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QualityHerd

Blog

Free resources for cattle producers

12 min readJune 2026

Best Beef Cattle Breeds for Meat Production: Complete 2026 Guide

Compare the best beef cattle breeds for meat production. Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Simmental, and more by growth rate, marbling, and climate.

10 min readJune 2026

Cattle Chute Dimensions and Design Guide

Complete guide to cattle chute dimensions. Chute width, alley width, race length, corral dimensions, and sweep tub sizing with exact measurements.

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10 min readJune 2026

How to Control Flies on Cattle: Complete Treatment Guide (2026)

Learn how to control flies on cattle with proven methods. Horn fly, face fly, and stable fly treatment options compared.

10 min readJune 2026

Cattle Management Software Comparison: Best Options for 2026

Compare the best cattle management software for 2026. QualityHerd vs CattleMax vs Herdwatch — features, pricing, and which is right for you.

8 min readJune 2026

Cattle Water Consumption: How Much Water Does a Cow Drink?

How much water does a cow drink per day? Complete guide to cattle water consumption by season, weight, and lactation status.

Try Water Calculator
6 min readMay 2026

How to Track Cattle Vaccinations Without Spreadsheets

Stop losing vaccination records in spreadsheets. Learn how to track cattle vaccinations properly, set up reminders, and never miss a dose again.

Try Withdrawal Calculator
7 min readMay 2026

Early Signs of Illness in Cattle: What to Watch For

The 10 early warning signs of illness in cattle. Catch sickness before it spreads, reduces weight, or becomes a veterinary emergency.

8 min readApril 2026

Breeding Season Management: A Month-by-Month Plan

Complete breeding season management plan for beef cattle. Month-by-month tasks, bull management, heat detection, and pregnancy checking.

Try Gestation Calculator
6 min readApril 2026

How to Prepare Livestock Records for a Farm Inspection

Complete checklist for livestock record keeping before a farm inspection. What inspectors look for and how to organize your records.

6 min readApril 2026

Livestock Record Keeping: The Simple System That Works

The only 5 categories of livestock records you need to track. Simple, practical record keeping for cattle, sheep, and goat operations.

5 min readJune 2026

Cattle Gestation Period by Breed: Complete Guide

Complete gestation periods for beef and dairy cattle breeds, plus factors that affect timing.

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6 min readJune 2026

Average Daily Gain: What's Normal for Beef Cattle?

ADG benchmarks for every production phase, factors that influence gain, and how to track it.

Try ADG Calculator
7 min readJune 2026

Antibiotic Withdrawal Times for Beef Cattle

Withdrawal periods for common medications, compliance requirements, and tracking best practices.

Try Withdrawal Calculator
6 min readNovember 2025

How to Calculate Feed Costs Per Head for Beef Cattle

Learn how to calculate feed costs per head for beef cattle. Simple formula, real examples, and tips to reduce your biggest expense.

Try ADG Calculator
7 min readSeptember 2025

What to Do When a Cow Won't Calve: Dystocia Guide

Complete guide to dystocia in cattle. When to intervene, how to assist a difficult birth, and when to call the vet.

6 min readAugust 2025

How to Wean Calves Without Losing Weight

Practical weaning strategies for beef cattle. Minimize weight loss, reduce stress, and keep calves healthy during the transition.

Try ADG Calculator
6 min readJune 2025

Understanding Body Condition Scores in Cattle

Complete guide to body condition scoring (BCS) in beef cattle. The 1-9 scoring system and how to use it for better herd management.

8 min readApril 2025

How to Build a Cattle Handling Facility

Step-by-step guide to building a cattle handling facility. Design plans, materials, chute placement, and tips for your operation.

8 min readNovember 2024

How to Start a Cattle Operation from Scratch

Complete guide to starting a cattle operation. Land, livestock, equipment, and budget breakdown. What you actually need to get started.

7 min readSeptember 2024

Best Grazing Management Practices for Beef Cattle

Rotational grazing, stock density, rest periods, and pasture rotation strategies to maximize forage utilization.

6 min readJuly 2024

How to Transport Cattle Without Stress or Loss

Complete guide to transporting cattle safely. Loading, hauling, unloading, and weather considerations.

6 min readMay 2024

Cattle Fly Control: Prevention and Treatment

Complete guide to cattle fly control. Horn flies, face flies, stable flies , identification, prevention, and treatment.

7 min readMarch 2024

How to Read a Cattle Market Report

Learn how to read and interpret cattle market reports. Understand price trends, basis, and how to sell at the best time.

8 min readDecember 2022

Beef Cattle Breeds Comparison: Which Is Right for Your Farm?

Compare the top beef cattle breeds , Angus, Hereford, Charolais, Simmental, Brahman, and more. Find the best breed for your operation.

6 min readOctober 2022

How to Store Feed Properly to Avoid Waste

Practical guide to cattle feed storage. Prevent mold, reduce waste, and save money on hay, silage, and grain.

6 min readAugust 2022

Cattle Water Requirements by Season and Stage

How much water cattle need per day. Requirements by season, production stage, and temperature.

6 min readJune 2022

How to Identify and Treat Foot Rot in Cattle

Complete guide to foot rot in cattle. Early signs, treatment options, prevention strategies, and when to call the vet.

7 min readApril 2022

Understanding Beef Grading: What Makes Premium Quality?

How beef is graded in the US , Prime, Choice, Select, and more. What marbling means and why it affects the price you get.