Many cattle seminars across the Southern Great Plains have offered sound advice about replacement female development and selection. A significant number of producers are strongly considering, if not already in the process of, rebuilding their cow herds. Buying or raising replacements is an opportunity to improve the quality of your herd and product. A few common principles have emerged that I believe are very important to keep in mind when you are ready to rebuild.

Generally, the ideal cow for an operation is one that produces at her maximum genetic potential in the environment you are willing and able to provide. Besides things like climate, forage type, terrain, pasture size, distance to water, etc., "environment" is also the knowledge, experience and management that I bring to the operation. Her reproductive performance (bringing a calf to the weaning pen every 365 days) is the most direct measure of how well she fits my environment and the factor that has the most impact on profitability.

To read more about herd expansion, click here.

You might also enjoy:

New Gallery: 70+ Photos From Home Is Where You Hang Your Hat

3 Steps To Negotiating A Great Cow Lease

Why You Must Act Now To Minimize Cold Stress On Cattle This Winter

How Bale Grazing Lets Cows Feed Themselves

15 Best Winter On The Ranch Photos