votes
by Steve Suther
We face choices in November that will shape our common future, for better or worse.
September 2008 -
Learn from example
by Miranda Reiman
It seems the older we get, the less likely we are to apply this principle of watching somebody else to gain knowledge.
(How we can learn from example)
Topics: Business Management
August 2008 -
Recognize your calves?
by Steve Suther
Most of the calves now nursing cows will be weaned in the next few weeks. Some will shrug it off with little stress and therefore little negative effect on later performance. Others will enter a downward spiral of health from which they may not recover.
Which calves are yours?
(Weaning and what comes next)
Topics: Calf Management
July 2008 -
Proving beef's worth
by Miranda Reiman
People often measure value by their expectations.
(consider \"differentiation\")
Topics: Herd Management
June 2008 -
Toward the ideal
by Steve Suther
2-4-6-8! Beef must differentiate!
(prove beef\'s worth to consumers)
Topics: Herd Management
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