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Do you think we'll see any new incentives soon for greening up our operations? Where do you think the industry is heading? Any new tax subsidies in the pipeline?

I'd avoid buying calves from feedlots, no matter how young they are. Feedlots are stressful for cattle and the dam has been consuming antibiotics, corn, and other additives. That's not healthy for the calf. Calves from feedlots are affordable options, but you run the risk of buying a hot calf...

Do you grow any crops, other than hay, that is specifically meant to feed your livestock? All of my livestock are turned out to pasture and I supplement that with hay and feed, but maybe I should grow more crops for them to cut down on some expenses. Does that work for you?

Are you running a cattle ranch or a dairy farm primarily? Why did you go in that direction after weighing the pros and cons? I'm running a beef operation because there's a shorter turnaround time and it's less intensive. I do milk my cows though when the calf didn't make it.

I think there's a bit of a debate about whether raising cattle for beef, leather, and other goods, harms the environment terribly. Either way, I'd like some suggestions for making the operation more environmentally friendly.

Let's face it, most of our livestock are herd animals and they're meant to live in a group. Solitary life can cause all sorts of health and behavioral problems. Yet, so many people insist on raising one dairy cow, one horse, or one pig. Maybe that's due to land restrictions or the costs...

What is your opinion on freeze branding? Do you use that identification method? I'm an Angus cattle rancher and to register the cows I'm required to permanently identify each cow. My cattle have ear tattoos, which are simple enough to do, but it doesn't help with identifying them while at a...

I'm raising Angus cattle and the association rules state that the cattle must be permanently identified by cold or hot brand or through an ear tattoo. My wife dislikes branding, so I chose the tattoo method. My secondary identification method is just basic ear tagging. It's unfortunate, but...